Epilepsy

Dogs diagnosed with epilepsy can be inherited in some breeds such as German shepherd dogs, poodles, collies and Labradors. The usual age that fits begin is between 1 and 5 years of age, they can occur singly or in clusters. Medication is used to control fitting activity at an acceptable level.

Dogs will start on medication for fits, usually phenobarbitone (epiphen,) this is the first line of treatment for fitting dogs and will control approximately 80% of epileptics. It takes 2 weeks for the drug to reach a steady state level at which point we would recommend a blood sample to see if we are giving the correct dose. The sample should be taken just before the next tablet is given.

At this point we may recommend adjusting the dose or find that the dose is correct, if no alteration is made we would recommend a further blood test in 3-6 months to check levels of phenobarbitone. The body can become resistant to the drugs and it may be necessary to increase the dose. We also will check the pet every 3-6 months to check things are ok and discuss any problems you may have.  We will also suggest after the pet has been on medication for a while a blood test to assess liver function.

If the dogs’ fits are not controlled we will add in another drug called “epilease” which will often control the fits, we again blood sample after about a month on the treatment to assess we are giving the correct dose.

Try and dose dogs at 12 hourly intervals with phenobarbitone and at 24 hourly intervals with epilease.

On either of the above drugs dogs may show some side effects such as increased thirst and appetite these usually decrease with time, or with epilease vomiting, if you experience any of these side effects and are worried please discuss this with your vet or give the surgery a ring.

If your pet has a fit, try and stop your dog from damaging him/herself but do not put yourself in danger eg put your fingers in the dogs mouth and keep children well away. Please try and record any fit activity on the calendar or in a diary as this can be useful in assessing response to treatment etc.

If you have any problems or are in anyway worried please ring the surgery we have a 24 hour emergency service.

Other helpful contacts are the canine epilepsy support group on 08707 469 329.