Epilepsy in dogs is a sign of the presence neurological dysfunction inside the brain. There can be many reasons for its occurrence.

For reasons, a distinction is made between primary or “true” epilepsy and secondary. Primary is considered as genetic disorder, but its mode of inheritance is still unknown. The first seizure often occurs between 6 months and 5 years of age.

All breeds of dogs are susceptible to the disease, including. But most often, epilepsy affects dachshunds, beagles, Belgian and german shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Collies, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Irish Setters, Miniature Schnauzers, St. Bernards, Wirehaired Terriers and Siberian Huskies.

Seizures of epilepsy in dogs: symptoms and treatment

An epileptic seizure consists of three components. The first, “aura,” manifests itself as nervousness, whining, restlessness, rocking, drooling, wandering, and hiding. It can last from a few seconds to several days, and therefore it is not always noticed by dog ​​owners.

The second stage is ictal, in which the dog loses consciousness and falls. The muscles of the body tense so much that the limbs seem to petrify, the head is thrown back to the side. The pupils are wide open, eyeballs roll up. Then the heads appear. The dog is breathing heavily, frequently, with noise. Lower jaw twitches quickly with splashing different sides foamy saliva.

The paws bend and unbend as if the dog is running quickly. Due to disruption bladder and muscle tension abdominal wall involuntary bowel movements and urination occur. These seizures gradually slow down and stop. The seizure lasts from one to five minutes.

The next, postictal stage, is characterized by a period of disorientation, wandering, salivation, and some blindness. It can last up to several days, gradually returning to normal.

If the seizure lasts more than 30 minutes, then urgent medical intervention. It is better to take the dog to the hospital yourself, wrapping it in a blanket.

A dog prone to seizures should be protected from possible tension or excitability, anxiety and stress. These include reproduction, as well as sports competitions.

Every owner is always upset when his beloved pet develops health problems. Often people do not know how to help their four-legged family member. In our article we'll talk about such a serious neurological disease as epilepsy. What signs indicate that you have epilepsy, what are the causes, how to provide help and is it possible to treat at home - answers to these important issues you will find in our article.

What is epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy manifests itself as sudden and uncontrollable seizures, which can occur both with loss of consciousness and without losing it. It can be either an independent disease or symptomatic (arising as a result of other health problems, injuries).

Seizures occur in the form of small convulsions of the four-legged body or in the form of severe convulsions. Twitching may occur either in any part of the body separately or in the entire body.

Did you know? Scientists believe that the intellectual level of the average dog can be compared to that of a two-year-old child. The animal can understand about 250 words, count to five, and find solutions to simple math problems. Most smart dog in the world, included in the corresponding section of the Guinness Book of Records, was a four-legged breed named Jesse.

The appearance of convulsive seizures in an animal indicates that abnormal electrical discharges are occurring in its brain. Popular name illness - epilepsy, epilepsy, black sickness, shaking.

Epilepsy can occur in dogs of different types and in at different ages. It is diagnosed in 5-5.7% of quadrupeds. As a rule, the first seizures (if we are talking about a genetic disease) occur between the ages of six months and five years.

Veterinarians have compiled a list of breeds that are predisposed to developing of this disease. These include:

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• service - , and ;
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Interestingly, just like in humans, in quadrupeds epilepsy is more often diagnosed in males.
Previously, veterinary experts believed that the only solution when an animal develops epilepsy is to euthanize it, since both it and its owners will suffer throughout its life.

However, modern veterinary medicine has a different opinion - with careful monitoring of the dog and the correct selection of medications, epilepsy can be controlled in 70% of cases.

Although, of course, there is no talk of a complete recovery. And only the inability to establish control over seizures can serve as a reason for euthanasia of the animal.

Did you know? The part of a dog's brain responsible for smell is 40 times larger than that of a human. Dogs of this breed can use their scent to find a trail that was left 100 hours ago and follow it for 160 km.

