Seizures: Diagnosis & Treatment
Subject: Seizures: What to do when your dog begins having seizures?
Date: Sunday, 6 Dec 1998
From: Barbara Licht
When a dog begins having seizures, it is important to have a thorough diagnostic work-up to determine if there are any diseases (besides "primary" epilepsy) that may be causing the seizures and that may require immediate treatment. There are certain tests and examinations that should be performed when dogs of any age begin having seizures. Primary epilepsy (also called "idiopathic" epilepsy) can begin at any age. However, it most typically begins between 1 year and 5 years of age. When a dog begins having seizures at a much earlier or much later age, it is wise to give special consideration to those seizure-causing diseases that are particularly likely at younger or older ages.
Veterinarians differ considerably in terms of the nature and number of tests that they recommend for a general diagnostic work-up when seizures begin. There is no one single set of tests that is appropriate for every dog. (I can be contacted directly for a list and explanation of the diagnostic testing that is recommended by the veterinarians from the Poodle Epilepsy Project.)
The chosen treatment for seizures depends on the underlying cause. For example, if diagnostic testing reveals that some other disease besides primary epilepsy is causing the seizures (for example, an infectious disease affecting the central nervous system or a metabolic disorder), then this underlying cause must be treated. However, when seizures continue even after the underlying cause is treated or the seizures are due to idiopathic epilepsy, owners should discuss with their veterinarians the possibility of using anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication. Scientific research shows that the two best choices for treating seizures in dogs are Phenobarbital (PB) and Potassium Bromide (KBr). Other treatments can be tried in those cases where neither of these drugs works well with their dog.
There are differing opinions about when to begin treatment for seizures. However, recent research on people and dogs with epilepsy suggests that the long-term prognosis is better when treatment begins fairly early--that is, before the seizures become frequent. Of course, owners should discuss their own dog's case with a veterinarian that is familiar with their dog's complete medical history and any special circumstances.
(Please note that I am a research psychologist--not a veterinarian--and I can not make any specific treatment recommendations for your dog.)
Barbara
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Barbara G. Licht, Ph.D. Phone: (850) 644-6272
Department of Psychology FAX: (850) 644-7739
Florida State University Email: blicht@psy.fsu.edu
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270