Watching your dog have an epileptic seizure can be a frightening experience. While it may be brief, it can feel like an eternity. You’re not alone — about one out of every 130 dogs evaluated at a veterinary hospital has epilepsy. That’s 0.6 — 0.75% of all dogs^[1], making it one of their most common chronic neurological diseases. What do you need to know about the causes, signs, and treatment of epilepsy in dogs?

What is Epilepsy in Dogs and How Is It Diagnosed?

When a dog’s normal brain function is temporarily and involuntarily disrupted, the event is called a seizure. This often causes signs such as uncontrolled shaking, tremors, twitching, convulsions, and/or spasms lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. With time, they may become more frequent, longer, and more severe.

But having a seizure doesn’t necessarily mean a dog has epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy comes when a dog has:

• At least two seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart
• There is no known cause extra-cranially (meaning a cause outside the brain such as a toxin, metabolic disease, etc.)
• There is no abnormal brain disease, injury, or mass identified
• All other possible causes of seizure are ruled out

To do this, a complete medical history and physical examination are performed by your veterinarian. Diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, and radiographs will be done. Based on these initial results, additional tests such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, computed tomography (CAT scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

Epileptic seizures can be focal or generalized. When a seizure is classified as focal, abnormal movements are only seen in one part of the body, with or without the loss of consciousness. During a simple focal seizure, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

• Dilated pupils
• Involuntary movements
• Balance problems
• Fur standing up
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Contraction and relaxation of specific muscles
• Abnormal behavior such as barking, growling, or biting at nothing

A generalized seizure affects multiple parts of the body with a loss of consciousness/awareness and possible urination and defecation. Generalized seizures have different categories:

• Tonic — muscle stiffening
• Clonic — involuntary rapid and rhythmic jerking of muscles
• Tonic-clonic — muscle stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking (may look like your dog is paddling)
• Myoclonic — both sides of the body exhibit sporadic movements (sudden, brief twitching of a muscle or multiple muscle groups)
• Atonic — muscle tone is suddenly lost, and the dog collapses

If you notice any symptoms associated with either focal or generalized seizures, contact your veterinarian for immediate medical attention.

What Causes Epilepsy in Dogs?

Unfortunately, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. However, it appears that there is a genetic predisposition since epilepsy occurs more commonly in purebred dogs versus mixed breeds. Certain breeds seem to have a higher rate of epilepsy including^[1]:

• Australian Shepherds
• Beagles
• Belgian Shepherds
• Dachshunds
• Boxers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles
• Border Collies
• Collies
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Irish Setters
• Labrador Retrievers
• Saint Bernards
• Siberian Huskies
• Springer Spaniels
• Welsh Corgis
• Wire-Haired Fox Terriers
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Irish Wolfhounds
• Keeshonds

There is also a greater incidence among male than female dogs. Typically, the first seizure occurs between one and five years of age.

Treatment and Prognosis for Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy cannot be cured. The main goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures, minimize adverse drug effects, and provide a good quality of life (for the dog and for their family). The treatment is often lifelong and once started, dogs need to be regularly monitored by their veterinarian.

The treatment of choice is often anti-seizure medication. There are several commonly used medications and, in some instances, more than one may be needed. While manageable, treatment is often frustrating. Frequent blood work is needed, and it can take time to find the right combination of medications and start to see results. These medications also cannot suddenly be stopped.

Diet and diet consistency have been shown to play an important role in helping to control epilepsy. This means changing your dog’s diet while they’re on anti-seizure medications can have an impact on how their medications work. So, consult with your veterinarian before you make any changes.

Other studies have shown that specialized diets high in medium-chain triglycerides (a type of fatty acid derived from botanical oils) may help control seizures^[2]. Dogs switching to these types of diets see a decrease in the frequency and severity of seizures^[3]. Your veterinarian is the best resource to determine what diet is right for your dog.

With proper treatment, 60% — 70% of dogs will experience good seizure control. Most have an average lifespan of 8 — 11 years. Only about 6% — 8% of dogs will go into complete remission (meaning the seizures stop)^[4]. But with lifelong monitoring, the support of your veterinary care team, and proper medication and diet, epilepsy doesn’t have to limit your dog. They can still have a long and healthy life.