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Irish Red and White Setter
Irish (Red) Setter
Gordon Setter
Shineon Kennels
flourishingfairies@globalzone.co.za
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Fits and Epilepsy
Convulsions (Fits):
The dog may shake
uncontrollably, and be physically unable to help itself or to stop what is
happening. Allow the convulsion to pass before assisting, whilst ensuring that
the dog does not cause more harm to himself; for example by falling down a
flight of stairs. Do not put your fingers or hand into his mouth ( to stop his
tongue rolling back) as he may unintentionally bite down uncontrollably,
causing you serious injury.
Convulsions are usually
symptoms of other problems, like distemper or epilepsy. Ear infections and
heavy parasitic burdens are other causative factors commonly found.
Do not deworm dogs that have convulsions. This may
cause death. Consult with your Vet.
If your dog is a known epileptic, having fits that are
prolonged or in a series that run into each other, emergency treatment may be
needed. This is known as status epilepticus. If left untreated and
uncontrolled, it may be fatal.
A bitch with suckling puppies may become extremely
excitable and have convulsions. Low levels of calcium in the blood, a condition
known as eclampsia, are probably the cause. This is an emergency, but is
relatively easy to treat. Feeding lactating and pregnant bitches as one would
puppies is usually the best preventative.
Fits and Seizures:
Fits may include strange behaviours like unusual and inappropriate
behaviour, like frenzied barking, hysteria or sudden and spontaneously
clearing blindness. Such dogs may become aggressive.
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity
within the brain. They typically show the following uncontrollable symptoms;
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Seizures are commonly caused by;
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Ensure that your dog is safe and unable to cause
himself or others injury whilst he is having a fit or seizure. Where fits
occur frequently, consult with your Vet.
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy may be either a congenital birth defect, or
acquired.
Some of the common causes of acquired epilepsy are:
Injuries
or trauma to the head
Encephalitis
Distemper
Bacterial
infections of the brain, often originating initially from ear infections.
Birth
trauma, like an obstructed presentation requiring instruments to move the puppy
through the vaginal canal and into the outside world, is a common congenital
defect.
Malformations
of the brain, like hydrocephalus (water on the brain), are examples of
inheritable congenital defects.
With epilepsy, seizures are similar and recurrent.
Three phases of seizures are common;
1. Aura;
characterised by sudden behavioural changes, apprehensiveness and
restlessness. Champing, chewing and foaming at the mouth may be seen, followed
by headshaking and eye-flickering or rolling.
2. Rigid Phase; the
dog collapses after going stiff (rigid), throws back his head, slobbers and has
extreme and uncontrollable facial twitches. The pupils are often dilated. As
this phase begins to recede, he may look he is running on his side (paddling),
and urinate and defecate uncontrollably.
3. Post-seizure Phase; the dog returns to his normal state, but
remains confused and unsteady. It is important to avoid stimulation at this
point, as it may trigger another seizure. Keep him calm and remain calm yourself,
as he is sensitive to your moods.
Certain conditions may trigger a seizure.
These are:
Fatigue
Excitement
Anxiety
Stress
Bright
lights and synchronised flashing lights
Loud
noises
Fever
Hyperventilation
(over-breathing)
Oestrus
being in season
Never put your fingers or hand in to the mouth of a
dog having a seizure. Substantial injury may be caused to you, should you do
so. Keep your dog, and yourself, calm and should you wish cover him with a
light blanket. Ensure that he is in a safe environment. Where other dogs are
around, remove them, as the seizure may trigger a prey reaction and they may
attack him.
Should this be a first seizure, notify your Vet
immediately and take your dog in to the surgery. Possible causes, such as
worms, need to be examined for.
Notify your Vet should the seizure last for 5 minutes
or longer, as this may cause brain damage.
Announcing the official launch of the Canine Epilepsy
Network web site!
This devastating problem can affect any breed. It is our hope
that this site can provide information for those who have an epileptic dog, or
have produced this problem and the research will help concerned breeders, to
eliminate this problem from their breed, while keeping all the good traits
breeders strive for.
This site is sponsored by the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary
Medicine, and provides a valuable resource for breeders, owners, veterinarians
and researchers concerned with canine epilepsy.
The site includes:
Basic epilepsy information
An invitation to participate in Canine
Health Foundation funded research into the genetics of inherited epilepsy
Updates on the research
A discussion panel
Links to additional information
Liz Hansen
Co-ordinator of Veterinary Information
Dr. Gary Johnson's Lab-Dept. of Vet. Path.
209A Connaway Hall
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
573-884-3712 (office)
573-884-5414 (department fax)
E-mail: hansenl@missouri.edu
web links for additional information
www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com
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e-mail: flourishingfairies@globalzone.co.za
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Disclaimer:
It is not the
intention of Shineon Kennels, it's associates or affiliates, for the
information given, or articles written, to replace qualified Veterinary care or
advice.
Liability is
not assumed in any way whatsoever, for whatsoever reason, for any treatments or
suggested treatments found on these pages.
Shineon
Kennels, it's associates or affiliates, cannot be held liable in any way
whatsoever, for whatsoever reason, for any inaccuracies, errata, controversial
and / or potentially misleading information given on these pages.
Listing of any person, facility, product, service or breeder should not
be deemed to be an endorsement by Shineon Kennels.
© 2006 - 2008 Vanessa Mason all rights reserved