Understanding Epilepsy in Dogs

Along with many other conditions, epilepsy is not just limited to humans and can be found in our pets too. 

What is epilepsy? 

​Epilepsy is when a seizure is caused from a surge of electrical activity in the brain. This is shown physically by a dog in mild to severe ways, including twitching, body shaking and/or tremors, body spasms and convulsions.
Epilepsy is diagnosed when a dog suffers reoccurring seizures without a known cause or trigger. The brain appears to be normal without any damage but functions in an abnormal way. 

What causes epilepsy in dogs?

Some dogs are born with epilepsy while others can develop it later in life, often without a cause or reason for it. Epilepsy can also be caused by trauma to the head or brain tumours. Seizures can also be caused by toxins or some form of poisoning, abnormal blood sugars or kidney or liver disease.  

Symptoms of epilepsy. 

Some dogs can have very mild versions of the below symptoms whilst others can be quite violent and confronting. Should your dog every display any of the below symptoms, they should be taken to a vet immediately. 

• Body shakes or tremors
• Eye twitching/rolling into their head
• Dog unable to stand/falling to their side
• Twitching muscles 
• Convulsions 

During a seizure your dog can appear 'out of it' and will not respond to you. They can also lose control of their bladder and bowels. 
Your dog is not as risk of swallowing their tongue and can accidently bite you during a seizure. You should ensure they are safely away from any objects that could harm them (if they knocked into them) and leave your dog be during their seizure. They can also be very confused as they come out the seizure so it's best to remain calm, as confronting as the situation is, and give them time to approach you. 

Treatment of epilepsy. 

If your dog is suffering from symptoms of epilepsy, it's important to have them seen by your vet immediately. They will conduct tests to establish the cause of your dog's seizures and if they do in face have epilepsy or another health condition causing their seizures. 
Treatment will vary depending on what the vet discovers and their results may be 'epilepsy of unknown cause' if there is no damage or growths on your dog's brain. 
Dog's can live a relatively normal life on anti seizure medication once the correct dosage is established. This medication will need to be given at the same time every day for the remainder of the dog's life. 
Diet has also been shown to play an important role in epileptic dog's lives and this is also something your vet will discuss with you. A low fat diet is usually recommended. 

Are breeds prone to epilepsy?

Research has shown that there is a higher rate of dogs diagnosed with epilepsy within some breeds. 
These include; Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, Keeshonds, Labradors and Poodles. 
This is in no way to say that if you own this breed that your dog will suffer from epilepsy, however these breeds have had a higher rate of diagnoses. This is why is it always important to do your research before purchasing a dog, knowing of any common hereditary issues with a breed and insisting on full health records of breeding parents to be provided.