Canine Mind Control

Dogs can experience seizures at any age. Though we can safely say that the seizure itself is not painful, it can be very distressful to the pet as well as the owner. Basically, seizures can be due to problems inside or outside of the brain. Poisoning, heart disease, liver or kidney disorders are a few of the conditions that could lead to an uncontrolled release of spontaneous electrical activity in the brain…a seizure. Infections of the brain itself or the fluid and tissues around the brain, along with tumors can also lead to convulsions. One of the most common reasons is idiopathic. This means that an exact cause is never determined.

Seizures can be due to problems inside or outside of the brain.

Several medications are available for the use in the control of seizures. Alas, up to 30% of the dogs using these medications will experience poor relief from this condition. Dr. Karen Munana, assistant professor of neurology at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating two new novel approaches.

She has borrowed from human nutritional studies. These finding have pointed to a connection between diet and seizures. Dr. Munana has successfully modified her patient’s diets with the additional or deletion of case-by-case nutrients and found that many of the pets improved.

She has also begun implanting a small pacemaker like device in the necks of her canine patients. This device is wirelessly connected to a computer that causes it to stimulate the Vagus nerve. It has shown promise in early studies. The technique has been also used in human medicine. The cost of the implant is not inexpensive. It is presently running about $3000. This may seem like a great deal of money, but for anyone with a large dog on anti-seizure medication, the monthly price tag can be staggering. The life long saving this implant affords may make this a feasible alternative for many. Even if the seizures are not fully eradicated with this gadget, it may decrease the pets’ dependency on medications and thus reduce the chances of long-term side effects.

If you notice your pet suddenly losing consciousness, falls over, paddles with its feet, or just seems to be staring off in to space for periods of time, it may be experiencing a seizure. See your veterinarian. Seizures can be life threatening if left uncontrolled.