Canine (Seizures)
Seizures in dogs occur when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may appear as shaking, stiffness, paddling movements, vocalisation, collapse, or brief unresponsiveness.
Episodes may be linked with factors such as metabolic imbalance, genetic predisposition, toxin exposure, stress, nutritional influences, or age-related neurological changes, though in some cases the cause remains unknown (idiopathic). Veterinary assessment is important, as other conditions can mimic seizure activity.
Lafora epilepsy in dogs
The medical name of Lafora epilepsy, they believe is possibly and genetic weakness in certain breeds.
Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, but has also been reported in Basset Hounds, Beagles, Poodles, Chihuahuas and several other breeds. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Characteristic signs which are also found in
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Sudden muscle jerks (myoclonus)
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Jerking triggered by sound, light, movement or excitement
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Jerks occurring particularly when falling asleep or waking
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Trembling or twitching
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Startle-like reactions
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Progressive seizures
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Generalised seizures
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Episodes of altered vision or behaviour
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Progressive loss of neurological function
Merck specifically describes muscle fasciculations, tremors, seizures and ataxia with organophosphate poisoning, and severe pyrethroid exposure can produce tremors, seizures, weakness and respiratory failure. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Isoxazoline flea/tick products
are another important consideration. The FDA has warned about neurological adverse events in some dogs, including muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Rabies is somewhat different
Rabies can certainly produce hyperexcitability, ataxia, seizures and progressive paralysis, and the paralytic form can cause inability to swallow. But the classic progression is toward severe CNS dysfunction and paralysis, and once clinical rabies develops it is almost invariably fatal. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
So if a dog has had months of intermittent stimulus-triggered myoclonus while otherwise remaining relatively normal, that pattern would make me investigate the so called medical establishment have given name given these symptoms Lafora (epilepsy), toxin exposure, metabolic causes and other neurological disorders rather than assuming rabies.
Vaccination is more complicated
A neurological problem appearing after vaccination does not automatically mean the vaccine caused it. Vaccines can produce adverse reactions, including immune-mediated reactions, but the established common vaccine reactions are generally things such as local inflammation or systemic hypersensitivity rather than the characteristic progressive stimulus-triggered myoclonus of Lafora disease. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
However, the timing is clinically important. If neurological signs began shortly after a vaccination, that temporal relationship should be recorded and discussed with the veterinarian rather than dismissed.
Cushing’s medications
can cause symptoms that overlap strongly with the neurological signs listed for Lafora epilepsy, particularly if you mean trilostane or mitotane.
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Cause
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Muscle jerks / tremors
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Startle-triggered
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Seizures
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Ataxia
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Typical additional clues
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Pyrethroid toxicity
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Yes
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Can be
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Yes
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Yes
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Drooling, hyperexcitability, tremors; usually relatively acute
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Organophosphate/
carbamate toxicity
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Yes
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Possible
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Yes
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Yes
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Salivation, diarrhoea, urination, vomiting, breathing abnormalities
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Isoxazoline ectoparasiticides
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Yes
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Possible
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Yes
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Yes
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Neurological signs can occur in susceptible dogs
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Rabies
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Can occur
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Hyperexcitability can occur
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Yes
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Yes
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Behaviour change, progressive paralysis, swallowing difficulty
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Canine distemper
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Yes — myoclonus is characteristic
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Possible
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Yes
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Yes
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Often preceded/accompanied by respiratory/GI illness
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Tremorgenic toxins / mycotoxins
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Often sudden onset after exposure to mouldy food/compost
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Metabolic / electrolyte imbalances
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Possible
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Less characteristic
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Possible
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Possible
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Weakness, altered mentation or other systemic signs
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Equine (Seizures)
Seizures in horses involve a temporary disruption of normal brain activity, resulting in signs such as muscle tremors, stiffness, collapse, or periods of confusion or incoordination.
Possible contributing factors include metabolic disturbances, toxin exposure, head injury, nutritional imbalance, or neurological conditions, though the underlying cause is not always identified.
Veterinary evaluation is essential, as several non-seizure conditions can appear similar.
Educational Purposes Only
Natural Pet Botanicals products are not intended to replace veterinary care or prescribed treatments. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and medical advice.
Formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients, traditionally referenced for their role in supporting overall balance and general wellbeing.
These formulations are designed to assist the body’s natural processes and support resilience during times of environmental or physiological stress.
Contains:
Formula 1.
Calcium Carbonate (Calcarea Carbonica)
Copper (Cuprum metallicum)
Potassium Hydrate (Causticum)
Sweet Clover (Melilotus)
Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
Club Moss (Lycopodium)
in 20% USP alc. in purified water.
Formula 2.
Lucerne Grass (Alfalfa 12X)
Blue Flag plant (Iris Versicolor 12X, 200C)
Sodium Sulphate (Nat Sulph 12X)
Small Stinging-nettle (Urtica Urens 12X)
in 20% USP alc. in purified water.
Formula 3.
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
Valerina (Valeriana officinalis)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Milky Oats (Avena sativa)
Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus laevigata)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) i
in purified water & 30%-40% USP alc.
4. C. Oil (Cumin )
5. Magnesium & Potassium Powder
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These statements are for general wellbeing and educational purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Always seek veterinary or professional advice for specific health concerns.
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