Canine Epilepsy

HEALTH & WELLNESS

WRITTEN BY FERN WOODEN Staff Writer

Did you know between 25% and 45% of cases of new-onset seizures in senior dogs will be diagnosed with primary epilepsy? In 2015 Dr. Tara Ghormley, Dr. David Feldman, and Dr. James Cook Jr., specialists in veterinary neurology, published a study about epilepsy in dogs five years of age and older alerting us to that static. Seizures are scary for both the patient and caretaker, especially for our furry friends who can not express what is wrong. In addition, information on the condition can be overwhelming and daunting for pet owners. So, in honor of our senior dogs’ edition, we focused on a neurological disease that impacts many pets as they enter their golden years in this month’s health and wellness issue.

Older dogs often develop seizures as their body ages and organs struggle to function as they did in their youth. Toxins from their organ diseases, like liver failure, can cause a buildup in their bloodstream. Those toxins may travel to the brain and trigger a seizure. First and foremost, if a parent thinks their canine companion has epilepsy, they should look for some warning signs. Symptoms can include collapsing and often falling to one side, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, and foaming at the mouth, to name a few. It is imperative not to panic that a pet may have this neurological condition based on one seizure. One seizure can be a side effect of a medication or a lifestyle change. Following up with a veterinarian on any changes in a pet’s behavior is the best way to ensure a furry friend’s well-being.

As a fur-momma with an epileptic Boston Terrier of her own, when I first learned Betsy was diagnosed with epilepsy at age five, I was terrified. She was your average energetic dog chasing the ball at all times of the day, and suddenly her shakes and shivers became more aggressive. My stomach dropped as she looked up at me, stiff and panic-stricken, and as the seizures became more frequent, the vet diagnosed her with epilepsy. It was a new world we both needed to learn to conquer alongside our veterinarian, and after three years, her seizures are now under control. Here are some of the tips we have learned along the way.

Once a parent learns their dog has epilepsy, lifestyle changes can prevent another seizure from occurring. For example, altering a pup’s exposure to flashing lights, including flash photography, helps keep their brain waves at a stable level. Likewise, introducing a ketogenic diet by including food rich in fatty acids can help reduce convulsions. Some vets also recommended introducing holistic approaches to help combat seizures like CBD. From experience, as Betsy has reached her older years, her body started to become resistant to her Zionmisade medication, and her vet recommended switching prescriptions to three times daily. Instead, I introduced the Cannabonez CBD supplement, and her vet saw such an improvement she could stick with her standard medicine. As always, Lowcountry Dog recommends parents reach out to a vet before introducing a supplement to their diet.

CBD treatment could help with any medical treatment. Seek your vet's approval before adding any supplements to your routine.

Canine companions provide a comfort society has never felt before, and it is a parent’s mission to protect them. Seizures and epilepsy in older dogs are not death sentences. Instead, it is an opportunity to give back to them the way they gave back to us with love and understanding. A vet can help set up a routine to help your dog live comfortably in their new life transition while you worry about ways to give him the life they deserve. So to all our senior pup followers, stay golden friends! ■