As a veterinarian and dog lover, I know how frightening and helpless it can feel to witness your beloved companion suffering a seizure. You may be filled with questions: Why is this happening? Will my dog be okay? What can I do to help? In this comprehensive guide, I aim to provide you with the answers, insights, and tools you need to best support your dog on their seizure journey.
Understanding Canine Seizures
A seizure is an abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause physical symptoms like muscle twitching, stiffening, jerking, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, and/or involuntary urination and defecation. Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
There are several different types of seizures dogs can experience:
- Generalized (grand mal) seizures involve both sides of the body and loss of consciousness. This is the most common and easily recognizable type.
- Focal (partial) seizures may only affect one side of the body or one limb. Dogs usually remain conscious during these episodes.
- Focal seizures with secondary generalization begin in one area and then spread to involve the whole body.
- Psychomotor seizures are rare and may manifest as behavioral changes like frantic running, snapping at the air, or hiding.
Seizures in dogs are not uncommon. Epilepsy, defined as recurrent seizures with no identifiable cause, is the most common neurological disorder in canines. It‘s estimated that up to 0.75% of the general dog population suffers from epilepsy, with incidence as high as 5-7% in certain breeds like Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Determining the Cause
Many potential underlying health issues can trigger seizures in dogs. Some of the most common causes include:
- Idiopathic epilepsy (genetic predisposition)
- Brain tumors
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low blood sugar
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Infectious diseases (canine distemper virus, rabies, fungal infections, etc.)
- Toxin exposure (metaldehyde snail bait, ethylene glycol antifreeze, lead, caffeine, etc.)
To determine the cause of your dog‘s seizures, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough history and performing a physical and neurological exam. They‘ll likely recommend diagnostics such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel to assess organ function and check for metabolic derangements
- Urinalysis to screen for kidney disease, liver disease, and infections
- Bile acid test to evaluate liver function
- Imaging of the brain via CT scan or MRI to look for structural abnormalities like tumors or inflammation. An MRI provides more detailed images of the brain tissue itself.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, or spinal tap, to check for inflammatory or infectious diseases
- Infectious disease testing for conditions like canine distemper virus and toxoplasmosis
- Genetic testing for known hereditary seizure disorders. For example, a 2017 study identified a mutation in the DIRAS1 gene associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
If all of these tests come back normal, a presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy may be made based on characteristic clinical signs and ruling out other potential causes.
Treating Your Dog‘s Seizures
Once the underlying cause of your dog‘s seizures is identified (if possible), you and your veterinarian can work together to develop a personalized treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures so your dog can enjoy a good quality of life. Here are some of the therapeutic options available:
Antiseizure Medications
The mainstay treatment for recurrent seizures in dogs is typically daily antiseizure medication. These drugs work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Common options include:
- Phenobarbital: Enhances the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Effective in 60-80% of dogs but may cause sedation, increased thirst/hunger, and liver damage.
- Potassium bromide: Competes with chloride to hyperpolarize neurons. May cause sedation, ataxia, GI upset. Safe to combine with phenobarbital. Effective in 70-90% of dogs when used as an add-on.
- Zonisamide: Modulates sodium and calcium channels. 60% of dogs respond. Well-tolerated but may cause sedation, inappetence, GI upset. A 2020 study found that 58% of dogs that failed other treatments achieved >50% seizure reduction on zonisamide.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra): Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. Effective add-on with few side effects. May cause sedation or ataxia at high doses. A 2019 study reported a 54% response rate.
Your vet will determine the most appropriate medication and dosage based on your dog‘s specific needs. Regular bloodwork is necessary to monitor therapeutic drug levels and watch for potential adverse effects.
Dietary Therapy
In addition to or sometimes in lieu of medication, dietary modification can be an effective way to help control seizures in some dogs. The ketogenic diet, which is very high in fat and low in carbohydrates, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency when used in conjunction with anti-seizure medications.
The exact mechanism behind the ketogenic diet‘s antiepileptic effects is still being researched, but it‘s thought that the ketones produced by breaking down fats provide an alternative energy source for the brain, making neurons less excitable. A 2022 study found that 48% of dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy experienced a >50% reduction in seizure frequency when fed a ketogenic diet for 3 months.
Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is another dietary supplement shown to benefit epileptic dogs. MCTs are more efficiently converted to ketones compared to long-chain fatty acids. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study published in 2020 evaluated the use of an MCT oil supplement in 28 dogs already receiving standard anti-seizure drugs. The MCT oil reduced seizure frequency by a median of 71% compared to the placebo, and the responder rate (>50% reduction) was 71%.
As with any treatment, dietary changes should only be made under the guidance of your veterinarian to ensure your dog‘s nutritional needs are still being met.
Alternative Therapies
For some dogs, unconventional modalities can be helpful additions to seizure treatment plans. Though more research is needed, many owners and holistic veterinarians report success with:
- Acupuncture: May help regulate abnormal neural activity by stimulating certain points along the body‘s meridians to release neurotransmitters and endorphins. A 2018 rat study found electroacupuncture increased the seizure threshold.
- Herbal remedies: Extracts of plants like valerian root, chamomile, milk thistle, skullcap, and ginkgo biloba have been used to control seizures, often in combination with antiepileptic drugs. Work with a veterinary herbalist for proper dosing and quality control.
