Epilepsy triggers varied

EPILEPSY is a problem which I am asked to help with quite often, surprisingly. Owners are usually very upset and concerned when their dog develops epilepsy and it can be very distressing to watch a dog fitting. Also, of course, there is nothing you can do at the time but stand by and wait until they come out of the seizure. However, there is much that can be done with homoeopathics, Bach flowers and herbal medicine to help an epileptic dog.

What must be said first and foremost of course is that a dog who develops epilepsy must always be checked out by a vet. There can be several causes for a dog to develop epilepsy - high fevers, trauma to the head, reaction to a vaccine, worms and simply "unknown". The seizure may be a one off or the dog may have recurring seizures. In this case, usually with careful observation the owner can find and eliminate triggers. Although eliminating triggers doesn't solve the epilepsy as such it can of course reduce the recurrence. Triggers can be getting over-heated, tired or stressed.

The dogs I mostly get to treat are the ones for whom the medication from the vet is not able to completely stop the seizures occurring. I then give treatment which can be used alongside the pharmaceutical medicine to further reduce the frequency of fits.

So let's have a look at the various options of medicine which can be used alongside the veterinary pharmaceutical medicine.

Firstly and most simply, Rescue Remedy - a few drops into their water dish daily can be very useful in reducing the frequency of fits. I also suggest to owners that if they know there are certain triggers they may give their dogs a few drops of Rescue remedy into the mouth as a preventative. For example if a dog will fit after getting over-excited, use the Rescue remedy at that time to forestall a seizure.

Herbal medicine - There are quite a few herbs which can assist in the prevention of fitting occurring. Bacopa, Oats, American and Siberian ginseng (not Panax ginseng) Ginkgo biloba are very useful. Also herbs should be given according to each dog's individual need. By this I mean, it is wise to address any general health problems and improve the dog's general health. This will have an impact on how well their body works and removes stress on any of their organs and the way they function.

Homoeopathic medicine - As with any health problem at all homoeopathy is best given according to the specific symptoms or characteristics of each individual dog. There is no one homoeopathic "for" epilepsy. There are a number of homoeopathics which one might consider using for an epileptic dog and these are chosen by known cause of the epilepsy or other symptoms which occur at the time of or before a seizure. Here are some examples:

Arnica would be used if the epilepsy starts following a blow to the head. Usually another homoeopathic would follow the Arnica.

Belladonna if the seizures are brought on by fever.

Apis if seizures are brought on by swelling or inflammation in the brain.

Cicuta is used when the seizures are of an unknown origin but it is noticed that the head and neck are turned at the onset of the fit and also there is a bark or an odd sound from the dog just before he fits.

Bufo is given if seizures occur at night only and are preceded by a nosebleed.

Cina is used when the seizures are caused by worms.

I advise that if you know very little about homoeopathic medicine that you consult a homoeopath for the correct homoeopathic and potency, dose and length of the course of the homoeopathic. Don't buy over the counter and try to treat yourself. The same really applies to herbs. Rescue remedy can be used safely and easily without any other knowledge required.

Most important is that you have your dog checked by a vet and don't remove your dog off the vet's medicine when you start on any of the above medicine. All of the above can be used with pharmaceutical medicine. You may be able to eventually remove your dog off his/her pharmaceutical medicine if you work in conjunction with your homoeopath, medical herbalist and your vet and improve the dog's general health. This will have an impact on how well their body works and removes stress on any of their organs and the way they function.

Email Pat at: homeopat@ihug.co.nz
Or visit her website www.animalherbs.co.nz