[PyrNet-L] Re: Health: Care: Epilepsy

[JGray37000@aol.com]

A few tips from your List-Paramedic....

Incontinence of urine is common, even expected, in Tonic-Clonic ("Grand Mal") 
seizures. It is caused by the relaxation of the bladder sphincter, and has no 
other significance.

Seizures which last more than 5 minutes, or stop then start again without 
awakening, are called Status Epilepticus, and are a medical emergency. 
Serious brain damage can occur if they are not controlled. We use injections 
of diazepam (Valium) in our seizure patients, Ask your Vet about the 
advisability of giving you a syringe to keep for such events. Sort of like 
the Epinephrine Kit many with Bee Sting allergies carry.

Epilepsy and other seizures do not CAUSE dehydration. But, if he is often 
dehydrated at these times, the electrolyte imbalance present when dehydrated 
MAY be a factor in the seizures. Talk to your Vet about his fluid intake, 
kidney function, etc...to PREVENT dehydration. You can even be taught to 
administer subcutaneous fluids (it's EASY) if indicated.

This stressful period may not be the time for you to try to learn how to feed 
a raw or natural, home-made diet. But, I also strongly urge you to evaluate 
your dog;s diet, and switch to a Premium "human-Grade" food, like Innova 
<A HREF="http://www.naturapet.com/display.asp?uid=5869257&id=2&sub=0">Natura 
Pet Products
</A>  or Balance Diet <A HREF="http://www.balancediet.com/">BalanceDiet - 
Supreme Canine Nutrition : Dog Food, Cat Food, Treats
</A> , both of which contain very little grain (not a natural component of  
canine diets)

There are numerous medications to control seizures...Phenobarbital, Dilantin, 
etc. Ask you Vet for a referral to a specialist or a Teaching Vet College if 
his initial treatment plans aren't effective. It is probably not going to be 
possible to control this condition and give him the best quality-of-life 
without medicating him.

Jody Gray