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Epilepsy has become a growing concern with pet owners and is becoming a very common problem in veterinary medicine. Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by intermittent seizures, which are caused by electrical disturbances in the nerve cells in a section of the brain. When neurons that fire electrical impulses in the brain go haywire, they short-circuit normal brain processes, resulting in a seizure. Common Types of Seizures There are two BASIC forms of epilepsy. Infrequent "Petit Mal" or "partial motor seizures" -- a less severe form of epilepsy, which affects only a specific group or groups of muscles. "Grand mal" or "major motor" seizures are more severe. These include a loss of consciousness and gross body movements. During a seizure the most common symptoms are: *The pet will stiffen *Loses consciousness *Urinate *Salivate *Jerks intermittently The seizure may last one to five minutes and afterward, the pet may seem exhausted, confused and disoriented for minutes or hours. Investigated case studies in MANY breeds have failed thus far to prove a genetic link to Epilepsy. This contradicts the belief that it is a genetic problem. However, it is unlikely that a five year old dog or cat has true epilepsy if the seizures began at the age of 5. You can not completely rule it out, but generally in this case it was caused by environmental or nutritional factors. Therefore, epilepsy is only the minor cause of the bigger problem. Major Causes of Seizures: *Liver disease. *Severe worm infestation. Roundworms, may sometimes be the cause of seizure episodes. These and other parasites release toxins that have an adverse affect on the central nervous system. *Low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia, which brings on feelings of fatigue and stress, may be a factor in triggering seizures. Scientists have estimated that between 50 and 90 percent of all epileptics suffer from low blood sugar, and 70 percent have abnormal glucose tolerance levels. *Lead, Chemicals, Additives and Poisoning. Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum have also been known to cause seizures. Some pets are very sensitive to such metals, and exposure is common through aluminum cookware, auto exhaust, industrial pollution, and copper water pipes. Flea sprays, collars, yard sprays, household, cleaners, etc. are also toxic to pets. *Vaccinations. Vaccines may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain a few weeks after receiving it. It could be due to the proteins and/or organisms contained in the vaccine. *Infections, cysts and cancer. *Head Trauma may develop into convulsive seizures. Renal Kidney Failure and much more. Vitamin deficiencies. Some research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium. Therefore, diagnosing epilepsy is primarily a process of eliminating all known possible causes of the seizures. Types of Treatments Being Used Many different types of traditional treatments are being used today to control seizure activity. Some are phenobarbital, primidone, diazepam (Valium), potassium bromide, or a combination of two. Although drugs are very effective, in most cases, they do not cure. They don't eliminate the cause of the symptom. To get at the cause of the problem, you need to look at the whole picture --what is causing the seizures? Once the cause is found, a PREVENTION PLAN can be initiated. A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have. PREVENTION PLAN FIRST: I do not recommend discontinuing traditional medicine cold turkey or discontinuing at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. I highly recommend you work closely with someone knowledgeable in nutrition (such as a holistic vet, pet nutritionist, etc.) Many traditional vets may not agree with the program. 1. VITAMIN C -- The king of vitamins and absolutely essential to the living process. To clear the myth that dogs produce enough of Vitamin C, dogs do produce their own vitamin C, but they are poor producers. Stress can quickly burn up the small amounts that they make. Stress is separation from the mother, relocation to a new home, neutering, immunizations, sickness, skin problems, ear crops, deworming, heartworm pills, teething, weather changes, Epilepsy, and much more. Medical science has described Vitamin C as one of the least toxic substances known. It is the single most important thing you can do for the health of your pet. I would recommend. Super C 2000 . http://www.purelypets.com 2. Other VITAMINS AND MINERALS are recommended to treat the whole body with nutrients to strengthen your pet. Vitamins and Minerals have the power to neutralize the possible harmful effects of impurities and toxins present in a pet's food or environment. They will also ensure against possible dietary deficiencies and provide extra nutrition in times of stress. It may sound a little far fetched to buy vitamins and minerals for your pet to treat or prevent disease and common ailments, but supplements can make a tremendous difference in improving the quality of a pet's life. I would recommend: Mega Pet Daily http://www.purelypets.com 3. A Homemade diet or high quality commercial food is essential. A low quality diet is one that contains poultry by-products, meat meal, meat by-products, caramel coloring, BHA, BHT, molasses, flours (wheat flour, rice flour), excessive amounts of salts, fillers, sodium nitrite, propylene glycol, sugar, artificial color, and artificial flavorings. Most of the supermarket foods have one or more of the above. Semi moist foods, which are made up of 22 percent sugar are the worst because the sugars deplete the body of vitamins