Re: epilepsy dogs

Originally from: coleen
                        
Hi Bill

As someone who has lost 2 dogs owing to epilepsy and once again have a dog who fits occasionally could you please explain more about your theory...and how the sardines work. I am more than interested. I do feed tuna (any goof)? Although not on the level you mention.

All three of the dogs I mention were/are of a nervous/hyper personality which I believe does sometimes go hand in glove with e/fits.

Thanks
Coleen

Originally from: Bill
                        
Epilepsy is rare, Coleen, the current epidemic is mostly tetany misdiagnosed as epilepsy.

Tetany is caused by mineral imbalances, particularly a phosphorous-calcium imbalance, though there are other minerals involved, copper for instance.

Minerals can be obtained from health stores such as Holland and Barrett but a rich store of readily available minerals can be found in fish bones. That's why I use sardines though I could use salmon (with the bone in), anything that has easily digestible cooked bone.

Beef bones aren't as good because the structure is a lot stronger even when cooked and the minerals are less digestible than the much softer cooked fish bones. Tinned tuna is usually boneless so won't be much good for minerals.

Try the sardines, Coleen, a tin every day initially then 3 or 4 times a week. You should start to see a difference after a week or two.

All the best,
Bill.

P.S. It's not a theory, so far I have had a 100% success rate. Let me know how you get on..
                        

Originally from: coleen
                        
Hi Bill

What is the difference between Epilepsy and Tetany (sorry if I am being dumb) how does a Vet give a correct diagnosis? Are there tests for dogs, to establish the chemical imbalance.

Perhaps just pointing a little way towards what you are saying...I was reading that some Vets are asking questions over the increase in cases they are treating for hypothyroidism in dogs along with Epilepsy (as they are diagnosing it) although there is NO data to substantiate any of this, some are questioning 'complete foods' (of which I do not feed). So your theory does stand up to scrutiny on that level.

I am most definitely going to try the Sardines and will keep a diary as to how we get on.

Cheers
Coleen

Originally from: Bill
                        
Epilepsy is a any of a group of syndromes of transient disturbance of brain function so it could be said tetany is a type of epilepsy. However the distinguishing feature of true epilepsy is impairment (or loss of) consciousness which does not happen in tetany.

As well as mineral imbalance tetany can also be caused by abnormal thyroid function so the vets are in the right area but on the wrong track, or at least that is my opinion.

Best of luck with the sardines.

Bill.