What to do if your dog gets a seizure/epileptic attack?

Hi furiends it's me Luna again! Today I would like to bark to you about a very impawtent health related topic: Dog seizures. 

2 years ago I had something that looked like a seizure attack myself which scared my humans like crazy! Right after they rushed me to the vet but fortunately they didn't found anything and it only occurred once. An impawtent thing to know is that Border Collies are more prone to seizures then some other dog breeds so here are some tips what to do just in case..

How to react when your dog has a seizure:

• First and foremost STAY CALM it may sound like a silly advice but if it's the first time you see (your) a dog having a seizure it might be very frightening. Some dogs make crazy sounds and movements, others stair in front of them and fall over. Each dog reacts different.
• Remove all objects around your dog and try not to move them, also a dog doesn't swallow it's tongue so it's not necessary to come close to the mouth. Since they can't control themselves there is a high possibility they might accidently bite you. You can sit down next to them and talk with a calm voice to let them know you're closely, touching is only recommended once the dog is fully awake and responding again. 
• Track how many seconds/minutes the attack is going on, if it takes longer then 2-5 minutes or it are multiple small seizures the dog starts going into a dangerous zone and needs to be transported to the emergency vet.
• If possible film during the attack this way the vet later on can evaluate better how serious it is, in our case we didn't do it and it made it very difficult for the vet to diagnose the situation.
• If it happens again in 24 hours it is considered a "cluster" case and you need to return to a vet immediately (even if the dog had a check up after the first attack) 

In any case it is necessary to speak with a professional veterinarian after a seizure. Most important is to keep your dog safe during the attack so it doesn't injure it's head, right after the seizure the dog might feel disorientated for a while. Give the dog some time to rest and have water and food available. 

I hope you will never need this knowledge but it's better to be safe then sorry! Take care furiends. 💓

Paw from me,

Luna 🐾

A throwback picture of Luna last august 😜

MDR1 Multi-drug Resistance

What is the MDR1?

Multi-Drug Resistance 1 gene protects the brain by ensuring that any harmful chemical are transported AWAY from the brain.  This gene specifically codes for P-glycoprotein. If this specific gene is mutated, it will create a defective protein, and consequently, drugs will remain and build up in the brain to toxic levels. This dominant gene is inherited from the parents, whether the parent has two copies of the gene or only one copy. If neither parent has a copy of the mutated MDR1 gene, then the offspring will not have it either. 

Which breeds are affected?

Below is a list of breeds that are frequently affected by the MDR1 mutation, keep in mind that any mixed breeds you might find at the shelter with possible relation to the breeds in the list could also have the same problem.

Australian Shepherd

Border Collie

English Shepherd

Longhaired Whippet

McNab Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

Silken Windhound

Rough Collie

Smooth Collie

German Shepherd

American White Shepherd

English Shepherd

Attention! Even dogs that are unaffected by the MDR1 mutation may be exposed to toxic doses of this medication if they consume the feces of recently wormed cattle, horses, and sheep.

How can you find out if your dog has the MDR gen?

At the veterinary clinic your dog can be tested with either a cheek swab or a blood sample. The result you want to hear is Normal/Normal. 

If your dog gets this result you don’t have to worry about any drugs related to the MDR1 gene.

Normal/Mutant, or Mutant/Mutant should be considered sensitive to the drugs indicated in this list below:

Drugs that should be avoided: 

Acepromazine

Apomorphine

Butorphanol

Doramectin

Doxorubicin

Erythromycin

Ivermectin

Loperamide

Milbemycin

Moxidectin

Paclitaxel

Selamectin

Vinblastine

Vincristine

Vinorelbine

A common over the counter antidiarrheal (loperamide) is also a known substrate. 

ALWAYS discuss this matter with your veterinarian, in case your dog is not tested yet mention this so that your vet can assist you in the process. 

Paw Luna🐾