Herbal treatments for canine and feline epilepsy to help reduce epileptic seizures in cats and dogs.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder that has increasingly become a common problem for pet owners as it frequently affects the health of dogs and cats. This disorder is characterized by seizures which occur intermittently and range in intensity from mild to severe. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical disturbances in the brain. Neurons, also called nerve cells in the brain send and receive electrical impulses in the body which interferes with the normal brain processes.

As a result, your pet will lose control of his muscles and experience jerking, twitching, thrashing and paddling movements. Seizures can affect animals once in their lifetime or occur regularly.

When more than one seizure occurs in 24 hours, it is known as cluster seizures while three or more seizures after each other or a seizure that continues for more than 30 minutes is known as status epilepticus. It is imperative that you consult your vet immediately if your pet exhibits any signs of epilepsy so that he can receive medical attention.

Types of epilepsy

There are various types of seizures that differ in intensity. Epileptic seizures may be classified into either generalized or partial episodes:

Generalized seizures occur frequently in dogs and cats and there are a number of variations of these seizures which include grand mal (tonic clonic), tonic, clonic, mycoclonic and petit mal (absence seizures). Grand mal seizures are the most common form of seizures in cats and dogs. The seizure begins with loss of consciousness and contraction of the skeletal muscles.

This causes the animal to fall on his side with its limbs extended and head back – known as the tonic phase. During the tonic phase, the animal may often drool excessively, experience loss of bowel and bladder control, and vomit. The tonic phase is followed by the clonic phase which is characterized by jerking of the muscles, paddling or running movements of the legs or clamping of the jaws.

Partial Seizures are also referred to as focal seizures and remain localized or spread to other parts of the body. It causes repeated twitching movements and is often so subtle that you may hardly notice it all.

What Causes Epilepsy?

There are many conditions and factors that may contribute to epilepsy and these include:

• Hereditary
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
• Infections
• Fungal disease
• Viral or inflammatory disorders
• Cysts
• Severe worm infestation
• Anemia
• Encephalitis
• Head trauma
• Brain abscess or tumor
• Rabies
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Liver disease
• Renal failure
• Toxoplasmosis
• Metabolic disorders
• Poisoning
• Toxins such as fertilizers, pesticides, arsenic, chocolate and strychnine
• Metals such as lead, mercury, copper and aluminium

Diagnosing Epilepsy

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The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on your pet’s symptoms, a thorough physical examination and a review of the medical history. Tests such as x-rays, blood tests, CAT scan, MRI, EEG or a spinal tap may have to be performed. Certain conditions such as hypoglycaemia and insulinoma that may often be the cause of seizures have to be ruled out first.

Help for Epilepsy

Once the diagnosis of epilepsy has been confirmed, your veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate anti-convulsant therapy for your pet.

If your pet experiences mild seizures, anticonvulsive therapy may be recommended while anti-convulsive medications such as Diazepam, Phenobarbitone and Potassium Bromide may be prescribed to reduce the severe, frequent epileptic seizures. It would also be useful to monitor your pet’s behavior closely and keep a journal of his seizure activity.

Natural remedies

Natural and holistic treatments may also be used as a gentler alternative to conventional prescription drugs that often bring about some serious side effects. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and very effective to reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Two well known herbs such as Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower) and Scuttelaria laterifolia (Skullcap) contain active ingredients that help to support the natural equilibrium of the nervous system. Homeopathic ingredients such as Hyoscyamus, Belladonna and Cuprum mettalicum helps to maintain stability and balance of the nervous system for cats and dogs.

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