Epilepsy in animals 3498873 225667419 2008-07-14T20:30:50Z 217.146.126.215 /* Feline epilepsy */ '''Epilepsy''' can occur in animals other than humans (see main article [[Epilepsy]]). It is characterized by recurrent unprovoked [[seizure]]s. Canine epilepsy is often genetic. Epilepsy in cats and other pets is rarer, likely because there is no hereditary component to epilepsy in these animals. ==Canine epilepsy== In [[dog]]s, epilepsy is often an inherited condition. The incidence of epilepsy/seizures in the general dog population is estimated at between 0.5% and 5.7%.<ref name="Wiersma"> http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/epilepsy.html Wiersma-Aylward, A. 1995. Canine Epilepsy. Retrieved August 6, 2007</ref> In certain breeds, such as the [[Belgian Shepherd]] varieties, the incidence may be much higher. ===Diagnosis=== There are three types of epilepsy in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.<ref> Peterson, M, Inherited epilepsy can be devastating in dogs. http://www.essfta.org/Health_Research/epilepsy.htm </ref> Reactive epileptic seizures are caused by metabolic issues, such as [[Hypoglycemia|low blood sugar]] or [[Renal failure|kidney]] or [[liver failure]]. Epilepsy caused by problems such as a [[brain tumor]], [[stroke]], or other trauma is known as secondary, or symptomatic, epilepsy. In primary, or idiopathic, epilepsy, there is no known cause. This type of epilepsy is diagnosed by eliminating other possible causes for the seizures. Dogs with [[idiopathic]] epilepsy experience their first seizure between the ages of one and three. However, the age of diagnosis is only one factor in diagnosing canine epilepsy. One study found a cause for the seizures in one-third of dogs between the ages of one and three, indicating secondary or reactive rather than primary epilepsy.<ref>Podell, M, Seizure classification in dogs from non-referral based population. JAVMA 6 pp 1721-1728 (1995).</ref> When an animal who has suffered a seizure is presented to a [[veterinarian]], the veterinarian will do an initial work-up. This work-up may include a physical and neurological exam, a [[complete blood count]], [[Blood test|serum chemistry profile]], [[urinalysis]], bile tests, and [[thyroid function tests]].<ref>The Canine Epilepsy Network, http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html</ref> These tests will help the veterinarian determine whether the animal is in fact experiencing seizures, and may help determine a cause for the seizures if there is one. Veterinarians may also request that dog owners keep a "seizure log" documenting the timing, length, severity, and recovery of each seizure, as well as any other factors that might be helpful, such as dietary or environmental changes. ===Treatment=== Treatments can include the drugs [[phenobarbital]], [[phenytoin]], [[potassium bromide]], [[levetiracetam]], [[zonisamide]], and [[diazepam]]. Potassium bromide and phenobarbital are often paired for the treatment of animals with epilepsy (other drugs such as [[gabapentin]] are only recently being introduced into the treatment of animals). A veterinarian will often prescribe Zentinol in an effort to minimize the damaging effects of bromides on the liver enzymes. ==Feline epilepsy== [[Complex partial seizure]]s are more common in cats than generalized convulsions. These partial seizures may be shown by either bizarre behavior or a complete lack of movement, accompanied by facial [[tic]]s or excessive salivation. Cats may experience foaming round the mouth or loss of muscle and bladder control. ==See also== * [[Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome]] ==References== <references/> ==External links== * [http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html Canine Epilepsy Resources] * [http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/epilepsy.html The Pet Centre: Epilepsy in the dog] * [http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/lowekamp/feline_epilepsy.html Feline Epilepsy] * [http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/seizures/seizures.htm Seizure Disorders In Dogs And Cats] * [http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_seizure_disorder.html Seizure Disorders (in pets)] * [http://www.socsci.ru.nl/wagrij WAG/Rij rats] ==Support organisations== * [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/epi-felines/ The Epi Feline Support Group] * [http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels] For information and support [[Category:Dog diseases|Epilepsy in dogs]] [[Category:Cat diseases|Epilepsy in cats]] [[Category:Animal diseases]] [[Category:Epilepsy]]