Background
You should not need much background on this as we mere humans are also known to suffer from this debilitating condition. It has the same or similar genres in canines as it does in humans, namely;
Grand Mal Seizures — Whereby the dog will collapse and it’s muscles will become rigid and tremor or spasm during the seizure, they are usually incontinent and unresponsive to any simulation, soothing or petting, (though this is still thought to help the dog stay calm) If you imagine your dog when it’s having one of its many dreams and it’s woofing and looking as though its running in its sleep, this is less severe and obviously once called the dog will arouse from sleep, but its similar just to give you an idea. Dogs suffering from Grand Mal are at more risk as if remains untreated or is uncontrolled and very severe even with drugs they can go into a coma and not regain consciousness. Some may regain consciousness but may have sustained temporary or permanent brain injury or blindness which can leave them very stressed and confused, depending on severity of the brain damage/blindness, i.e. whether it’s permanent or temporary and if temporary, for how long and how often is the dog affected after each seizure, then in some cases your vet may advise that it is more humane to euthanize the dog.
Petit Mal Seizures — Seizures are usually less severe, less frequent last less time and are usually well controlled with drugs.
Absences — The dog does not lose consciousness, but has frequent brief and temporary absences, where he becomes motionless and stares blankly whereby you cannot arouse him (not to be confused with Utonagan goonlike behaviour where they just disregard you by choice ... lol)
Usually if a dog suffers from epilepsy it generally becomes evident between 12 months and 2 years of age, when they reach sexual maturity (though Utes are known to be late developers so it may become evident at a later stage).
Causes
As with humans this is thought to be an imbalance or absence of electrical impulses in the brain. It can be a hereditary condition so there is a high chance any puppies the affected dog/bitch may produce, will also be affected.
Treatment
Drugs such as Epiphen, bromide phenobarbitone are prescribed on a trial and error basis until the correct dosage is established to either prevent the seizures altogether or at least control them. Many vets are now also recommending your dog’s diet be changed to a non allergenic variety, which I personally would advise all Utonagan owners to feed. Basic, complete meals may be cheaper but the amount of crap they contain is quite frightening.
You should not need much background on this as we mere humans are also known to suffer from this debilitating condition. It has the same or similar genres in canines as it does in humans, namely;
Grand Mal Seizures — Whereby the dog will collapse and it’s muscles will become rigid and tremor or spasm during the seizure, they are usually incontinent and unresponsive to any simulation, soothing or petting, (though this is still thought to help the dog stay calm) If you imagine your dog when it’s having one of its many dreams and it’s woofing and looking as though its running in its sleep, this is less severe and obviously once called the dog will arouse from sleep, but its similar just to give you an idea. Dogs suffering from Grand Mal are at more risk as if remains untreated or is uncontrolled and very severe even with drugs they can go into a coma and not regain consciousness. Some may regain consciousness but may have sustained temporary or permanent brain injury or blindness which can leave them very stressed and confused, depending on severity of the brain damage/blindness, i.e. whether it’s permanent or temporary and if temporary, for how long and how often is the dog affected after each seizure, then in some cases your vet may advise that it is more humane to euthanize the dog.
Petit Mal Seizures — Seizures are usually less severe, less frequent last less time and are usually well controlled with drugs.
Absences — The dog does not lose consciousness, but has frequent brief and temporary absences, where he becomes motionless and stares blankly whereby you cannot arouse him (not to be confused with Utonagan goonlike behaviour where they just disregard you by choice ... lol)
Usually if a dog suffers from epilepsy it generally becomes evident between 12 months and 2 years of age, when they reach sexual maturity (though Utes are known to be late developers so it may become evident at a later stage).
Causes
As with humans this is thought to be an imbalance or absence of electrical impulses in the brain. It can be a hereditary condition so there is a high chance any puppies the affected dog/bitch may produce, will also be affected.
Treatment
Drugs such as Epiphen, bromide phenobarbitone are prescribed on a trial and error basis until the correct dosage is established to either prevent the seizures altogether or at least control them. Many vets are now also recommending your dog’s diet be changed to a non allergenic variety, which I personally would advise all Utonagan owners to feed. Basic, complete meals may be cheaper but the amount of crap they contain is quite frightening.
Information obtained from The Utonagan society
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