There are so many different
causes of chronic recurrent seizures in German Shepherds
that canine epilepsy is not even considered a specific
disease or even a single syndrome, but rather a broad and
diverse category of disorders.
There are two basic forms of epileptic seizures in
German Shepherds -
"Petit mal" or "partial motor seizures" (a less
severe form of epilepsy) and
"Grand mal". These major motor seizures are much
more severe and can include a loss of consciousness and
gross body movements.
A
canine epileptic
seizure in itself can be further broken down
into four different
stages.
1. The Prodome –This
stage is typically characterized by changes in the dog’s
mood or behavior and can last from minutes to hours or
longer before the manifestation of the actual seizure
activity.
2. The Aura – When
the owner first notices the initial signs including:
pacing, licking, salivating, trembling, vomiting,
wandering aimlessly, hiding, whining, etc.
3. The Ictus- This
stage includes the actual seizure itself. It is a period
of activity in which the dog may lose consciousness,
gnash their teeth, thrash about with their head and
legs, drool excessively, paddle their feet as if running
as well as losing control of their bladders and
bowels.
4. The Ictal – This
stage occurs immediately after the seizure. The GSD may
act drunk, doped, blind or deaf. Some will seem to pass
out and just sleep. Other German Shepherds will show
signs of pacing endlessly or drinking large amounts of
water.
Common Symptoms
your GSD May Suffer During a Seizure - Epilepsy in
GSDs
A canine epileptic seizure
may last anywhere
from one to five minutes or longer. Afterward
when it is over the GSD may seem exhausted, confused
and disoriented. Some of the symptoms you can expect
during an epileptic seizure are: sudden, violent
shaking; stiffness; loss of consciousness;
urinating; salivating; muscle twitching; staring,
altered vision.
Since your
veterinarian will probably not witness one of your
GSD's seizures, they will be very dependent upon
your description of the seizure episode. Many other
problems such as fainting or dizzy spells can also
come and go like seizures and may look similar to
canine epilepsy to the untrained eye.
Because of this
your veterinarian will need as clear a description
of what you observed during the seizure episode as
possible to help make the distinction between this
or other diseases. To help your veterinarian later
on it is a good idea to write down a description of
exactly what you saw as soon as possible after the
episode.
Epilepsy in
GSDs - commonly used treatments
There are several
medications that are commonly
used to control or stop
canine epilepsy
in GSDs.
The most common
medications used for
German Shepherds are: Primadone (Mysoline),
Phenobarbital (check liver enzymes every few
months to check for possible damage),
Potassium Bromide
(be careful with salt levels in the
diet), Dilantin, and Valium (Diazepam).
Many GSD owners
also use other alternative methods of treating
seizure disorders and canine epilepsy such as:
homemade diets, eliminating toxins in the house,
exercise, and supplements.
As with any disease or condition,
your personal veterinarian is the
best source for making a diagnosis,
education and offering treatment
options. If you suspect your German
Shepherd may have either type of
canine epilepsy or you see
seizure like activity, take note of
the time, date, length and type of
seizure as well as the way the dog
acts after the seizure has ended.
Keep as detailed a record of your
German Shepherds seizures as
possible for each episode and
contact your veterinarian asap.
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Once you begin
giving seizure medications for canine epilepsy
never
discontinue anti-epileptic medications without
consulting your veterinarian first! Just
because a German Shepherd is diagnosed with
epilepsy doesn’t mean he or she can’t live a
long, happy life. In most instances
German Shepherds that are kept on
medications can lead pretty normal lives with
few restrictions or changes in routine.