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EXCERPT:
From Chapter 10 - Seizures: Before, During, and After
Long before medications became available to control
epilepsy, ancient people practiced other methods of
naturally halting or minimizing seizure activity. These
methods are still recommended today. You may hear them
described as methods of "naturally arresting" seizures
or methods of "sensory arrest."
Sensory arrest involves stimulating the area of the
brain that is threatened with electrical discharge.
This can be accomplished with a strong sound, physical
touch, or taste. It is suspected that by giving these
neurons a strong stimulus, the random discharge of
seizure activity can be overridden. When the patient's
attention shifts from the inward focus to an outward
focus (the new stimulus) it seems to help enforce the
inhibitory response of the surrounding neurons.
Sensory arrest is most successful when patients have
a highly identifiable aura. In reviewing your journal
notes you may be able to identify behaviors that indicate
your dog's aura or preictal phase. When an owner recognizes
the onset of this aura, stimulus can be applied in
an attempt to thwart the impending seizure.
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REVIEWS:
In Canine Epilepsy author Caroline Levin has given
information on all the questions an owner would want
to know ... and some that the owner has not yet thought
of. She has done a huge amount of research on the topic — that
is obvious from the knowledge and historical information
that she uses to back-up her recommendations and all
the resulting information is passed on to readers.
Traditional epilepsy treatments are discussed, as
well as alternative ones such as using dietary supplements,
acupuncture or the Tellington TTouch system. Thyroid,
liver (elevated enzyme count) or bladder problems sometimes
manifest and these are discussed k9in a very helpful
way. But by far the most significant of all the information
is the influence that diet and the way food is metabolised
has a huge influence on the number and severity of
seizures. Vaccines can also have a clear link to the
disturbed brain patterns.
And neither has the author forgotten to be compassionate.
In fact her opening chapter deals with the owner's
feelings of hostility, denial and disappointment, sadness
and the desire to do the best for the loved family
member.
This is a book to keep close to you if you have an
afflicted dog. A book to read whenever you have a few
minutes spare. Read and learn.
- Elizabeth Peters, editor
K9 Perspectives Magazine
I just wanted you to know how much your book, “Canine
Epilepsy” has helped me! It is a constant reference.
With Tyler’s first two seizures, our vet gave
us Phenobarbital pills and a syringe of valium. I cannot
tell you how frightened I was that I would be unable
to administer the valium in an emergency. Your book’s
detailed instructions greatly relieved my anxiety.
We have used the “Startle and Shake” arresting
method 4 times successfully in the past three months!
What an exhilarating feeling it is, to save Tyler from
having a seizure instead of feeling so totally powerless!
- Carol Taylor and “Tyler” in
Arizona
After reading "Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide
to Living With and Without Seizures" there isn't
a dog owner alive who wouldn't feel comforted, and
cheered, by the wisdom imparted to them within the
pages of this book.
- Lynn Thomas
American Pet Journal Radio
Canine Epilepsy offers readers a detailed
yet accessible introduction to the complex interrelations
among the
neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Levin
presents a compelling picture of how improper diet
and stress contribute to system imbalances, and shows
her readers simple ways in which they can make a
tremendous difference for their animals. As a veterinarian,
it's wonderful to be able to refer clients to a book
written especially for them.
- Lauren K. Chattigré -
DVM
I am VERY impressed with Canine Epilepsy. It really
includes some in depth research and is the most comprehensive
book I have read on the topic. It includes all the
information needed for an owner to confidently care
for a pet with epilepsy.
- Joanne Carson Ph.D. Founder
of the Epi Guardian Angels Internet list
Canine Epilepsy is fabulous! Thank you so much for
writing it! This book was so desperately needed and
I am thrilled to endorse it!!"
- Dianne Sever Co-Founder jstsayno2vacc Internet
list
I would like to congratulate you on the excellent
quality, depth, and well-researched nature of this
book. Canine Epilepsy has become an important and integral
part of my library.
- Ian Billinghurst, BV.Sc.(Hons.),
author of Give Your Dog a Bone
I just wanted to let you
know how FANTASTIC I think this book is. It is beyond
doubt the best book I
have read about epilepsy. It is written in a very
easy to understand way and I am gaining enormous
amounts of information from it. I only wish that
you had published it four years ago, when I was so
desperate and depressed.
Thanks again for this wonderful book.
- Annette Miller & "Tot",
Ontario, Canada
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