can kidney disease in dogs cause seizures

Kidney Failure And Seizures In Dogs

[ad_1]Kidney failure and seizures are two serious health issues that can affect dogs, and when they occur together, it can be especially concerning for pet owners. Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly and filter waste products from the blood. Seizures, on the other hand, are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild twitching to full-blown convulsions.

When a dog experiences both kidney failure and seizures, it can be a complex and challenging situation to manage. In this article, we will explore the relationship between kidney failure and seizures in dogs, including common trends, concerns, and answers related to the topic.

Trends:

1. Increased Risk with Age: Older dogs are more likely to develop kidney failure and seizures, as these conditions are often associated with the natural aging process.

2. Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers, may be more prone to developing kidney failure and seizures.

3. Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins, such as antifreeze or certain medications, can increase the risk of kidney failure and seizures in dogs.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Dogs with pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are more susceptible to developing kidney failure and seizures.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor diet and lack of essential nutrients can contribute to kidney failure and seizures in dogs.

6. Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat other health conditions can have adverse effects on the kidneys and brain, leading to seizures.

7. Genetic Factors: In some cases, genetic predisposition can play a role in the development of kidney failure and seizures in dogs.

Quotes from Professionals:

1. Managing kidney failure and seizures in dogs requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying causes and the symptoms. Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your dogs individual needs. Veterinarian

2. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting kidney function and overall health in dogs with kidney failure and seizures. A diet that is low in phosphorus and high in quality protein can help to reduce the strain on the kidneys and minimize the risk of seizures. Veterinary Nutritionist

3. Seizures in dogs with kidney failure can be particularly challenging to control, as the underlying kidney disease can complicate the management of epilepsy. Its essential to monitor your dog closely and report any changes in seizure activity to your veterinarian. Veterinary Neurologist

4. Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood tests and urine analysis is crucial for dogs with kidney failure and seizures. Early detection of changes in kidney function can help to guide treatment decisions and improve the long-term prognosis. Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist

Common Concerns and Answers:

1. Can kidney failure cause seizures in dogs?

Yes, kidney failure can lead to electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, and toxins build-up in the body, which can trigger seizures in dogs.

2. How are kidney failure and seizures diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis of kidney failure and seizures in dogs typically involves blood tests, urine analysis, imaging studies, and neurological examinations.

3. What are the treatment options for kidney failure and seizures in dogs?

Treatment may include medications to control seizures, dietary management, fluid therapy, and in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.

4. Can kidney failure and seizures be prevented in dogs?

While some factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care can help reduce the risk of kidney failure and seizures.

5. Are seizures in dogs with kidney failure life-threatening?

Seizures can be life-threatening if not properly managed, especially in dogs with underlying kidney disease. Its essential to seek prompt veterinary care if your dog experiences seizures.

6. How can I support my dog with kidney failure and seizures at home?

Provide a quiet and safe environment for your dog, monitor their water intake and urine output, and follow your veterinarians recommendations for medication and dietary management.

7. Can kidney failure and seizures be cured in dogs?

While there is no cure for kidney failure or seizures, with proper management and treatment, many dogs can lead a good quality of life despite these conditions.

8. Are there any alternative therapies that can help dogs with kidney failure and seizures?

Some pet owners may explore alternative treatments, such as acupuncture or herbal supplements, but its essential to consult with a veterinarian before trying any alternative therapies.

9. How often should a dog with kidney failure and seizures see the veterinarian?

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring your dogs condition and adjusting treatment as needed. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your dogs individual needs.

10. Can stress trigger seizures in dogs with kidney failure?

Stress can be a trigger for seizures in some dogs, so its important to create a calm and predictable environment for your pet to help reduce the risk of seizure activity.

11. Are there any warning signs that my dogs kidney failure is worsening?

Signs of worsening kidney failure may include increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and changes in behavior. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

12. Should I restrict my dogs activity if they have kidney failure and seizures?

Moderate exercise is beneficial for dogs with kidney failure, but its essential to avoid strenuous activity that could increase the risk of seizures. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on an appropriate exercise plan.

13. Can medications for seizures affect kidney function in dogs?

Some medications used to control seizures can have side effects on the kidneys, so its important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dogs kidney function while on these medications.

14. How can I help my dog feel more comfortable during a seizure?

During a seizure, its important to remain calm and ensure your dog is in a safe place. Avoid touching your dogs mouth or head and speak softly to provide reassurance until the seizure passes.

15. What is the prognosis for dogs with kidney failure and seizures?

The prognosis for dogs with kidney failure and seizures can vary depending on the underlying causes, the severity of the conditions, and how well they respond to treatment. With proper care and management, many dogs can live a good quality of life despite these challenges.

In conclusion, kidney failure and seizures in dogs are complex conditions that require careful management and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for our furry friends. By staying informed, working closely with veterinary professionals, and providing loving care and support, pet owners can help their dogs navigate these health challenges with resilience and grace. Remember, your veterinarian is your best ally in the fight against kidney failure and seizures, so dont hesitate to reach out for guidance and support along the way.[ad_2]

Seizures come in all shapes and sizes.

