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| Canine Epilepsy |
| What is Canine Epilepsy? ------------------------------------------- We have two Pomeranians who suffer from Canine Epilepsy. One is a six year old and the other is her first born daughter who is almost two years of age. The seizures are very frightening to us, and thus far by the grace of God both dogs have been able to come out of the seizures unscathed. But not all dogs are so lucky. -------------------------------------- This is a very serious illness which can cause death if a grand mall seizure occurs and the illness goes untreated. |
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| PILEPSY |
| Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition caused by temporary changes in the electrical functions of the brain which cause recurring seizures in humans and animals that affect awareness, movement and sensations. Recurring seizures are important because a dog that has isolated seizures is most likely NOT suffering from epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and will show itself in the form of the seizures. Dogs rarely will die from seizures which last a normal duration of one to five minutes. However when a dog has one very long seizure or several seizures in a rapid succession, the death rate then can increase and is a sign of a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. |
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| REATMENTS |
| There are two main ways that a Vet will treat Canine Epilepsy. The two most prescribed medications are Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide. The two drugs used together or alone help to controls eizures in almost 75% to 90% of all dogs treated with them. For dogs not being treated with these two drugs, there are other medications that may not be as helpful but will be the perfect type of treatment for that individual dog. As with any drug, Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide have the same potential side effects of excessive hunger, excessive thirst, more frequent urination, ataxia and sedation. Not all dogs will go through these side effects and some stop having them once they become adjusted to the medications. The main reason for my dogs not being on either Phenobarbital or Potassium Bromide are the more serious side effects. Some dogs have shown serious liver damage and need to be seen by the vet for routine liver function tests and bile acid tests. Potassium Bromide has been said to possibly cause or help contribute to pancreatitis. |
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| ATURALLY |
| There are several options to pet owners who have an animal suffering from Epilepsy. Most owners are not even aware that dietary changes in conjunction with bonemeal, cinnamon, ginger root or comfry can help greatly reduce and even control your pet's seizures. Holistic medical treatments are not often recognized by some Veternarians, so it is always best to talk with your vet first and then go from there. Ultimately, your pet's health is in YOUR hands and you must decide the proper care and which ways to go with them. Flax seed oil, oatmeal mixed with some regular dry food and a touch of Cinnamon can make all the difference. Herbal remedies have little to no side effects on your pet. We treat our dogs with Cinnamon, Ginger Root and Valerian. So far they have been seizure free, and at very minimum, the seizures have not gripped them intensely as they did before. We here at Ghostnet7 do NOT suggest that you try ANY medications, herbal or otherwise without first contacting your vet. |
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| THER |
| Often times infrequent petit mal seizures are brief, consist of nodding, chewing or licking with minor twitching. Dogs will often collapse into a sitting or lying position and rarely fall onto their sides. They will often have a far-a-way look in their eyes and will tremble all over. There are many stages and different types of seizures. I STRONGLY reccomend visiting the link below for a complete update on your dog's seizures to help you determine what type of seizure your pet is having. For those who cannot afford medical care for WHATEVER the reasons, do not despair. I will be adding some links that will help you find the care you can give to your beloved pet. |
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