What I Have Learned

What I Learned

  I learned that there are many different options for treating dogs with epilepsy, and that Lilly is definitely not alone in her battle. Epilepsy is a common illness among our four legged friends, and can be managed easily with a controlled diet, and proper treatment.

  Beginning of Life for an Epileptic Dog

  When Lilly was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, one of my first questions was, “Is it hereditary?” I began by asking the people that I got her from if her parents or any of her siblings had ever had seizures, and the answer was NO. In my research I found an answer to this nagging question: "’true’ epilepsy as that which occurs in hereditary syndromes within certain breeds of dogs manifests as a symptom of primary neurologic dysfunction of which the cause is still unknown.” (Davol) “True” epilepsy is only one cause that may trigger seizures in dogs; “Epilepsy may occur secondary to many diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, or as a result of exposure to toxic substances or trauma.” (Davol)  Lilly had her first seizure when she was two years old, which leads me to believe that she has “True” epilepsy.  “Seizures can occur at any age, however, true epilepsy does not usually present until the dog is around 2 years or older.” (Davol)

The Seizure

  There are four basic stages to a seizure: Prodome, Aura, Ictus, and Post Ictus. (Mitchell) The Prodome may be visible to a pet owner who has been diligent in observing their pets’ behaviors. It is the first sign that a seizure may be coming and can last for hours or even days before the actual seizure. It can be spotted by a change in mood or behaviors. The Aura is the step which happens just prior to the seizure; this will be much more noticeable to the pet owner because it can involve nervousness, trembling, drooling, or even affection. I have never noticed Lilly acting out the Prodome phase before, but I have seen her in the Aura phase. Three times over the years, I have noticed that she was directly beside me when she started her seizure; actually touching me. The one time that she couldn’t reach me, because I was in the shower, she had lain directly in front of my the actual seizure itself and may last 45 seconds to 3 minutes. (Mitchell) During the seizure the dog might experience loss of consciousness, thrashing, drooling, vocalization, feet paddling, and uncontrolled urination or bowels. Most of Lillys’ seizures have lasted from two thru eight minutes with the exception of one. This particular seizure lasted almost two hours and is the only time she has lost control of her bowels. Since doing research on this topic I have learned that she had a Status Epilepticus seizure. Status Epilepticus: Status can occur as one continuous seizure lasting 10 minutes or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no period of normal consciousness, this may be life threatening. (Mitchell) The final stage to a seizure is called the Post Ictus; this stage occurs immediately after the seizure and sometimes includes pacing, and the dog may appear blind or deaf and eat or drink to the excess.

How to Deal With a Seizure

  My personal experiences with Lilly and her seizures have always led to me laying on the floor with her; holding her head and comforting her until the end.  I always talk to her and let her know that I am there with her, whether she realizes it or not. I know it makes a difference; as I have learned: “Remain by your pet's side; stroke and comfort your animal so when he comes out of the seizure you are there to calm him.” (http://www.justlabradors.com) A very important fact to remember is that if the seizure lasts too long, “more than 10 to 15 minutes, you should call your veterinarian” (Miller) I have only had to do this the one time Lilly had a Status epilepticus seizure, which ended with a hurried trip to the vets, a shot of valium, and them spraying the bottoms of her feet with cold water to bring down her temperature.

Treatment

  There are several anticonvulsant drugs available for treatment of seizures in dogs, some of which are Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, and Valium. Lilly has been on Phenobarbital since she first started treatment for her seizures and it has been very effective. There has been lapses in between her seizures that have lasted for months and her doctor has lowered her dosage in hopes that the new dosage would be sufficient; only to lead to a future seizure. Lilly is on Phenobarbital because it has the highest efficiency rate and the lowest disadvantages:

Phenobarbital

indication uses: generalized major motor seizures
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action, can be administered by several routes, most effective drug in status epilepsy
disadvantages: long-term sedation, restricted drug, increased thirst and urination, irritability and restlessness (Davol)

Although Phenobarbital inhibits seizures by decreasing the activity of neurons. (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com), it also has some long term side effects sedation, lethargy, excessive urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger, hyperexcitability, ataxia (loss of coordination or hind end weakness) and restlessness.  (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com)

My Hopes for Lilly

  The most important thing that I have learned through my research is that I have been giving Lilly the best possible care that is available. Sure there has been a few mistakes made along the way, but epilepsy and seizures are still being explored to this day. My hopes for the future are that she lives a long, happy, and comfortable life with as few seizures as possible. “Epilepsy may be self-limiting and many animals achieve remission (freedom from seizures) with appropriate treatment.” (http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk)