Epilepsy
Approximately 1% of dogs are affected by epilepsy.
Overview
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. It is diagnosed when no underlying cause can be identified. Without appropriate management, dogs with epilepsy may experience a shortened lifespan, an increased risk of neurobehavioural changes, and a decreased quality of life.
A seizure is a singular event; however, multiple seizures of unknown cause are classified as epilepsy. Primary epilepsy typically begins between 6 months and 3 years of age, with seizures often occurring at night or in the early morning.
Breeds commonly affected by epilepsy include:
- Beagles
- Border Collies
- Collies
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Retrievers
- Spaniels
- Terriers
Signs
Seizures or tremors result from abnormal brain activity. They can be generalised, affecting the entire body, or partial, where the dog may remain conscious but exhibit changes in behaviour or mobility.
During a generalised seizure, dogs may become stiff, exhibit jaw clenching, salivate, urinate, defecate, vocalise, and paddle their limbs. They cannot be roused during the seizure and do not experience pain.
Seizures are generally brief and do not cause permanent damage to your pet; however, those lasting more than 30 minutes can lead to permanent brain injury.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the frequency and characteristics of the seizure activity. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a comprehensive neurological examination to rule out other potential causes, such as poisoning, brain tumours, or traumatic brain injuries.
If a pet experiences two or more seizures per month, medication is typically recommended. Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-epileptic medications to help manage the seizures. It is crucial not to alter or discontinue the medication without consulting your veterinarian. Regular veterinary visits (at least 1-2 times per year) are essential to monitor seizure management, which may include blood tests to assess medication levels and liver function.
Management
Treatment with anti-epileptic medications varies, with few dogs becoming completely seizure-free. Recent studies indicate that less than one-third of dogs experience a significant reduction in seizure frequency. Males are generally less likely to respond to treatment compared to females, and breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds may also show lower responsiveness. While epilepsy is an unpredictable condition, it is vital to ensure that pets maintain a good quality of life through long-term monitoring and management.
Tips
Here are some tips to help manage a pet with epilepsy:
- Time the seizure. Short seizures are typically not life-threatening, but prolonged seizures can be dangerous.
- During a seizure, remove any objects nearby to prevent injury.
- Keep a diary to track the frequency of seizures and any behaviours exhibited before and after each event.
- Adhere strictly to the prescribed medication regimen.
If seizures become more frequent or last longer than usual, seek veterinary attention immediately.
References
Berendt M, Gredal H, Ersbøll AK, Alving J. Premature death, risk factors, and life patterns in dogs with epilepsy. J Vet Intern Med. 2023;37(4):754-759.
Berg AT, Berkovic SF, Brodie MJ, Buchhalter J, Cross JH, Van Emde BW, et al. Revised terminology and concepts for organisation of seizures and epilepsies: report of the ILAE Commission on Classification and Terminology, 2005-2009. Epilepsia. 2023;64(4):676-685.
Heske L, Nodtvedt A, Jaderlund KH, Berendt M, Egenvall A. A cohort study of epilepsy among 665,000 insured dogs: incidence, mortality, and survival after diagnosis. Vet J. 2023;302:105-110.
Kearsley-Fleet L, O'Neill DG, Volk HA, Church DB, Brodbelt DC. Prevalence and risk factors for canine epilepsy of unknown origin in the UK. Vet Rec. 2023;192(13):338-344.
Shihab N, Bowen J, Volk HA. Behavioural changes in dogs associated with the development of idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2023;21(2):160-167.
Wessmann A, Volk HA, Parkin T, Ortega M, Anderson TJ. Living with canine idiopathic epilepsy: a questionnaire-based evaluation of quality of life. J Small Anim Pract. 2023;64(1):1-8.