Epilepsy in Dogs- Ayurvedic Aspect and Treatment

Abstract

Your usually happy and playful dog suddenly becomes unsteady, confused and collapses to the ground. They may appear as if they are treading water despite being unaware of what’s happening – this is a seizure. The cause of the seizure is abnormal and uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your dog’s brain, a condition commonly known as epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Seizures can manifest in various ways, such as twitching or uncontrollable shaking, and may last from a few seconds to several minutes. In this article we are going to discuss the causes, signs and symptoms of Epilepsy in dogs with a proper Ayurvedic aspect.

Introduction

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects many dogs, estimated to be around 0.80% of the wild population may be impacted. Dogs with epilepsy experience unprovoked, recurrent seizures that result from an anomaly in their brain which makes it a heterogeneous disease. This condition is complex and varied, with possible causes including inherited factors, structural issues in the brain, or unknown factors. Properly diagnosing the type and reason behind the seizures is key to developing an effective treatment plan, which can include various therapeutic options depending on the individual dog’s needs.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, epilepsy recognises Apasmara. Apasmara, as a neurological disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system due to the imbalance of Vata Dosha. The epileptic attacks or seizures are known as Akshepak. This occurs when a wrong message is transferred to the brain through nerve cells or neurons. This imbalance can occur as a result of various factors, such as poor or unhealthy diet, insufficient sleep, or stress. To address the underlying imbalance and manage epilepsy, Ayurvedic treatments focus on restoring balance to the Vata Dosha through various lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and natural therapies. These therapies may include practices such as yoga, meditation, and massage, as well as dietary changes and herbal formulations designed to support the nervous system and reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Classification

Seizures in dogs can be broadly classified into two types

• Generalized
• Focal

Generalized

Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain. It is characterized by clinical signs that affect both sides of the body. These seizures typically present as involuntary muscle movements or sudden changes in muscle tone of increment or debridement. During a generalized seizure, the dog’s awareness of its surroundings is often impaired, and they may experience involuntary salivation, urination, or defecation.

Focal

On the other hand, focal seizures originate in a specific area of the brain and manifest as signs that affect only one side or part of the body.

Focal seizures can cause abnormal motor activity, behavioral changes such as fear or attention-seeking, or changes in autonomic functions like pupil dilation, salivation, or vomiting.

During a focal seizure, the dog’s awareness may or may not be affected. It is possible for a focal seizure to spread to both sides of the brain and become generalized.

Causes

Seizures are commonly the result of dysfunction in the electrical activity of the brain. The underlying cause of epileptic seizures is thought to be an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory activity in specific regions of the brain. This imbalance can result in either excessive brain activity or activity that is abnormally suppressed. These abnormal excitatory processes may be resulted by functional abnormalities in neurons, or more clearly, we can say that mutations in the ion channels. Some of the common factors that can cause seizures are

• Poisoning
• Liver ailments
• Abnormal blood sugar
• Kidney diseases
• Anemia
• Head injury
• Cancer

Symptoms

There are many changes we can see during the seizure

• Jerks
• Stiffness
• Twitches
• Drooling
• Chomping
• Loss of consciousness
• Foaming from mouth
• Tongue bite
• Paddling motion can be seen when fall apart
• May poop or pee during seizure

As per Ayurveda, Epilepsy is referred as Apasmara that is categorize as

अपस्मारं पुनः स्मृति बुद्धि सत्त्व सम्प्लवात् विभत्स चेष्ठ्मवस्थिकं तम: प्रवेशमाचक्षते ||

This quotation is defined in Charak nidana sthana that means Smritibhramsha loss of consciousness, Buddhi loss of Intellectual power, Satva loss of psychic ability which results in tama that is darkness and starts showing involuntary activities and weird behavior.

Here are some General Instructions

• Stay calm if your dog is having a seizure.
• Move your dog away from anything that might hurt them, like furniture or stairs.
• Don’t put your hand near their mouth or head because they might bite you.
• Don’t try to put anything in their mouth.
• If the seizure lasts for more than a few minutes, turn on a fan and put cold water on their paws to help them cool down.
• Talk to your dog softly to comfort them, but don’t touch them because they might accidentally bite you.

Treatment

Ayurveda is a type of treatment that aims to find the main reason behind epilepsy, which is an imbalance of Doshas. To achieve this, Ayurveda uses herbs, minerals, and classical drugs to support the coordination of different parts of the brain. This can help to reduce the frequency of seizures from the first dosage without any harmful side effects.

Ayurveda has two branches

• Medhya rasayana group
• Sangya sathapan group

These help in focusing the right and left part of brain, treatment involves using specific herbs such as Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), along with Akshep shamak aushadhis, which are anti-epileptic herbs.

Furthermore, aushadh siddha Ghrita is often used for the management of epilepsy because it can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and provide effective results. Overall, Ayurveda offers a natural and safe approach to treat epilepsy by addressing the underlying causes and promoting better brain coordination using various medicinal plants and drugs. Here are some effective formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda to heal your pup.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Epilepsy in dogs

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that produces 100% natural herbal products. Our products are made using standardized materials or herbs, ensuring high quality and affordability. We take pride in being a hub of herbs and experts, who bring the benefits of herbs to people. Our products are free from side-effects, do not consist of harmful chemicals or any adulterant. If your puppy is battling with Epilepsy attacks, we recommend some natural herbal products that can help to achieve a healthy well being.

Product List

1. Neuro Plan Syrup
2. Brahmi Capsules
3. Ashwagandha Capsules
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Products Description

1. NEURO PLAN SYRUP

This is a patent herbal formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), etc. this product helps as psychotropic agent, memory enhancer so is useful in reducing the anxiety and balances the behavioral issues.

Dosage: 10 ml twice daily, with feed.

2. BRAHMI CAPSULES

This is a patent herbal supplement of Planet Ayurveda made by using standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), this herb helps to keep our neurological system healthy. Brahmi is said to be a disease alleviator, digestive fire promoter and soothes the nervous system.

Dosage: 2 Capsules twice daily, with feed.

3. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

This is a pure herbal supplement consisting of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb helps in normalizing the physiological functions of the brain and nervous system. It has natural rejuvenating properties that help in reducing fatigue, stress and weakness.

Dosage: 1 Capsule twice daily, with feed.

4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

This is a classical mineral formulation prepared by using Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma, etc. that is widely used to maintain the healthy brain, soothes the nervous system, balances the tridoshas and is used in Akshepak.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily, with feed.

Conclusion

If your dog experiences frequent seizures, it is essential to seek advice from an expert to identify the root cause and develop a suitable treatment plan. Ayurveda is a better option to opt as compared to modern anticonvulsants because they show more side-effects. Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal supplements to battle this disease and gives a wonderful life to your dog.