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What Research Tells Us About Diagnosing and Treating Canine Epilepsy: Key Findings Every Dog Owner Should Know

Writer's picture: Christina RoedChristina Roed

What Research Tells Us About Diagnosing and Treating Canine Epilepsy: Key Findings Every Dog Owner Should Know

If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, you’re not alone. Canine epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, affecting thousands of beloved pets worldwide. But while diagnosing and treating canine epilepsy can feel overwhelming, recent research offers valuable insights into how epilepsy is managed and influenced by factors like geography, culture, and access to veterinary care.

Understanding epilepsy in dogs isn’t just about knowing the science—it’s about learning how to give your dog the best quality of life while ensuring you still enjoy your time together. In this blog, we’ll break down the key findings from a recent study on dog health and epilepsy, covering everything from diagnosis to treatment disparities.

Most importantly, we’ll explore why this condition doesn’t mean your life—or your dog’s—has to stop. In fact, it can be an opportunity to deepen your bond, create joyful memories, and make every moment count.

How Common Is Epilepsy in Dogs? The Numbers Might Surprise You

When faced with an epilepsy diagnosis, one of the first questions dog owners ask is, “How common is this condition?” The answer depends on where and how the data is collected.

A recent study found that in primary care settings, where everyday vet visits happen, epilepsy affects around 0.62% to 0.82% of dogs. However, in referral clinics, where more severe cases are treated, the numbers jump to 1.9% to 2.6%. This difference happens because referral clinics see dogs with more complex medical conditions that require specialist care.

One study from Sweden, where pet insurance is widely used, found an epilepsy prevalence of 0.75% in insured dogs. This suggests that insurance plays a key role in allowing owners to seek veterinary care, leading to more diagnosed cases.

Key takeaway for dog owners:

If your dog has epilepsy, you’re part of a large community of pet parents managing this condition. Understanding the numbers can help reduce feelings of isolation and remind you that support is available.

Why Diagnosing Canine Epilepsy Can Be Complicated

One of the biggest challenges in dog health is the accurate diagnosis of epilepsy. Unlike in humans, dogs can’t describe their symptoms, meaning everything relies on veterinarians and owners closely observing their behaviour. Unfortunately, many seizures go unrecognized or misclassified.

To standardize epilepsy diagnosis, the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) created a three-tier system:

  1. Tier I – Basic diagnostics: blood tests, urinalysis, and general physical exams.

  2. Tier II – More advanced tests: MRI scans and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

  3. Tier III – The highest level of testing, including electroencephalography (EEG) to confirm seizure activity.

The research found that in the UK, only 8.6% of dogs experiencing seizures received a Tier I diagnosis. Even more concerning, only 2% of epileptic dogs in primary care underwent MRI scans, which are often necessary to rule out structural causes of seizures.

Why does this matter?

Without a full diagnostic workup, some dogs may be misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective treatment. However, many primary care clinics lack access to expensive MRI machines, and owners may not always be able to afford them.

How Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors Influence Canine Epilepsy Treatment

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the research was how socioeconomic status and culture affect the treatment dogs receive.

The Role of Pet Insurance

The study found that insured dogs were 1.5 times more likely to receive a Tier I diagnosis than uninsured dogs. This means that financial limitations can impact whether a dog gets the right treatment. Insurance reduces the financial burden, allowing owners to pursue advanced care without worrying about high costs.

Cultural Differences in Treatment Approaches

Cultural attitudes towards pet care also shape how dogs with seizures are treated. The study found:

  • In Japan, dogs with epilepsy had a median lifespan of 13 years, much higher than in Denmark, where the median was 7 years.

  • One possible reason? In Japan, euthanasia is rare due to cultural beliefs, meaning owners are more likely to seek long-term management options rather than opting for euthanasia after a diagnosis.

  • In Sweden, 40% of dogs are insured, making it easier for owners to afford specialized treatment.

What does this mean for dog owners?

Where you live, your financial situation, and even cultural attitudes towards pet care can directly impact your dog’s treatment options. This highlights the importance of:

  • Advocating for early and thorough diagnosis.

  • Considering pet insurance as a way to access better treatment.

  • Learning from different global perspectives to make informed decisions.

What This Research Means for Owners of Dogs with Seizures

While epilepsy in dogs can feel daunting, this research shows that many dogs can live full and happy lives with the right management. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Get the right diagnosis – If your dog has seizures, work with your vet to ensure they receive at least Tier I diagnostics.

  2. Consider pet insurance – It could make a huge difference in your ability to afford treatment.

  3. Be proactive, not fearful – With proper management, your dog can still enjoy walks, playtime, and a great quality of life.

Why Living Your Life with an Epileptic Dog is So Important

One of the biggest fears dog owners face after an epilepsy diagnosis is: "Will my dog's life ever be the same?" The answer is yes—and in many ways, it can be even more meaningful.

Epilepsy should not stop you from living your life with your dog. Instead, it’s a chance to create a structured, loving, and fulfilling routine that benefits you both. Dogs with epilepsy thrive on consistency, companionship, and a stress-free environment.

Think of this as an opportunity:

  • More quality time – Every moment with your dog becomes more special.

  • A deeper bond – Caring for your dog strengthens your relationship.

  • An appreciation for the present – Instead of worrying about the future, focus on creating joyful memories now.

The Key Takeaway

Your dog is still the same playful, loving companion they were before their diagnosis. The best thing you can do is embrace the journey, stay informed, and continue living your life together.

Conclusion: What Research Tells Us About Diagnosing and Treating Canine Epilepsy: Key Findings Every Dog Owner Should Know

The research on Canine Epilepsy gives us valuable insights into prevalence, diagnosis challenges, and treatment disparities. While epilepsy is a complex condition, it is manageable, and dogs can still lead happy, fulfilling lives.

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: your dog’s epilepsy is just one part of their story. Keep living, keep loving, and enjoy every moment together.


References

  1. Kearsley-Fleet L, O'Neill DG, Volk HA, Church DB, Brodbelt DC. Prevalence and risk factors for canine epilepsy of unknown origin in the UK. Vet Rec. (2013) 172:338–8. doi: 10.1136/vr.101133

  2. Berendt M, Farquhar RG, Mandigers PJ, Pakozdy A, Bhatti SF, De Risio L, et al. International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Vet Res. (2015) 11:182. doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0461-2

  3. Heske L, Nødtvedt A, Jäderlund KH, Berendt M, Egenvall A. A cohort study of epilepsy among 665,000 insured dogs: incidence, mortality and survival after diagnosis. Vet J. (2014) 203:471–6. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.09.023

  4. Hamamoto Y, Hasegawa D, Mizoguchi S, Yu Y, Wada M, Kuwabara T, et al. Retrospective epidemiological study of canine epilepsy in Japan using the international veterinary epilepsy task force classification 2015. BMC Vet Res. (2016) 12:248. doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0877-3

  5. Erlen A, Potschka H, Volk HA, Sauter-Louis C, O'Neill DG. Seizure occurrence in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: prevalence and risk factors. J Vet Intern Med. (2018) 32:1665–76. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15290

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