Epilepsy refers to series of frequent seizures not a disease but is a clinical sign. Seizure also called convulsions, fits is a brief disturbance of brain function, resulting in random muscle movements, salivation and loss of consciousness. In other words, seizures occurs due to malfunction of brain resulting in continuous electrical signals through the nervous system that is manifested by convulsion either in a specific body part, legs, neck or more commonly many areas of body at once.

Epilepsy is not a life threatening and will end in matter of seconds but needs immediate veterinary aid if the seizures last for more than 15-20 minutes without relapse. Epilepsy can't be cured, it can be controlled with anti-epileptic drugs life long. The important tip to be remembered is to remain calm and to remove objects that the dog might knock into and to place a towel or a mat under the dogs head if it is banging against the hard floor.

Epilepsy can be idiopathic and is most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs and the age of onset is usually between 1 and 3 years of age.

The most possible reasons of seizures include infectious diseases (canine distemper), metabolic disease (hypoglycemia, hypocalcaemia), tumors, head trauma, encephalitis, ingestion of toxic substances, congenital abnormalities etc.

BREED DISPOSITION

Certain breeds prone to developing idiopathic epilepsy suggesting the involvement of genetic factor are German shepherds, collies, Labradors, saint Bernards, Dalmatians, Dachshund, Boxers, Cocker spaniels . Golden retrievers etc.

PATHO PHYSIOLOGY

Seizure is a transitory disturbance of brain function has a sudden onset ceases spontaneously tends to reoccur. Seizure results from a sudden and uncontrolled electric discharges of neurons in the cerebral cortex of the brain due to paroxysmal depolarizing shift of neurons. Neurons can spontaneously discharge for several reasons including decreases inhibitory neurotransmitter activity, increased excitatory neurotransmitter activity or combination of both. Neurotransmitter activity can be altered by a changes n the cell membrane or the internal cell metabolism. At the beginning of a seizure only a few highly unstable neurons may spontaneously discharge. This initial discharge can cause surrounding neurons or neurons in the opposite brain hemisphere to discharge as well and spread the seizure activity by a processes referred to as kindling and mirroring, respectively. Spontaneous discharge can be triggered by almost any alternation in a neuron's environment. Neuronal changes influence the threshold for depolization that causes seizure activity. High frequency and low amplitude paroxysmal discharge with either a focal or generalized distribution have been observed in majority of cases of idiopathic epilepsy and electroencephalographic features during interictal period.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

Behavioural changes associated with seizures include lack of consciousness, altered muscle movements, salivation, urination, defecation, alteration in visual, olfactory functions.

Most seizures occur in 3 stages each characterized by specific clinical signs viz., aura , ictus and postictal. Aura often goes unnoticed but the dog shows changes in the behaviour signaling an impending seizure and is clinically characterized by restlessness, nervousness and salivation. The aura is followed by actual seizure, called ictus. Although it seldom lasts for more than one minute it can be a very disturbing event to the owner. During the seizure , the dog usually collapsed onto its side and experiences 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.

Thus depending on severity of the seizure and duration of different stages seizures are termed as Grand mal, petit mal, cluster seizures, status epilepticus. Grand mal when the seizure is severe, petit mal refers to a generalized seizure with a specific ECG pattern. However the above terminologies are no more used. A series of seizures within a short period of time with the dog regaining consciousness between seizures is termed as cluster seizures. Status epilepticus refers to rapidly repeating seizures with no period of consciousness between them.

MANAGEMENT OF EPILIPSY

There is no cure or standard protocol for treating epilepsy. However seizures can be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs. The purpose of treatment is to decrease the frequency, duration and severity of the seizure. Treatment is individualized for each dog based on its history and physical examination. No single drug is always effective, several drugs or a combination of drugs may have to be tried before a successful treatment is found. Although it will take several weeks to establish a therapeutic dosage that works for an individual dog. This may indicate a need to change medication or alter the dose. It might be necessary to medicate the dog several times daily for the rest of its life and the medication schedule must be closely followed.

The most popular medication for seizure control are Phenobarbital and potassium bromide which can be used alone or in combination. The use of potassium bromide as an anticonvulsant in dogs with severe seizures has been very helpful particularly in cluster seizures. The drug is not metabolized by liver and has fewer drug interactions than Phenobarbital. Premidone once more frequently used is no longer recommended as it seems to cause greater liver toxicity than Phenobarbital.

The deciduos dentition for puppies

The word deciduous refers to being shed at maturity , also called primary or milk teeth. The incisors erupt at 2 to 3 weeks of age. The canine teeth have usually erupted by 4 weeks and all primary teeth should be in place by 8 weeks of age

PERMANENT DENTITION

The permanent dentition for adult dog is,

In a normal dogs permanent eruption occurs from about 2 to 7 months. Dog's teeth are designed to be self cleaning when the pet consumes a natural diet.

Note ; Maxilla - Upper arch , Mandible lower arch / jaw