Comparative Studies in K9 & Human Epilepsy: Triggers, Trials & Tribulations. Can Solar Flares, Lunar Phases & Weather Trigger Seizures?

 


Read "News" Below For Podcasts, Webinars, Open Clinical Trials & Grant News

  *Article updated 01-25-2024
 
A solar eclipse. A full moon. A lunar eclipse. Severe storms. Devastating hurricanes. Geomagnetic or Solar Storms. And on those times where there are both a super full moon and a lunar eclipse. All of these activities can have an affect on dogs who experience seizures.
 
Lunar Eclipse & Full Moons
 
While the effects of such lunar activity seems to be debatable, people who have Epi-dogs that have been triggered know different. According to Meaghan Callahan, DVM, MS, CVA (Veterinarian and Acupuncturist at Pebble Creek Animal Hospital in Tampa, Florida) in an article in Heavy.com, "There is, in fact, anecdotal evidence revealing changes in animal behavioral dating back over 700 years. There is so much we, as scientists, do not yet understand about the interactions of the solar system and it’s effects on the animal kingdom, however in my opinion, there is a direct correlation,” Dr. Callahan explained.
 
Is it just a belief or reality? 
 
According to the National Library of Medicine in the Lunar phases and seizure occurrence: just an ancient legend? paper, "The authors retrospectively reviewed all neurologic records of an emergency unit from 1999 to 2003 to identify a potential association between lunar phases and seizure occurrence. Overall 859 patients admitted for seizure occurrence were divided into the four quarters of the synodic month according to moon phases. A significant clustering of seizures around the full moon period was observed, supporting the ancient belief of periodic increased seizure frequency during full-moon days.

Solar Flares
 
In September of 2017 (when this post was originally written) according to NASA, “Two solar flares were released by the Sun (on September 6), on which was the most powerful flare recorded since 2008.”  What are solar flares? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center reports that “Solar flares are large eruptions of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun lasting from minutes to hours” and, while they do occur periodically, this powerful one set a “strong geometric storm watch” in effect for several days.

What Does All This Mean For Those with Epilepsy?

According to NeuroResearchProject.com, from a medical hypotheses on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed.gov, “Admissions of 762 patients for epileptic seizures and 1,553 for dizziness were studied for the connection with the level of monthly and yearly solar activity in the 11-year solar cycle and with four levels of daily geomagnetic activity levels (400 epileptic patients and 802 patients suffering with dizziness). Conclusion: Admission of patients with epileptic seizures and dizziness are related to geomagnetic and solar activity.“

Furthermore, “The annual percentage of patients with convulsive seizures in the Neurological Department of the Bangur Institute of Neurology, Calcutta, is found to be significantly correlated with the annual values of sunspot numbers and geomagnetic activity” over the 11-year period. “For a particular geomagnetic (GMA) activity index the correlation coefficient is significant at a 99% confidence level.”

Beyond the Human-Canine Bond

Beyond the amazing love and communication bond that exist between our beloved dogs and us, humans and canines with Epilepsy, also share many of the same seizure triggers—including genetics, illness, injury, stress, certain foods, stress, anxiety, ingestion or inhalation of toxins, flashing lights, fireworks, environmental factors, changes in barometric pressure, thunder and lightning storms, lunar phases, eclipses, and solar flares. Dogs and humans alike are prescribed some of the same type of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), such as Phenobarbital, Keppra, etc., and alternative treatments, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), to treat seizures. 

“Epilepsy in dogs has many similarities to the diseases in humans. There is increasing interest in exploring Epilepsy from a comparative standpoint – to create discoveries that can impact both human and animal health.” 
~Dr. Karen Muñana, Neurology
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

According to Karen Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) and Julie Nettifee, RVT, BS, VTS (Neurology) at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where much research and clinical trials in the areas of epilepsy in companion animals are conducted, “Epilepsy in dogs has many similarities to the diseases in humans. There is increasing interest in exploring Epilepsy from a comparative standpoint – to create discoveries that can impact both human and animal health.”


Over at Paws to People: Bridges to Cures, they are committed to furthering translational studies and research in catastrophic diseases, such as epilepsy and cancer, in an effort to save the lives of both humans and pets. Susan Sehi-Smith, founder and president, notes that,Dogs who experience seizures are particularly sensitive to changes in weather and even in season or moon cycle.” Sehi-Smith also says that, “research suggests that more seizures occur in the winter and that there might be a connection to fewer daylight hours. It is interesting to note that these correlations have been seen both in animals AND humans.”

