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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
What is epilepsy in dogs and cats, and how do you cope with it?
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological condition that affects both dogs and cats. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain triggers a seizure. Seizures vary in severity but usually produce similar signs. Animals of any breed, age or size can develop the condition. Bear in mind that it is incurable.
Which animals can develop epilepsy?
Unfortunately, epilepsy occurs in all animals and does not have to depend on anything in particular. It usually appears after the first year of life, but this is not a rule. Epilepsy can follow another illness or an injury, or it can arise on its own, in which case it is called idiopathic, meaning we do not know its exact cause. Early research into whether the condition is hereditary is under way, but at this stage it is not possible to say for certain whether the disease is genetic.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Depending on its severity, the condition may cause very subtle signs or, in advanced cases, frequent, prolonged and easily noticeable episodes.
A seizure has several phases:
The seizure itself usually lasts from ten-odd seconds to as long as several minutes. Seizures in the same animal can differ from one another. Their appearance and frequency may change depending on whether the animal is being treated.
How is epilepsy diagnosed in animals?
If you notice worrying signs, you should see a veterinarian, ideally a neurologist, to have the condition diagnosed. It is worth preparing for the visit; we described this in detail in our article on neurological examinations.
Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, blood test results and an MRI scan.
How is epilepsy treated?
First of all, it must be stressed that the disease is incurable. Proper care from the owner and well-chosen medication can, however, greatly improve the quality of life of an affected animal. Treatment mainly involves reducing the electrical activity in the brain with carefully selected drugs that do not interfere with the dog’s or cat’s normal functioning. With the right treatment, seizures can become less frequent. Both the drugs and their doses are tailored to the individual patient.
What should you do during a seizure?
During the seizure itself, the owner’s response is extremely important. What you should do:
The seizure itself is unlikely to be painful, but afterwards the animal may be exhausted by the sudden and very strong muscle contractions. Once it is over, give your pet a quiet, peaceful place to recover.