- Nutraceuticals: Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium may decrease neuronal excitability and inflammation in the brain. CBD oil has also gained popularity, with a 2019 study reporting a significant reduction in seizure frequency in 89% of dogs receiving CBD-rich hemp oil extract.
- Gold bead implants: A fairly new therapy involving surgical implantation of tiny gold beads at acupuncture points on the head. Thought to provide continuous stimulation. A 2019 case report documented a Shiba Inu with refractory epilepsy achieving an 81% reduction in seizure frequency following gold bead implantation.
While alternative therapies can be beneficial for some patients, they should never replace conventional veterinary care. Work closely with a holistic or integrative veterinarian to safely incorporate complementary treatments into your dog‘s seizure management plan.
Seizure First Aid
Witnessing your dog having a seizure can be a scary experience, but try to stay calm. Here are the steps to take:
- Keep yourself safe. Your dog will not swallow their tongue, so do not put your hands or any objects in their mouth as you may get bitten.
- Remove any nearby objects that could injure your dog, like furniture or sharp items.
- Time the seizure if possible.
- If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if your dog has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness (cluster seizures), it‘s considered an emergency. Bring them to a veterinarian immediately.
- Once the seizure stops, comfort your dog and keep them in a quiet, safe space as they recover. They may be disoriented and anxious.
- If your dog has had a seizure for the first time or if they have a seizure again within 24 hours, call your veterinarian for guidance.
Here is a helpful infographic summarizing these first aid steps:
Living with an Epileptic Dog
Caring for a dog with seizures can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you‘re not alone. With an estimated 780,000 dogs affected by idiopathic epilepsy in the US alone, many owners face similar challenges. Here are some tips and insights from a fellow dog lover who has been there:
"When my German Shepherd Bella first started having seizures, I was terrified. I questioned whether I was doing enough or making the right choices. Over time, I learned to focus on the positives and celebrate the small victories, like when we could go a whole month without a seizure.
Keeping a consistent routine for feeding, exercise, and medication has been key. I also made sure to seizure-proof my home by padding sharp furniture corners and using baby gates to block stairs. Reducing stress as much as possible has made a big difference for Bella‘s seizure control and overall well-being.
It hasn‘t been an easy road, but watching Bella play and cuddle like any other dog makes it all worth it. My biggest piece of advice is to have faith in yourself and never be afraid to advocate for your dog. You know them best."
-Jen R., owner of a 6-year-old German Shepherd with epilepsy
In addition to the tips Jen shared, here are a few more ways to help your epileptic dog thrive:
- Keep a seizure journal with the date, time, duration, and characteristics (like loss of consciousness, paddling, etc.) of each episode. This can help you and your vet identify potential triggers and track changes over time. There are even smartphone apps available now to help log seizure activity.
- Make sure your dog maintains a healthy body weight by feeding a balanced diet and getting regular exercise as tolerated. Obesity can make seizures more difficult to control.
- Avoid known seizure triggers like flashing lights, loud noises, and stressful situations (e.g. being left alone if your dog has separation anxiety).
- Consider training your dog to wear a medical alert vest or collar that identifies them as having a seizure disorder. Include your contact information and any important medical details.
- Connect with other owners of dogs with epilepsy through online forums or local meet-up groups for support and to share experiences.
Mythbusting Canine Seizures
There are many misconceptions about seizures in dogs. Let‘s clear up some common myths:
Myth: A dog will swallow its tongue during a seizure.
Truth: It‘s physically impossible for a dog to swallow their tongue. Never put your hands or any objects in a dog‘s mouth during a seizure as you could get bitten.
Myth: All dogs with epilepsy have a poor quality of life.
Truth: With proper treatment and management, most dogs with epilepsy can live happy, comfortable lives. Many owners report their dogs are completely normal between seizures.
Myth: Seizures aren‘t dangerous unless they last more than 5 minutes.
Truth: While prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) are an emergency, even short seizures can cause damage over time due to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Seek veterinary care if your dog experiences recurrent seizures.
Myth: You should hold a seizing dog down to keep them safe.
Truth: Holding or restraining a dog during a seizure will not stop the seizure and may result in injury to you or your dog. The best thing to do is clear the area of hazards and let the seizure run its course while monitoring your dog.
Myth: Only old dogs develop epilepsy.
Truth: Epilepsy can affect dogs of any age, though it most commonly develops between 1-5 years of age. Juvenile epilepsy (onset before 1 year old) does occur in some breeds.
A Note of Hope
If your dog has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, know that you are not alone. With dedication, teamwork, and love, you can help your special companion live their best life despite the obstacles epilepsy may bring.
Yes, there will be challenging days. But there will also be joyful walks, cozy naps, and heartfelt snuggles. Focus on the present moment and cherish the time you share.
Lean on your veterinary team for support and guidance. Together, you can find the right treatment plan to minimize your dog‘s seizures and ensure they feel safe and cared for.
Take comfort in knowing that canine epilepsy research is constantly evolving, with new diagnostic tools, medications, and therapies on the horizon to help our furry friends thrive. Never give up hope.
Your love and commitment make all the difference in your dog‘s world. No matter what lies ahead, your bond will always be unbreakable. Seizures are just one part of your dog‘s story; make sure the rest is filled with all their favorite adventures and plenty of ear scratches. You‘ve got this.