Types and reasons

Veterinarians distinguish two types of falling sickness in four-legged animals based on the nature of their occurrence:

You can determine that your pet has epilepsy using several characteristic features, and specifically - according to the characteristics of the seizure. It may be preceded by a change in the animal’s behavior - within a few days it will experience sleep disturbances, depressed mood, etc.
There are three stages during an attack:

1. "Aura"- the initial stage, during which the four-legged animal behaves nervously, excitedly, salivates more than usual, whines for no apparent reason, trembles, is afraid, and tries to hide in a secluded place. This stage lasts for several minutes or several days.
2. Ictal- the actual stage of a seizure, characterized by loss of consciousness, stiffening of the limbs, rolling of the eyes, dilation of the pupils, rapid and noisy breathing, spasms of the limbs, flexion and extension of the paws, foamy saliva, involuntary urination and defecation, squealing, whining. This condition is observed for one to five minutes.
3. Postictal- the final stage, when the animal’s behavior is characterized by disorientation, depression, confusion, drowsiness or, conversely, excitability and restlessness. The duration of the stage is from several hours to several days.

Important! If the above-described symptoms of epilepsy in dogs occur, you should contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The course of such attacks is in many ways similar to the signs of other ailments. For example, similar conditions occur in four-legged animals with diseases of the middle ear, problems with the vestibular apparatus, cerebellum, as well as in dogs suffering from heart and lung diseases. After regaining consciousness, their behavior will be similar to the behavior of epileptics during the postictal stage.

There is a condition with no known cause called reverse sneezing, which is characterized by abdominal and chest spasms and noisy inhalations.
Sometimes owners worry when they watch their pet nervously twitch its limbs or whine pitifully while sleeping. This condition is not abnormal, this is normal behavior of an animal in deep sleep.

In all non-dangerous conditions, the dog is aware of where it is and who is next to it. With epilepsy, the animal’s consciousness is clouded, it will seem that he has short time The brain turned off and, accordingly, the memory. Only a doctor can accurately determine the severity of your pet’s condition.

What to do during an attack

It would be useful for any dog ​​lover to know how to stop epileptic seizures in dogs and what treatment a sick animal needs. This is especially important for owners of dogs whose breeds are predisposed to epilepsy.

Let us immediately note that the first thing the owner must do is calm down and pull himself together. This is the only way to help the animal. The main thing is to know that short-term seizures do not pose a threat to the pet’s life and in 99% of cases end within five minutes, and the four-legged animal itself is not dangerous at this time.
So, here are the actions that the owner should take during an epileptic seizure:

1. Create a comfortable environment for the dog, protecting it from loud, shrill sounds, bright lights, contact with children and other animals. You can wet your limbs cool water, bring fresh air into the room, fan the animal to keep it cooler.
2. To prevent a convulsing quadruped from further injuring itself, you need to either support its head or place a soft bedding under it. There is no point in keeping your dog completely. Also, do not unclench its jaws or touch its mouth.
3. At the end of the actual stage of the seizure, surround the animal with affection and peace.

Important! If your dog's attack lasts half an hour or longer, you should immediately seek help. medical care. The animal is placed on a large blanket and transported to the nearest veterinary clinic, or a doctor is called to the house.

If it is not possible to take your pet to a veterinarian, then you need to contact him by phone and ask for permission to administer anticonvulsant for dogs.

After the first seizure The animal needs to be shown to a veterinarian, who will order an examination. After only one attack, the doctor does not draw any conclusions. Treatment at home can be prescribed if the dog’s diagnosis of epilepsy is confirmed and seizures are observed repeatedly.
The veterinarian takes a medical history of the animal, where, according to the owner, he writes down all the circumstances under which attacks occur and which precede them, their frequency, duration. As a rule, he asks the owner to keep a special diary where he will note this information. The history also includes the behavior of the dog before and during the attack.

For those dogs that rarely experience mild seizures, therapy is not needed. All it takes is observation and correct behavior owner during convulsions.
Dogs that experience seizures once a month or more often are treated with epilepsy tablets, which are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Among the medications prescribed for dogs are the following:

• Phenytoin;
• Phenobarbital;
• Primidone;
• Diazepam (Valium).

Important! We provide the list of drugs for informational purposes only. Treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. Self-prescribing medications to animals is prohibited. This can worsen his condition and lead to irreversible consequences.