"If during these types of phenomena, you notice mood or behavioral changes in your dog, don’t ignore it." 
~Dorothy Wills-Raftery, 
Author and Founder of FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Online Resource Library & 
#Paws4Purple Initiative (first of its kind) in Partnership with Purple Day® Every Day/The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for Human Epilepsy

So with all the wild weather and disruptions in the atmosphere, why is it important that we listen to our dogs? Explains Sehi-Smith, “Dogs are so much more sensitive to things like changes in air pressure, rising humidity, storm dynamics, and temperature changes than humans are. It is the same with high tides, earthquakes, and other environmentally driven events. Often our pets can sense changes approaching even before the news hits the weather channel.”

Our dogs’ intuition, and their language in response to these changes, can be verbal or behavioral. Bottom line is, if during these types of phenomena, you notice mood or behavioral changes in your dog, don’t ignore it.


If you are wondering what types of behavior your Epi-dog may display, Sehi-Smith explains, “Being so ‘attuned’ often causes general nervousness, pacing, restlessness. It can heighten normal behavioral responses like barking or needing to be close to you. This sensitivity can trigger unusual behaviors as well: incontinence, refusal to eat, fear-responses, aggression, anti-socialness.” She also notes that for dogs that live with chronic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and rheumatoid arthritis, “weather can sometimes dictate additional pain. Dog systems can be thrown off balance during weather swings decreasing the effectiveness of medication and increasing limping or mobility issues. You might see a temporary spike in a diabetic pet’s blood sugar numbers. Or skin conditions might become hyper-itchy or sensitive. Weather affects responses to certain cancer treatments, and the patient’s overall state of being. And so it is with autoimmune illnesses and others.” And again, Sehi-Smith reports that, “There is much anecdotal evidence that (seizure) reactions are triggered during periods of extreme weather and during the approach of full moons in the lunar cycle.”


"Often our pets can sense changes approaching even before the news hits the weather channel.”
 ~Susan Sehi-Smith, 
Founder/President Paws to People: Bridges to Cures


According to Dr. Muñana, “Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in veterinary medicine, and is estimated to affect up to 1% of dogs and 2% of cats in the general population.” (Dr. Muñana will be addressing “What’s Feeding Those Seizures? An Update on Refractory Canine Epilepsy and the Potential Link to Gastrointestinal Health” in an upcoming webinar sponsored by the AKC CHF. Registration info below).



While we can not always know exactly which things from a long list of possible triggers will actually trigger a seizure, when there is advance notice of such things as inclement weather, electromagnetic field (EMFs), lunar phases, and solar eclipses and flares, we can prepare ourselves by being ready for a possible seizure in order to help Epi-dogs as best as we can should a seizure arise. Being calm is extremely important for the seizing dog, and the best way to be calm (as calm as one possibly can be in such an emotionally heightened situation) is to be prepared.

Please refer to my post on “Preparing for a Solar Eclipse” HERE for a list of tips, plus what items should be in your Epi-dog’s First Aid Kit. And, as always, do research and have a conversation with your Epi-dog’s veterinarian for how to best treat and care for a dog with seizures.


  BE SURE TO CHECK OUT IMPORTANT & INFORMATIVE PODCASTS FURTHER DOWN IN POST ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️   


 
Epilepsy can be extremely frustrating and worrisome for Epi-dog parents, as there are so many, an almost endless list, of possible seizure triggers, but there is much hope as new research surfaces, and many new clinical trials and studies are being conducted. In 2014, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) launched an Epilepsy initiative, and in February of this year, they announced “a new initiative to advance research into canine epilepsy.” According to the AKC CHF, “one in every 100 dogs will be affected by Epilepsy, many dogs, with the support of dedicated owners, can lead a good life by following a veterinarian’s treatment plan.”





***WEBINAR VIDEO***
“What’s Feeding Those Seizures? An Update On Refractory Canine Epilepsy And The Potential Link to Gastrointestinal Health” with Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology); Professor of Neurology

Original Air Date: October 24, 2017


Summary: “This 45-minute webinar will include discussion of refractory epilepsy in dogs, with a review of its clinical characteristics and our current understanding of the mechanisms that can result in drug resistant seizures. The concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will also be introduced, and evidence presented to demonstrate the role that the gastrointestinal system plays in the development and progression of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in humans.  Finally, published information on the link between the gastrointestinal tract and epilepsy in dogs will be reviewed, and future directions for research explored.” Sponsor: AKC Canine Health Foundation







NATIONAL DATABASE FOR DOGS WITH EPILEPSYto register your Epi-dog, fill out the form HERE.




ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT STUDY:


American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) "Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy" A “major” clinical Trial to “study the use of Cannabidiol to treat drug resistant epilepsy in dogs.”


Study Leader: Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a board-certified veterinary neurologist at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences


For more AKC CHF info and other news on Canine Epilepsy, visit http://www.akcchf.org.




