If your dog experiences any episode that is a change in his normal behavior a veterinarian should be consulted.

Dogs that have experienced more than one episode, or seem to have a pattern of episodes should have a minimum database developed and it should include:

	patient’s profile
	complete medical history
	results of complete physical and neurological examinations

Owners are also asked to journal a complete description of seizure-like episodes which include details of the episode, frequency, duration, and severity. It is very important that you be as thorough as possible in your description of what your dog is experiencing. A video recording, 35mm or digital camera will help veterinarians and researchers determine what condition might be affecting your dog.  

If your dog experiences an episode of cramping/seizures, contact your veterinarian.

Note the time to determine how long the episode lasts.

If the episode lasts more than five minutes or if several shorter episodes occur consecutively, get veterinary assistance.

If possible, try to video tape your dog's episode. A video documentation can be very helpful when reviewed by the veterinarian or neurologist. Usually the dogs are perfectly normal when the veterinarian/neurologist sees them, so videos of the episodes can be very useful in determining what may be happening. If you don’t have video equipment, take 35mm pictures in rapid succession. A disposable camera can be kept on hand for that purpose. Still pictures should be taken as close as possible for clarity. Please contact Kris Blake for information about where to send photos or videos.

Enter a complete description of the cramping episode in a log or journal including frequency, duration and severity, as well as any behavioral abnormalities associated with the episode. An accurate description is important because there are other conditions with symptoms that mimic seizures or cramping episodes such as cardiac and/or pulmonary disease, narcolepsy, cataplexy, myasthenia gravis, and metabolic disturbances.

Write down anything and everything you think might be useful about the dog's episode including the dog’s reactions and duration of the episode.  If possible, time the episode from onset to recovery when the dog returns to normal. Note if anything new has been introduced to the dog (i.e. food, vaccines, new environment, etc). Changes in the dog’s diet and lifestyle could be clues that help your vet or neurologist determine the cause of the seizure/episode when the log is reviewed. Try to write down entries in the log as soon as the episode subsides. Important details are sometimes lost when too much time goes by before entering information into the log.

The following are the diagnostics needed to first rule out the possibility of your dog having some other disease/disorder. This will not determine if your dog has or does not have CECS/Spike's Disease:

	Routine blood workups: CBC and Chemistries Panel are warranted after any episode that resembles a seizure the first time and should be done within 48 hours after that episode.
	Because there may be an increased incidence of Hepatic Microvascular abnormalities in Border Terriers, a Bile Acid Stimulation Test (BAST) is also recommended, although your veterinarian may decide to do this at a later date.  If the BAST is abnormally high, your veterinarian may want to do additional liver function tests, ultrasound, and/or liver biopsy.
	The results of these diagnostics may be sent along with any DNA information you plan to submit to the University of Missouri (see DNA Research page). A CECS Forms Package for DNA has been compiled to provide you with instructions for your vet as well as other forms that deal with DNA Research, should you want to get involved in this very valuable research. Should you have a problem opening the CECS Forms Package, please click here.

Advice and suggestions found on this site are not meant to replace professional veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before changing your dogs medications or diet .