CANINE Epilepsy was written with the owner of an epileptic dog in mind - author Caroline Levin has given information on all the questions an owner would want to know ... and some that the owner has not yet thought of.
Her emphasis is on diet and seizure triggers, and makes the reader aware of the huge part that food plays in the life of the dog with seizures. And there are so many easy ways to alleviate the symptoms for the dog that you will wonder why you did not think of them before.
The author has done a huge amount of research on the topic - that is obvious from the knowledge and historical information that she uses to back-up her recommendations and all the resulting information is passed on to readers.
Traditional epilepsy treatments are discussed, as well as alternative ones such as using dietary supplements, acupuncture or the Tellington TTouch system.
There can be related healthcare problems with epilepsy - thyroid, liver (elevated enzyme count) or bladder problems sometimes manifest and these are discussed in a very helpful way.
But by far the most significant of all the information is the influence that diet and the way food is metabolised has a huge influence on the number and severity of seizures. Vaccines can also have a clear link to the disturbed brain patterns. I have heard of two dogs recently, who both began to experience seizures only a few weeks after being neutered, so anaesthetic could perhaps also be added to the trigger list.
And neither has the author forgotten to be compassionate. In fact her opening chapter deals with the owner's feelings of hostility, denial and disappointment, sadness and the desire to do the best for the loved family member.
And who would have thought that seemingly harmless grains could cause seizures?
This is a book to keep close to you if you have an afflicted dog. A book to read whenever you have a few minutes spare - any information you can accumulate on the subject is going to be of huge value to you at all times. Read and learn. - EP
