Dog Epilepsy: Is it idiopathic or genetic?

An abnormal electrical activity giving rise to uncoordinated nerve transmission resulting in scrambling of messages hindering coordinated use of muscles is known as canine epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy shows its first signs between one and five years in dogs. In lay man's language, "canine epilepsy can be defined as a condition where recurrent seizures take place". The best way of identifying the canine epilepsy is to observe dog's behavior. In case of seizures, the dog will lay motionless for a brief period of time and stand on its feet as if everything is normal.

This write up provides answers to all your queries that come to your mind, the moment your pet suffers any epileptic seizure and the steps you can take to avoid this.

Causes

Before we deliberate on the causes of seizure, it is imperative to understand why epileptic seizures occur. The answer lies with brain cells which use electrical signals to communicate. Any imbalance in this signal transmission which may be due to imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory signals give rise to epileptic seizures.

There are certain medical conditions that might be responsible for occurrence of epileptic seizures in dogs. The causes may vary and can be characterized as per the age of the dog.

1. Young puppies (up to eight months): Though idiopathic epilepsy is rare in young dogs they do suffer from developmental disorders, trauma and intestinal parasites.

2. Eight months to five years: Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of canine epilepsy in this age group. Development disorders, trauma and neoplasia which is a tumor also give rise to complications in pets in this age group. Encephalitis and electrolyte disturbances can also be counted as the reasons for canine epilepsy in dogs of this age group.

3. Over five years: Hypoxia or the lack of oxygen in body tissues, liver diseases, hypothyroidism and trauma are the common reasons for canine epilepsy in dogs over five years in age.

Symptoms

Understanding different stages of epileptic seizure makes it easier for anyone to guess whether time has come to consult the vet. Prodroma is the first symptom that epileptic seizure is about to take place or will occur in near future. Though no specific lead is available for canines about occurrence of this symptom, this can be identified by any unusual behavior on part of the pet. Nervousness, hiding in unusual places in the home and restlessness on part of the dog is a sign that epileptic fit is in the offering. However, this can only be identified if the owner is in proximity to the dog or has good understanding of the dog's behavioral patterns.

The best identification of seizure is possible only when owner is available around. Increase in tone of all muscles is a clear sign that seizure has taken place. Partial seizures also take place commonly and can be easily identified owing to disturbance in electric impulse. The symptoms may be aggression, involuntary urination and defecation.

The owners may be able to observe post-epileptic seizures only, as seizures take place late in the night or early morning and owners can identify any signs from the restlessness that might follow for days. The best way to avoid epileptic attacks is to rush the dog to the vet as soon as you observe any of the symptoms so that adequate medication can be given to prevent any further loss.

Diagnosis

Primary, secondary and reactive epileptic seizures are the different kinds of epileptic seizures. The veterinarian is the best person to identify the stage of epileptic seizure that a dog is suffering from. In case of secondary seizures, dogs may show trauma signs or may be having a tumor. Metabolic dysfunction is the main reason for reactive seizures.

Collies, Keeshounds, Belgian Tervurens and Dachshunds are some of the canine species that suffer commonly from seizure disorders.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is there any major difference in idiopathic and genetic epilepsy?

Idiopathic and genetic epilepsy come under primary epilepsy with no major difference. A careful breed study can stem out the causes for the occurrence of primary epilepsy. However, secondary epilepsy is different and can occur due to multiple factors as disease condition which may be behavioral or developmental.

2. How many types of seizures can occur and what are the stages?

Six types of seizures are common which can be listed as generalized seizures, petitmal seizure, partial seizure, complex partial seizure, cluster seizure and status epilepticus.

3. How do we identify, if an epileptic seizure has taken place?

In case the dog behavior is abnormal, it is a clear sign that one needs to consult the vet. Do not delay as any laxity on your part can prove to be critical for your pet.

Things to avoid

Avoid vaccination in case the dog is prone to seizures. As the immune system is already affected owing to epilepsy, any unwarranted vaccination can lead to complications. Always consult the vet before you go for any vaccination schedule.