CALL FOR RESEARCH GRANT APPLICANTS:


 
Paws To People: Bridges to Cures Offers Open Grant ApplicationPaws to People is 501(c)3 non-profit registered in the State of New Mexico that is committed to “achieving lasting change that transforms the lives of humans and pets suffering from catastrophic disease. Through our grant making, we support innovative thinkers, researchers, and organizations that are working to find causes, preventions, and cures for catastrophic diseases.” For more info and grant application, visit HERE.





RVC Clinical Investigation of Nutrition Breakthrough to Help Manage Dogs With Epilepsy


 University of Helsinki. "Significant Epilepsy Gene Discovery in Dogs." ScienceDaily





RVC DIGITAL K9 EPILEPSY DIARY & INFORMATION CENTER


For keeping a digital journal, as well as important seizure information, download the FREE Royal Veterinary College (RVC) mobile app for Apple and Android devices. Check out my past FiveSibes blog post with Gibson all about this app HERE.
 
 
  
 

"IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN ZINC DEFICIENCY AND SEIZURES IN SIBERIAN HUSKIES" with Margit Maxwell, dog trainer, canine behavior specialist, and an Epi-dog parent who specializes in the training of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Margit is the creator and writer of The Divine Dog Project.




"TALKING CANINE EPILEPSY"  with Gibson's lead vet, Dr. Arnold Rugg, the Medical Director & Owner of Kingston Animal Hospital in Kingston, NY, and he discusses in great detail Canine Epilepsy, seizures, and Gibson's case.


"TALKING CANINE EPILEPSY & CLINICAL TRIALS" with Dr. Karen R. Muñana, Professor of Neurology, veterinarian, and author of over 70 works on veterinary neurology; and Julie Ann Nettifee Osborne. a Licensed Veterinarian Technician with Neurology specialty, research specialist, and author; both from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.


 This contains an Amazon affiliate link that if you click on it and purchase the book, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you in advance!
EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy is a library of valuable resources, informational links, canine epilepsy expertise, and 122 personal stories of families from across the globe living with, and loving, an Epi-dog. 

Author Note: I feel absolutely honored to have "met" these amazing dogs, who are from all breeds, and their equally amazing human companions. I will forever have a special bond with each and every one of these wonderful dogs, and you will too after reading about them.



IF OUR BOOK IS SOLD OUT ON AMAZON, 
PLEASE ORDER DIRECTLY FROM OUR PUBLISHING WEBSITE 



  
 
CANINE EPILEPSY SYMPOSIUM
 


YOU ARE INVITED to join NCSU-CVM for their upcoming  
Companion Animal Epilepsy Symposium!
WHEN:  Saturday, March 16th, 2024 b
TIME: Beginning at 8:30 am (registration) and 9:00 am (program).
 
(This program is sponsored by the Archie Fund, through the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, Inc.)

WHERE: This event will be held at the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, main building, North Theatre.  There will be signage directing you to this location.  Parking is free, and you can use the parking garage adjacent to the CVM or lots closer to the building.

***The event is FREE, however PLEASE REGISTER at the following link:


If you have any questions, please reach out to janettif@ncsu.edu

 
 
 
*
 
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR:





For current NC STATE trials & results of past trials, please contact JULIE NETTIFEE AT 
EMAIL: janettif@ncsu.edu


PAST STUDY


“The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Canine Epilepsy: Determining the Role of Lactobacilli (Pilot Study)”

Principal Investigator: Dr.Karen Muñana, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Download FLYER: HERE
 
 
*
 
COLORADO STATE U TAKING APPLICATIONS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2024


"Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs" 

Purpose: "Dogs with epilepsy that are receiving conventional anti-convulsants and having at least two seizures per month. Upon enrollment, every dog will be evaluated by a neurologist and any medication adjustments will be made prior to starting the trial"

Interested participants can learn more by VISITING HERE, contacting one of the research technicians by emailing CSUNeuroTrials@colostate.edu or Dr. Stephanie McGrath, or by calling (970) 305-0455​, or visit HERE.
 


Comments

  1. Really interesting that humans and canines share some of the same triggers! Also, that dogs sense major weather and environmental changes. I know cats also really pick up changes as well. I remember during Hurricane Sandy there were reports of the cats in Atlantic City at the boardwalk leaving a day before the storm and returning a day after the storm. They seemed to know it was coming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, for sure...I never underestimate the instinct of an animal. When I had horses, they always alerted me to things way beforehand. Animals are truly so amazing.