and minerals. Sodium nitrate is found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats who ate it regularly. There are many causes of epilepsy but a low quality diet, may be one contributing factor. Contamination from lead is a serious environmental problem. There is an added exposure for animals who eat canned food because the lead used to solder the side seam of cans leaks into the contents. Lead affects the nervous system, the kidneys, red blood cells, and the enzyme systems. However, by regularly supplementing your pet's daily diet with vitamins and minerals, including high doses of vitamin C, you can neutralize the effects of lead intake and keep your pet's immune system strong. I have researched most of the pet food companies on the market and I highly recommend Canidae. This product is made using high quality meats, whole grains, probiotics, and chelated minerals. You can purchase Canidae by calling Purely Pets at 804-748-7626. The absolute best you can do, of course, is homemade food. There is nothing wrong with carrots, peas, salad, fruits and cooked cereals. Pets like variety, just as we do. 4. Eliminate toxins in the house, yard and on your pet. NO cigarette smoke, flea collars, flea sprays, air fresheners, carpet powders, yard control, etc. 5. Put your pet on the Hypoglycemia schedule. Hypoglycemia is a medical term meaning low blood sugar, a condition that is becoming more common in pets and especially pets suffering from seizure activity. Many epileptic pets, seizure during the night or when not fed more than once a day. The Hypoglycemia feeding schedule is as follows: 7:00 a.m. *breakfast 11:00 a.m. **snack 3:00 p.m. **snack 7:00 p.m. *dinner 11:00 p.m. large snack -- this should be high in protein. For example, two plain rice cakes with peanut butter in the middle, oatmeal and honey, chicken, brown rice, etc. *Breakfast and dinner should be a high quality dry food or homemade meal. **Snacks can include something FRESH: *Celery *Carrots *Apples *Pears *Bran crackers *or another fruit or vegetable Your goal IS NOT to put weight on your pet (unless he is underweight), but to balance out the body, stabilize the blood sugar level, which will ultimately control the seizures. All pets having seizures should follow the above plan to rule out hypoglycemia. If this is the problem, the seizures can be controlled through: *Feeding a high quality diet to maintain proper blood sugar levels. *Keeping stress to a minimum. *Exercising moderately. *For susceptible dogs, especially toy breeds, add honey to the drinking water in a ratio of 1/2 teaspoon honey to 2 cups of water. *Supplementing with high quality vitamins *MOST IMPORTANT: Feed small frequent meals. Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack are as follows: *staggering or collapse *becoming very weak *becoming aggressive *moodiness *may stare or eyes look glassy *may go into a seizure If this happens it is essential to administer a source of glucose. The best source of glucose is honey. If this is not available you can use jelly, karo syrup or maple syrup. Put a small amount of one of these directly into the mouth. It will be quickly absorbed. 6. Exercise!! This is self explanatory. Without exercise the body does not function properly. Daily walks are great in cool weather. 7. To control seizure activity, EpiPlus is recommended. This product is an alternative to the traditional medicines being used to control seizures. It has long been known that a deficiency of the B complex vitamins, can cause seizures in any species. EpiPlus contains high dosages of B Complex vitamins and herbs. It is an all natural product, in powder form, given on a daily basis. There are no known side effects unless your pet is allergic to one of the herbs in the product, then it can be taylor- made to fit your pet's needs at no extra charge. EpiPlus has had success in eliminating seizures completely or cutting them down dramatically. The time factor depends on the individual pet and it's individual biochemical status. You can read more about EpiPlus at www.purelypets.com 8. Keep a positive attitude. DON'T say to your pet, "Oh, I don't know what to do, I think I am going to have you put to sleep, this is hopeless, etc." DO say, "You will be fine, I am here and going to stay with you." Hold your pet in a comforting reassuring way. What to do when a seizure occurs: 1. Remain calm. This is so important as YOU will prolong the seizure if you scream or get upset. 2. Turn off all lights, TV and music. Get to a quiet, dark room. 3. Get the honey and give one tablespoon. For smaller pets under 15 lbs., use 1 teaspoon. In many cases the honey will immediately stop the seizure or cut the duration time in half. Honey, is made up of 35% protein & contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large quantities of carbohydrates (sugars), some minerals, B complex, and C, D, and E. Therefore, the honey will immediately raise the blood sugar putting the body in balance and stabilizing the blood sugar level. Below is a list of things that most commonly cause seizures. Keep in mind, this does NOT necessarily mean your pet will have a seizure each time it comes in contact with one of the below. EACH pet is different and sensitive to certain things. FACTORS THAT MAY TRIGGER A SEIZURE Hair spray -- do not spray when pet is in the same room. Wool -- wool blankets, wool sofas, etc. Heartworm pills -- usually a seizure will occur 1 week to 1 1/2 wks. after administering the pill. Cigarette smoke Pollution from chemical plants BHA -- a preservative commonly used in dog foods. BHT -- a preservative commonly used in dog foods Sodium nitrate -- proven in research studies to