Epilepsy in Dogs: More Than Just Medication
Epilepsy in Dogs: More Than Just Medication
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs. It manifests as recurring seizures ranging from mild tremors to severe, prolonged seizures. For many dogs, this begins at a young age, often without an immediately identifiable cause. In conventional veterinary medicine, epilepsy is usually treated with antiepileptic drugs such as phenobarbital, levetiracetam (Keppra), or potassium bromide. These medications can be lifesaving and are often necessary.
However, practice shows that a large group of dogs, despite correct medication and dosages, continue to have seizures . Sometimes weekly, sometimes in dangerous clusters. In addition, side effects such as lethargy, behavioral changes, and liver and intestinal stress can affect quality of life.
More and more owners and veterinarians are therefore looking beyond just treating symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach , including nutrition, gut health, stress, the nervous system, and underlying imbalances, can make all the difference. The goal then shifts from "suppressing attacks" to supporting the entire body, in search of a new balance and a better life.
Bobby's story shows how powerful such an approach can be.
Bobby: A Happy Dog with an Intense Story
Bobby is a cheerful, fluffy 7-year-old male with a great love for walks, cuddles, and… sticks. At first glance, he seems a happy, lively dog. But behind his vibrant character lies a powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and hope.
A Young Life with Epilepsy
Since he was two years old, Bobby has struggled with epilepsy and severe head tremors. His seizures often occurred in clusters: multiple attacks in a row, which he struggled to escape. Despite a heavy dose of conventional medication—including Phenoral, Keppra, Libromide, diazepam, and gabapentin—Bobby continued to have weekly seizures.
His owner intuitively sensed that this couldn't be the whole story. While the seizures were being suppressed, Bobby's body seemed to be increasingly out of balance. That's when the search for a broader, more holistic approach began.
More Than Just the Brain
What was striking was that Bobby often started compulsively eating chopsticks just before an attack. He had also been experiencing intestinal problems for some time: diarrhea, sensitive digestion, and irregular bowel movements. Traditional diets didn't bring enough improvement.
From a holistic and Chinese medical perspective, it became clear that the epilepsy was not separate from the rest of his body. There was a deeper imbalance, involving the liver, colon, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, stomach, and brain, among other things. His nervous system was constantly "on," without sufficient recovery time.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
In consultation with a holistic veterinarian, an integrated approach was chosen, tailored to Bobby as an individual:
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Chinese herbal formulas , including Gastrodia, to support the neurological system
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L-Glutamine to restore the intestinal wall and support digestion
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CBD Spain oil Carlotta 10% , supplemented with CBDA and CBGA oil 10% , to support the nervous system and the endocannabinoid system
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Acupuncture as a regulating and balancing therapy
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And a crucial foundation: freshly cooked food , tailored to his specific needs and sensitivities
Regular medication remained part of the treatment plan, but was now used as a support rather than a stand-alone treatment.
The Turning Point
After about six months, Bobby's body visibly began to calm down. His digestion improved dramatically, and the diarrhea disappeared. The head tremors, which had been present for years, disappeared completely.
Although Bobby still needs his anti-epileptic medication—which is wise given his history—he now tolerates it much better. His body seems stronger and more resilient.
The biggest change?
The frequency of his attacks decreased to one mild attack every two months , lasting at most a minute. A world of difference.
The Power of Synergy
Bobby's story shows that there's rarely a single "miracle cure." The real power lies in synergy : combining Western medicine with Eastern insights, natural support, appropriate nutrition, and a dedicated owner.
In Bobby's case , CBDa and acupuncture prove to be a particularly powerful combination. CBDa supports the nervous system, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps the body return to balance. Acupuncture promotes energy flow, harmonizes organs, and helps reduce stress—a known trigger for epileptic seizures.
A Hopeful Prospect
It's expected that Bobby's seizures will possibly decrease even further in the future. But what's already certain is perhaps the most important:
Bobby has his quality of life back. More peace, more fun, and more space to just be a dog.
And you want that for every dog.
Do you work as a veterinarian or therapist with dogs suffering from epilepsy or neurological issues? Or are you an owner curious about the use of CBD Spain oil, nutrition, or acupuncture? Feel free to contact us. We'd love to help you develop a holistic approach that can truly make a difference.
