Seizures, or episodes of uncontrolled movement, may be localized in one area of the body or generalized. Usually each episode is brief, lasting less than 30 minutes. Rarely, a seizure can last up to an hour. Your dog may have only one seizure or have them repeatedly. Regardless of the severity or frequency, your vet must find the right canine seizure remedy.
Causes
Since another condition may cause canine seizures, the remedy will hinge on treating that cause. A treated brain injury, tumor or infection may cure the seizures. The remedy for existing liver failure, kidney failure or electrolyte imbalance may also cure the seizures. Some dog breeds and older dogs are more apt to have seizures. If he finds no other cause, your vet will treat your dog for idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of canine seizures, according to Dr. Gary Roznick, DVM, in "Idiopathic Canine Epilepsy."
Canine Seizure Remedies
If the canine seizure is isolated and never recurs, no remedy is necessary. For recurring or severe seizures, several medications may help. Your vet will consider each common canine seizure remedy, along with its possible side effects. Phenobarbital may cause lethargy, weight gain and severe liver disease. Potassium bromide may cause vomiting and depression. According to the Canadian Veterinary Journal, pancreatitis may be a serious adverse effect of potassium bromide combined with phenobarbital. Clorazepate and Keppra both bring on staggering and drowsiness. Felbamate can severely damage the liver.
Alternative Canine Seizure Remedies
Acupuncture and other traditional remedies have shown some success in treating difficult cases of canine seizures. Vitamin therapies are being evaluated, as some vitamin deficiencies cause seizures in people. Several remedies are advertised on the Internet. Although they may help with calming your dog or provide nutritional supplements, they do not take the place of your veterinarian's advice.
During and After a Seizure
During a canine seizure, keep your dog safe. Because he does not know what he is doing, keep your hands, other pets and children away. Keep the room quiet and wait until the seizure is finished. When the canine seizure subsides, your dog may seem perfectly normal. More often, though, he will be restless and disoriented. Other symptoms may include extreme hunger, pacing or even blindness. This may last for only an hour or for several hours. About the only remedy you can offer during this time is to keep your dog calm and offer small quantities of food and water. The food may help restore blood sugar levels. If this is the first seizure, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
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