cause severe seizures. Sodium nitrate is found in MANY things we eat. Read the ingredient labels carefully. Carpet powders Air fresheners -- any type Fabric softeners -- if exposed to clothes that have fabric softener on them. Dryer sheets -- if exposed to clothes that have been in the dryer with the dryer sheets. Salt, Ferrous sulfate, Copper sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Monosodium glutamate in excess Sugar -- sucrose, corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar. Low quality commercial dog biscuits and treats Low quality dry food Low quality canned food Plastic bowls -- These bowls have been implicated as a health concern because the plastic may leach into the food. All plastics release some undetectable fumes, especially when heated. This out gassing means the fumes can pass into the foods that are served or stored in the bowl or container. Stainless steel or glass bowls are recommended. Cheap ceramic dishes -- same concern as above. Fumes from all bathroom cleaners Fumes from bleach Fumes from dusting products. Household cleaners - household cleaners contain a chemical called formaldehyde (also known as embalming solution), which could cause severe irritation to our pet's eyes, throat and skin? Some floor polishes contain chemicals that can cause cancer as well as damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and central nervous system. All toxic flea products -- If the product states on the label, "Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals", it is hazardous to your pet. Toxic shampoos Toxic flea collars Dust -- change air filters in your home once a month, and wash curtains more than once a year. Crabgrass Mold Eating cat or dog feces Stress -- having company over, being home alone, visiting the doctor. Vaccinations Lyme vaccine Lyme encephalitis Rabies vaccine Head trauma Worm infestation Lead -- in old houses which have been built using lead in various components. Apparently dogs like to lick lead because it tastes sweet..... and lead poisoning can result from licking or eating wood chips on which there is lead paint. This can be checked when doing regular blood work on the pet, but it must be specified that you would like a A LEAD POISONING TEST which is not part of a normal blood work. Paint fumes Paint chips from lead based paint Excessive exercise Overheating Abuse, neglect Rawhides -- very important to avoid because most are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach Cheap painted pet toys Loud noises -- yelling, fighting, doorbell ringing Scented candles Vitamins with high sodium level Not having a consistent routine The season FALL -- Research studies have shown that more seizures occur in the fall. This is due to mold and bacteria in the air. Blicking lights -- Christmas lights, bright lights, etc. Pine cleaners Red food dye Ethoxyquin Fungi, Bacteria and Germs Mobile Phones -- Research carried out on animals suggest that mobile phone emissions may trigger seizures, however, as BEA's Medical Advisor, Dr Tim Betts, has commented, animal epilepsy and human epilepsy are not the same thing and the human skull is bigger and thicker than that of a cat. http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/mobilephones.html Epilepsy can be hereditary Last and most important, this above program does not apply to every pet. My procedure is to FIRST do a through evaluation on each pet and THEN make recommendations. The evaluations are free of charge and are well worth your time if you have a pet that seizures. An epileptic seizure is something no one likes to watch and even more distributing for the pet because he doesn't know what is happening to his body. Therefore, it is up to you to find all the answers and learn what is causing these seizures and how to prevent them If you have any questions regarding this article, please feel free to email or call anytime. Purely Pets also provides consultations. A consultation will include a personalized diet and holistic program suggestions, all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. While I continue to provide and even add educational articles on the website, these are just general in nature. I therefore encourage you to tailor a program specifically for your pet's needs. This is particularly imperative in pets with complicated health issues, or if you've done a lot of outside reading and have conflicting information. This new service is easy to use! Simply email me at darleen@purelypets.com and give 3 convenient times for you to schedule the consultation Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. I will email you back, selecting one of those times. I will then email you a health questionnaire to be filled out and emailed back prior to the consultation. This will give a health history of your pet and also pinpoint some problems or changes that need to be made which will be discussed on the phone. I am now offering my services at a nominal fee of $35.00 per consultation (no time limit), with a one time no charge follow-up. If you would like further information on how to initiate a valuable private consultation, please email me at darleen@purelypets.com . Feel free to contact me about your pet anytime. Darleen E. Rudnick http://www.purelypets.com Nutritional Pet Consultant, Purely Pets ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* A Place Where Your Pet is Number One Email: darleen@purelypets.com Phone: 804-748-7626 Hours: M-F, 8:00-5:00 p.m. EST Schedule a consult : http://www.purelypets.com/main/expert.htm ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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This page was last modified on 03/30/07