Canine EpilepsyEpilepsy is one of the medical conditions that can cause a dog to have seizures.An classic epileptic seizure results in convulsions (vigorous and rhythmic muscular contractions) that may be accompanied by involuntary urination, defecation, or salivation. Other forms of epilepsy can also take to form of loss or change of consciousness or changes in mental awareness from non-responsiveness to hallucinations. We sometimes also see changes in behaviour, such as failure to recognise family members or displays of uncharacteristic aggression or restlessness. It is excessive or uncoordinated electrical activity in the brain that causes the seizures. This may be caused by true epilepsy or by any injury or disease that upsets the precise physiological balance of the brain and nervous system. The list is long but includes recent or long standing brain injuries, toxins in the form of poisons or waste products in the bloodstream (from liver of kidney malfunction), low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, degeneration of the nervous system or severe inflammatory or infectious diseases or brain tumours. The mainstay of anti-epileptic medication is phenobarbitone. The veterinary preparation is called Epiphen . This is a Prescription Only Medication and so is only available on veterinary Prescription. Potassium bromide (common trade names Epilease or KBr) is often given alongside phenobarbitone. This may reduce the amount of phenobarbitone required for full seizure control. Although it is not legally designated a Prescription Only Medication (POM-V), it is only available when prescribed by a veterinary surgeon Herbs –Scullcap (eg Scullcap & Valerian tablets) has been used for some time in combination with the classic sleepy herbs Valerian and Gentian to help calm over-exciteability of the nervous system. It has been used successfully to aid in the management of some seizure-prone dogs. Acupuncture has been used for centuries and can be helpful in managing epilepsy. Some practitioners implant gold beads at the appropriate acupuncture sites to provide continuous low level stimulation. Taurine (eg Epitaur, Taurine tablets) is an amino acid with inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. Practical experience suggests that supplementation with taurine may be helpful in some cases. Diet: some vets recommend the use of hypo-allergenic diets to modify the body’s production of neurotransmitters. This has been particularly effective in Labradors, Golden retrievers, German Shepherds and some terrier breeds.
Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements: (eg Advanced Anti-oxidant, Canine Care) in response to human trials suggesting that epileptics may have reduced levels of Vitamins A and C, supplementation has been recommended.
DiMethyl Glycine
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