Chihuahuas & Potassium Bromide

Seizures in Chihuahuas

During a seizure a chihuahua shakes or convulses, foams at the mouth, may urinate, his eyes may roll back, and a foul odor comes off the skin. In some cases, a chihuahua may experience temporary blindness, lasting 5 to 10 minutes after a seizure. Seizures may be caused by a reaction to food preservatives, blood sugar fluctuations or even epilepsy, just like in humans.

If a dog has very occasional seizures, no treatment may be warranted. However, if seizures become frequent, a change in diet as well as the addition of medication may become necessary. If a chihuahua experiences multiple seizures within a given day, seek emergency veterinary care.

If a simple change in diet is not sufficient to keep seizures from occurring, the dog will likely be treated with Phenobarbital, an anticonvulsant. Potassium bromide is often given in lieu of, or as a supplement to, Phenobarbital, especially in small breeds like the chihuahua, as too much Phenobarbital can be harmful.

Potassium bromide was chiefly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as an anti-convulsant in epileptic patients. The FDA does not currently approve its use in humans, though it is used in veterinary medicine. Potassium bromide has a sedative effect that can lessen seizures and nervous disorders, making it effective in the treatment of canine epilepsy. Potassium bromide is sold by veterinary prescription under the brand name Dibro-Be mono.

A healthy all-natural diet can prevent seizures in your chihuahuameditating chihuahua image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com

If your chihuahua experiences a seizure, it is important to gently hold him down so that he cannot harm himself by falling or banging his head. Keep children away from the seizing chihuahua, in case he bites. Hold his head steady, yet try to avoid being bitten in case he panics and snaps at you. A towel may assist in this regard. Do not speak to your chihuahua, even to soothe him, as distraction may prolong the seizure. Due to the skin secretions during a seizure, wash your chihuahua afterward.

Feeding your chihuahua a healthy, all-natural diet that eliminates preservatives can help prevent seizures. Chihuahuas are sensitive to added dyes (especially reds) and chemicals. Choose organic dog food, or make food of your own. The ideal combination will have protein, healthy fats (Omega-3's, cod liver oil) and a carb source. Puppies require more fat that adult dogs. Speak to your veterinarian about the right food for your chihuahua.