Canine Epilepsy: Anti-Epileptic Drugs that Will Save Your Dog's Life
Learning your beloved pet has epilepsy can be sad and frightening; watching your dog having a seizure can be even tougher. It is estimated that 4% of all dogs are affected with neurological disorders, one of the most common conditions to affect canines. Neurological disorders are most commonly passed down genetically and are often triggered by environmental factors such as stress, drastic changes in weather and overall lifestyle. Just like people, every pet is different, so it is important to recognize the symptoms early in order to receive the right combination of antiepileptic medication.
It is important to document your dog's epileptic episodes, as your vet may not witness the seizures. The diagnosis and treatment will be very dependant on your description of the episodes. A good way to keep track of the episodes is to keep a very detailed journal of your dog's daily food intake, and physical activity. Keeping a journal will make finding the trigger a little easier. If you have a camera or camcorder near by document it for better evidence. From your documentation your vet will determine whether your pet has inherited epilepsy or if it is a symptom of an underlying condition. The exact cause of the epilepsy is really hard to determine usually your vet will rule out causes by the process of elimination and by running a few tests. Your vet may decide to perform an MRI or CT brain scan to rule out brain tumors, and a spinal tap may be necessary to determine if your dog has an infectious disease. Normal blood tests should be performed to find any toxins or abnormalities that may require further tests. Going through all these tests can be very stressful for your pet and yourself remember to let your dog relax once you get home.
In an ideal world your dog's epilepsy would be completely curable, but unfortunately it is only treatable in the majority of cases. Antiepileptic drugs are used to control the seizures. The dosage and frequency will be determined by your vet depending on the severity of your dog's case. Just like us, every dog is different, and finding the right therapy will require some trial and error, keeping that journal will come in handy. Among the most common medications prescribed for canine epilepsy is Keppra, aka Levetiracetam. Keppra works well as dogs don't eliminate it from their bodies as quickly as other drugs. If the drug stays in the body longer then the dosage frequency decreases. Plus Keppra is not a new drug, meaning the price tag won't scare you. Today you can buy generic Keppra, as it was made available to the US in 2008. Generic Keppra works just as well and you won't have to pay as much for the brand name Keppra.
Keep in mind that the success of the treatment will be very dependant on you and other members of the family. Dogs with epilepsy can go on to live long, happy lives; having a routine and structure is the key to your dog's health. If you want to keep medication costs down, don't be afraid to try mail order pharmacies. Online Canadian Pharmacies can be a life a life saver for your dog and a penny save for you!
