Epilepsy is a genetic disease
that affects more than 20 breeds of dogs today. As the incidence of inherited epilepsy
increases, more and more dogs with seizures are found homeless, in shelters and rescue
organizations. As with all special needs dogs, finding a home for these special dogs
is often difficult. The goal of this article is to provide information on canine
epilepsy and what to expect if you can open your heart to one of these wonderful
puppies.
What is Canine Epilepsy?
Canine Epilepsy is a genetic disorder of the brain where abnormal electrical activity
triggers further uncoordinated nerve transmissions. This uncoordinated and haphazard
nerve tissue activity scrambles messages to the muscles of your dog's body and the
coordinated use of the muscles is then inhibited.
Because there are many causes of chronic recurrent seizures in dogs, canine epilepsy is
not a specific disease or even a single syndrome, but rather a diverse category of
disorders. Canine epilepsy is broadly divided into idiopathic and symptomatic
disorders. Idiopathic Epilepsy means that there is no identifiable brain abnormality
other than seizures. Symptomatic epilepsy is seizures that are the consequence of an
identifiable lesion or other specific cause. One of the causes of symptomatic
epilepsy is Autoimmune Thyroiditis, which causes low thyroid function. All dogs with
seizures should receive a six-panel thyroid test to be sure they are not
Hypothyroid. For more information on hypothyroidism and its connection to seizures,
please visit our section on thyroid disease.
What can I expect if I adopt an epileptic dog?
First and foremost one should be prepared for a very special bonding with their epileptic
dog. No one can explain it but most owners of epileptic dogs agree that the bond is
stronger than they have ever experienced before. Maybe it is because they need us so
much more than other dogs do, but they have a way of wiggling into the depths of your
heart like no other dog can.
The second thing is that epileptic dogs live normal lives every day of the year with the
exception of the days they have seizures. These special dogs can compete in
obedience, field, agility and other activities as long as the stress of competition does
not cause them to have seizures. In fact, Kim Simons, the Agility Commentator on
Animal Planet works with her epileptic dog Roxanne on a regular basis. To read about
Kim and Roxanne please go to our article on Competing in Ability
with an Epileptic dog.
What are the medical expenses
associated with caring for an epileptic dog?
The medical expenses associated with epilepsy will vary according to the dog and the
anti-convulsant medication that works for him but we will try to outline some general
guidelines here.
Medication:
The two most common medications used to treat seizures in dogs are Phenobarbital and
Potassium Bromide. Either of these drugs can be used as mono-therapy or they can be
used together. Both of these drugs are inexpensive and easy to
administer. Phenobarbital will average between $4.00 and $10.00 per month.
Potassium Bromide will average between $7.00 and $17.00 per month. The costs will
depend on the amount of the drugs needed to maintain control.
Laboratory tests:
If your dog is on medication for seizures the blood serum levels of the medication should
be tested every 6 to 12 months. The costs of the lab work will vary from veterinary
clinic to veterinary clinic but will average about $35.00 for Phenobarbital and $50.00 for
Potassium Bromide levels.
For dogs taking Phenobarbital to control seizures a chemistry panel should be done every 4
months to be sure that the liver is functioning properly. The cost will average
about $40.00.
If you are adopting a dog who does not have control of the seizures blood serum levels of
the medication may need to be done more frequently as you work to find the right
medications to control seizures.
All in all the cost of caring for an epileptic dog is not as high as you might expect and
the rewards are so great. If you find that you can open your heart to one of these
special dogs, one of the following rescue organizations can help you find the perfect
match for you and your family:
Dog Breed Info Center
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
Tennessee Valley Golden
Retriever Rescue
http://www.tvgrr.com
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