In addition to medications, the veterinarian should also give recommendations regarding the dog’s nutrition and additional intake and minerals. For an animal with this diagnosis, vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese are very important.

The owner will need to constantly monitor the condition of the animal, as well as the level of the drug taken in its blood. Independent withdrawal of the medication or changing its dosage is prohibited.

As additional method Acupuncture may be considered for treatment.

Forecast and consequences

Of course, every owner of a sick animal is interested in main question: with epilepsy. It is impossible to give a definite answer to this. The lifespan of a quadruped depends on several factors:

• the reasons that provoked the disease;
• strength of attacks;
• disease progression;
• the owner's compliance with the doctor's orders;
• living conditions.

In general, if the owner adheres to the recommendations, gives correctly and on time anticonvulsant pills, clearly controls the level of the drug in the blood, takes care of natural balanced diet and a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals, then epilepsy has little effect on the life expectancy of the four-legged family member.

There are known cases when drug therapy helped to get rid of attacks altogether, forget about them for several years, or led to a significant reduction in their frequency - up to one to three times a year.

Did you know? A dog's nose print is unique. Using it, you can identify a dog, just as they do with people, identifying them using fingerprints.

Prevention

Genetic epilepsy cannot be prevented. Responsible owners of sick animals should avoid them and breeding.

If during the observation it was possible to find out exactly what factors provoke seizures, then it is necessary to eliminate them from the animal’s life.

Epileptic dogs should, if possible, be protected from stress throughout their lives. Of course, there can be no talk of any participation in exhibitions or other public events.

Epilepsy - serious illness in dogs, which cannot be cured, but requires treatment. At correct appointment anticonvulsants, the owner’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, the creation comfortable conditions for a four-legged family member to live, the animal can live a calm, fulfilling and contented life long life. In the vast majority of cases, the “black disease” in animals can be brought under control.

The diseases that our pets suffer from are often similar to those in humans. One such disease is epilepsy in dogs.

Epilepsy is a disorder of communication between neurons of the brain, accompanied by seizures. The nature of this disease has not yet been fully studied, and scientists are not ready to give a 100% answer as to what causes epilepsy in dogs.

On at the moment It is believed that attacks occur as a result of uncoordinated work of nerve cells, or more precisely, the process of the generation of a nerve impulse and its transmission between cells is disrupted. Perhaps there is a disturbance in neurotransmitters - substances responsible for the procedure for transmitting impulses chemical reactions, which in turn interferes with the proper functioning of nerve cells.

Types of epilepsy in dogs

Depending on the origin of the disease, primary and secondary forms of epilepsy are distinguished.

Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy occurs as a result genetic predisposition. This form of epilepsy is more common in dogs certain breeds: golden retriever, dachshund, shepherd, poodle, etc.

In this case, several puppies from the same litter or close relatives, for example, mother and son, may suffer from epilepsy. The primary form appears quite early - at the age of up to one year, but sometimes the first signs appear at an older age (3-6 years).

Secondary (epileptiform) epilepsy in dogs occurs as a consequence of any disease, infection, injury, toxic damage toxic substances, nervous tension.

Seizures of epilepsy in dogs can occur as a result of:

• transferred infectious diseases- plague, encephalitis, etc.;
• hydrocephalus (dropsy) of the brain;
• head injuries;
• heart problems;
• liver damage;
• brain tumors;
• lack of glucose in the dog’s blood;
• hypothyroidism - decreased function of the thyroid gland.

Secondary epilepsy most often manifests itself in adult dogs, since after 4-5 years of life they may develop diseases cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys.

Seizures, most often associated with epilepsy, may be a manifestation of some other disease, so if they appear, it is necessary to take your dog to the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis.

Sometimes the owner mistakenly believes convulsive syndrome a symptom of epilepsy, and in other cases does not notice attacks of the disease and attributes them to the pet’s unusual behavior. Exists different types manifestations of epilepsy.

A minor seizure (absence) refers to those that are difficult to notice, even if the dog has epilepsy. It is expressed in the dog freezing for a few seconds, while its gaze becomes meaningless and motionless. If the animal is at rest, then it does not fall, the muscles do not spasm, so absence seizure is not always noticed by the owner.

