Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined as the occurrence of multiple seizures - of any origin. Epilepsy is therefore a clinical sign only and does not refer to a specific disease. As a practical definition, epilepsy is the occurrence of two or more seizures within at least one month.

It is the most common neurological condition in dogs and affects around 1-2 % of all dogs. However, some breeds are affected much more frequently, e.g. 18% of Irish Wolfhounds¹.

Epilepsy can be broadly categorised into two types: Primary or idiopathic epilepsy (the most common form of epilepsy in dogs) and symptomatic or secondary epilepsy.

Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when no underlying cause for the seizures is found. Secondary epilepsy is diagnosed when other medical issues, such as infection, tumours, head trauma, or toxic ingestion, are the cause of the seizures.

Seizures can come in many different forms. They may be as mild as a twitch on one side of a dog’s lip. However, in a severe attack the dog can fall to the floor and be convulsed by spasms. Following an epileptic seizure, it could be days, weeks, or months before another seizure occurs. In some cases, only a single seizure occurs.

Referenz

(1) Epilepsy in Irish Wolfhounds.MCasal.JVIM.2006.