      Delete
  2. What a thorough invitation to understand epilepsy better in both pets and humans! Your discussion about the disease and its connections to outside factors like weather and solar flares helps make clear how complex managing it can be...and how much we still need to study. Great job with providing followup and resources as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Susan! And thank you and Paws to People for being such a valued resource for both pets and humans.

      Delete
  3. This is such a great post. Luckily Buster has only ever had 3 seizures, but they happened 100% identically. When I started researching and looking into it, I was finding the same things about how seizures in humans and dogs are very similar. I then read the book Pets on the Couch by Dr. Dodman, and it is such a thought-provoking and incredible book. I will definitely check out that webinar! It's interesting that are looking at GI health. In Chinese medicine, GI health is often considered the root of a lot of skin problems, and a lot of the herbs that are beneficial for skin problems are also beneficial for seizures/calming, etc. Interesting how that works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alix! Yes, the "gut" can be the root of many health problems - for me, my acupuncturist and chiro help me keep my GI healthy in my battle with RA and Fibroymyalgia, and IBS. I used a combination of both traditional and holistic for controlling beloved Epi Gibson's seizures and also I did alternative therapies to treat side effects of medication, without adding more medication. I am *so* glad that your Buster only had three seizures! May he never have another!

      Delete
  4. Humans and animals have more similarities than people realize. This was a very interesting read. This is a good resource for pet owners who have pets with epilepsy.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lola. In my Gibson's name, I hope to continue to bring info and news that will help other Epi-dog families on their journeys so they never feel alone.

      Delete
  5. First. congratulations / Mazal Tov on being a finalist - WOW

    I never realized there were similarities and this post was such an eye opener for me and you are such a great resource on this subject, thank you

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Ruth! There are so many factors that come into play with Epilepsy, and I'm so glad to see the comparative studies and research being done. Maybe...one day...we can cure this seizure monster once and for all.

      Delete
  6. I'm just reading Dr. Dodds' book on hypothyroidism; I wonder whether anybody did a study about how those two might correlate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jana. Yes! Excellent pondering. There most definitely is a correlation. My Gibson was treated for hypothyroidism, which I've discussed in the past on my show and here, and Harley recently had a seizure, which we believe was due to the same. (I actually wrote a blog about hers here: https://fivesibes.blogspot.com/2017/08/an-unwelcomed-visit-from-old-foe.html). And this is Dr. Dodd's article on it over on the Canine Epilepsy Resources site: http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Lowthyroid.html

      Delete
  7. Thanks for being such a wonderful advocate! We enjoyed reading about the good things going on.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow I never knew their was a relationship between having seizures and solar activity. When I had an epileptic dog, she would have about 4 seizures a week and they mostly occurred when she was sound asleep - no pacing or pre-seizure anxiety. Very interesting study.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seizures are wild card. There are many types and it can be very nerve wracking figuring out (if one can) what causes them. My Gibson had his in his sleep, which is most typical, and also when awake. Thank you for your kind words about the study. Hopefully, it will help others.

      Delete
  9. I know cats are very sensitive to changes in pressure. We find them coming indoors here when there is a big change. This also chimes in with what I heard about the polydactyl cats at Hemingway's House. before the Hurricane arrived they ALL headed indoors!

    I can see that such changes in weather can also make a big impact on the life of a sensitive dog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They sure can. Not to mention, I do believe animals have a keen sense when something is changing or danger is ahead.

      Delete
  10. I've never known a pet with epilepsy, so I had never thought about how some dogs will be Epi-Dogs. What fantastic resources you have here. The similarities in how seizures may begin is striking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Irene. I hope the resources can help others seeking information to help them in their journey with a dog with epilepsy.

      Delete
  11. This is really fascinating! I can't believe so many things can trigger a seizure, especially atmospheric happenings. I always wonder about flashing lights - it irks me that there is so much of that everywhere you go these days, I can imagine how many people get seizures just because of that! Our town has flashing camera lights on main roads that are SO distracting! I honestly don't know how they are even allowed to do that.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, you are so right! Flashing and strobing lights has a huge impact on both humans and animals with epilepsy. And we do have so much of that today; it seems any where you look, something is flashing!

      Delete
  12. What a great resource for anyone wanting to know more about canine epilepsy!

    I had no idea that there was a correlation between sun flares and seizures, of course, now that I think about it, it makes sense.

    My pets are mostly inside animals and they don't seem to be very sensitive to weather patterns. Of course, living in Central New York, we don't have a lot of big storms, except snow storms.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Beth! We are very fortunate living in NY with reference to less storms than other areas. So many things can trigger a seizure, but thankfully, there are some ways of hopefully helping to either lighten them or hold them off. Although, that is not always the case.

      Delete
  13. Thank you for sharing the webinar link. I hope to be able to attend that call.

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