Natural Complementary Treatments for Epilepsy in Pets

Epilepsy is the name given to seizural disorders in dogs and cats for which there is no identifiable cause. Primary epilepsy is the result of functional cerebral disturbances without obvious cause other than a possible hereditary predisposition.

For a diagnosis of epilepsy to be made, other causes of seizures including poisoning, infection, tumors, and cranial trauma must be ruled out through diagnostic testing. While true epilepsy can occur in pets of any age, most commonly dogs and cats with epilepsy begin demonstrating seizures between 6 months to 5 years of age.

Seizures occur in epileptic pets as hyperexcitable neurons within the brain show activity. As the development of progressive and refractory seizures correlates with the number of seizures, early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing a worsening of future seizures. Generally, conventional antiepileptic medicine is not prescribed unless the pet has at least 1 seizure per month, as the goal of treatment is to reduce, rather than eliminate, seizure frequency, severity, and length.

Treatment Options (Always Consult Your Veterinarian)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil primarily, also flax oil) – Dosed at 10 mg/pound of body weight 1-3 times daily.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as selenium, and other substances such as coenzyme Q-10, bilberry, blueberry, resveratrol, OPC’s, etc., work by reducing cell-harming oxidizing chemicals released upon cell damage and death.

Natural diet – (low protein may help

Choline/lecithin – 50 mg per 25-50 pounds of body weight 1-2 times daily.

Flower essences – Bach Rescue Remedy – 5-10 drops as needed

DMG – per label dosage

Taurine – 5-10 mg per pound of body weight 1-2 times daily

Herbs – ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, kava kava, skullcap, valerian

B vitamins – per label

Homeopathics – Aconitum, Gelsemium

Homotoxicology – Galium Heel, Spascupreel

Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM