Canine seizures?

Question

Just over 4 weeks ago my 13 year old golden Nikki had a seizure in the middle of the night; by the time I was able to get to the vet she had a total of 4. Blood tests ruled out a specific cause and Nikki he was immediately put on potassium bromide to control the seizures and has not had any sense. My vet said seizures can be cause by such a wide variety of reasons, eliminating the obvious
it 'could' be a brain tumour. She said that the potassium bromide
eventually would not work if the seizures were caused by a tumour. Hoping someone here has more definitive info, via
experience. Many thanks. Bella

Answer 1

Naturally Treating Epilepsy
and Seizure Disorders
by Darleen Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist


Epilepsy is a growing concern with pet owners and is becoming a very common problem in veterinary medicine. Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a sudden, involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or sensation. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Common Types of Seizures

There are two BASIC forms of epilepsy. Infrequent "Petit mal" or "partial motor seizures" is a less severe form of epilepsy, which affects only a specific group or groups of muscles. "Grand mal" or "major motor" seizures are more severe. These include a loss of consciousness and gross body movements.

Common Symptoms your Pet May Suffer During a Seizure

Stiffness
Loss of consciousness
Urinating
Salivating
Sudden, violent shaking
Muscle twitching or slight shaking of a limb
Staring, altered vision

A seizure may last from one to five minutes. Afterwards, the pet may seem exhausted, confused and disoriented.

Major Causes of Seizures

Genetic Factors. Some forms of epilepsy are inherited. Sodium, potassium, and calcium serve the brain as ions and produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell to another. If the channels that carry them are genetically damaged, an imbalance occurs that can cause misfire and seizures.


Brain Tumors. Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can cause seizures.


Liver disease. Liver disease is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.


Severe worm infestation. Parasites release toxins that have an adverse affect on the central nervous system.


Low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, which brings on feelings of fatigue and stress, may be a factor in triggering seizures. Scientists have estimated that between 50 to 90 percent of all epileptics suffer from low blood sugar, and 70 percent have abnormal glucose tolerance levels.


Lead, Chemicals, Additives and Poisoning. Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum have also been known to cause seizures. Some pets are very sensitive to such metals, and exposure is common through aluminum cookware, auto exhaust, industrial pollution, household cleaners and copper water pipes. Flea sprays, collars and yard sprays are also toxic to pets.


Vaccinations. Because vaccines may contain proteins and/or organisms, they may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain.


Infections, cysts and cancer.


Head Trauma. A blow to the head from an auto accident, abuse or other accident can lead to life-long seizures.


Renal Kidney Failure. The role of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluid. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they may lose their ability to perform these functions, causing a toxic build-up in the body. A toxic build-up can lead to a seizure disorder.


Vitamin deficiencies. Research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium.


Types of Treatments

Types of traditional treatments such as Phenobarbital, Primidone, Diazepam (Valium) and Potassium Bromide are typically prescribed by veterinarians for seizure disorders. Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods of treating seizure disorders. A more natural approach is outlined below.

Prevention Plan For Treating Seizure Disorders Naturally

A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have.

Rule Out Other Health Problems
Rule out other health problems such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Cancer, Liver or Kidney disease. A health problem may be triggering seizures.

Feed Homemade Diet or High Quality Commercial Food
Poor nutrition is a direct cause of many major and minor diseases. Therefore, a commitment to optimum health and longevity for your pet must include a high quality diet.

Research has shown that a low quality diet -- meaning a diet loaded with chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, coloring agents, sodium nitrate (found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats who ate it regularly) and by-products -- can lead to allergies, nervousness, hypertension, diabetes, weight problems, dry skin, and many other common ailments.

A homemade diet is recommended as this is the best you can do for your pet. If you are interested in recipes, please email our Pet Nutritionist. Home cooking does not fit into everyone's lifestyle and if this is the case, it is essential to choose a high quality dry food.

