Understanding Dog Epilepsy: Symptoms & Treatment Guide
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a dysfunction in the cerebral cortex, leading to an imbalance in the central nervous system. It typically manifests as periodic, sudden episodes marked by abnormal brain function, which includes muscle spasms and temporary loss of consciousness.
The hallmark of an epilepsy seizure is its sudden onset, temporary nature, and recurrence. Common symptoms in dogs include a sudden loss of consciousness, collapse, and initial stiffness followed by convulsive spasms. These episodes are often accompanied by drooling, fecal and urinary incontinence, dilated pupils, and may include behaviors like a dog nodding or shaking its head, hypersensitivity to touch, and pawing at its head.
Primary epilepsy in dogs is composed of four stages: the prodromal phase, the preictal phase, the ictal phase, and the postictal phase. The prodromal phase is characterized by anxiety and subtle abnormal behaviors, while the preictal phase shows signs of calmness and loss of awareness.
During the ictal phase, symptoms can vary widely. Grand mal seizures are characterized by a sudden onset of convulsions, with the dog falling to the ground, becoming rigid, and experiencing either tonic or clonic spasms. This may be accompanied by drooling, foaming at the mouth, dilated pupils, and loss of bladder and bowel control. The dog may also exhibit a stiff posture, tremors, and a wideopen mouth. These seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes and are followed by a period of recovery where the dog regains consciousness and can stand up, looking around. Some dogs may become overly excited or aggressive, while others may appear disoriented or temporarily lose their vision.
Petit mal seizures are shorter and less intense, with the dog experiencing brief periods of unconsciousness, often with minimal spasms and eye movements.
Partial seizures are localized to specific areas of the body, such as the face or limbs, and can sometimes lead to grand mal seizures. Psychomotor seizures involve abnormal behaviors, such as hallucinations, aggression, or drooling.
The postictal phase is marked by the dog regaining consciousness, though some may still experience visual disturbances, depression, muscle weakness, and coordination problems. This phase can last from minutes to days.
The intervals between seizures can vary greatly, and during these intervals, dogs may appear completely normal. Secondary epilepsy often occurs as a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a brain disease, which can cause focal symptoms. Extracranial diseases may only reflect the dysfunction of the cerebral cortex, with symptoms beyond epilepsy.
Treatment for epilepsy focuses on enhancing the protective inhibitory function of the cerebral cortex and restoring normal regulation of the central nervous system. Medications used to suppress seizures include diazepam (also known as Valium), which is administered at a dose of 1.5 to 5.0 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken orally two to three times a day, or administered via injection during a seizure. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and primidone (Mysoline) are also commonly used, with doses adjusted based on the dog's weight. It's important to note that some medications, like phenytoin, should not be used longterm. A bromide mixture, which includes potassium bromide, sodium bromide, and ammonium bromide, can also be prescribed.
