Epilepsy in animals
Epilepsy can occur in animals other than humans (see main article Epilepsy). It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Canine epilepsy is often genetic. Epilepsy in cats and other pets is rarer, likely because there is no hereditary component to epilepsy in these animals.
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Canine epilepsy
In dogs, epilepsy is often an inherited condition. The incidence of epilepsy/seizures in the general dog population is estimated to be between 0.5% and 5.7%.[1] In certain breeds, {{such as the Belgian Shepherd varieties}}, the incidence may be much higher.
Diagnosis
There are three types of epilepsy in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.[2] Reactive epileptic seizures are caused by metabolic issues, such as low blood sugar or kidney or liver failure. Epilepsy attributed to brain tumor, stroke or other trauma is known as secondary or symptomatic epilepsy.
There is no known cause for primary or idiopathic epilepsy, which is only diagnosed by eliminating other possible causes for the seizures. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy experience their first seizure between the ages of one and three. However, the age at diagnosis is only one factor in diagnosing canine epilepsy, as one study found cause for seizures in one-third of dogs between the ages of one and three, indicating secondary or reactive rather than primary epilepsy.[3]
A veterinarian's initial work-up for a dog presenting with a history of seizures may include a physical and neurological exam, a complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, bile tests, and thyroid function tests.[4] These tests verify seizures and may determine cause for reactive or secondary epilepsy. Veterinarians may also request that dog owners keep a "seizure log" documenting the timing, length, severity, and recovery of each seizure, as well as dietary or environmental changes.
Treatment
Many antiepileptic drugs are used for the management of canine epilepsy. Oral phenobarbital, in particular, and imepitoin are considered to be the most effective antiepileptic drugs and usually used as ‘first line’ treatment.[5] Other anti-epileptics such as zonisamide, primidone, gabapentin, pregabalin, sodium valproate, felbamate and topiramate may also be effective and used in various combinations.[5][6] A crucial part of the treatment of pets with epilepsy is owner education to ensure compliance and successful management.[7]
Feline epilepsy
Complex partial seizures are more common in cats than generalized convulsions. These partial seizures may present as either bizarre behavior or a complete lack of movement, accompanied by facial tics or excessive salivation. Cats may experience foaming around the mouth or loss of muscle and bladder control.
See also
References
- ↑ K9web.com, Wiersma-Aylward, A. 1995. Canine Epilepsy. Retrieved August 6, 2007
- ↑ Peterson, M., "Inherited epilepsy can be devastating in dogs". essfta.org
- ↑ Podell, M, Seizure classification in dogs from non-referral based population. JAVMA 6 pp 1721-1728 (1995).
- ↑ The Canine Epilepsy Network, canine-epilepsy.net
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Charalambous, M, Brodbelt, D and Volk, HA, Treatment in canine epilepsy–a systematic review. BMC veterinary research 10(1) pp 257 (2014)
- ↑ Thomas, W, Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Small Anim 40 pp 161-179 (2010).
- ↑ De Risio, L and Platt, S. 2014. Canine and feline epilepsy: diagnosis and management. CAB International: Wallingford, UK. ISBN 9781780641096.
External links
- Canine Epilepsy site
- Canine Epilepsy Resources
- The Pet Centre: Epilepsy in the dog
- Feline Seizures and Feline Epilepsy
- Seizure Disorders In Dogs And Cats
- Seizure Disorders (in pets)
- WAG/Rij Rats
- Seizures in dogs and what to do
Support organisations
- The Epi Feline Support Group
- Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels For information and support
