Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs. Understanding the welfare dimensions of seizure disorders enables better management and quality of life for affected dogs and their owners.
Epileptic seizures cause significant welfare harm through the acute distress of the ictal period and the prolonged post-ictal confusion that follows. Dogs are unaware of their environment during generalised seizures and cannot understand what is happening to them, causing fear and disorientation during recovery. Cluster seizures and status epilepticus represent emergencies that cause brain damage and life-threatening metabolic complications without prompt treatment. Chronic epilepsy between seizures may not cause ongoing suffering in well-controlled dogs, but the psychological impact on owners of managing an unpredictable life-threatening condition is also a welfare consideration that affects the care environment.