The big, bad grand mal seizure is a generalized, convulsive seizure with widespread, excessive, abnormal electrical activity occurring in both sides of the brain. Also known as tonic-clonic, this type of seizure is the one where a dog suddenly falls over with violent, jerking spasms affecting all four limbs, paddling, frothing at the mouth, possible loss of bladder and bowel control, and loss of consciousness.

If this happens, first, make sure you both stay safe. To keep your dog safe from injury, remove any items near them that are breakable or that may fall on them. If they are near stairs, try to stay below them on the steps if you can safely do so to prevent them from falling down further.

Avoid your dogs mouth so you dont get bitten. Your natural tendency may be to comfort your dog by hugging or stroking their head. But your dog is not aware of their surroundings during a seizure, and they are not in control of their movements either. Furthermore, in the minutes to hours after a seizure (a period called the postictal phase) your dog may remain disoriented or confused, which can sometimes be expressed as aggressive behavior. You need to be careful.

Try to time the seizure and keep a log. Timing the seizure is important because of a life-threatening condition called status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus is an ongoing seizure that doesnt self-resolve, typically considered more than five minutes, says Dr. Peter Early, visiting clinical professor of neurology in the Department of Clinical Sciences.

If a dog is in status epilepticus for too long, they could die. There is so much intense, violent physical activity that the core body temperature rises to life-threatening levels. Status epilepticus requires emergency veterinary intervention with intravenous medication, usually a benzodiazepine like diazepam (Valium), to break the seizure.

Beyond the classic grand mal seizure described above, other generalized seizures include:

• Tonic (stiff, extended limbs that dont move or jerk)
• Clonic (hyper-flexed, non-jerking limbs)
• Myoclonic (jerking limbs)
• Atonic (standing, staring and non-responsive)

Focal seizure

Focal seizures, as opposed to generalized seizures, happen when the abnormal electrical activity is localized to just one spot in the brain. This can look like a lot of different things. For example, fly-biting is a classic one, where the dog looks like they are seeing and repeatedly snapping at flies. The chewing gum fit is where the jaw repeatedly clacks.

A focal seizure might just be repeated twitching of an eyelid, lip or ear. There is not necessarily a loss of consciousness. These types of seizures usually dont require treatment. However, a focal seizure can segue into a generalized seizure, so be sure to keep a close watch on your dog until it passes.

Causes

Seizures can be caused by metabolic disorders like low blood sugar or low blood calcium, liver disease, liver shunts, kidney diseaseand others. These seizures are called reactive seizures. The brain is normal, and if the metabolic disorder can be corrected, the seizures go away.

Some drugs can cause seizures by lowering the seizure threshold in the brain. Discontinuing the drug resolves these reactive seizures.

Toxins can also cause seizures. This is part of the risk of things like dark chocolate, caffeine, the sugar substitute xylitol, anti-freeze, rat poison and liquor. Eliminating exposure to the toxin and giving treatment for the toxin resolves the seizures.

Additionally, seizures can be caused by abnormalities in the brain itself. Called structural seizures, theyre caused by things like tumors, head trauma, inflammatory diseases and infectious diseases, like rabies and canine distemper.

However, the most common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy, which is a seizure condition of unknown origin. A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is typically made after every other cause has been ruled out.

Idiopathic epilepsy usually starts between 6-months-old and 6-years-old. Dogs younger than 1-year-old are more likely to have a congenital defect, an intoxication or an infectious disease like canine distemper. Dogs that are over 6-years-old when they have their first seizure are more likely to have a metabolic disorder or a structural brain lesion, like a tumor or a stroke.

Breed predilection toward epilepsy is another clue your veterinarian uses during diagnosis. Schnauzers, Collies, Bassett Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have higher rates of seizure conditions compared to other breeds.

Treatments

If your dog is between 6-months-old and 6-years-old, and their tests are normal, most veterinarians agree antiepileptic drug therapy is not necessary after the first seizure.

There are exceptions, however, including:

• Cluster seizures (one or more seizures in a 24-hour period)
• Particularly violent seizures
• Seizures lasting 5 minutes or more
• Breed predisposition: German Shepherd Dog, Border Collie, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Keeshond and Saint Bernard ( all known to experience difficult seizures)

For all the other situations, your seizure log will help determine when it might be time to start anticonvulsant therapy, based on increasing length, frequency and severity of seizures.

You might wonder why you shouldn't just start your dog on anticonvulsants to prevent another seizure. But consider this: Your dog may never have another seizure. Or they may have a mild one once a year. We really dont know until it plays out. And once an antiepileptic is started, it is generally necessary for life.