A partial attack is expressed by twitching of a limited group of muscles - on the face, back, withers, etc.

The generalized form is the most heavy look epilepsy, accompanied by a seizure in two stages:

1. The first stage, lasting about a minute, is tonic, in which the dog is in an unconscious state and the muscles on its paws spasm, due to which they can neither be bent nor straightened. This stage is often accompanied by cessation of breathing.
2. The second stage is clonic, during which the unconscious dog begins to twitch its paws and make rapid chewing movements. In this case, the animal’s eyes are half-closed and do not react to light, and involuntary urination and/or defecation may occur.

Associated with a change in animal behavior (partial seizure):

• the dog makes frequent chewing movements;
• smacks lips and grinds teeth;
• behaves aggressively even towards the owner;
• howls and whines;
• the animal tries to hide from everyone in a secluded place;
• the dog loses his orientation in a familiar place and seems to be lost.

Combination aggressive behavior and profuse salivation during such an attack makes it similar to the symptoms of rabies. In addition, temporary loss of vision may occur during an attack. severe spasm abdominal muscles, the animal may have vomiting, diarrhea, and severe thirst.

Such an attack can occur as a consequence of a generalized seizure and last several hours. Multiple (mixed) attacks are manifested by a combination of different forms seizure within a few minutes. If a dog is in a state similar to multiple seizures for several hours in a row, then this disease is called status epilepticus.

Diagnosis of epilepsy in dogs

If your pet has warning signs similar to signs of epilepsy, the main thing is to carry out full examination animal and install accurate diagnosis. This is necessary in order not to harm the dog, because anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy are dangerous for the animal in any other cases.

To begin with, the veterinarian prescribes various research methods:

• EEG (electroencephalography) - during its conduct, electrical impulses emanating from different parts of the brain are recorded. EEG is the most informative way to diagnose epilepsy.
• X-ray of the head to rule out traumatic brain injury.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
• Clinical and biochemical analysis blood.
• ECG of the heart.
• A CT or MRI of the brain is highly advisable.

In order for the doctor to have a complete picture of the disease, it is necessary to describe in detail how your pet’s attack progresses - its duration, the dog’s behavior before, during and after the attack. The veterinarian should also know about the dog’s diseases and injuries, since all this data helps to make the correct diagnosis.

What to do if your dog has epilepsy?

Previously, a diagnosis of epilepsy given to a dog sounded like a death sentence and meant that the animal would face a quick death. Modern diagnostics, new medicines and methods of treating epilepsy in dogs can prolong the life of a sick animal and make it full.

True epilepsy cannot be treated at the present time, but veterinarians have the opportunity to select adequate therapy for the dog, which will reduce the number of seizures to a minimum or completely eliminate them. Selecting a medicine is a long process, because doctors are forced to try different medicines one by one to find the best option.

Sometimes they even use a complex of several drugs at the same time if one drug does not bring the desired result.

Currently, the most commonly used drugs are:

• "Phenobarbital".
• "Potassium bromide."
• "Fentonine."
• "Diazepam."
• "Primidon".

If treatment of epilepsy with one of these drugs does not help, then most often a combination of Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide is used.

To maximize the effect of the medications you take, you must carefully follow your doctor’s prescriptions and give medications at the appropriate time. exact dosage and at the same time, without missing a single day. Skipping a dose or failing to comply with the dosage may result in a more severe form of the disease. Be prepared to give your dog pills for the rest of its life, as without treatment the animal will die.

All anticonvulsants have serious side effects. For example, the dog may become lethargic, depressed, or have problems with gastrointestinal tract and with concentration. You need to inform your veterinarian about this so that he can prescribe medications that relieve such symptoms, or select another drug that will have an equivalent effect without side effects.

How to help a dog with epilepsy?

First of all, give your pet as much care and love as possible, do not scold him too much for pranks, so as not to cause a nervous breakdown.

Often prescribed for sick dogs special diet With reduced content squirrel. It is useful to use food with partially digested protein, which is quickly absorbed.

