Disorder - Epilepsy

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Brief Description

A disorder of the brain typified by seizures, often associated with unconsciousness or convulsions.

Presenting Signs

Epilepsy can go unnoticed for periods of time in dogs until an episode is witnessed. A seizure may last seconds to several minutes and may involve any combination of the following: stiffness, chomping jaw, profuse salivation, urination, defaecation, vocalisation and paddling of the limbs. This is followed by a period, varying in length between dogs, of confusion, disorientation, coma, depression and pacing, and sometimes excessive thirst and hunger. The occurrence of a number of severe seizures in rapid succession is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. It is important in the diagnosis of epilepsy to determine whether the seizures are due to an underlying problem such as a tumour, lesion or head injury, or are idiopathic, that is with no detectable pathological cause. The inherited form of epilepsy is idiopathic.

Dogs at Risk

Epilepsy is predominant in males.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
American cocker spaniel
Australian cattle dog
Basset hound
Beagle
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois and Groenendael)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)
Bichon frise
Border collie
Collie (Rough and Smooth)
English pointer
English springer spaniel
German shepherd dog
Greyhound
Hungarian vizsla
Irish setter
Italian greyhound
Keeshond
Labrador retriever
Manchester terrier
Norfolk terrier
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Standard)
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
St Bernard
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)


Treatment

Medical

Related Disorders

Myoclonus Epilepsy of Lafora

PubMed References
Epilepsy

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
344


Contributor
Kristie Karikios