Seizures are one of the scariest scenarios for pet parents. The is a feeling of helplessness for both pet parent and pet. There ares many causes for seizures from poisons to epilepsy to idiopathic issues.
In TCM seizures are considered an imbalance of the liver producing extreme liver wind..
There are many ways to help pets with seizures . Medication definitely helps but can be taxing on the liver which is already imbalanced supplementing some holistic strategies ie diet, acupuncture etc to support liver, kidney spleen while on medication is a great way to go. The study below showed that when eastern and western worked together the results were greatly improved.
Always check with you vet when adding additional modalities or if you have a holistic vet they can combine eastern and western
What is a Seizure from a western perspective Web MD
A seizure is caused by an abnormal burst of electrical activity within the brain, commonly in one of the cerebral hemispheres. The electrical activity sometimes spreads out and involves other areas, including the midbrain.
A typical Grand mal seizure is preceded by a period of altered behavior, called the aura. During the aura dogs may be restless and anxious, cry out, demand affection, or seek seclusion. The actual seizure normally lasts less than two minutes, and is characterized by collapse with rigid extension of the legs. The dog becomes unconscious and may stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds. This is followed by rhythmic jerking of the legs (which resembles running or paddling). Some dogs also chomp, chew, drool, or urinate and defecate. As the dog regains consciousness there is a postseizure state characterized by disorientation and confusion. The dog may stumble into walls and appear blind. The postseizure state can persist for minutes or hours. Grand mal seizures are typical of epilepsy.
A FOCAL MOTOR OR PARTIAL SEIZURE IS ONE IN WHICH THE JERKING OR TWITCHING IS LIMITED (AT LEAST INITIALLY) TO A PARTICULAR PART OF THE BODY. A FOCAL SEIZURE USUALLY INDICATES A SPECIFIC BRAIN LESION, SUCH AS A SCAR, TUMOR, OR ABSCESS.
Seizures are commonly associated with brain injury, encephalitis, heat stroke, brain abscess, brain tumor, stroke, poisoning, kidney failure, or liver failure. Seizures associated with a concussion frequently occur weeks or months after the head injury and are caused by a focus of scar tissue in the brain.
Postencephalitic seizures occur three to four weeks after the onset of encephalitis. Distemper, in particular, is characterized by attacks that begin with chomping, tongue chewing, foaming at the mouth, head shaking, and blinking, all followed by a dazed look.
Postvaccination seizures have been described in puppies under 6 weeks of age following inoculation with a combined distemper-parvovirus vaccine. This is extremely rare with current vaccines.
A female may develop low blood calcium levels after whelping and have seizures. A sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can also trigger a seizure. This occurs in newborn pups with cardiopulmonary syndrome. It can also occur in small-breed puppies who have not been fed adequately. A common cause of hypoglycemia is giving too much insulin to a diabetic dog.
Common poisons that cause seizures are animal baits such as strychnine, antifreeze (ethylene glycol), lead, insecticides (organophosphates), and chocolate. Seizures caused by organophosphates are preceded by drooling and muscle twitching. Exposure to a spray, dip, or premise treatment suggests the diagnosis.
There are a number of conditions that, while not true seizures, are often mistaken for them. Bee stings, for example, can cause frenzied barking followed by fainting or collapse. Cardiac arrhythmia can be mistaken for seizures because they cause loss of consciousness and collapse.
What causes Seizures based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
TCM Theory
Epilepsy is manifest in seizures, loss of consciousness, foaming of the mouth, headaches, dizziness, a stifling sensation in the chest, pallor, clenched jaw, incontinence of urine and feces, screams and/or staring of the eyes. According to TCM principles, epilepsy is an excess condition although it may arise from deficiencies in chronic cases. The onset of heredity related epilepsy is usually during early childhood. In TCM, epilepsy involves internal liver wind, liver qi stagnation and may also be exacerbated by dampness in the spleen and stomach, particularly due to irregular food intake. Fear and fright may trigger epilepsy. Fear disorders the qi and fright descends the qi thereby causing liver and kidney related internal wind due to deficiency.
DU, REN, and Liver channel points are often selected for treatment during a seizure. The focus is to revive consciousness, dissolve phlegm, soothe the liver qi and to dispel the wind. Heart, Spleen and Kidney channel points are commonly selected following a seizure. The treatment principle is to soothe the spirit, nourish the heart and kidneys and to strengthen the spleen and stomach.
Read Full article below
Points to use with meds to help relieve symptoms and possible ween down on the meds
Always consult with your veterinarian before changing or dosing down on medications
These points can be used to stop or lessen the duration of a seizures
GV26 vertical line under the nose on the upper lip. Revives consciousness stops seizures clears brain use only for seizures
GV14 Between the last Cervical and 1st Thoracic Vertebrae can stop seizures use if GV26 is not an option
Try these daily for to hopefully prevent further episodes.
GV20 dorsal midline between the ears there is usually a bump where the point is..revives consciousness clears brain from wind and heat
GB20 Right behind the skull or occipital bone one finger off the cervical spine on either side in the divots. Also a good relaxation point good point to ease over thinking. Pulls the energy down from the head In addition it helps with brain function and connection. Helps to stop seizures
GV17 Right behind the skull in between the GB 20 points. Little divot under the bump. Great point to disperse energy and create calm. Use this one in the morning and at night and if his energy starts to get stuck so as needed
HT7 PE7 in the depression between the tendon and the ligament it is a natural depression and pretty easy to find just above the bend in the wrist. Your fingers will slide in the groove on either side. Hold bold sides that is actually 2 points Ht7 and Pe7 this clears the mind and calms the spirit great relaxation point pulls heat out of the head…
SP6 3 cun above the medial malleolus or ankle bone this point is on the bone so just follow it up two ish finger widths on the inside of the back leg. This is a great point to increase blood flow and healing. It also reduces swelling and inflammation supports liver kidney spleen
KI3 BL 60 top of the hock thin skin your fingers will slide into it on either side it is kind of like our Achilles this is actually two points K3 and BL60 K3 is a source point good for the kidneys which house original chi this will tonify his source chi and tonify blood and chi also a source point for balance BL 60 is called the aspirin point and is good one to help with any kind of pain or irritation in the body
LIV3 between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal balances out the liver and helps with heat rising , and angst also a great point for detox and to balance the liver
LIV2 medial aspect of the 2nd digit distal to the metatarsal phalangial joint Relieves liver fire, Dispels wind, calms agitation
