Health: Epilepsy

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There are few things more terrifying for a dog owner than to see a beloved pet suddenly fall on her side, legs stretched straight and rigid, head twisting back, lips pulled back to expose her teeth. These are classic signs of a grand mal seizure, and they can make for an endless few minutes. An hour later, your dog may be romping through the yard while you're still trying to settle your nerves.

Epilepsy is one of a variety of seizure disorders. It's a neurological condition marked by an abnormal burst of electrical energy to the brain, which causes the body to malfunction in several ways, including the psychic (distortions of normal thought), physical, and sensory. It may involve a loss of consciousness, but not always. Epileptic attacks can recur anywhere from monthly to several times a day, and often you'll be unable to recognize any triggering event or condition.

When a seizure has passed, so has the immediate danger--but there's no question that it's time to see the vet for a thorough examination. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, call the vet or go to the emergency center at once.

Causes

Epilepsy is an inherited disorder in some breeds, including Beagles, Dachshunds, Keeshonden, German Shepherds, and Belgian Tervurens. If these dogs are afflicted, they'll usually start showing symptoms between six months and five years of age.

Other causes of canine epilepsy can be wide-ranging, including:

• Past trauma to the head
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Infections, such as distemper or encephalitis
• Metabolic causes, such as hypoglycemia or liver failure
• Brain tumor
• Degenerative diseases

When it's time to see a vet