Content
- What is canine epilepsy?
- Causes of epilepsy in dogs
- What to do during an epileptic fit
- Diagnosis and treatment
THE epilepsy in dogs or canine epilepsy is a disease that, despite being compatible with the animal's life, is a great concern and shock to people living at home. But don't worry, there are many people who suffer the same as you.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain everything you need to understand this disease, its treatment and give you some basic advice on how to act during crises.
Remember that there are many other dogs in the world that suffer from this disease and that they live in the best possible way with owners like you, keep fighting and move on!
What is canine epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neuronal disease that occurs when there is an exaggerated and uncontrolled electrochemical activity in the brain.
We must be clear that in the brain of dogs, as well as in humans, functions are carried out by electrical stimuli that go from one neuron to another. In the case of epilepsy, these electrical stimuli are inadequate, causing abnormal brain activity.
What happens in the brain is also reflected in the body. The electrochemical activity that occurs in neurons sends orders to muscle contraction, this is characteristic of the symptoms of an epileptic fit, where muscle activity is completely uncontrolled and involuntary. During the crisis we can also observe other symptoms such as excessive salivation and loss of sphincters control.
Causes of epilepsy in dogs
The causes of a epileptic seizure there can be many: tumors, intoxication, liver failure, trauma, diabetes,...
But the cause of epilepsy (not a seizure secondary to another problem) is always hereditary. It is not only a hereditary disease but it also especially affects certain breeds such as the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Beagle, Setter, Poodle, Dachshund and Basset Hound.
However, it can also affect other races. The onset of the first epilepsy crisis occurs between approximately 6 months and 5 years.
What to do during an epileptic fit
A crisis lasts approximately 1 or 2 minutes, although to the animal's human family it may seem like an eternity. It is very important that you know that under any circumstances should try to pull his tongue out, as it could bite her.
He must place the animal on a comfortable surface, such as a pillow or a dog bed, so you don't get hurt or hurt against any surface. Move your bed away from the walls so you don't suffer any trauma.
After the attack the dog will be exhausted and a little disoriented, give you maximum rest and recovery. Pet owners are often able to perceive that the dog is going to suffer from a crisis because they are more nervous, restless, trembling and with coordination difficulties.
Many sources report that epilepsy can be a trauma for children who live at home, but fortunately many seizures occur at night. However, it is considered convenient explain to the child what's happening to your dog, while making it clear that you shouldn't suffer for the animal's life.
Diagnosis and treatment
As we have already mentioned, an epilepsy crisis can correspond to many other diseases or it can be a real epilepsy. If your pet has suffered from an attack of this type, take him to the veterinarian immediately, only he will be able to carry out a proper diagnosis.
Epilepsy does not pose a danger to the animal's life, although precautions should be increased so that it does not suffer any harm. The treatment is carried out with drugs that reduce brain activity, such as Phenobarbital, and it can also be treated with muscle relaxants such as Diazepam.
Owners involved and attentive to the care that a dog with epilepsy needs, is undoubtedly an important factor to improve the quality of life of the animal.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.