Seizures in dogs

Question
Last night while watching TV, my 5 year old Schipperke had what appeared to be a seizure, he started shaking and tried to stand up but his legs gave out and he collapsed on the rug as his head shook and body trembled. This is the second episode of seizure since his annual vaccines. This never occured prior to this past vaccination date and my Vet has no difinitive answer as to the cause. I am very concerned that these vaccines are causing the seizures but dont know what to do. What can I do to help him during these seizures and can they get worse or even be fatal? can you please help? thank you!

Answer
Hello Anthony.

The average age for a dog to develop epilepsy is between 3-5 years old.   We see many dogs with seizures and epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion when you have ruled everything else out.  Therefore, the first thing to do when a seizure occurs is check blood work to rule out any underlying medical problems.  Low blood sugar, low calcium, high sodium, kidney and liver problems, underactive thyroid and Lyme Disease can all lead to seizures.  Certainly viral infections as well as bacterial infections can cause seizures as well especially with a high fever.

Also, you want to rule out any toxins...lawn chemicals and fertilizers, plants he may be chewing on, toys that may harbor bacteria or mold, etc. as these things could also trigger seizures.   And DIET plays a big role in the health of an animal.  Dyes and preservatives can cause harm to an animal's nervous system.  Therefore, feed an all natural diet that is void of dyes, preservatives, artifical colors (especially RED) and one that does not have by-products.  Ideally meat should be the first ingredient.  Some natural brand names are Eagle Pack, Precise, Natural Balance, Wellness, Wysong, Solid Gold, Innova, Verus, Nutro Natural.  Make sure to check the ingredient label for treats too.  I would highly recommend adding fresh veggies to his diet along with Ester C at a dose of 100 mg twice a day, B Complex Vitamins 25 mg twice a day, 200 Units of Vitamin E daily and Digestive Enzymes.

During a seizure it is best just surround him with pillows...do not try to put your hands in his mouth.  You can give him RESCUE REMEDY to help ease him through the seizure.

Normally, I do not rush to put them on medication unless the seizures are severe or occuring very frequently as the medication does have side effects too.  And certainly you can re-evaluate his vaccine schedule with your veterinarian as often Rabies vaccine is only given every 3 years and Distemper is now being extended to every other year or every 3 years.  Most likely it is not just the vaccines causing the seizures but a combination on environmental and genetic factors.

Good Luck,
Dr. Jennifer L. Fry
www.my4life.com/drfry