Living with Canine Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases in dogs, but no one knows for certain what causes it or how common it is. It’s more than a single condition, comprising general categories of seizures as well as subcategories. Epilepsy is unpredictable -- some pets appear to have seizures very regularly, while in others, the seizures appear to be triggered by specific events.

There is no simple test for epilepsy.  If it is suspected, veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic screening tests to rule out other problems first (such as glucose intolerance, thyroid function, infections, toxins and tumors) before arriving at a diagnosis. Having the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can provide valuable financial support for potentially costly diagnostic testing by a veterinarian.

Your veterinarian can help you better understand what causes seizures, how epilepsy is treated and how current research may help decrease the incidence of the disease.  Most seizures are brief (although even brief seizures can be very serious) and, with proper treatment, your dog can lead a normal life.
 
Several different studies are underway at the North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to determine canine seizure causes and frequency.  Researchers there hope to uncover new treatments for seizure symptoms and eliminate the disease from future generations. Another study being conducted at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine is evaluating other canine epilepsy variables.

Pet health insurance can provide some peace of mind for many owners with epileptic dogs. “If it wasn’t for our AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, going to the emergency room would not be an option for Oso,” says Toni who has a Great Swiss Mountain dog with epilepsy. “When we go to the emergency room we see people without pet insurance making decisions about the life and death of their dogs based on money.”  Toni was reimbursed $5,000 for one of Oso’s claims, the maximum per incident coverage.

Canine epilepsy cases can often cost several thousands of dollars in veterinarian and hospital bills.  An MRI alone may cost $1,000 or more.  Even monthly medications to help stabilize  a dog may cost $40 to $50 per month, often more than the monthly cost of a quality pet healthcare plan. 

Having pet health insurance can mean all the difference in trying to give your dog another lease on life. Here at PetPartners, Inc., the exclusive pet healthcare provider for the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, some of our recent claims for canine epilepsy have included $1,881 for a Bulldog, $3,204 for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and $2,541 for a Giant Schnauzer. 
If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy;

1. See your veterinarian regularly and understand what seizure situations merit a phone call to your clinic.
2. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for your dog.
3. Keep a record of the dates seizures occur and how long they last.
4. Never change or discontinue medications without consulting your veterinarian.
5. Discuss family activities that include your dog with your veterinarian. For example, if you engage in water sports you might be asked to consider using a canine life vest to avoid the drowning of your dog during a seizure.

Don’t allow epilepsy to prevent you from enjoying your dog.  Have fun and concentrate on the times your furry friend is happy and doing well, instead of focusing on the small percentage of time there may be problems.
For more information about the range of AKC Pet Healthcare Plans, visit www.akcphp.com
For more information on epilepsy studies at The North Carolina State Veterinary School and The University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, visit: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/epilepsyresearch/currentstudies.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/index.html

American Kennel Club, AKC and the AKC logo are trademarks of The American Kennel Club, Inc. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan name is licensed to PetPartners, Inc for its exclusive use by the American Kennel Club. Coverage is offered by PetPartners Inc. and is underwritten by Markel Insurance Company, an A.M. Best A Rated Company.