Epilepsy can any breed of dog, which includes our beloved Shih Tzu. There is a higher incidence of epilepsy in the pure breed dogs of any size than in mixed breed dogs. For this reason, the condition is likely to be inherited.

 

What is the main sign of epilepsy in the Shih Tzu or dog? Seizures have your main characters. Seizures can be classified in three ways:

 

 

Intracranial seizures are the result of detectable defects such as a tumor in the brain.

 

Extracranial seizures are caused by metabolic or toxic changes outside the brain, the brain and cause a seizure.

 

Seizure of unknown cause is called idiopathic epilepsy. ”

 

If your Shih Tzu less than one year old, the attacks are probably caused by congenital / genetic problems, infections or toxins. If your Shih Tzu is more than six years old are the attacks likely caused by tumors or infectious / inflammatory problems. If the Shih Tzu 1 to 5 years old normal between seizure episodes they are most likely in the third category of idiopathic epilepsy.

 

Epilepsy is similar to a lightning strike on a house that sends abnormal currents in the normal electrical system.

 

It is important to be able to recognize an attack. This is often a difficult task for the Shih Tzu owner or keeper. Seizures can thus smaller and show as only slight loss of muscle control that they can hardly be recognized. Seizures at the Shih Tzu or any dog can also be so severe that the Shih Tzu paddling on the floor completely out of control. The Shih Tzu will be totally unaware of her surroundings and seems abnormal after the seizure.

 

If you witness such an episode in your own Shih Tzu and a video camera, you can try taping the episode for your vet to see exactly what is happening. This will help your vet to give you a more accurate diagnosis or explanation of what is going on with the Shih Tzu, if you’re unsure your Shih Tzu is actually experienced seizures.

 

There are treatment options for epilepsy, but no cure. The goal is to control the seizures and prolong the life of the Shih Tzu or other breed of dog suffer with epilepsy. If untreated, the disease worsened and further episodes.

 

The treatment of epilepsy is usually a barbiturate phenobarbital like. This drug, the Shih Tzu or other dog with epilepsy can long-term deal very happy to treat epilepsy in humans. If you of someone with epilepsy who know a barbiturate, is to take control seizures, you will also know most of these people can lead happy and productive life on the medication. This is also true for the canine species.

 

The general goal, with barbiturates is either the number of seizures by half, or about the time between seizures doubled. It is important that the disease can be noted, will never be cured by medicine, but, as before, she explained the plight of the Shih Tzu or other breed of dog can reduce and even extend its life. How good drug control epilepsy in your Shih Tzu depends on each individual case.

 

The second choice in drugs for the treatment of epilepsy in your Shih Tzu should be treated with potassium bromide. However, this drug is not FDA-approved. It is available to treat seizures in dogs by special license. Some veterinary schools have these special license, and so do some private veterinarians.

 

Remember that if your Shih Tzu diagnosed with epilepsy, there is an appropriate treatment plans available and it is not a death sentence at all. The correct treatment is essential. Consult with your veterinarian as soon as one of the symptoms of epilepsy publication, as he or she begin appropriate treatment program for your Shih Tzu.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace consultation and advice from a qualified licensed veterinarian or animal care professional. Please consult the appropriate professionals for any type of health problems in your animals.

 

Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, eighth edition

 

 

 

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