Because of what goes into pet foods today and what does not, it is important to know how to read labels, and know the history of the company manufacturing the pet food. Purely Pets has done extensive research on many of the pet food companies and we recommend Flint River Ranch and Azmira Pet Foods. These products use high quality ingredients -- healthy ingredients that are useful to your pet's body.

Rule Out Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a medical term meaning low blood sugar, a condition that is becoming more common in pets and especially pets suffering from seizures.

It is recommended that pets suffering from seizures follow the suggestions given below to rule out hypoglycemia.

Feed a high quality diet to maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Keep stress to a minimum.

Exercise moderately.

Supplement with high quality vitamins.

Feed small frequent meals.


Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack

Staggering or collapse

Weakness

Aggression

Moodiness

Glassy eyes, staring, dazed looked

Seizure - If this happens it is essential to administer a source of glucose. The best source is honey. Honey, is made up of 35% protein & contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large quantities of carbohydrates (sugars), some minerals, B complex, and C, D, and E. Therefore, honey will immediately raise the blood sugar putting the body in balance and stabilizing the blood sugar level. If honey is not available use jelly, karo syrup or maple syrup. Put a small amount of one of these directly into the mouth. It will be quickly absorbed.


Recommendations to Prevent Hypoglycemia Attacks

The Hypoglycemia feeding schedule is as follows:

7:00 AM Breakfast - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 AM Snack - see suggestions below
3:00 PM Snack
7:00 PM Dinner - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 PM Snack -- this should be a high protein, high carbohydrate snack. For example, two plain rice cakes with peanut butter in the middle, egg and toast, chicken and brown rice, etc.

Snack Suggestions:

Celery

Carrots

Apples

Pears

Bran crackers

Rice cakes

Peaches

Hard Boiled eggs

Scrambled eggs

Oatmeal

Low sodium saltine crackers with peanut butter

Cottage cheese

Plain yogurt

Homemade meatballs

Chicken


The goal is not to put weight on your pet, but to balance out the body, stabilize the blood sugar level and ultimately control the seizures.

Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet

Many household cleaners contain formaldehyde (also known as embalming solution), which could cause severe irritation to eyes, throat and skin. Some floor polishes contain chemicals that can cause cancer as well as damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and central nervous system. It is important to keep your pets in a well-ventilated area when cleaning.

Flea collars, flea sprays, air fresheners, carpet powders and yard control products are not recommended.

Exercise!

Exercise helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet's metabolism.

Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise everyday. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration. Do NOT over exercise older pets, or pets suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy, heart problems, etc. Pets suffer from exhaustion just as humans do.

Supplement

Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian.

Super C 2000
Vitamin C is known as the king of vitamins and absolutely essential to the living process. Dogs do produce Vitamin C, but stress, separation from the mother, relocation to a new home, neutering, immunizations, sickness, skin problems, ear crops, de-worming, heartworm pills, teething, weather changes, seizures and other ailments quickly deplete the little amount they produce. Medical science has described Vitamin C as one of the least toxic substances known. It is the single most important thing you can do for the health of your pet.

Mega Pet or Nupro
Vitamins and minerals are necessary to build the immune system and strengthen your pet. They have the power to neutralize the possible harmful effects of impurities and toxins present in a pet's food or environment. They will also ensure against possible dietary deficiencies and provide extra nutrition in times of stress. Supplements make a tremendous difference in improving the quality of a pet's life. Mega Pet Daily is recommended for pets 25 lbs. and over, because these are fairly large capsules. Nupro is recommend for pets 25 lbs. and under.

EpiPlus
This powder supplement is an alternative to the traditional medicines being used to control seizures. It has long been known that a deficiency in the B complex vitamins can cause seizures in any species. EpiPlus contains high dosages of B complex vitamins and herbs. It is an all-natural product and should be given on a daily basis. There are no known side effects unless your pet is allergic to one of the herbs in the product. If this is the case, EpiPlus can be tailor-made to fit your pet's needs at no extra charge. EpiPlus has had success in eliminating seizures completely or cutting them down dramatically. The time factor depends on the individual pet and it's individual biochemical status.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Positive thinking reaps positive results!! Talk positive to your pet, and be a positive person in your own life.

