does anybody have a dog with epilepsy?

Question

we have seen a british bulldog who needs a new home and would like to adopt him. he has epilepsy and is two years old. does anybody have a dog with epiliepsy and could you tell us what their treatment and medication consists of. many thanks

Answer 1

I had a cocker spaniel with epilepsy. He was 8 years old when I rescued him from an incredibly abusive home.

He used to have grand mal seizures (there are also petit mal seizures, not as severe). There seemed to be no warning signs, he could have one at any time. He would collapse on the ground, shaking and trembling violently, but it would only last for a couple of minutes. During this time he would be completely disoriented, and it wasn't safe to hold him, because he might inadvertantly snap. I found the best thing to do was to just stand by, and make sure he didn't hurt himself.

He would come to, disoriented and unable to walk for a few minutes. But within 5 minutes, he would be back up on his feet, and seemingly as good as ever. He never lost control of his bladder, as some dogs do.

I noticed after a while that the seizures came in cycles. He would be fine for 2 or 3 months, then have several seizures within a 2 to 3 week period. Then no more for another 2 or 3 months.

Because of other medical problems, we couldn't put him on medication. Had we been able to do so, most of the spells would have been prevented and the ones he did have, would be minimal.

Talk it over with your vet. In most cases, the seizures can be controlled quite well, and the drugs are not expensive. Being younger, most likely the drugs would more effective for him. It would be wonderful for this boy to get a new home, I hope you get him.

Answer 2

My brothers dog has had epilepsy since the age of four.

He's about nine now.

He has to take two pills every day and has a seizure at least once a week. He used to have them more often than this but with a new medication the vet was able to help my brother get Bubba's condition under control.

He's a wonderfu dog, but after his seizures he's a little disoriented and has been known to growl at people he doesn't know well when he's in this state.

He's not dangerous, but he's certainly not his normal friendly self after having an episode.


Taking care of this bulldog might be a very big task, you need to find out how severe his epilepsy is, how often he has seizures (you can generally predict them) and how much medication he's on.

But it's totally doable. Good luck!

Answer 3

My Laika has mild epilepsy which doesn't need treatment anymore. Came about after a hit and run. There are various different types of epilepsy in dogs. Here is a good site that gives meds and types of seizures. http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/FAQ.html#anchor6032269
the good thing is that after a few years you can usually stop the treatment.
The main thing is to look for the signs - restlessness, whining, blank look. the fits can range from mild twitching to unconsciousness and partial paralysis. It is distressing at the time but afterwards the dog is up and about. Also find a good vet who will be able to help and advise.
Taking in a sick dog is great and dogs understand help and reward you with affection.

Answer 4

i have a border collie with epilepsy she is also 2 she has been having fits for the last year. they last any where from 5 mins to 25mins some are worse than others. She is fine in her self all you have to do is keep the dog safe make sure there is nothing around to hurt himself on, if you can get him too a quite dark place all the better. after the fit has finished just let him lay quietly and in a dark place untill he is ready to get up. At the moment my dog is not on any medication as she is not having the fits too regular.If the dog has regular fits they will put him on medication which will stop him from having a fit. I would NOT give my tessie up for anything. It is not bad having a dog which has fits you just have to keep an eye on him see if you can notice when he is going to have a fit . I can tell most times when tessie is going to have a fit. Anyway if you need any more information please dont hesitate to contact me. I would not let the fact that the dog has fits put me of getting the dog.

Answer 5

I have had a few friends that their dogs had epilepsy, but I have never personally had one. They gave the dogs daily medication for it (can't think of the name...similar to the human med if not the same). Contact a vet and ask your questions...most vets will be happy to answer your questions and concerns, stay in constant contact with the vet you choose, and take the dog in for routine ck ups.

Not many people would even think of taking on a dog with medical problems. I hope you give this puppy a home. I think you would be a great home for this dog!

Thank you and good Luck!

Answer 6

Yes,I have a 13 year old mixed breed who has had epilepsy since she was 12 weeks old.She takes phenobarbital twice a day,and gets valium for a severe seizure,but otherwise she has a normal life.The medication is relatively inexpensive.I would say go for it and give the dog a good home.

Answer 7

I'm sorry this doesn't answer your question, but I thought I'd tell you that we have a duck at London Zoo with epilepsy. It is given a once weekly tablet sprinkled over its food. It's the same stuff that humans are given.

Answer 8

My bro had a cat with epilepsy and i think he had medication for it. It had ceasures quite a lot though and was sick and had accidents with them. I think its quite a traumatatic thing to watch as his wife used to cry every time so you cant really be a softy to have him. Unfortunately though the cat died last year (presumabley of a ceasure) he was only 3

Answer 9

MY MUMS DOG HAS EPILEPSY ITS NOT VERY NICE IT QUITE SCARY I NO THAT SHE IS ALWAYS AT THE VETS AND THE DOG ALWAYS WETS ITSELF BUT THIS DOG MY NOT HAVE SERVER EPILEPSY BUT IF ITS WHAT U REALLY WANT

Answer 10

they have medication that is pretty much the same as people medicine but it doesn't always stop them completely