17th of November,2013 is observed as a National Epilepsy Day in India ! Very few people are aware that this neurological condition also affects your furry four legged dear ones !
What is Epilepsy : Epileptic seizures result from abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.
Sometimes the epilepsy can be caused by another underlying disease. This is called secondary epilepsy and is more common in older dogs. In other cases, no cause can be detected, and this is called primary, or idiopathic, epilepsy which is more common in younger dogs.
If you are living with an epileptic pet , you should have it diagnosed if it is a primary or a secondary epilepsy. Treatment modalities will differ based on the diagnosis. An MRI scan , Cerebro-spinal fluid analysis helps us get to a diagnosis.
Managing Epilepsy : Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication. An important point we would like to mention is the anti-epileptic medications prescribed by your veterinarian should not be stopped suddenly,if the seizures do not recur. There is a likely hood that your pet may go into a "Status Epilepticus" which is an seizure attack which can last for a long time and sometime can turn life-threatening due to the secondary complications A strict schedule and time bound medication dispensing is advised. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used in some refractory epilepsy cases.
Tips for Epileptic Pet Parents : Watching your beloved pet undergo a seizure can be very disheartening and can be mentally taxing, so it is important for you to stay calm and follow the following tips
1. Remember that during the seizure episode your pet may exhibit behavioral changes and may not transiently respond to or recognize you and end up snapping at you. Best to stay away from your pet's face while he has an episode.The best way you can help your pet is by not handling him during the episode.
2. Clear out the space and objects that can hurt them, to prevent them from injuring themselves during this episode. Hold them if they are on your bed or a raised platform to prevent them from falling down.
3. Ask for Veterinary help if the seizures last for over 2-3 minutes or if they have bursts of seizures in quick successions.
4.We recommend you to have a badge like the one shown in this picture to be tied to your pets' collar. As there may be a situation that your pet has a seizure while you are not around and the people around can help you and your pet by giving you a call !
Take away Message : With the combination of appropriate anti-epileptic therapy, a good Veterinary care and a stringent Pet-Parent compliance... most pets live a healthy and a seizure free life.. All they need is your love and care !
What is Epilepsy : Epileptic seizures result from abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.
Sometimes the epilepsy can be caused by another underlying disease. This is called secondary epilepsy and is more common in older dogs. In other cases, no cause can be detected, and this is called primary, or idiopathic, epilepsy which is more common in younger dogs.
If you are living with an epileptic pet , you should have it diagnosed if it is a primary or a secondary epilepsy. Treatment modalities will differ based on the diagnosis. An MRI scan , Cerebro-spinal fluid analysis helps us get to a diagnosis.
Managing Epilepsy : Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication. An important point we would like to mention is the anti-epileptic medications prescribed by your veterinarian should not be stopped suddenly,if the seizures do not recur. There is a likely hood that your pet may go into a "Status Epilepticus" which is an seizure attack which can last for a long time and sometime can turn life-threatening due to the secondary complications A strict schedule and time bound medication dispensing is advised. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used in some refractory epilepsy cases.
Tips for Epileptic Pet Parents : Watching your beloved pet undergo a seizure can be very disheartening and can be mentally taxing, so it is important for you to stay calm and follow the following tips
1. Remember that during the seizure episode your pet may exhibit behavioral changes and may not transiently respond to or recognize you and end up snapping at you. Best to stay away from your pet's face while he has an episode.The best way you can help your pet is by not handling him during the episode.
2. Clear out the space and objects that can hurt them, to prevent them from injuring themselves during this episode. Hold them if they are on your bed or a raised platform to prevent them from falling down.
3. Ask for Veterinary help if the seizures last for over 2-3 minutes or if they have bursts of seizures in quick successions.
Take away Message : With the combination of appropriate anti-epileptic therapy, a good Veterinary care and a stringent Pet-Parent compliance... most pets live a healthy and a seizure free life.. All they need is your love and care !
