What should I do if my dog seizures?

Don't panic! Usually your dog's first seizure is over before you can even get the phone call placed to your veterinarian. It is important to comfort your pet and try to keep him from injuring himself during the seizure. An injury may occur if your pet falls off the furniture or bumps her head on the floor during the episode. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD YOU PUT YOUR FINGERS IN THE MOUTH OF A SEIZURING ANIMAL (OR PERSON)!

How do dogs get epilepsy?
Canine epilepsy is genetic and idiopathic. That means that the tendency for epilepsy is passed from one generation to another and that certain breeds are more prone to epilepsy than other breeds. Some of the dog breeds that are genetically predisposed to epilepsy are: poodles, golden retrievers, Saint Bernards, Labrador retrievers, collies, boxers, cocker spaniels and others. Also canine epilepsy is idiopathic. This means that there is really no known cause of the problem.

Call your veterinarian.
It is important that your pet's doctor be aware that a seizure has occurred. This information needs to be recorded in your pet's medical record. Some specific medications should not be used in pets who have had seizures in the past and your veterinarian will note this on your pet's record. Your pet should be examined after a seizure. We would advise a thorough physical examination and blood profile for pets who have had a seizure. This will help determine the cause of the seizure in your pet.

Keep a journal of your pet's seizures.
This is very important! We can give you specific advice regarding the treatment of your pet's condition based on the frequency of his/her seizures and the severity of the condition. Things to include in your journal: a. Date and time of the seizure b. Length of the seizure (use a second hand watch to time the event) c. Describe what occurred during the seizure ie. Drooling, urination or stool production, did the motion seem to only affect one side of the body or both sides. d. Length of time until your pet was back to normal e. Most owners use their home calendar as an excellent way of keeping track of their pet's seizures

How is the diagnosis of epilepsy made?
Usually this diagnosis is made after other likely possibilities are eliminated. A thorough history, physical examination, and blood profile will help to rule out the other causes of seizures in your pet.

What treatments are available for seizures in dogs?
The treatment of choice will depend on your pet's individual situation. If your pet has only had one seizure, we may suggest careful home monitoring and keeping a journal of his seizure activity. If he begins to have seizures more than every 4-6 weeks, we may suggest an oral anticonvulsant medication to help control the disorder.

What are the oral medications currently used as anticonvulsants in dogs?
The usual first choice medication is Phenobarbital. It is given orally twice daily and is usually very effective and rapid at controlling seizures. Another medication that may be used is Potassium Bromide. This medication may be used in conjunction with Phenobarbital or by itself to help control your pet's epilepsy. There are specific advantages and disadvantages to both of these medications and we would make our choice of medication based on your dog's individual situation.

Will this be a life-long problem?
By far, most dogs with canine epilepsy will need to be on medication for the rest of their lives.

What can I expect after my dog is being treated for epilepsy?
Most dogs do very well and we see a dramatic decrease in the frequency and severity of the seizures. However, anticonvulsant medication will not completely eliminate all seizures. Our goal is to decrease the seizures to about 1, or less, seizures per month. You should also expect to have periodic blood samples drawn to assess your pet's ability to absorb the medication and any possible liver side effects related to the oral medication.

When is my dog's seizure an emergency?
If your dog has a long seizure (more than 5 minutes in duration) or if your dog is having cluster seizures, he should be seen immediately by your veterinarian. (cluster seizures are seizures that stop and start again and again with short gaps in between)

IF YOUR DOG HAS A SEIZURE EMERGENCY, CALL US AT 942-6780 OR CALL THE ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL AT 361-9911

There are always lots of questions related to seizures and epilepsy when this problem occurs with your pet. Please feel free to ask us. We are here to help.

Drew is a 4 year old male Swiss Mountain Dog who first began seizuring in February 2001. You can read his story here, in the interesting cases section.

September 12th, 2001

Dr. Durham