by Darleen Rudnick, B.S.W., M.H.N.
If you have a dog or cat suffering from seizures, you will want to read this article on how to control seizures naturally using a high quality diet, life style changes and supplements.
Canine and Feline epilepsy is a growing concern with pet owners and is a very common problem in veterinary medicine. Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a sudden, involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or sensation. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Common Types of Seizures
"Petit mal" or "partial motor seizures" is a less severe form of epilepsy, which affects only a specific group or groups of muscles. Typical symptoms are staring into space or eye movement.
"Grand mal" or "major motor" seizures are more severe. These could include a loss of consciousness and gross body movements, limbs extend and become rigid, salivation, loss of bladder and bowel control, screaming, and paddling of limbs.
If you have a dog or cat suffering from seizures, you will want to read this article on how to control seizures naturally using a high quality diet, life style changes and supplements.
Canine and Feline epilepsy is a growing concern with pet owners and is a very common problem in veterinary medicine. Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a sudden, involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or sensation. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Common Types of Seizures
"Petit mal" or "partial motor seizures" is a less severe form of epilepsy, which affects only a specific group or groups of muscles. Typical symptoms are staring into space or eye movement.
"Grand mal" or "major motor" seizures are more severe. These could include a loss of consciousness and gross body movements, limbs extend and become rigid, salivation, loss of bladder and bowel control, screaming, and paddling of limbs.
Status epilepticus is defined as a life-threatening condition where the brain is in a state of persistent seizure -- meaning one continuous seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or recurrent seizures without regaining consciousness between seizures for greater than 5 minutes.
Cluster Seizures are multiple seizures that all occur in a short time frame (24-hours).
Symptoms Your Pet May Suffer During a Seizure
Cluster Seizures are multiple seizures that all occur in a short time frame (24-hours).
Symptoms Your Pet May Suffer During a Seizure
- Stiffness
- Loss of consciousness
- Urinating
- Loss of bowel function
- Limbs extend and become rigid
- Vocalization such as screaming
- Salivating
- Sudden, violent shaking
- Muscle twitching or slight shaking of a limb
- Staring, altered vision
- Vomiting
Major Causes of Seizures
Genetic Factors. Some forms of epilepsy are inherited. Sodium, potassium, and calcium serve the brain as ions and produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell to another. If the channels that carry them are genetically damaged, an imbalance occurs that can cause misfire and seizures.
Brain Tumors. Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can cause seizures.
Liver disease. Liver disease is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.
Genetic Factors. Some forms of epilepsy are inherited. Sodium, potassium, and calcium serve the brain as ions and produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell to another. If the channels that carry them are genetically damaged, an imbalance occurs that can cause misfire and seizures.
Brain Tumors. Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can cause seizures.
Liver disease. Liver disease is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.
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Severe worm infestation. Parasites release toxins that have an adverse effect on the central nervous system.
Low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, which brings on feelings of fatigue and stress, may be a factor in triggering seizures. Scientists have estimated that between 50 to 90 percent of all epileptics suffer from low blood sugar, and 70 percent have abnormal glucose tolerance levels. |
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Lead, Chemicals, Additives and Poisoning. Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum have also been known to cause seizures. Some pets are very sensitive to such metals, and exposure is common through aluminum cookware, auto exhaust, industrial pollution, household cleaners and copper water pipes. Flea sprays, collars and yard sprays are also toxic to pets.
Vaccinations. Because vaccines may contain proteins and/or organisms, they may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain.
Infections, cysts and cancer.
Head Trauma. A blow to the head from an auto accident, abuse or other accident can lead to lifelong seizures.
Renal Kidney Failure. The role of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluid. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they may lose their ability to perform these functions, causing a toxic build-up in the body. A toxic build-up can lead to a seizure disorder.
Vitamin deficiencies. Research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium.
Thyroid problems. It is important to have a blood test done to determine if you pet is suffering from a thyroid problem. See Canine and Feline Seizures (Epilepsy) and Thyroid Disorders.
Vaccinations. Because vaccines may contain proteins and/or organisms, they may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain.
