Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Idiopathic (genetic) epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs aged 1-5 years. Seizures result from abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain and can range from focal (partial) to generalized (grand mal) events.

Symptoms & Signs

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (stiffening then paddling)
• Loss of consciousness
• Salivation and jaw chomping
• Urination/defecation during seizure
• Post-ictal confusion and disorientation
• Focal seizures (twitching of face or limb)
• Pre-ictal behavioral changes

Causes & Risk Factors

Idiopathic epilepsy has a genetic basis with breed-specific inheritance patterns. Structural epilepsy results from brain lesions (tumors, inflammation, malformations). Reactive seizures occur from metabolic disturbances (hypoglycemia, liver disease, toxins).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is one of exclusion. Workup includes complete blood work, urinalysis, bile acids, MRI of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to rule out structural and metabolic causes. EEG is rarely used in veterinary medicine.

Treatment

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): phenobarbital and potassium bromide are first-line in dogs. Levetiracetam (Keppra) is increasingly used. Zonisamide as adjunctive therapy. Treatment initiated when seizures occur more than once every 4-6 weeks or cluster seizures occur.

Prevention

Responsible breeding away from affected lines. Genetic testing available for some breed-specific epilepsies. Avoiding known seizure triggers (stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications).

Prognosis

60-70% of epileptic dogs achieve acceptable seizure control with medication. 20-30% are drug-resistant. Lifespan may be slightly reduced. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures carry higher mortality risk.

Affected Breeds (8)

Related Conditions

• Status Epilepticus
• Brain Tumors
• Meningoencephalitis