What is Epilepsy?

The brain contains tens of billions of nerve cells, and it conducts information transmission through their electrical activities.

When excitation is strong, inhibitory nerves function to control it, and conversely, when inhibition is strong, excitatory nerves work to maintain balance. However, when there is an abnormality in the balance between excitation and inhibition, it can cause intense electrical disturbances, leading to a phenomenon known as epilepsy.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy is defined as:

“A chronic brain disorder with various etiologies that is characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from excessive firing of neurons in the brain, accompanied by various clinical symptoms and examination findings.”

The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain the abnormal nerve activity occurs.

Just like humans, dogs and cats can also suffer from epilepsy.

Types and Characteristics of Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

Epilepsy can be classified into two types: “idiopathic” and “symptomatic.”

1. Idiopathic Epilepsy

Also known as true epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsy is of unknown cause, and no abnormalities are found even with examinations.
Characteristics of idiopathic epilepsy include:

  • The first seizure usually occurs in young dogs around 1-5 years old
  • The average onset age for cats is 3.8 years
  • There is a high possibility if the interval between the first and second seizure is less than 4 weeks
  • Brain MRI appears normal
  • Recovery after a seizure is quick
  • Each seizure typically lasts a few minutes
  • They appear completely normal when not having seizures
  • In dogs, males have a 1.4 times higher incidence rate compared to females

2. Symptomatic Epilepsy

Symptomatic epilepsy is caused by some sort of brain injury or damage.
It can occur due to various causes including brain trauma from accidents, brain hemorrhage, low oxygen levels, encephalitis, or meningitis.
Characteristics of symptomatic epilepsy include:

  • It can occur at any age, whether young or old
  • Some abnormalities can be seen in MRI
  • Recovery after a seizure is quick
  • Each seizure typically lasts a few minutes
  • Due to an underlying disease, there are neurological abnormalities even when not having seizures

Symptoms – Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

As mentioned above, the symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain has abnormal nerve activity.
The meanings of the kanji characters in “epilepsy” are as follows:

癲: Flipping over
癇: A disease accompanied by convulsions and fainting

Overall, it implies a strong sense of “falling over.”

Common symptoms include:

  • Convulsions or rigidity throughout the body
  • Excessive drooling
  • Convulsions in parts of the face or limbs

These are collectively known as “epileptic seizures.”
Note: “Epilepsy = Disease Name” and “Epileptic Seizure = Symptom”

However, there are symptoms similar to epileptic seizures known as “epileptiform seizures.”
Epileptiform seizures resemble epilepsy symptoms but are caused by different reasons (such as an internal organ disorder or ingestion of toxic plants) other than brain nerve issues.

For differential diagnosis between “epileptic seizures” and “epileptiform seizures,” refer to the questionnaire by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF).

A Japanese translation is available on this site.
Epilepsy Questionnaire

Treatment Methods for Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

Since it is difficult to completely eliminate epileptic seizures, the treatment goal is to reduce the frequency of seizures and lengthen the intervals between them.
The primary treatment method is the use of antiepileptic drugs.

Sometimes a single drug is used, while other times a combination is used.
In general, once the medication is started, it has to be continued for life.

Timing to Start Medication

  • When there have been two or more epileptic seizures within six months
  • After experiencing status epilepticus
  • When abnormal behavior after a seizure is serious or persists for more than 24 hours
  • When the duration of the epileptic seizures is gradually getting longer, or the frequency of the epileptic seizures is increasing

    • Types of Anticonvulsants

    • Phenobarbital
    • Zonisamide
    • Potassium Bromide
    • Levetiracetam
    • Gabapentin

    These medications are used.
    It is a positive sign if the intervals between seizures lengthen and the frequency and severity decrease.
    However, as with any medication, do not forget that there are both benefits and potential side effects.

    From the Perspective of Oriental Medicine – Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

    The season where epileptic seizures are more likely to occur is “Spring.”
    Spring is associated with the liver in the theory of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels.
    The liver not only regulates the flow of blood but also adjusts the flow of Qi, the energy source of life within the body.

    In spring, there are often windy days (such as the first gale of spring), and, just as plants sprout and grow upwards, energy has a tendency to rise. This rising energy and wind not only affect nature but are also reflected in humans.

    Harmful wind to the body is known as “pathogenic wind.”
    When this pathogenic wind enters the body, it makes Qi rise, which can lead to increased irritability, dizziness, and may even trigger epileptic seizures.

    Furthermore, just as wind shakes the trees, pathogenic wind has a shaking nature within the body, leading to symptoms like instability and dizziness.

    Pathogenic wind enters through the back of the neck, so protecting the neck with a neck warmer can help prevent it and alleviate symptoms.

    Additionally, using foods that promote the circulation of Qi (Qi-regulating foods) and foods that regulate the liver’s Qi (liver-soothing foods) can help in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms.

    Strategies for Managing Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

    One of the causes of epileptic seizures is autoimmune disease.
    Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune cells mistakenly identify the body as an enemy and attack it, resulting from an imbalance in the immune system.
    Stabilizing the immune system may help reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures.

    Cordy, which has an immune-modulating function, can help balance the immune system, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.

    Also, regulating the flow of nerves can help suppress epileptic seizures.
    Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) help reduce inflammation in nerves and regulate their flow. Recently, mackerel cans have been featured frequently on TV for dementia prevention.

    EPA helps maintain healthy blood properties, preventing strokes and blood clots.
    Moreover, DHA can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), acting directly on the brain, which helps regulate nerve flow and prevent cellular damage and brain dysfunction caused by hypoxia, as shown in experimental results.

    Especially, krill oil, not only rich in EPA and DHA but also in a form bound to phospholipids identical to cell membrane components, makes it easily absorbable by the body.
    Additionally, the presence of a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin, prevents oxidation of EPA and DHA and helps reduce inflammation within the body.

     

    Using supplements or medications that include the components mentioned here can enable the reduction of medication doses. For pets with high liver or kidney values and those who are not suited for active medication, supplements can be used safely.

    Consider incorporating dietary therapy and supplements as gentle treatments instead of relying solely on medication.

    For Those Concerned About Epileptic Seizures in Dogs and Cats

    Our laboratory is researching whether Cordy, which has an immune-modulating function, can stabilize the immune system or provide other health benefits for dogs and cats with epilepsy or cancer.
    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

    監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

    林美彩

    代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
    ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。

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