How to treat epilepsy in dogs?

Treatment of IGE is centered around antiepileptic medication (AED) and patient education to promote an awareness of precipitating factors. The treatment goal is for satisfactory seizure control on minimal therapy, i.e., monotherapy.

Can epilepsy in dogs be treated?

Epilepsy is unfortunately a neurological condition that the animal is born with and as such cannot be cured. Treatment for epilepsy in dogs aims at 'controlling' the seizures.

How do you treat idiopathic epilepsy in dogs?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy. Veterinarians and Veterinary Neurologists will use anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications to help decrease the frequency and severity of seizures.The most common medications used include:

1. Phenobarbital.
2. Potassium bromide (KBr)
3. Zonisamide.
4. Levetiracetam.

How much does it cost to treat a dog with epilepsy?

Veterinary Cost Typically, however, dogs will do well with simple diagnostics, simple drugs and simple monitoring that may run as low as $200 to $500 a year--more for larger dogs who require larger doses of medication. More expensive drug choices can mean $500 to $5,000 a year in necessary medication.

How to test for epilepsy in dogs?

Getting to a Diagnosis

1. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis.
2. Urinalysis.
3. Eye examination.
4. Chest X-rays and/or MRI.
5. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF)
6. Lab work on specific serum titers such as toxoplasmosis and neosporosis (when infectious conditions are suspected)

Is epilepsy a disability?

Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing. There are different listings for epilepsy in the Blue Book.

What is epilepsy in dogs?

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, and has been estimated to affect approximately 0.75% of the canine population3. The term epilepsy refers to a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by the presence of recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from an abnormality of the brain.

Is epilepsy in dogs fatal?

What is status epilepticus? Status epilepticus is a serious and life threatening situation. It is characterized by a seizure that lasts more than five minutes. Unless intravenous anticonvulsants are given immediately to stop the seizure activity, the dog may die or suffer irreversible brain damage.

Is there medication for dogs with epilepsy?

Two drugs are licensed for the treatment of primary epilepsy in dogs; Phenobarbital (commonly prescribed under the trade name EpiphenTM) and Imepitoin (prescribed under the trade name PexionTM). Potassium bromide (prescribed under the trade name LibromideTM) is licensed for uncontrolled epilepsy in dogs.

How is idiopathic epilepsy diagnosed?

Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed by ruling out other acquired diseases that also can manifest seizures. A minimum database that includes a complete blood count, biochemical analysis and urinalysis is useful to exclude other underlying systemic diseases outside of the brain.

How can a dog help with epilepsy?

Generally, seizure dogs assist during a seizure by barking to alert others to come help. They can also be trained to press buttons or levers in the home in order to notify 911. Some seizure dogs will lay on the floor with their body pressed against their owner during a seizure in order to limit his or her flailing.

Is chocolate good for epilepsy?

Abstract. While the consumption of caffeine and cocoa has been associated with a variety of health benefits to humans, some authors have proposed that excessive caffeine intake may increase the frequency of epileptic seizures in humans and reduce the efficiency of antiepileptic drugs.

What triggers epilepsy?

Missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and menstruation are some of the most common triggers, but there are many more. Flashing lights can cause seizures in some people, but it's much less frequent than you might imagine.