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Some Dogs May
Sense Kids' Impending Seizures
(NY, Reuters Health, 6/21/04)
Dr. Adam Kirton of Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary,
and team, queried 238 families of epileptic children about
whether their family dog’s behavior changed during or prior to
their child having a seizure. Only half responded, with about
40% of dog owners reporting that dogs reacted to epileptic
episodes and even anticipated seizures. Most often, dogs
licked the affected child, but some even acted protectively.
One dog, for instance, would push a girl away from stairs
about 15 minutes before a seizure began. These findings, while
very preliminary, suggest that dogs may be able to sense an
impending seizure and possibly may be trained to respond to
epilepsy. (Neurology, June 22, 2004)
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Article Summary