Similarly, if your dog is an epileptic who rarely has a seizure, then you are taxing their body with a medication that they really dont need, and you are paying for it. In addition, well-managed epileptics on anticonvulsants may still have breakthrough seizures here and there. So, a seizure-free future is not a guarantee, even with long-term medication.

Keeping in mind the above reasons for not starting anticonvulsants right away, we should point out that the seizure itself is perhaps not completely benign. Some research studies discuss the fact that dogs appear to have abnormal MRI brain lesions in the aftermath of a seizure. These lesions are called postictal changes (PC) and are thought to be due to a combination of cellular damage, cellular stress and swelling. In humans, these lesions are known to reverse with time. The presumption is that this may also be true for dogs, but further study is needed.

A general rule is to start antiepileptic drugs if there is more than one seizure a month, Early says. Most veterinary professionals think that if a dog is seizing as much as once a month, its interfering too much with their quality of life and yours. Starting anticonvulsant therapy will likely be recommended in this case. You, however, should be the ultimate decider of when enough is enough and its time to treat.

Phenobarbitol, levetiracetam (Keppra), zonisamide and potassium bromide are all good first choices for treatment. There are several different anticonvulsants available for dogs. Zonisamide and levetiracetam have become popular because they work well with minimal side effects. Phenobarbital, potassium bromide and topiramate are other medications your veterinarian may discuss with you.

Approximately 20% of dogs have refractory epilepsy and require more than one antiepileptic medication, Early says. Some dogs may require more than one medication to manage their seizures. Levetiracetam is frequently used as a second medication. It is short-acting, which means it must be dosed three times a day. This can be challenging for dog owners. The extended-release formula, Keppra XR, with its twice-a-day dosing, is easier.

There are challenges and frustrations with refractory epilepsy cases, says Early. For example, what if your previously well-managed epileptic is having more and more breakthrough seizures? Unfortunately, some dogs will develop a tolerance to their anticonvulsant medication over time. In these cases, the liver continuously increases the rate at which it metabolizes the drug, making higher and higher doses necessary. And, of course, higher doses usually mean stronger side effects. These cases can be very challenging to manage.

Seizures in dogs can be frightening and hard to endure. Luckily, we have many tools to help diagnose and manage this tough condition. Always consult with your dogs veterinarian to be sure that you're making the best decision for your unique dog and lifestyle.

Other therapiesyour veterinarian may recommend

Rectal diazepam or intranasal midazolam

Your veterinarian can dispense diazepam (Valium) for rectal administration during a seizure. This will be dispensed to you with a syringe and a rubber tube. Gently introduce the tip of the rubber tube about an inch into the rectum and dispense the medication this will often shorten and lessen the severity of the seizure. Your veterinarian may also suggest intranasal midazolam, which is another benzodiazepine that can be applied inside your dogs nostrils to control seizures at home.

Pulse Keppra therapy

If your dog is prone to cluster seizures while on an anticonvulsant, ask your veterinarian about keeping levetiracetam on hand. A few doses of this short-acting anticonvulsant can be given after a seizure to prevent a cluster.

Adjunctive therapies

Stimulating your dogs vagal nerve may help lessen the duration and severity of a seizure. If you can safely do this, gently push on your dogs eyes, with closed lids, for 10-60 seconds. This can be repeated every five minutes. If you recognize your dogs early (pre-ictal) signs, you may even be able to stave off a seizure with this maneuver.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

TCVM includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies, and it can improve seizure control for dogs with refractory seizures even when on antiepileptic medication. Or it can help lower the dose of anticonvulsant medications. You will need to find a specialist trained in this art, however, as most general veterinary practitioners are not.

Prescription food

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NeuroCare (NC) is an option, especially if your dog has refractory seizures despite anticonvulsant medication. This diet contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to block one of the receptors in the brain that is responsible for seizures. Studies have shown a significant reduction in seizure activity when epileptic dogs are fed this diet.

Red-alert emergency

The first time your dog has a seizure, remain calm, stay safe, time the seizure, and when your dog has recovered, schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible.

If you can, get a video of the event. Your veterinarian must determine if the event was indeed a seizure, so a video can be immensely helpful. The most significant differentiating sign for a seizure episode is a cardiac or vestibular (balance) event. Early says, Vestibular events commonly include loss of balance, incoordination, head tilt and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)."

Intermittent cardiac arrhythmia can result in confusion, weakness and collapse, which can be mistaken for seizure activity. Generally, cardiac collapse tends to be softer than seizure activity, more closely resembling fainting, and the dog usually recovers more quickly.

The five minute mark

If your dog has been seizing for more than five minutes, go to the veterinary clinic immediately. If they are still seizing when you get there, they are in dire need of emergency help. If the seizure resolves while you are on your way, sit tight for a little bit. If your dog remains quiet, the life-threatening status epilepticus emergency is over. They still need to be seen by your veterinarian, but you dont necessarily have to incur an emergency fee.

This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicines DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. When you become a member of the Riney Canine Health Center, you will receive a free subscription to DogWatch.