To prevent your dog from getting hurt during an attack that may occur in your absence, create a fenced enclosure in your apartment. There should be no furniture or any dangerous objects in this enclosure.

The dog must lead full life: walk, communicate with other dogs, but do this within reason, as excessive physical activity may trigger an attack. The owner of a dog that has been suffering from epilepsy for several days can most often notice the approach of a seizure and eliminate provoking factors in order to prevent its development.

What to do if your dog has an epileptic seizure?

1. Try to remain calm, do not fuss or make noise, as loud sounds can intensify the attack and its duration.
2. Sometimes calling your dog by name can prevent a seizure.
3. Create conditions for the dog under which it cannot be injured: there is no need to move it to a soft bedding or push a blanket under it, just put your hand or a flat pillow under the dog’s head and move it away from dangerous objects.
4. Turn the dog's head to the side so that drool or vomit can flow out of the mouth. There is no need to open the jaws with a spoon, as this is unlikely to work, and the animal can be injured. There is no danger of a dog strangling with its own tongue during an epileptic attack; there has never been such a case in veterinary practice.
5. Due to the fact that dogs do not have sweat glands, and a seizure is accompanied by strong tension muscles and large release heat, keep the animal cool. You can point a fan at the dog, wave a newspaper, wipe the paws and belly with cool water, this is especially true for long-haired breeds.
6. If the attack continues for more than half an hour, then immediately call the veterinarian, as this condition threatens the life of your pet.
7. After a generalized attack, the dog may long time be in a state in which she could harm herself or spoil some things, so it is better to limit her movement around the apartment.
8. If there are other dogs in the house, they should be locked in another room, as there is a possibility that they will attack the sick animal.
9. After the attack ends, try to calm the dog down, but do not impose your communication on it and do not swear if the dog behaves aggressively.
10. Write down in your diary when and why the attack began, how long it lasted and how it progressed, and call your veterinarian.

Don’t despair if your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, she has every chance to live a long, fulfilling life if you help her with this!

Epilepsy in domestic dogs is a fairly widespread disease that requires timely and correct diagnosis, as well as drawing up a competent, highly effective treatment regimen. Chronic neurological pathology called epilepsy is a predisposition of an animal's body to sudden appearance paroxysmal convulsions.

What is epilepsy

The manifestation of isolated seizures characteristic of epilepsy in a dog is caused by the presence of specific reactions of a living organism to the processes occurring in it. According to modern veterinary concepts, epilepsy can be classified as a heterogeneous group of pathologies, clinical manifestations which are characterized by repetitive convulsive attacks. The basis of the pathogenesis of epilepsy is represented by paroxysmal discharges that occur in neuronal cells of the brain.

This is interesting! For neurological disease recurrent paroxysmal conditions are typical of various origins, including mood and consciousness disorders, as well as the development of epileptic dementia and psychoses, accompanied by fear, melancholy and aggressiveness.

If there is a proven connection between the occurrence of epileptic seizures and pathology of somatic origin, a diagnosis is established symptomatic epilepsy. As veterinary practice shows, some cases of seizures can be complicated by a disease of somatic or neurological origin, as well as brain injuries.

The most common cause of primary epilepsy in dogs is birth defects in the process of brain functioning, and a hereditary predisposition to the disease makes the pathology quite common in some breeds, including shepherds and collies, setters and retrievers, St. Bernards and hounds, dachshunds and poodles, boxers, as well as schnauzers and terriers. Bitches suffer from epilepsy more often than males, and the risk of developing the pathology is higher in a spayed or neutered dog.

Factors that provoke the development of secondary epilepsy can be presented:

• infections: encephalitis, tetanus and plague;
• toxic effects of lead, arsenic and strychnine;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• electric shock;
• poisonous snake bites;
• exposure to insect venom;
• lack of certain microelements or vitamins;
• low glucose concentration;
• hormonal disorders;
• helminthiasis.

Cellular damage to the brain can be caused by even short-term nutritional deficiencies or minor trauma during the animal's prenatal development.

Congenital epilepsy primarily manifests itself, as a rule, at the age of six months, and attacks of acquired pathology occur under negative impact external factors, regardless of age characteristics pet. The neurological basis of pathology can be considered from the point of view of disturbances in the processes of inhibition and excitation in brain tissue.