Infections, cysts and cancer.
Head Trauma. A blow to the head from an auto accident, abuse or other accident can lead to lifelong seizures.
Renal Kidney Failure. The role of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluid. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they may lose their ability to perform these functions, causing a toxic build-up in the body. A toxic build-up can lead to a seizure disorder.
Vitamin deficiencies. Research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium.
Thyroid problems. It is important to have a blood test done to determine if you pet is suffering from a thyroid problem. See Canine and Feline Seizures (Epilepsy) and Thyroid Disorders.
Types of Treatments
Types of traditional treatments such as Phenobarbital, Primidone, Diazepam (Valium), Keppra and Potassium Bromide are typically prescribed by veterinarians for seizure disorders. Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods of treating seizure disorders. A more natural approach is outlined below.
Prevention Plan For Treating Seizures Naturally
A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have.
Rule Out Other Health Problems
Rule out other health problems such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Cancer, Liver or Kidney disease. A health problem may be triggering seizures.
Feed Homemade Diet or High Quality Commercial Food
Poor nutrition is a direct cause of many major and minor diseases. Therefore, a commitment to optimum health and longevity for your pet must include a high quality diet.
Research has shown that a low quality diet -- meaning a diet loaded with chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, coloring agents, sodium nitrate (found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats that ate it regularly) and by-products -- can lead to allergies, nervousness, hypertension, diabetes, weight problems, dry skin, and many other common ailments.
A homemade diet is recommended as this is the best you can do for your pet. Home cooking does not fit into everyone's lifestyle and if this is the case, it is essential to choose a high quality food. Because of what goes into pet foods today and what does not, it is important to know how to read labels, and know the history of the company manufacturing the pet food.
Types of traditional treatments such as Phenobarbital, Primidone, Diazepam (Valium), Keppra and Potassium Bromide are typically prescribed by veterinarians for seizure disorders. Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods of treating seizure disorders. A more natural approach is outlined below.
Prevention Plan For Treating Seizures Naturally
A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have.
Rule Out Other Health Problems
Rule out other health problems such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Cancer, Liver or Kidney disease. A health problem may be triggering seizures.
Feed Homemade Diet or High Quality Commercial Food
Poor nutrition is a direct cause of many major and minor diseases. Therefore, a commitment to optimum health and longevity for your pet must include a high quality diet.
Research has shown that a low quality diet -- meaning a diet loaded with chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, coloring agents, sodium nitrate (found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats that ate it regularly) and by-products -- can lead to allergies, nervousness, hypertension, diabetes, weight problems, dry skin, and many other common ailments.
A homemade diet is recommended as this is the best you can do for your pet. Home cooking does not fit into everyone's lifestyle and if this is the case, it is essential to choose a high quality food. Because of what goes into pet foods today and what does not, it is important to know how to read labels, and know the history of the company manufacturing the pet food.
Rule Out Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a medical term meaning low blood sugar, a condition that is becoming more common in pets and especially pets suffering from seizures.
It is recommended that pets suffering from seizures follow the suggestions given below to rule out hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack
Seizure -If this happens, it is essential to administer a source of glucose. The best source is honey. Honey, is made up of 35% protein & contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large quantities of carbohydrates (sugars), some minerals, B complex, and C, D, and E. Therefore, honey will immediately raise the blood sugar putting the body in balance and stabilizing the blood sugar level. If honey is not available use jelly, karo syrup or maple syrup. Put a small amount of one of these directly into the mouth. It will be quickly absorbed.
Hypoglycemia is a medical term meaning low blood sugar, a condition that is becoming more common in pets and especially pets suffering from seizures.
It is recommended that pets suffering from seizures follow the suggestions given below to rule out hypoglycemia.
- Feed a high quality diet to maintain proper blood sugar levels.
- Keep stress to a minimum.
- Exercise moderately.
- Supplement with high quality vitamins.
- Feed small frequent meals.
Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack
- Staggering or collapse
- Weakness
- Aggression
- Moodiness
- Glassy eyes, staring, dazed looked
Seizure -If this happens, it is essential to administer a source of glucose. The best source is honey. Honey, is made up of 35% protein & contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large quantities of carbohydrates (sugars), some minerals, B complex, and C, D, and E. Therefore, honey will immediately raise the blood sugar putting the body in balance and stabilizing the blood sugar level. If honey is not available use jelly, karo syrup or maple syrup. Put a small amount of one of these directly into the mouth. It will be quickly absorbed.
Recommendations to Prevent Hypoglycemia Attacks
The Hypoglycemia feeding schedule is as follows:
7:00 AM: Breakfast - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 AM: Snack - see suggestions below
3:00 PM: Snack
7:00 PM: Dinner - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 PM: Snack -- this should be a high protein, high carbohydrate snack. For example, two plain rice cakes with peanut butter in the middle, egg and toast, chicken and brown rice, etc.
Snack Suggestions:
The goal is not to put weight on your pet, but to balance out the body, stabilize the blood sugar level and ultimately control the seizures.
The Hypoglycemia feeding schedule is as follows:
7:00 AM: Breakfast - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 AM: Snack - see suggestions below
3:00 PM: Snack
7:00 PM: Dinner - high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 PM: Snack -- this should be a high protein, high carbohydrate snack. For example, two plain rice cakes with peanut butter in the middle, egg and toast, chicken and brown rice, etc.
Snack Suggestions:
- Celery
- Carrots
- Apples
- Pears
- Bran crackers
- Rice cakes
- Peaches
- Hard Boiled eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Cottage cheese
- Plain yogurt
- Homemade meatballs
- Chicken
The goal is not to put weight on your pet, but to balance out the body, stabilize the blood sugar level and ultimately control the seizures.
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Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet
Many household cleaners contain formaldehyde (also known as embalming solution), which could cause severe irritation to eyes, throat and skin. Some floor polishes contain chemicals that can cause cancer as well as damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and central nervous system. It is important to keep your pets in a well-ventilated area when cleaning. |
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Flea collars, flea sprays, air fresheners, carpet powders and yard control products are not recommended.
Exercise
Exercise helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet's metabolism.
Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise every day. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration. Do NOT over exercise older pets, or pets suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy, heart problems, etc. Pets suffer from exhaustion just as humans do.
Supplements
Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian.
Exercise
Exercise helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet's metabolism.
Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise every day. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration. Do NOT over exercise older pets, or pets suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy, heart problems, etc. Pets suffer from exhaustion just as humans do.
Supplements
Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian.
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Keep a Positive Attitude
Positive thinking reaps positive results!! Talk positive to your pet, and be a positive person in your own life.
What to do When a Seizure Occurs
If there is forewarning, administer honey. Give about one tablespoon. For smaller pets use 1 teaspoon. In many cases, this will lessen the severity of the seizure.
Remain calm. This is very important as YOU will prolong the seizure if you scream or get upset.
Turn off all lights, TV and music. Get to a quiet, dark room and hold your pet in a comforting reassuring way. Say only positive things, "You will be okay, you will be better."
Factors That May Trigger a Seizure
Below is a list of factors that most commonly trigger seizures. This does not mean your pet will have a seizure each time it comes in contact with one. EACH pet is different and sensitive to certain things. This list does not apply to every pet.
Positive thinking reaps positive results!! Talk positive to your pet, and be a positive person in your own life.
What to do When a Seizure Occurs
If there is forewarning, administer honey. Give about one tablespoon. For smaller pets use 1 teaspoon. In many cases, this will lessen the severity of the seizure.
Remain calm. This is very important as YOU will prolong the seizure if you scream or get upset.
Turn off all lights, TV and music. Get to a quiet, dark room and hold your pet in a comforting reassuring way. Say only positive things, "You will be okay, you will be better."
Factors That May Trigger a Seizure
Below is a list of factors that most commonly trigger seizures. This does not mean your pet will have a seizure each time it comes in contact with one. EACH pet is different and sensitive to certain things. This list does not apply to every pet.
