On February 22, 2019, our 13 month old Elton was diagnosed with Ideopathic Epilepsy. Paul and I knew very little about Epilepsy, what this meant for Elton, and what this meant for us too. We had to fast-track our Epilepsy education.
What is Ideopathic Epilepsy?
- Epilepsy is recurrent seizures caused by abnormal activity in the brain
- Ideopathic means there is no known cause
Which dogs get Ideopathic Epilepsy?
- Epilepsy is the most common neurological issue in dogs
- Most dogs have their first seizure between the ages of 1 and 5 years of age
- Male dogs more more likely to have epilepsy
- There are many at-risk breeds including Australian Shepherds and Border Collies
How is Epilepsy treated?
- The goals of therapy are to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of seizures. They may never be eliminated.
- Veterinarians will prescribe anti-seizure medications
- One third of dogs do not respond to anti-seizure medications
- Each anti-seizure medication has its own side effects that can impact organ function and quality of life
- Dogs on anti-seizure medications must be closely monitored, given blood tests to check organ function
- Medications must be given at timed intervals every day to achieve the desired level of the drug in the blood.
- Taking dogs off of anti-seizure medications cold turkey can bring on a life threatening seizure.
- Most dogs require lifetime treatment.
What is Status?
- For anyone that has a loved one with Epilepsy, status is what is dreaded. Status, or status epilepticus is a series of seizures with no recovery time inbetween.
- Status can cause brain damage and can be deadly.
This all seems daunting and a lot to process, no doubt. Paul and I looked at each other in the neurologist’s office and agreed that this was going to be challenging for us emotionally, financially, and logistically. But if ever two people were up to the task, it was us.
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