Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Standard Poodles
If you own a poodle of any size, then Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy is one issue that you need to be familiar with. Poodles, along with Schnauzers, Siberian huskies, Saint Bernards, Boxers and Cocker Spaniels, are all breeds that show evidence of being prone to this serious issue, and whether you own a poodle or you are thinking about getting one, this is an issue that you need to be aware of. The first thing you might wonder is whether your dog is affected by If you own a poodle of any size, then canine idiopathic epilepsy is one issue that you need to be familiar with. Poodles, along with Schnauzers, Siberian huskies, Saint Bernards, Boxers and Cocker Spaniels, are all breeds that show evidence of being prone to this serious issue, and whether you own a poodle or you are thinking about getting one, this is an issue that you need to be aware of. The first thing you might wonder is whether your dog is affected by canine idiopathic epilepsy. One of the issues with seizures in dogs is the fact that dogs will react differently to the seizures, depending on which part of their brain is affected. Usually, you'll notice a definite change in behavior; poodles that have been perfectly calm might express rage or confusion. The dog may briefly lose consciousness and you might notice that their motor activity is quite irregular. They may suddenly go rigid, or paddle their paws through the air or have several muscle spasm. Another symptom that your dog is having a seizure is that he may lose control of bodily functions like defecation, salivation or urination. There is a wide variation in the intensity of the seizures themselves. They can last for mere seconds or for quite a long period of time. A seizure may be generalized and mild, or your dog might even enter a state called a grand mal seizure. Before a seizure, your dog might show a change in behavior. He might hide, or he might be constantly underfoot and seeking attention. This state is called the prodome and can give you a hint that something is wrong. Similarly, you might find that after the seizure, your dog is listless, exhausted or confused; less commonly, he might be hyperactive or excessively hungry or thirsty. These fits are seizures and they can happen in many species, not just dogs. If the seizures recur often, they can be termed epilepsy, and rather than being treated in an episodic fashion, they should be treated as an interrelated problem. At this point in time, the cause of canine idiopathic epilepsy is unknown. Seizures can be caused by other things, like liver failure, poisoning or low blood sugar, but if your dog is one of the breeds mentioned above and has evidenced a high number of such incidences, then you should definitely have the possibility of canine idiopathic epilepsy examined. Sometimes, an animal can enter a state of prolonged seizure, called status epilepticus, something which can be be fatal if untreated; if your dog enters this state, immediate veterinary care is required. If you are concerned that your dog might have canine idiopathic epilepsy, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary to diagnose this issue. Your vet will consider your dog's breed and age, record any incidence of seizures and run some fairly standard diagnostics. If your dog is an adult and suddenly has seizures out of no where, there might be an active brain disease in play; if however, your otherwise normal dog has few seizures a year, this is indicative of canine idiopathic epilepsy. After a diagnosis of canine idiopathic epilepsy, there are several possible treatments. If the seizures remain mild, and for many dogs they do, the only thing the owner needs to do is be watchful for the development of a grand mal seizure, which will require emergency attention. Phenobarbital is the drug that is most commonly used to treat this condition, and is quite safe; it is often recommended as regular medication in the case of more severe issues. Anticonvulsants and even acupuncture might be recommended. If medication is necessary, you will need to administer regularly and report back to your vet on the effect it has on your pet. Be prepared for the dosage to change as your dog might have specific needs and unforeseen reactions. Take it slow and watch carefully to see how each new dosage affects your dog. As you can see, this condition, while distressing, does not need to be a serious impediment in your dog's life. If you feel that this might be a problem, consult with your veterinarian and find out what your options are! Here's an excellent book on Canine Epilepsy.
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