Understanding Canine Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease seen in dogs, affecting up to five percent of the canine population. However, this statistic is somewhat misleading as epilepsy is not a single disease. Instead, the diagnosis of epilepsy potentially refers to any one of a number of conditions that are characterized by the presence of chronic, recurring seizures. These conditions may be inherited (genetic, primary or idiopathic epilepsy), caused by structural problems in the brain (structural or secondary epilepsy), result from metabolic problems or a toxic exposure (reactive epilepsy), or stem from an unknown cause. Determination of an appropriate treatment regimen for canine epilepsy depends on an accurate diagnosis of the type and cause of seizures, only after which appropriate therapeutic options can be identified.