What to do When a Seizure Occurs

If there is forewarning, administer honey. Give about one tablespoon. For smaller pets use 1 teaspoon. In many cases, this will lessen the severity of the seizure.

Remain calm. This is so important as YOU will prolong the seizure if you scream or get upset.

Turn off all lights, TV and music. Get to a quiet, dark room and hold your pet in a comforting reassuring way. Say only positive things, "You will be okay, you will be better."


Factors That May Trigger a Seizure

Below is a list of factors that most commonly trigger seizures. This does not mean your pet will have a seizure each time it comes in contact with one. EACH pet is different and sensitive to certain things. This list does not apply to every pet.

Some of these factors are impossible to avoid, but are listed for your knowledge.

Hair spray - Do not spray when pet is in the same room.
Wool - Wool blankets, wool sofas, etc.
Heartworm pills - A seizure may occur 1 to 1 ½ wks. after administering heartworm medication.
Cigarette smoke.
Environmental Pollution from chemical plants.
BHA - A preservative commonly used in dog foods, read - "Additives in Pet Foods,"
BHT - A preservative commonly used in dog foods.
Sodium nitrate - Proven in research studies to cause severe seizures. Sodium nitrate is found in many foods we eat. Read the ingredient labels carefully.
Carpet powders.
Air fresheners.
Fabric softeners - If exposed to clothes that have fabric softener on them.
Dryer sheets - If exposed to clothes that have been in the dryer with the dryer sheets.
Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Monosodium Glutamate - in excess.
Sugar - Sucrose, corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar.
Low quality commercial dog biscuits and treats.
Low quality dry food.
Low quality canned food.
Plastic bowls - All plastics release some undetectable fumes, especially when heated. This out-gassing means the fumes can pass into the foods that are served or stored in the bowl or container. Stainless steel or glass bowls are recommended.
Cheap ceramic bowls - Cause the same problem as described above.
Fumes from all bathroom cleaners.
Fumes from bleach.
Fumes from dusting products.
Household cleaners - Pine cleaners should be avoided.
All toxic flea products - If the product states "Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals", it is hazardous to your pet.
Toxic shampoos.
Toxic flea collars.
Dust - Change air filters in your home once a month, and wash curtains twice yearly.
Crabgrass.
Mold.
Eating cat or dog feces.
Stress.
Vaccinations.
Lyme vaccine.
Lyme encephalitis.
Rabies vaccine.
Head trauma.
Worm infestation.
Lead - Pets like to lick lead because it tastes sweet, and lead poisoning can result from licking or eating wood chips on which there is lead paint. This can be checked when doing regular blood work, but it must be specified that you would like a LEAD POISONING TEST which is not part of a normal blood work.
Paint fumes.
Paint chips from lead based paint.
Excessive exercise.
Overheating.
Abuse or neglect.
Rawhides - Many are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach
Cheap painted pet toys
Loud noises - Yelling, fighting, doorbell ringing
Scented candles.
Vitamins with high sodium level.
Inconsistent routine.
FALL - Research studies have shown that more seizures occur in the fall. This is due to mold and bacteria in the air.
Blinking lights - Christmas lights, bright lights, etc.
Pine cleaners.
Red food dye.
Ethoxyquin.
Fungi, Bacteria and Germs.
Mobile Phones - Research carried out on animals suggests that mobile phone emissions may trigger seizures. Check out this site - Epilepsy and Mobile Phones
Hereditary Factors.

Answer 2

Hi! My beautiful Golden Mindy was also plagued with seizures at about the same age as your Nikki. (Mindy was 14) She did well for almost 12 months on the medication controling the seizures, but then she did have another and it just wasn't a good outcome from that point on. She did pass away within a month and it was found out that she had a large tumor on the side of her brain.
I was told that there was no cancer but just this tumor which grew for no real reason. I still to this day miss her. She lived a very long and up to that point a healthy life. She produced some of the most beautiful Goldens I've ever seen.
I will pray that your Nikki will be with you for a very long time.

