From Nicki:
I have been doing some research on epilepsy and found quite a few interesting sites:
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm
http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk/Main_frame_set.htm
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html
http://pcfce.org/
Advice:
During a seizure, try to reduce external stimuli, ie shut the curtains, turn off radio and TV, keep quiet and calm – obviously make sure the animal is safe, not likely to fall down stairs etc, and away from anything which could get broken causing injury.
Afterwards you can give ice cream - not sure if it's the sugar or the coldness that helps, but they certainly enjoy it!
Stop using all household cleaners, plug-in "smellies" etc – maybe try something like a Polti steam cleaner instead.
Holistic approaches include:
Dr Bach Rescue Remedy - 1-2 drops in the mouth {small dog, 3 for a large dog}, and/or 3 in the water bowl {every time you change the water}. During an actual seizure, this can be administered on the skin of the ears or the nose, rather than in the mouth if that’s not possible.
Vitamin B complex – aids brain function - ¼ human dose {dogs and cats under 25lb}, ½ human dose {25 to 60lb}, full dose {dogs over 60lb}
Essential oils - Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Melissa and Chamomile - in a diffuser, for about 1/2 hour, 2 to 3 times a day. Or dilute them in water, and sprinkle a few drops on the coat {chest area}
Amino acids – can increase resistance to seizures, thereby reducing them.
L-taurine and L-tyrosine – 5-10mg per lb bodyweight, 1 to 2 times a day.
Antioxidants:
Flax Oil - ¼ tsp per 10lb bodyweight
Evening Primrose Oil - 5-10mg per 10lb of body weight
OR Borage Oil - 5-10mg per 10lb of body weight – OR both, at half this dose.
Homoeopathic remedies – best to consult with a homoeopath for these. I obtain mine from www.gentletouchremedies.co.uk
NB these have to be kept well away from the essential oils, and not given at similar times.
If you have access to a video camera, maybe try to video a seizure, this can really help the vet/neurologist.
***Check with your vet/neurologist for all "holistic" remedies, just to make sure they won't clash with conventional medication***
***These are all just suggestions based on my own research and experiences – I’m not suggesting stopping conventional medication – THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS - but that there are things you can try as well, which do sometimes mean that conventional medication may be reduced, or sometimes even stopped completely***
I have been doing some research on epilepsy and found quite a few interesting sites:
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm
http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk/Main_frame_set.htm
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html
http://pcfce.org/
Advice:
During a seizure, try to reduce external stimuli, ie shut the curtains, turn off radio and TV, keep quiet and calm – obviously make sure the animal is safe, not likely to fall down stairs etc, and away from anything which could get broken causing injury.
Afterwards you can give ice cream - not sure if it's the sugar or the coldness that helps, but they certainly enjoy it!
Stop using all household cleaners, plug-in "smellies" etc – maybe try something like a Polti steam cleaner instead.
Holistic approaches include:
Dr Bach Rescue Remedy - 1-2 drops in the mouth {small dog, 3 for a large dog}, and/or 3 in the water bowl {every time you change the water}. During an actual seizure, this can be administered on the skin of the ears or the nose, rather than in the mouth if that’s not possible.
Vitamin B complex – aids brain function - ¼ human dose {dogs and cats under 25lb}, ½ human dose {25 to 60lb}, full dose {dogs over 60lb}
Essential oils - Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Melissa and Chamomile - in a diffuser, for about 1/2 hour, 2 to 3 times a day. Or dilute them in water, and sprinkle a few drops on the coat {chest area}
Amino acids – can increase resistance to seizures, thereby reducing them.
L-taurine and L-tyrosine – 5-10mg per lb bodyweight, 1 to 2 times a day.
Antioxidants:
Flax Oil - ¼ tsp per 10lb bodyweight
Evening Primrose Oil - 5-10mg per 10lb of body weight
OR Borage Oil - 5-10mg per 10lb of body weight – OR both, at half this dose.
Homoeopathic remedies – best to consult with a homoeopath for these. I obtain mine from www.gentletouchremedies.co.uk
NB these have to be kept well away from the essential oils, and not given at similar times.
If you have access to a video camera, maybe try to video a seizure, this can really help the vet/neurologist.
***Check with your vet/neurologist for all "holistic" remedies, just to make sure they won't clash with conventional medication***
***These are all just suggestions based on my own research and experiences – I’m not suggesting stopping conventional medication – THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS - but that there are things you can try as well, which do sometimes mean that conventional medication may be reduced, or sometimes even stopped completely***