| Epilepsy can affect any breed of dog, | | | | The goal is to control the seizures and |
| which includes our beloved Shih Tzu. | | | | prolong the life of the Shih Tzu or |
| There is a higher incidence of epilepsy | | | | other breed of dog afflicted with |
| in pure breed dogs of any size than in | | | | epilepsy. When left untreated, the |
| mixed breed dogs. For this reason the | | | | disease and episodes will continue to |
| condition is likely to be inherited. | | | | worsen. Treatment for epilepsy usually |
| What is the main sign of epilepsy in the | | | | consists of a barbiturate like |
| Shih Tzu or any dog? Seizures will be | | | | Phenobarbital. This drug can be used to |
| your main sign. Seizures can be | | | | treat the Shih Tzu or other dog with |
| categorized in three ways: -Intracranial | | | | epilepsy over the long term, very much |
| -Extracranial -Seizures of unknown cause | | | | like treating epilepsy in humans. If you |
| Intracranial seizures are the result of | | | | know of someone with epilepsy who has to |
| detectable defects like a tumor inside | | | | take a barbiturate to control the |
| the brain. Extracranial seizures are | | | | seizures, you will also know most of |
| caused by metabolic or toxic changes | | | | these people can lead happy and |
| outside the brain that affect the brain | | | | productive lives on the medication. This |
| and cause a seizure. Seizure of unknown | | | | is true also for the canine species. The |
| cause is called "idiopathic epilepsy." | | | | general goal of using barbiturates is to |
| If your Shih Tzu is less than one year | | | | either reduce the number of seizures by |
| of age, the seizures are likely caused | | | | half or to double the time between |
| by congenital/genetic problems, | | | | seizures. It is important to note the |
| infections or toxins. If your Shih Tzu | | | | disease will never be cured by the |
| is greater than six years old the | | | | medicine, however, as stated previously; |
| seizures are likely caused by tumors or | | | | it can lessen the misery of the Shih Tzu |
| infectious/inflammatory problems. If the | | | | or other dog breed and also prolong its |
| Shih Tzu between 1 and 5 years of age is | | | | life. How well drugs control epilepsy in |
| normal between seizure episodes they are | | | | your Shih Tzu depends on each individual |
| most likely in the third category of | | | | case. The second choice in drugs for |
| idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy is similar | | | | epilepsy in your Shih Tzu is to treat |
| to a lightning strike on a house that | | | | with potassium bromide. However, this |
| sends abnormal currents through the | | | | drug does not have FDA approval. It is |
| normal electrical system. It is | | | | available to treat seizures in dogs by |
| important to be able to recognize a | | | | special license only. Some veterinary |
| seizure. This is often a difficult task | | | | medical schools have this special |
| for the Shih Tzu pet owner or any pet | | | | license, and so do some private vets. |
| owner. Seizures can be so minor and show | | | | Just remember that if your Shih Tzu is |
| as only slight loss of muscle control | | | | diagnosed with epilepsy there are |
| that they can hardly be detected. | | | | adequate treatment plans available and |
| Seizures in the Shih Tzu or any dog can | | | | it is not a death sentence at all. |
| also be so severe that the Shih Tzu | | | | Proper treatment is essential. Consult |
| paddles on the ground completely out of | | | | with your vet as soon as you notice any |
| control. The Shih Tzu will be totally | | | | of the signs of epilepsy so he or she |
| unaware of its surroundings and will | | | | can begin an appropriate therapy program |
| seem abnormal after the seizure. If you | | | | for your Shih Tzu. Disclaimer: This |
| witness such an episode in your Shih Tzu | | | | article is for information only. It does |
| and own a video camera, you might try | | | | not replace the consultation and advice |
| taping the episode for your vet to see | | | | from a qualified licensed vet or animal |
| exactly what occurs. This will help your | | | | care professional. Please consult the |
| vet give you a more definitive | | | | appropriate professionals for any kind |
| explanation or diagnosis of what is | | | | of health problem in your animals. |
| going on with the Shih Tzu if you are | | | | Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, eighth |
| unsure your Shih Tzu is actually | | | | edition This article is FREE to publish |
| experiencing seizures. There are | | | | with the resource box. |
| treatments for epilepsy, but no cure. | | | | |