This is interesting! The appearance of an epileptic seizure is most often provoked by adverse effects such as stress, fatigue or overwork, very strong emotional factors and hormonal imbalance.

Nervous irritation can cause excessive salivation, increased intestinal peristalsis and gastric motility, and disruption of the functioning of other organs or systems. Nerve cells at the moment of intense discharge, significant reserves of nutrition and neurotransmitters are wasted, which quickly provokes their inhibition and weakening of standard brain activity.

Symptoms of epilepsy in a dog

The most severe manifestation of pathology is considered to be the development of an epileptic seizure, which is represented by precursors, ictal and postictal stages. In the first case, the animal’s condition is characterized by its nervous behavior and plaintive whining, a feeling of anxiety and quite profuse salivation.

At the next stage, loss of consciousness is noted, as well as throwing the head back, which is accompanied by muscle tension, maximum dilation of the pupils and loud, rapid breathing. At the peak of such an attack, there is the release of foamy saliva and biting of the tongue, involuntary urination or bowel movements. During the postictal stage, recovery processes occur, but the animal may well retain a feeling of some disorientation and slight drooling.

This is interesting! Partial seizures do not occur very often in dogs and can be defined as strange and unusual behavior that is unusual for a pet.

In veterinary practice, forms accompanied by small, partial or partial attacks are also distinguished. A minor attack or absence seizure is characterized by a short-term loss of consciousness while maintaining stable balance.

Partial seizures are characterized by the appearance of spasms exclusively on a certain part of the muscle tissue. In this case, twitching of the limbs or jaws, unmotivated turns of the head or the entire body are noted. The appearance of partial seizures, as a rule, accompanies secondary epilepsy and can quickly transform into a generalized type.

First aid for epilepsy

If you suspect the development of an epileptic attack, your pet will need to be provided with complete rest, removing all irritating and stress-provoking factors. According to veterinarians, it is advisable to place a sick animal in a dark and quiet room. To minimize the risk of your dog receiving serious injuries during convulsive movements, it is advisable to place soft bedding or a small mattress under it. Good result active ventilation with influx into the room provides first aid fresh air, as well as carefully wetting the animal’s skin with water at room temperature.

A history of status epilepticus will require the pet owner to increased attention . As a rule, the attack stops after about half an hour, but if the convulsive state continues longer, then the dog is in mandatory must be provided with qualified veterinary care in a specialized clinic.

The duration of the attack and indicators of its severity directly depend on how competently first aid is provided and everything prescribed by the veterinarian is used medications, used for the most effective relief of convulsive conditions. It is best to transport a thrashing and restless animal to the clinic during an attack on a large blanket.

This is interesting! Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the owner of a dog with a history of epilepsy may need to learn how to intramuscular injection anticonvulsants and providing other measures appropriate to the severity of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment

Detection of epilepsy in a pet involves a visual examination of the dog, as well as the appointment diagnostic measures presented by:

• blood and urine tests to determine the amount of residual nitrogen and glucose;
• measurements of lead and calcium concentrations in biological fluids;
• stool analysis for the absence of helminthiasis;
• analysis cerebrospinal fluid in order to determine pressure indicators, cellular composition and protein concentration;
• ultrasound examinations;
• X-ray examinations;
• electroencephalogram for the purpose expert assessment emotional status.

Particular attention is paid to studying the dog's pedigree, as well as identifying hereditary predisposition to epilepsy. Diagnostics makes it possible to differentiate the congenital form of the disease from acquired or secondary type pathology, and also helps to identify provoking factors. The absence of concomitant pathology and complicated somatic diseases allows in most cases to be convinced of the genetic cause of the disease. Epilepsy in the process of diagnostic measures should be differentiated from pathologies vestibular apparatus, as well as cerebellar diseases or problems with the auditory nerve.

Unfortunately, the dog’s complete recovery even against the background of correctly and timely prescribed drug treatment is not observed, but is a guarantee of a significant improvement in the quality of life of a pet. Among the frequently prescribed symptomatic remedies are so calming and sedatives, such as Phenytoin, Diazepam, Phenobarbital and Primidone.

