Epilepsy generally starts in dogs 6 months to 5 years of age, usually at 2-3 years.
Epilepsy is a disorder of recurring seizures.
Seizures are described as an uncoordinated firing of the neurons usually within a portion of the brain called the cerebrum. The mechanisms of why these neurons do not function normally is not understood, but is similar if not identical to the causes in humans. Probably certain substances called neurotransmitters are not in the proper chemical balance so the nerves do not behave in the normal coordinated fashion. A patient with epilepsy will exhibit periodic bouts of uncoordinated firing of the neurons within the brain. Causes of seizures When we are first presented with a patient that has had a seizure, we initially attempt to find the cause.