Degenerative Myelopathy (Canine)
Epilepsy

This is a condition where the spinal cord is slowly dying. It results in progressive paralysis that begins with the dog dragging its rear feet as it walks. This is called "knuckling over" and results in the toenails of the rear feet being worn because they drag the ground with each step. It progresses to weakness of the rear legs, then paralysis. It generally takes several weeks before paralysis occurs, and generally occurs in large breeds of dogs, especially German shepherd dogs. It is often referred to as “German Shepherd Dog Disease” or “Alsatian Disease”. There is no treatment and ultimately causes loss of urine and bowel control. Diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy is based on clinical signs, breed and a normal myelogram. Confirmation requires a biopsy of the spinal cord at time of death.

A normal myelogram in a dog with slowly progressive paralysis is very frustrating because the two most likely diseases, Fibrocartilaginous Embolism and Degenerative Myelopathy, cannot be confirmed without an autopsy.

For more information, visit the University of Missouri website.

One of our patients has this disease and does really well in her "wheelchair."  Once the disease has progressed, they eventually lose their ability to walk.  Most dogs do really well with carts.  See the videos below (point mouse over the black square to start).

WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
The word epilepsy describes a series of frequent seizures or convulsions.  It does not identify a disease but rather a clinical sign.  The word epilepsy may be interchanged with the terms seizures, convulsions, attacks and fits.

WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF EPILEPSY?
There are many different diseases and organisms known to cause seizures in animals.  Anything capable of changing the nerve function within the brain may produce a seizure. 

Known causes of seizures include infectious diseases (distemper), metabolic disorders (low blood sugar, low blood calcium), toxic substances (strychnine, organophosphates), trauma, tumors, buildup of urea in kidney failure, liver failure and certain bacterial and fungal diseases.  In cats, FIP, thiamine deficiency, and toxoplasmosis have been incriminated in seizure disorders.  Most forms of epilepsy have no apparent cause, in these cases the epilepsy is considered idiopathic.  To determine the cause, a veterinarian needs to do a thorough physical exam as well as diagnostic testing.  Only then can seizure medication be instituted.

WHAT SINGS ARE SEEN BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A SEIZURE?
Most seizures occur in three stages.  The first part of a seizure is called the aura.  This stage often goes unnoticed, but you can see signs of apprehension, restlessness, nervousness, and salivation.

The second stage is the actual seizure, called the ictus.  Although it seldom lasts for more than one minute, it can be a very disturbing event to the owner and the duration can seem much longer.  During a seizure, the animal usually collapses onto its side and experiences a series of violent muscle contractions associated with paddling of the feet and rigidity of the body.  Loss of consciousness, excessive salivation and involuntary urination and defecation may also occur in more severe seizures.

The period immediately following the seizure is known as the postictal phase.  It usually lasts less than one hour, but may last as long as one or two days.  The animal may show signs of confusion, disorientation, restlessness, and temporary blindness.

WHAT CAN THE OWNER DO WHEN A SEIZURE OCCURS?
Be sure that the animal is on the floor, away from any objects.  Do not allow it to fall off furniture or down stairs.  Use mild restraint with a blanket to place it on the floor.

Keep your hands away from the mouth.  The animal is not aggressive during a seizure, but it has no control of its jaw muscles and may bite anything put into its mouth.

Most seizures last less than one minute and are not life threatening.  If the animal has repeated seizures for more than five minutes and fails to regain consciousness between seizures, it is in status epilepticus.  This condition is an emergency and your veterinarian should be notified immediately.  The effects of these seizures may result in death, so it is important to treat the animal as soon as possible.

IS THERE A CURE FOR EPILEPSY?
There is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy.  Seizures can be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs.  There is no standard protocol for treating epilepsy.  The purpose of the treatment is to decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of the seizure.  Treatment is individualized for each animal based on its history and physical examination.  No single drug is always effective;  several drugs or a combination of drugs may be used to control seizures.

The treatment schedule must be closely followed.  Variance from the schedule may potentiate a seizure or series of seizures.  The owner must be willing to make a commitment to help ensure the success of the therapy.  Idiopathic epilepsy is readily controlled in the majority of cases.