This is a Brain and Spinal Cord condition.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
What is Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy?
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy is a neurologic disorder characterized by the distinct movement that affected dogs make. Myoclonic jerks are uncontrolled muscle movements that can occur frequently. Dogs often appear startled with this disorder.
What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?
Seizures often involve the front half of the body, and seem to occur most commonly when the dog is relaxed or about to fall asleep. Affected dogs will appear normal between episodes.
When do signs and symptoms develop?
Signs can develop at 6 weeks to 18 months of age.
How do vets diagnose this condition?
Epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion. Seizures can arise secondary to many different disease processes. Before diagnosing your dog with epilepsy, evaluation of any existing inflammation or infection of the brain, a brain tumor, other organ dysfunction, vascular abnormalities such as liver shunts or microvascular dysplasia, and lysosomal storage diseases must be performed
How is this condition treated?
There is no treatment for this disorder. Certain medications may be prescribed to control symptoms.
What actions should I take if my dog is affected?
- Some dogs with epilepsy appear triggered by certain events. If a pattern for the seizure behavior becomes apparent, avoiding that pattern in the future is ideal.
