Home › Animalia › Animal health › Animal diseases › Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs

other disease Dog

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of repeated seizures in dogs. The brain is structurally normal: it is its electrical functioning that goes wrong at times, causing abnormal discharges. We speak of idiopathic epilepsy when all ot...

Find a veterinarian All dog diseases

Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of repeated seizures in dogs. The brain is structurally normal: it is its electrical functioning that goes wrong at times, causing abnormal discharges.

We speak of idiopathic epilepsy when all other possible causes of seizures have been ruled out: intoxication, tumor, infection, liver disease, blood sugar disorder, trauma.

Seizures most often begin in young adult dogs. Between seizures, the dog is perfectly normal.

Key point

A seizure that lasts more than a few minutes, or seizures that are repeated in the same day, puts the dog's life in danger and requires immediate veterinary consultation.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Seizures Excessive salivation Tremors Staggering gait Reduction Unusual aggression Behaviour change Restlessness

Before the attack, some dogs change their behavior for a few minutes to a few hours: they look for their master, hide, become agitated, whine.

Generalized seizure: the dog falls on its side, loses consciousness, stiffens then pedals or trembles violently in all four limbs. He salivates profusely and may urinate or defecate on himself. The eyes are open and fixed. The seizure usually lasts one to two minutes.

Partial seizure: only part of the body is affected. Contractions on one side of the face, chewing, blinking, trembling of a limb, without necessarily loss of consciousness.

After the attack, a recovery phase lasts from a few minutes to several hours: the dog is disoriented, staggers, bumps, seems not to see, is very hungry or very thirsty, and sometimes appears unusually fearful or irritable.

Between seizures, the dog is completely normal: this is a very characteristic element of this form of epilepsy.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

By definition, no brain lesion is found: it is a disorder of functioning, not of structure.

A hereditary origin is established in several breeds, with family transmission of seizures.

Certain factors can contribute to the onset of a seizure in an epileptic dog: stress, intense excitement, fatigue, change of environment, heat, forgetting to take treatment. These elements do not cause the disease, they reveal the crises.

A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy can only be made after ruling out other causes of seizures, some of which are urgent or treatable.

Age of onset: Most often between one and five years of age, in an otherwise healthy dog.

Predisposed breeds: several breeds have a significantly higher frequency of the disease.

Family history of seizures.

No demonstrated link with current diet or exercise; these are not causes of the disease.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The first step is to find out if it really is a seizure: a video filmed with the phone is extremely useful to the veterinarian. Film if you can, without putting yourself in danger.

The veterinarian collects the precise history: age of the first attack, frequency, duration, appearance, condition of the dog between attacks, possible access to a toxic agent.

He performs a general examination and a complete neurological examination, normal between seizures in idiopathic epilepsy.

Blood and urine tests look for non-nervous causes: liver damage, blood sugar disorder, mineral salt abnormality, kidney failure.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and an analysis of the fluid surrounding it are proposed when the age of onset, the neurological examination or the evolution do not agree with idiopathic epilepsy.

Keeping a seizure diary at home, with date, time, duration and appearance, is an essential monitoring tool for adjusting treatment.

Treatment

Not all epilepsies can be treated immediately: the veterinarian decides to start basic treatment depending on the frequency, duration and severity of the seizures, as well as their grouping over time.

Basic treatment is based on antiepileptic drugs given every day, at a fixed time, without ever skipping a dose or stopping suddenly: a sudden stop can trigger serious seizures. The veterinarian chooses the molecule and adjusts the treatment using blood checks.

The realistic goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, not necessarily to eliminate them completely.

Emergency treatments to be administered at home during a prolonged crisis can be prescribed, with a precise explanation of the procedure: they are only used on instructions from the veterinarian.

A specific diet is sometimes offered in addition to medical treatment.

During a seizure: never put your hand in the dog's mouth, he cannot swallow his tongue and you risk a serious bite. Move the furniture away, protect his head, lower the lights and noise, note the start time, and let him recover in peace.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

We cannot prevent the onset of the disease in a predisposed dog.

Do not breed an epileptic dog: the hereditary component is recognized in several breeds.

Once the diagnosis has been made, prevention focuses on crises: give the treatment every day at a fixed time, never interrupt it without veterinary advice, avoid lack of compliance.

Limit the triggering factors identified in your dog: extreme excitement, high heat, significant stress, disruptions to the pace of life.

Keep the seizure diary up to date to identify a worsening before it becomes dangerous.

Secure the environment: avoid unblocked staircases and single access to a swimming pool or basin.

Possible complications

Crisis that lasts beyond a few minutes: it is a life-threatening emergency, with risk of overheating of the body, brain damage and kidney damage.

Serial attacks, several in the same day, which exhaust the dog and often announce a worsening.

Injuries during the attack: fall down a staircase, bitten tongue, drowning.

Adverse effects of long-term treatments: drowsiness, increased appetite and thirst, weight gain, impact on the liver depending on the molecules, which justifies regular checks.

Impact on family life: fear of crises and treatment constraints require support.

When to see a veterinarian

An attack lasts more than a few minutes or does not stop: it is a life-threatening emergency, go to a veterinarian immediately.

Several attacks follow one another in the same day: emergency consultation, even if the dog seems to recover between them.

The dog does not regain consciousness normally after a seizure.

This is the first crisis of his life: consult quickly to find a treatable cause or poisoning.

The attacks become more frequent, longer or more violent than before.

A dog over six years old who has his first seizure should be explored: at this age, a cause other than idiopathic epilepsy is more likely.

The dog may have had access to a toxic product: call a veterinarian immediately.

Prognosis

Many epileptic dogs lead normal, comfortable lives with proper treatment and regular monitoring.

The attacks are often clearly spaced apart, without always disappearing completely: this objective of control, rather than cure, must be understood from the start.

The prognosis is less favorable when attacks begin very young, cluster in series or respond poorly to the first treatment.

The disease cannot be cured: basic treatment is generally given for life.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do during a crisis?

Stay calm, note the start time, move away objects on which the dog could injure itself and protect its head. Never put your fingers in its mouth: it cannot swallow its tongue and you risk a serious bite. Reduce the light and noise, film if possible, then let him recover in peace.

When is it an emergency?

If the attack lasts more than a few minutes, if the dog has several attacks during the day, or if he does not regain consciousness between two attacks. In these situations, go to a veterinarian immediately, including at night.

Is the treatment lifelong?

Generally yes. It controls seizures without removing the predisposition. Never stop it or modify it yourself: a sudden stop can cause serious seizures.

Is my dog in pain during the seizure?

He is unconscious during a generalized seizure and does not feel pain, although the spectacle is very impressive. The disorientation that follows can, however, make him anxious: the calm and reassuring presence help.

Can I breed my epileptic dog?

No. A hereditary component is recognized in several breeds: a dog which presents seizures should not be bred.