Epilepsy is one of the oldest diseases known to man (and dogs) and was described as early as 2000 B.C.  It common in dogs and is rare in cats.  It is important to realize that epilepsy is one of many causes of seizures.

Nerve cells in the brain, called neurons, produce and conduct electrical energy as a means of
communicating with and directing the rest of the body.  An epileptic seizure occurs when groups of neurons within the brain rapidly and excessively discharge their electrical energy.  At this time medical science has not been able to determine why this discharge occurs. It is known that epilepsy is hereditary in dogs.

Epilepsy effects nearly all breeds of dogs, including the mixed breed.  It usually becomes apparent between six months and five years of age.  Both male and female dogs are affected.  Between 2% and 3% of dogs and 0.5% of cats are epileptic.

Epileptic seizures come in many shapes and sizes.  They may be focal and local, affecting only part of the dogs body or they may be generalized, affecting the entire body.  In humans, this type of seizure is called "gran mal".  Seizures usually last less than three minutes, but to those observing their first seizure, they see to last much longer.

Seizures have three distinct phase.  The first phase is called "Aura". This phase is brief and is
characterized by anxiety.  The second is the ictul phase and  is the seizure itself.  The seizure may start with one part of the body and progress to involve the entire dog.  As stated earlier, this phase rarely lasts longer than two minutes.  The third phase is the post-ictul phase and is characterized by confusion, weakness and rapid breathing.  Temporary blindness and total exhaustion may follow a particularly severe seizure.  This phase can last as long as several hours.

Seizures which closely follow each other are called cluster seizures (two or more seizures occurring within 24 hours).  This is a condition which requires urgent medical attention.  Status Epilepticus is best described as a continuous seizure.  This is a medical emergency.  Status epilepticus can be fatal.

When a pet is having a seizure, it is not necessary to try to restrain a pet that is having a seizure,  but occasionally it is necessary to protect the pet from harmful surroundings during the seizure.  It is not dangerous to handle a pet during a seizure although it is wise to keep away from the mouth as accidental and inadvertent bites do occur.

The goal of treatment for epilepsy is to control the seizure.  There is no cure for epilepsy.  Successful therapy is measured by the ability to decrease frequency, duration and severity of individual seizures.

Epilepsy is most commonly controlled with daily oral dosage of Phenobarbital.  In refractory cases, other medications are used in addition to Phenobarbital.  Diazepam is frequently used in the hospital and occasionally prescribed to control seizures at the time they occur.  It is often necessary to completely anesthetize the animal in status epilepticus

Some important points concerning treatment for epilepsy:

ยง               Many epileptic dogs become worse if not treated.

ยง               Even the properly controlled case may have an occasional mild seizure.

ยง               Discontinuance of or "skipping of treatment may cause a seizure in the controlled case.

ยง               Some medications for epilepsy must be given for several days before they become effective.  Ask your doctor whether this is true with the medication prescribed for your pet.

ยง               Medication must be given one to four times daily based on the individual case.

ยง               Medication must be given for the life of your pet.

ยง               Determination of your pet's dosage may take several months.  Proper dosage is determined by the effect of the medication on your dog's seizures.  Prevention of all seizures is the desired goal.

ยง               Frequently, seizure control requires more than one medication.

ยง               Do not become discouraged if a seizure occurs.  Call your veterinarian to discuss changes in dosage or medication.

ยง               Record the date, duration and severity of all seizures and make this information available to your veterinarian.