Acknowledgements, Introduction and Dedication 4
Foreword 7
1 Canine epilepsy explained 9
A common condition 9
An historic condition 9
The canine brain 9
When do seizures occur? 11
Why does my dog fit? 12
Every dog is different 12
Case history: Inigo 13
Case history: Lois 14
Case history: Hugo 14
2 A diagnosis: what now? 15
Your role 15
Ruling out other problems 15
Tips for coping 16
You and your vet 19
Epilepsy clinics 19
Case history: Otto 20
The role of stress 20
Phyllis Croft Foundation 21
And remember ... 21
3 Causes and triggers 22
Toxins 22
Lyme disease 22
Distemper 23
Vaccinations 23
Hormone imbalances 23
Liver disorders 23
Acquired epilepsy 23
Idiopathic epilepsy 25
Case history: Dulcie 26
Case history: Bracken 27
4 Treatment options 28
Standard medication 28
A lifelong commitment 29
Visits to your vet 29
Kindling 29
Side-effects 30
When treatment isn’t effective 30
Case history: Lula 31
Case history: Shani 32
Controlling costs 33
Brain-splitting surgery 33
5 What to do during a fit 34
Risk of injury 34
Safety first 34
Other measures 35
When it’s an emergency 35
After a seizure 35
Ice bags 36
Dog alert 36
Ocular compression (OC) 36
Case history: Bella 37
Case history: Tia 38
6 Breeds affected 39
Seizure disorders in other
breeds 39
Staffordshire Bull Terriers 39
Popular breeds 39
Acquired epilepsy 41
Boys v girls 42
Age 42
Limited gene pool 42
The genetics of epilepsy 42
Belgian Shepherds 42
Canine Genetics Centre 42
Case history: Goliath 45
Case history: Tilly 46
7 Diet 47
A balance from the start 47
The essentials 47
Spices 47
Nutritional advice 48
Supplements 48
Increased hunger after fitting 48
Processed food 48
The ketogenic diet 48
The BARF diet 49
The way forward 51
Fat and salt content 52
Keeping an eye on
the scales 52
Case history: Sophie 52
Case history: Nyah 53
8 Exercise 54
Staying on the move 54
Calming effect 55
The importance of play 55
Ataxia 55
Exercise in the water 56
Case history: Mylo 59
Time in the water 60
Feedback 60
9 Complementary therapies 61
Acupuncture 61
Bach flower therapy 61
Canine Bowen Technique 62
Galen Canine Myotherapy 62
Homeopathy 62
Reiki 62
Case history: Taggart 63
Case history: Harry
and Merlin 64
Case history: Samson 65
Case history: Moon 66
10 When euthanasia is the only option 67
When the time’s right 67
Letting go 67
Euthanasia procedure 67
A final resting place 67
Coping with your loss 68
Case history: Wally 69
Case history: Daisy 70
Case history: Brody 71
11 Conclusion 72
12 Useful contacts and further reading 73
Rogues’ Gallery 76
Index 78