Epilepsy is a SEIZURE DISORDER in dogs where no known cause can be found. This requires ruling out all other possible causes of the seizure, such as exposure to poisonous or hallucinogenic substances, previous head trauma, and metabolic disorders. Epilepsy can be a genetic, heritable disease. Breeds with a high incidence of epilepsy include poodles, labrador and golden retrievers, and border collies.

Recommended tests include a physical examination, blood tests, and, if heart disease is suspected, possibly x-rays or an electrocardiogram (EKG).  If these are normal, further diagnostics may be performed depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures.  Occasional seizures are of less concern than when the seizures are becoming more severe and frequent.  Depending on availability, a spinal fluid tap and fluid analysis may be performed or specialized imaging of the head with a CAT scan or MRI might be performed.  Fortunately, these additional tests are usually not needed, but if they are required your pet would be referred to a specialist. 

A seizure may have all or any combination of the following:

  • Loss or derangement of consciousness 

  • Contractions of all the muscles in the body

  • Changes in mental awareness from non-responsiveness to hallucinations 

  • Involuntary urination, defecation, or salivation 

  • Behavioral changes, including non-recognition of owner, viciousness, pacing, and running in circles 

Seizures consist of three components: 

1)  The pre-ictal phase, or aura, is a period of altered behavior in which the dog may hide, appear nervous, or seek out the owner.  It may be restless, nervous, whining, shaking, or salivating.  This may last a few seconds to a few hours.

2)  The ictal phase is the seizure itself and lasts from a few seconds to about five minutes. During this period the dog usually falls on its side and seems paralyzed while shaking.  The above symptoms occur.  If it is not over within five minutes, the dog is said to be in status epilepticus or prolonged seizure.

3)  During the post-ictal phase, there is confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness, and/or temporary blindness. 

Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, the dog feels no pain, only bewilderment.  Dogs do not swallow their tongues.  If you put your fingers into its mouth, you will do no benefit to your pet and will run a high risk of being bitten very badly.  The important thing is to keep the dog from falling and hurting itself.  As long as it is on the floor or ground, there is little chance of harm occurring. 

TREATMENT

If it is a first time seizure, we generally just observe the dog for further seizures. Treatment is determined by how long it takes for another seizure to occur.  That may be days, months, or years.  At some point, many dogs have seizures frequently enough to justify continuous anticonvulsant therapy.  Since that means that medication must be given every 12 to 24 hours for the rest of the dog's life, we do not recommend that until seizures occur more often than about every 2 months or unless they last more than five minutes.

* It is important to avoid sudden discontinuation of any anticonvulsant medication.  Even normal dogs may be induced to seizure if placed on anticonvulsant medication and then abruptly withdrawn from it.  Your veterinarian can outline a schedule for discontinuing the medication.

You mentioned status epilepticus.  What does that mean?

  • Status epilepticus bears special note.  It is characterized by a seizure that does not stop on its own.  When this occurs, the dog's life is endangered.  Intravenous medication is given to try and stop the seizure.  If a seizure is lasting more than 10 minutes, you should call your veterinarian immediately.