Disease Description: Idiopathic epilepsy is the term used for recurrent seizures where no underlying disease process can be identified as the cause.

Inherit Mode: Idiopathic epilepsy has been reported in nearly all breeds. However there is an increased risk and evidence for an inherited basis in the breeds listed below. The mode of inheritance is generally unknown, and appears to vary between breeds. In some breeds, it appears that more than 1 gene is involved.

Disease Symptom: The effects of a seizure depend on the part of the brain involved. Typically there is a change in behaviour (eg. confusion, fear, rage), consciousness (the animal may or may not lose consciousness), motor activity (rigid or jerky muscle spasms, or paddling), and autonomic activity (salivation, urination, and defecation). Changes in sensory function may lead to pawing at the face, tail chasing, or biting at part of the body or the air. Seizures may be partial or generalized, and mild or severe (grand mal). A dog experiencing a mild generalized seizure might be confused, show weakness and some muscle tremors, and look to the owner for reassurance. A dog in a grand mal seizure will be unconscious, with rigid or jerking limbs, and involuntary salivation, urination, and defecation. Seizures vary in frequency as well, from very occasional to almost constant. Status epilepticus is a series of seizures in rapid succession, or 1 continuous seizure. This is a medical emergency which requires immediate veterinary attention. It is common for a dog to show a change in behaviour such as hiding or attention-seeking for hours or even days before a seizure (called the prodrome or aura). Abnormal behaviour associated with fatigue, depression, hunger, thirst, or hyperactivity may last for days afterward (post-ictal phase).

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: You may not recognize that what has occurred in your dog is a seizure (especially if mild), andyour dog will likely be back to normal by the time you see your veterinarian (except in the case of status epilepticus). Thus your description of the abnormal activity you observed is very important. In order to determine if seizures are due to an underlying disease or are a result of idiopathic inherited epilepsy, your veterinarian will consider the age and breed of your dog and the changes you observed, do various diagnostic tests to rule out other possible causes, and ask questions such as whether your dog may have been exposed to any toxins or possibly received a head injury. The sudden onset of frequent seizures usually indicates an active brain disease, whereas otherwise normal animals that have a few seizures a year likely have idiopathic epilepsy.

Treat Method: Treatment depends on factors such as the severity and frequency of the seizures. A dog that experiences the occasional mild seizure probably needs no treatment other than watchfulness on the part of the owner. Grand mal seizures or status epilepticus, at the other extreme, require emergency medical treatment to sedate or anesthetize the dog, and to prevent the brain damage associated with prolonged seizure activity. Once your veterinarian has determined that your dog has idiopathic epilepsy (ie. no specific cause that can be treated), s/he will likely recommend regular medication to control seizures if they occur more than once a month or in clusters, or if your dog has experienced a grand mal seizure.Phenobarbitalis the drug most commonly used and it is safe, effective and inexpensive. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the lowest effective dose for your dog. You will be asked to keep careful track of any seizures as well as all drugs given. Blood levels of phenobarbital should be measured periodically, as well as indicators of liver and kidney function. With this monitoring, most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy can lead a normal life. Dosages may need to be adjusted if there is a change in seizure frequency or severity, or if medication is given for another reason. If seizures were initially readily controlled and none has occurred for 6 to 9 months, your veterinarian may very gradually reduce the dosage, and even try discontinuing the use of anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital is not always effective and there are other anticonvulsants that can be tried.Acupunctureis another alternative which may be effective as a first line of treatment, or when use of anticonvulsants fails to control the seizures. A veterinarian specializing in acupuncture should be consulted.

Breeder Advice: Dogs that have experienced seizures, and their parents and siblings, should not be used for breeding. The Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/gdc/gdc.html maintains an open research database for idiopathic epilepsy in the Irish setter, Labrador retriever, and Bernese mountain dog. The Keeshond Club in Britain has operated a genetic counselling programme for keeshonds since 1989. The American Belgian Tervueren Club has also participated in a programme to gain information to reduce the incidence of epilepsy in this breed.

Disease Description Source: Link