Epileptic dog

[live2ride]

Hey all,
First time posting on this part of HHO forums, but was thinking about epilepsy in dogs.
So my dog, Cody is a Welshie (Welsh Springer Spaniel) and has had epilepsy since he was about 2 he is now 7, and apart from the odd fit and premature greyness and a bit of muscle weakness caused by the drugs he has to take, he is perfectly healthy

BUT heres the question when he first developed epilepsy the vets told us loads of dogs had epilepsy but you'd never know. So I was just wondering if anyone else has a dog with epilepsy or knows of one ?? and how was your experiences with it?

 

[piebaldsparkle]

My JRT has fits - His are infrequent, short and quite minor, in that he doesn't go fully unconscious, but loses coordination and balance, staggers and has various ticks (looks drugged/drunk). He is not currently medicated but all fits are noted and if they get worst or more frequent that will be the next step. He has had them since he was 3 1/2yrs and is now 9yrs.

My 1st family dog was a springer x retriever and he also fitted, but his were the full on unconscious/foaming at the mouth etc... ones. He was also aggressive when he came round as was so disorientated. He wasn't mediated either (I don't think they did 30+ years ago) He was PTS at 15yrs with a tumor.

I also have a friend with Weimaraner who also fits, so no I guess it is uncommon.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Daughters dog has epilepsy too. Has medication twice a day which controls it pretty well. She has a normal quality of life and she's a sweet, gentle and energetic dog.

 

[sadiedeb]

My old dog Sadie was epileptic - she was a labrador cross - was on medication twice a day and lead happy normal life, she tended to have fit if over stressed ie firework night - and although vet always said keep away from them when they're fitting she liked to be stroked and talked to until she came out of it. We've now got a dog with diabetes!

 

[Goya]

I know two dgs with epilepsy. One does Flyball and one does Obedience. Both are on tablets, but lead a normal life.

 

[reddie]

My dad's setter cross had fits, was started on meds and lived a normal life and died at 15yrs. Our schnauzer cross has eplepsy. they tend to occur with in clusters with a gap of about 4/5 months between the clusters. She doesn't always seem lose full unconsciousness and stress seems to be a factor. She isn't medicated ( vet's advice) altho is a future option. She leads a normal life, loads of walks, dog training etc

 

[Foxhunter49]

We have two that have epilepsy, one is super allergic to Frontline and it will cause him to fit majorly. As he is fine other than if he comes into contact with it so he is on no meeds.
The other os an elderly Lab who started with minor 'floppy' fits when he was about two years. He was on tablets and if he missed two days he would have a fit.
He came to me whilst his owner was seriously ill and I fed him raw. (he had previously been on dry food) and after a holiday weekend, ran out of tablets. He went without from that day on and has never had another bad turn.