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Inside peaceOuter strength
Epilepsy is not only a human condition. It is also a pet illness that can be very frightening if it happens to your dog or cat. The effects of epilepsy are traumatic both for you and your pet. This disease, also known as idiopathic epilepsy (meaning no identifiable cause), has no cure. However, knowing how to manage your pet’s epilepsy can help them live a peaceful life.
Epilepsy is a brain disease that is more common in dogs than cats and usually occurs before the animal reaches eight. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes epilepsy. The main symptom is recurrent seizures – sudden, uncontrollable movements or convulsions.
Research has shown that the cause of this pet illness is primarily genetic. However, it has not yet been possible to distinguish which genes cause dog epilepsy and cat epilepsy, which is why it remains incurable.
Good to know
There is some evidence to show that hyperthyroid disease in cats can cause cat seizures. This happens when the cat has an overactive thyroid gland, and the body cannot deliver enough oxygen and glucose to the brain.
If you suspect your dog or cat has epilepsy it is essential that a vet makes a diagnosis. They will do various tests such as:
If these tests show pet epilepsy the vet will recommend the most appropriate medication.
The medication will not prevent further seizures. But it will reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures. This is why it is important to know what to do when a seizure occurs.
Good to know
You may have heard of a pet illness called cat fever disease. This is a human disease caused by a cat scratching the skin. It can be serious and one of the symptoms is seizures.
Any pet illness is worrying. When your beloved dog or cat has a seizure, especially the first time, it can be terrifying. Knowing how to deal with the situation is key to helping your pet through a seizure. Follow the below advice:
One of the key factors when you have a pet with epilepsy is to know the warning signs. Anyone who cares for your pet should also be made aware of the signs and understand how to deal with a seizure.
The main signs of seizures in dogs and cats are:
If you see these symptoms stay calm and be prepared to help your pet through the seizure. Ask other people to leave the room, keep things quiet, and dim the lights. This will help your pet feel safe and secure.
All pets should have a healthy diet. Diet is especially important in helping manage pet illness. Only give your pet food that is suitable for them. Do not give them human food. Stick to a regimented diet and don´t change their feeding routine as this could interfere with the medication.
Giving your dog or cat products containing Lactium® can be beneficial. Lactium® is a completely natural, milk-derived product that has soothing properties. It does not have any side effects and can help calm your pet in a stressful situation.
As a pet owner, you should also be aware of cat and dog seizure triggers. Even if your pet does not have epilepsy certain triggers can cause a seizure including:
Extreme anxiety can also trigger a pet seizure, for example, during a thunderstorm or when fireworks go off. Lactium® can help your pet feel calmer when faced with a stressful situation.
Conclusion
Every pet is different and if they are prone to seizures their response will vary. As a loving pet parent, your role is to help and support them during this experience and do all you can to manage their epilepsy.
Want to find out more about how Lactium® can help you manage pet illness? Contact us for more information.
https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1386-3
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