Handling epilepsy dogs have is a common problem. Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures. What should be understood is that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy.

1. Handling Epilepsy
Dogs Sometimes Have
Handling epilepsy dogs have is a common problem. Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures.
What should be understood is that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs
because there are electrical currents in the brain that cause the familiar seizures. This disease is
common and can occur in any breed of dog, it is not specific to any one breed. The cause may
either be genetic of heredity.
Epilepsy is a disease that can be divided into two types. The primary form of epilepsy is genetic.
This form of epilepsy is passed down through the dogs parents. By looking at a dogs heredity
you will often see other cases of the disease.
The other type of the disease is often caused by a lack of nutrients, or a toxin in the
environment. Lead and other toxic substances can trigger the epileptic seizures, as can a lack of
certain vitamins.
Seizures are a main indicator of epilepsy. However there are all sorts of seizures. The seizures
categories in humans are similar to those found in dogs. The most sever are grand mal. In these
seizures, dog's will often times fall to the floor and look to have lost control over its motor
facilities.
Seizures come in all degrees. There are some seizures which are very slight. The dog may
appear to be shaking and or twitching. It may not appear to even be a seizure to many people.
For a person who owns a dog with epilepsy, there can be quite a few problems. But it is good to
know that there are many ways to treat epilepsy. There are several medications which can be
used to lessen the seizures. While the disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled.
Medications such as Valium are used to limit the effects of the seizures.
If you happen to see your dog go into a seizure, it is important to remain calm. You should also
try to remember what happened before the seizure. How the dog was acting is important in
helping with the diagnosis.
It is important to take notice of what foods the dog has had, and what materials the dog has
been around. Taking notice of what items the dog may have come into contact with is
important in determining if the seizures have been caused by environmental toxins.

2. After the seizure, you should take your dog to a veterinarian. The vet will perform tests
including blood work and brain scans. This will look into whether the seizures have been caused
by a toxic presence in the dogs life, or rather is primary epilepsy.
You should try to keep the area where the dog is going to be as clean as possible. Any toxic
substances such as lead must not be allowed to be near the dog, as these can lead to seizures.
After the dog has been prescribed medication you have to watch for reactions. Negative side
effects such as liver damage are often associated with epilepsy drugs.
It is also unwise to stop the drugs without lowering the dose. Like many medications for
humans, suddenly ceasing all intakes can itself cause a problem. Because of this you will often
be told by the vet to gradually lower the dose.
Even though a dog cannot be cured of epilepsy there are drugs and lifestyle changes that can
make the dogs life more tolerable. The fact that it has a disease does not mean that its quality
of life will be terrible. With medication and diligent observation many dogs with epilepsy live
happy lives.
Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory's Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine
epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website to learn other epilepsy dogs and
Sandra's secret to good canine health--you'll be surprised when you learn the truth.