This is interesting! Anticonvulsant therapy for status epilepticus in pets is used only as directed. veterinarian, with strict observance dosage and under general monitoring of the condition.

Controversial from the point of view of the advisability of prescribing medications for seizures include bromides, the use of which can cause the appearance of quite complex skin diseases. However, sodium bromide is often prescribed to dogs with a history of kidney dysfunction. Tazepam is administered orally, which effectively eliminates the symptoms of neuroses, as well as Hexamidine.

Our four-legged friends have more good health than people, it’s not without reason that they say, “heals like a dog.” But they are also capable of getting sick, including epilepsy. Why does epilepsy develop in dogs, and what should the owner do when his pet has a seizure?

Among the main provoking factors of epilepsy in pets, veterinarians identify nervous tension. It is believed that a pet's stay for a long time stressful situation increases the risk of an attack.

In addition, a distinction is made between congenital and acquired types of pathology. The disease may develop after severe labor activity, attacks by other animals, separation from a beloved owner, change of family. Naturally, different dogs reaction to similar situations individual.

What is epilepsy? As a rule, the disease is associated with a failure of connections between neurons in the brain, which manifests itself in the form of convulsive attacks. The nature of the pathology is not fully understood; this applies not only to dogs, but also to people. But in accordance with the main hypothesis, uncoordinated spontaneous contractions of various muscle groups develop against the background of inconsistency of impulses between the cellular structures of the brain.

One of specific features This pathology in dogs is the frequency of convulsive seizures. When a pet experiences its first epileptic seizure and the veterinarian confirms the diagnosis, the owner should prepare - the disease can progress, and then the attacks become more frequent and intense.

According to statistics, most often the primary signs of epilepsy in dogs appear between the ages of six months and 5 years. Animals that are 2-3 years old experience the most severe pathology. Symptoms of the disease then persist for the rest of your life. In addition, doctors often fail to identify the cause of epilepsy, in which case the disease is considered idiopathic.

Symptoms of an epileptic seizure

There are 4 types of seizures that occur in pets suffering from epileptic disease:

1. Loss of consciousness, convulsive muscle contractions are quite weak or completely absent.
2. The occurrence of generalized convulsive convulsions affecting the entire body, loss of consciousness is possible.
3. The development of focal motor seizures, which are often generalized. Convulsions first affect a specific area of ​​the body, and then spread to nearby ones. IN in rare cases the spasm affects all parts of the animal’s body.
4. Partial convulsions occur. The main sign of epilepsy in this situation is the strange behavior of the pet. Most often, the dog begins to seem to catch non-existent flies. Seizures may be absent or affect the entire body of the pet.

Experts point out that it is important to determine we're talking about about ordinary seizures or epileptic ones. But the disease must be diagnosed by a veterinarian, not the animal owner.

An epileptic attack proceeds according to the following algorithm:

• the pet begins to whine, worry, and looks for a secluded, quiet place where no one will disturb him;
• salivation (salivation) increases;
• a convulsive attack occurs, accompanied by urination and defecation; Often, during an attack, the animal bites its tongue or part of its cheek; due to pain, the dog whines and squeals.

Even after the attack stops, increased salivation persists, and the salivary fluid often becomes foamy. The animal's mood can be either depressed or overly excited.

Among the main signs pathological condition The following can be noted:

1. The owner should pay attention to the pet if the muscles on its face begin to twitch - this phenomenon refers to primary signs epilepsy.
2. Gradually, convulsions cover the entire body.
3. In some cases, the condition is accompanied by an increase in temperature.
4. During an attack, the animal's limbs move, the dog clenches its jaws tightly, and its head throws back.
5. The whites roll up and the pupils dilate significantly.
6. Stridor occurs - breathing accompanied by whistling, hissing sounds.

In most cases, seizures occur at night and in the morning. Usually, over time, owners of a sick pet can predict in advance the development of the next attack. And if their pet has become lethargic, trembling and hiding, then there is reason to worry.

First aid for a four-legged friend

Although an epileptic seizure is not life-threatening for the animal, it can seriously frighten the dog owner. But at this moment, on the contrary, a person is required to have a clear mind and correct actions, so there is no need to panic.

