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EPILEPSY:
HOLISTIC THERAPIES CAN HELP
by Teresa Garden, DVM
One of the most heart-breaking experiences a pet owner
may have to endure is witnessing their beloved pet suffer
through a seizure. Seizures are not uncommon in dogs.
They may be caused by congenital defects, infections,
metabolic disturbances, and even brain tumors. Epilepsy
is often diagnosed after ruling out these possible etiologies
of seizure-like activity. The drug Phenobarbital is the
most often employed conventional medical treatment for
the management of epilepsy in dogs. Although Phenobarbital
can be an effective form of treatment, it can have complications
such as physical dependence and functional tolerance.
The dosage may need to be increased over time to control
seizures due to a loss of drug efficacy. Long term use
of Phenobarbital can lead to a drug-induced hepatotoxicity,
therefore, liver enzymes must be monitored on a regular
basis. The good news is that holistic therapies can help
control seizures and allow some patients to decrease or
wean off their dose of Phenobarbital. Most of our patients
at Animal Health & Healing are initially treated with
a holistic approach and Phenobarbital is instituted only
if warranted.
A strong correlation between food, neurotransmitter production,
and behavior is becoming increasingly recognized. There
are numerous case reports of food allergy and its relationship
to epilepsy in people and dogs. It is now believed that
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Sheperds
who suffer from epilepsy may in fact have underlying food
allergies. At Animal Health & Healing we immediately
start these patients on a natural hypoallergenic diet
such as duck and potatoe, rabbit and potatoe, vennison
and potatoe, or salmon and sweet potatoe. Dairy products
may promote seizure tendacies in some animals so it may
be wise to avoid milk and cheese in all breeds of dogs
with epilepsy. We always advise feeding a natural diet
as opposed to commercial food. Commercial diets are often
grain-based which can have adverse affects on neurological
tissue due to “overnutrition”. Research studies
found that children who ate very large meals of highly
processed foods and high carbohydrate diets were more
prone to epilepsy through the process of overnutrition.
For some canine patients a raw food diet may be beneficial
since it can slow digestion and absorption thereby reducing
the tendacy to overnutrition. Raw foods are usually hypoallergenic
as well.
Human patients with epilepsy may have lower than normal
levels of Vitamins A and C. Supplementation may help in
scavenging reactive oxygen species generated during seizures.
Other antioxidants such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, Wheat Germ,
Co enzyme Q-10, Selenium, Vitamin E, and the B Vitamins
1, 3, and 6 can help by fostering healthy brain and nerve
cell function.
Specific combinations of western herbs are often employed
at our practice in the treatment of epilepsy. Herbs can
be an alternative to anti-convulsant drugs or allow less
dosage of these drugs. Herbs will improve fucntions of
the brain and provide nutritional support for the central
nervous system. The following herbs have a calming affect
on nerves and the brain by lowering anxiety and stress:
Passion Flower, Kava Kava, Polygala, Schizandra, Uncaria,
and Zizziphus. Ginkgo Bilboa will help to increase energy
levels of the brain to help revitalize it.
Additional holistic modalities can be utilized to diminish
seizures in some individual patients. The Bach Flower
combination product Rescue Remedy may prevent or lessen
the seizure if applied to the face just proir to seizure
activity. It can be particularly helpful in patients whose
seizures may be triggered by stress or anxiety. Bach Flower
remedies are very safe and non-toxic. Homeopathic remedies
are sometimes useful in epileptic patients especially
if there are certain patterns to the seizure. Does the
pet always seizure in the middle of the night? Are the
seizures associated with a particular weather pattern
such as thunderstorms? Strange and peculiar symptoms help
to guide which remedy may be appropriate for each individual
patient. Many Chinese herbal formulas can treat epilepsy
but again the particluar combination of herbs employed
must be individualized for each patient. As always, we
at Animal Health & Healing believe an integrative
approach using the best of both western and holistic medicine
will always be in the best interests of our dear patients.
This approach will often ensure optimal health for all
pets with chronic disease, including those afflicted with
epilepsy.
Dr. Teresa Garden is chief veterinarian and owner of Animal
Health & Healing, a full service holistic and conventional
veterinary proactice in the Maplewood/Richmond Heights
area. AnimalHealthandHealing.com;
phone: 314-781-1738.
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