Epilepsy is a condition in which your dog experiences seizure activity.

Your dog will usually have seizures or convulsions in which he falls onto his side and shakes. The duration of these seizures vary. During the seizures, your dog will usually urinate, defecate and produce a lot of saliva. After the seizures have finished, your dog may appear confused or have temporary vision loss.

Seizures are categorized as being one of two types. A seizure in which the entire brain is impacted is called a general seizure, tonic-clonic seizure or grand mal seizure. A seizure in which only a small part of your dog’s brain is impacted is called a focal seizure or a partial seizure. Focal or partial seizures may develop into general seizures.

Epilepsy is broken down into two categories: primary epilepsy and secondary epilepsy.

Primary epilepsy is generally idiopathic, which means that the cause is unknown. However, as certain breeds seem to have a predisposition to developing primary epilepsy, it is generally thought that the condition may be inherited.

Secondary epilepsy refers to epilepsy for which an underlying cause can be determined. There are many potential underlying causes for secondary epilepsy, including brain injuries, brain infections, liver disease and toxic substance ingestion.

Based on your dog's seizure symptoms, your vet will perform a complete physical and neurological exam on your dog. Blood work will be done and sometimes your vet may use diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays.

Your dog will be put on a variety of dog medications designed to stop the seizures. Treatment will generally be life-long. In some instances, your dog may stop responding to a medication. If this is the case, the medication will be switched.

For primary epilepsy, it is wise not to breed dogs with this condition. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog who has a family history of primary epilepsy. For secondary epilepsy, the best means of prevention is to safeguard your dog from trauma, infections and toxic substance ingestion.

No, you cannot contract epilepsy from your dog.