Epileptic seizures are a widespread problem in dogs and cats. In these cases, an important helping hand can come from diet and entirely natural supplementation.
Epileptic seizures can affect both dogs and cats and can manifest in very different ways – often extremely worrying for the owner – depending on which area of the brain is affected. In medicine, epileptic seizures are divided into focal, partial and generalised seizures. For anyone living with an epileptic dog or cat, a single image invariably comes to mind when a seizure is mentioned: the animal is lying on its side, appears to be unconscious, loses saliva and urine – and sometimes faeces – and exhibits bodily spasms that can be very violent.
"Many times, however, the dog or cat remains partially conscious during the seizure and may even respond when called. Epilepsy has an enormous variety of symptoms that can be confused with simple cramps, disorientation, tics or staggering similar to vertigo," says Dr Maria Mayer, veterinary surgeon.
When a pet has a convulsive seizure, the obligatory point of contact is always the treating vet, who will refer the animal to a neurologist if necessary. "Bear in mind," Dr Mayer continues, "that convulsive seizures are very often used as a synonym for epilepsy. This is not always the case. Various intra- or extra-cranial causes can give rise to this manifestation. Some of the most common, for example, are hepatic or renal insufficiency, with the consequent accumulation of toxins, certain metabolic disorders, intoxications of various kinds – such as coffee or chocolate – intestinal parasites, tumours or congenital conditions."
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In order to identify the origin of the epileptic seizures and to rule out any other causes requiring treatment, it is necessary to follow a specific pathway that excludes the various differential diagnoses.
"Once it has been established that there are no concurrent diseases," the vet explains, "the animal will be given pharmacological therapy for epilepsy. From a therapeutic standpoint, an excellent option also comes from unicist homoeopathy and homotoxicology, which can be used alongside allopathic drugs to improve clinical outcomes or even to achieve the discontinuation of synthetic anti-epileptic medication."
Unfortunately, when seizures are very frequent and long-lasting, pharmacological intervention is unavoidable, as the body is put under considerable strain by these episodes and it is essential to act to reduce their occurrence and keep them under control.
All too often, the dietary aspect is left in the background – or overlooked entirely – when it comes to epileptic seizures. "In veterinary medicine," notes Maria Mayer, "a specific diet in these cases can offer many opportunities. In the case of canine epilepsy, it is possible to recommend a diet formulated without complex carbohydrate sources (such as rice, pasta and potatoes), but rich in protein-based foods such as meat, eggs and offal."
The daily diet should be carefully balanced with a moderate intake of fibre, and medium- and short-chain fats supplemented with essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin C. "Of the utmost importance," adds Dr Mayer, "is turmeric, a prized ingredient in human nutrition too, capable of bringing considerable benefits to the daily diet of our small companions with no contraindications whatsoever."
In this case too, an important helping hand comes from nature and its products. A well-balanced diet rich in these ingredients will certainly benefit the small patient, helping them to cope with seizures – and, in the best of cases, to have fewer of them – and restoring their wellbeing and vitality.