naturalsupplements

CANINE EPILEPSY

Natural Supplements

Species affected: Cats (rare) & Dogs

Background: Idiopathic epilepsy is common in dogs, extremely uncommon in cats (in cats, it is usually associated with neurologic complications or infectious diseases—viral diseases such as FeLV or FIP or toxoplasmosis). The seizures are not necessarily harmful, especially if they are not frequent or of long duration, but they may indicate the presence of a more serious illness.

Symptoms: Spastic convulsions and seizures. The episodes are usually of short duration and there may or may not be a detectable pattern.

Diagnostics: Diagnosis should include a full range of tests to determine if other diseases co-exist with the condition.

Special Notes: In dogs, hypoallergenic diets can be very helpful.

Principles for Supplementation: Natural treatments involve supplying nutrients known to aid neurologic health.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—EPILEPSY
Formulas	Dosage	Mechanism/Purpose
Ketogenic diet	In children, ketogenic diets used successfully to control seizures.
Magnesium Citramate	Cats: ½ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, sid	Anticonvulsant activity; empirically helpful on occasion.
Small Animal Antioxidant	Cats: ½ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, sid	Empirically helpful; may have anti-inflammatory activity if there is irritation of meninges.
Tian Ma Gou Teng Wan	Cats: 2 pills, bid or tid Dogs: 2-4 pills, bid or tid	Calms liver wind, disperses stagnant heat and blood.

Source
Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines
This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful,
they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal friends. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine
always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
http://www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_2004a_final.pdf