Answer 3

My dog Indy (Indiana Jones) has had seizures ever since he was a puppy. No one knows exactly why but the general concensus is that he bumped his head when he was younger and literally knocked something loose. At first it was every once in awhile then they became more violent and he would get as many as four a month. As he aged and they got worse we knew his body wasn't handling it well...especially since we had to lay on top of him to keep him from hitting things around him. Our vet gave us Phenobarbitol to give him once a day. One grain. He's had two seizures since, this was over a year ago we started giving them to him, and those seizures were done in less than five minutes and they were minimal. We could tell his brain was still there because he would look at us while he was clenching, before his eyes would bug out and he'd stare into space. If this is the first time she's had them her whole life it may be a tumor. I say that counting in her age and the fact she hasn't had them before now. Good luck and i hope you find out the definite answer soon.

Answer 4

Typically, when seizures start in older dogs, such as your golden, brain tumors are more likely the cause. Epilepsy usually presents in younger dogs, 2-3 years old is the average age.
Your best way to get answers is to see a neurologist . There are diagnostics that can be done. Brain tumors are not curable, but there may be medications, other than potassium bromide, that could be more effective in keeping her comfortable.
CTs are becoming more and more common in dogs these days, but you would have to see a veterinary neurologist. Talk to your family vet about it and see what they recommend.

Answer 5

My 15 month old female dog died during a first-time episode of a pair of brain seizures in rapid succession in a 20 minute span. I looked at all the major known causes of these seizures, but she didn't show any of the key symptoms associated with them. I fear she may have contracted some form of neural virus (contagion) that acted quickly and aggressively after a short incubation period: disorientation, collapsing, convulsing,, stiffening, teeth chattering, and foaming at the mouth. Has anyone here experienced the same thing with their pets?

Answer 6

my yellow lab Barker started having seizures about 2 years ago. It was very scary the first time it happened. the vet put him on phenobarb it helped for a while we had to up his dosage a couple times but lately hes back to one every two week the vet thinks we may need to put him on potassium bromide also. i found this web site that talked about this all natural herbal pills that have stopped seizures. so i thought i would give it a try. the pills are kinda messy and they need to take 1-6/2x daily but the liquid drops are awesome!! the other night barker had all the signs that he was going to have a seizure and i put 2-3 drops in his mouth and within minutes he stopped drooling and was able to go to sleep. i would highly recommend the drops the web site is www.allergicpet.com.

Answer 7

I have a small dog (a Shih-Tzu) and she is prone to seizures that are caused when her esophagus collapses. They don't know why that happens, or if it's related to her being a small dog, and the only way to correct it is through an expensive surgery. When she has a seizure, it's like she's trying to bring in air and she's making loud snorting noises but she can't breathe. We usually have to gently rub her throat to get it to stop. This might be a cause for your dog's. I hope it's something you can treat, though. Good luck!

Answer 8

Your vet may be able to tell with an xray whether your dog has an abnormal growth in its brain. Your girl is a very elderly dog and obviously has been cared for wonderfully to get her to this age. Until your vet finds an abnormal growth I think I would hope and expect the antiseizure medicine to work. Thyroid or blood sugar levels might be something to check on though.

Answer 9

the previous post gave you more info than a vet could. but without a CT scan, who knows? you and your vet are just seeing what hapens with the meds. my fiend had a dog that went through the same thing. it eventually got worse and worse and worse. it's up to you to see how much you want to go through and how much you want to put the dog through.
your dog is 13, and yes you may have to think that this is the beginning of the end.
so embrace it. see it for what it is. don't buy time. it may not be quality time. just savor what time you may have left with your pet. spend all the quality time you can give her. tell her you love her, and follow her leads. she'll let you know when it's time to let go. and when that time comes, ....let go too.
then go to the rainbow bridge.
that's where all pets go till they meet their families again.
visit the website. www.rainbowbridge.com.
much love...

Answer 10

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Answer 11

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