#TurnTheTide on K9 Epilepsy With the AKC Canine Health Foundation
As we know, epilepsy can affect any breed or mix breed of dog, anywhere in the world. And, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, "Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, affecting roughly 1 in 100 dogs."
Let that set in for a moment. Is it any wonder that many have dogs with epilepsy? The upshot is this: you are not alone. There are so many of us Epi-dog caregivers, and thanks to social media, we have connected, and to prestigious organizations, like the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM), who are doing extensive trials, studies, and research into neurological disorders, seizures, and Canine Epilepsy.
When I began my journey with my wooly Siberian Husky, Gibson, in 2009, the internet was still in its infancy stage and there was not a whole lot of easily accessible information, so it was even more scarier then due to lack of available information. However, over the past 17 years, we sure have come a long way. That said, there still is no cure for epilepsy. But, thanks to all the research being done, it is my hope that one day there will be a cure for both dogs and humans - and, as the English poet Alexander Pope once wrote, "Hope springs eternal."
What we do have now beside hope that did not exist 17 years ago is readily accessible information, support, research, trials, and a better understanding of seizures, possible triggers, and seizure management (whether through traditional medications, or a combination of traditional and holistic therapies). The latter, seizure management, is KEY and what we Epi-dog caregivers strive to achieve.
And, as always, keep the link to my always free #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library for all these links, plus many more links to more articles, podcasts, videos, organizations, research, clinical trials, Epi-dog stories, and important updates (such as the AKC article and the upcoming webinar).
If you 've been a follower of my blog, you know that my beloved Gibson (who is the inspiration and handsome face behind #LiveGibStrong & #Paws4Purple) was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday in 2009 with idiopathic epilepsy and I have shared his journey, as well as all of the information I've learned along the way from many professional sources, including: my skilled veterinarian team—lead vet/author Dr. Arnold Rugg (founder and former owner/medical director of Kingston Animal Hospital), and Dr. Beth Alden (Kingston Animal Hospital and SUNY Ulster); the late Marion Mitchell of Canine Epilepsy Resources/EPIL-K9 List; the amazing neurology team at The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at NCSU-CVM; medical nurse and Epi-dog hu-mom Laurie Dansby. I've also talked with hundreds of caring Epi-dog parents and organizations (such as The Wally Foundation, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day® Every Day, The Divine Dog with Margit Maxwell, the Royal Veterinary College, Oh, the Life of Olivia/Knotty Toys for Good Dogs, and so many over the years who graciously shared their experiences with me, many of whom I've interviewed for my "The Sibe Vibe" podcast, articles, my book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy, and for my annual #NEAM Epi-Stars feature here on this blog.
We truly are a village bonding together for, and through, our beloved and fearless K9 epilepsy warriors (Epi-dogs), and sharing that information to help others who find themselves on this rollercoaster of a ride called Canine Epilepsy. If only we can be as fearless as our fearless Epi-dogs.
"They live brave, beautiful lives... and they don't waste time being afraid of tomorrow." ~Dan Gemeinhart
I sure admire all you do to help the cause!
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