Since convulsions are an unpleasant sight, if they occur, it is advisable to remove other pets and children from the room. In addition, it is important to remove all objects that could injure your dog. It is advisable to place a small pillow under his head.

Veterinarians advise following the following recommendations:

• if there is no pillow nearby, you can support the patient’s head;
• it is impossible to limit the mobility of a convulsing animal by holding parts of the body to stop the convulsions;
• experts have refuted the opinion that during a seizure the animal’s tongue can become stuck, thereby causing suffocation; in fact, this is impossible and should not be tormented by forcefully opening its jaws;
• if the duration of the attack is 25 minutes or more, then the dog should be urgently taken to the veterinarian’s office;
• when there is no opportunity to visit the clinic, and the attack does not go away, the dog is given a medication that has an anticonvulsant effect.

So that the doctor can more accurately and accurately short terms to make a diagnosis, the owner is recommended to record data on all attacks. It is advisable to record the dates, duration, and situations after which the pet began to have seizures.

Diagnosis of epilepsy in dogs

Epileptic seizures are similar to other seizure disorders, so diagnosis is extremely important. To establish a diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes comprehensive examination, including:

• EEG (electroencephalography) – during the procedure, electrical impulses are recorded from different areas brain; today this method is the most informative way to diagnose this disease;
• X-ray – excludes the presence of craniocerebral injuries;
• ultrasound examination of the peritoneal organs;
• donating blood for clinical and biochemical analysis;
• electrocardiography;
• computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

In addition, the doctor collects a detailed medical history. The owner must describe the animal’s condition in as much detail as possible - before and during the seizures. It is also worth paying attention to general health pet and related diseases.

Treatment of epilepsy

First of all, the owner should understand that epilepsy is a serious disorder that requires the right approach. And even knowing about drugs that help animals in this case, the owner should not use them on his own to treat his pet.

If certain pills help one dog, another may cause severe complications. These medications have a large number contraindications and side effects, so they should only be prescribed by a qualified specialist.

There is one more nuance, often with epilepsy in therapeutic purposes It is recommended to take not one, but several anticonvulsant medications.

Unfortunately, this disease, especially its true form, is incurable. Therefore, it is impossible to completely rid your pet of the manifestations of epilepsy. Modern medicine offers techniques to reduce the duration of attacks and their number, but still the risks of their occurrence remain.

Some pets receiving competent treatment, good nutrition and contained in good conditions, epileptic seizures may be absent for years without making themselves known. The selection of drugs is carried out individually, so it is not always possible to immediately prescribe a drug that helps 100%. You may need to change your dosage regimen or even the medication itself.

Initially, the minimum dosage of the anticonvulsant drug is prescribed, gradually increasing it until it is possible to achieve desired result. Veterinarians warn that if you suddenly stop giving your pet the medicine or reduce the dose yourself, you can worsen epilepsy, causing more frequent and prolonged seizures.

Most often, doctors prescribe the following drugs that have an anticonvulsant effect:

1. Phenytoin – effective remedy, which has no sedative effect and side effects. But the medicine is quickly eliminated from the animal’s blood, causing extreme thirst and excessive urination.
2. Phenobarbital – different high efficiency And quick action. But it has a long-lasting sedative effect, the dog constantly wants to drink and urinates, becomes agitated and often irritated.
3. Primidone helps quickly, but has a strong sedative effect; while taking it, the pet begins to eat and drink a lot. The drug requires strict adherence to the application regimen.
4. Diazepam is a drug that controls the exacerbation of attacks and the condition of epilepticus. Compared to other drugs, it is safe and high speed actions. But it provides only a short-term effect and does not cope with strong epileptic seizures, the animal can become restless and hot-tempered.

Owners of a pet suffering from epilepsy are advised to take care of its safety by removing from the enclosure or premises all objects that could injure the dog.

Epilepsy in a dog is not a death sentence, and the pet’s subsequent life largely depends on the owner. Yes, the disease requires treatment and more good care for the animal, but otherwise the dog remains loyal, true friend, deserving better conditions and relationships.