Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Scott
Posted on: February 27, 2007 We have a Schnauser that has had some tummy or digestive tract trouble. The vet says he has k9 epileptoid disorder (formerly Spike’s disease). There seems to be very little known about the "disease". Is there anything you can recommend?

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS), formerly known as Spike’s Disease, was only brought to light in 1997 and most animal professionals are still trying to understand its cause and treatment. Current thought is that this is a genetic disorder but may be affected by diet. There is quite alot of information on this condition at: http://www.borderterrier-cecs.com/index.htm

You might want to look at the diet protocols put forward by Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst as well as talk to a qualified practitioner in your area who has experience with both herbs and animals. Such a person may be found through the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (www.vbma.org). Should you opt for a diet change, I suspect it should be done slowly over a period of at least two weeks in order to give the digestive system time to adjust. In addition, there are many herbs that can support the nervous system as well as have anti-spasmodic properties. However, all herbs in a condition such as this should only be recommended after a full case history has been taken by a qualified practitioner.

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