THE PHYLLIS CROFT FOUNDATION

FOR CANINE EPILEPSY.

The Phyllis Croft Foundation For Canine Epilepsy was founded to bring support and comfort to owners of dogs with canine epilepsy, to raise awareness of the condition and to seek for knowledge. Our aim for the future would be to raise funds for research. The Foundation has been named as a tribute to Dr. Croft whos interests in canine epilepsy developed more than 60 years ago when her family's beagle puppies started to develope fits. She qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in1950 and dedicated the rest of her veterinary career to studying epilepsy and diseases of the brain. Her book "The Management of Epilepsy in Dogs" was first published in 1984 and is the only book published on the condition widely available to dog owners. We are privileged to have her as our Veterinary Advisor.

The Foundations principle concern is for the owner. The realization that ones much loved companion has epilepsy can be a devastating experience. It is our aim to combat the feeling of isolation that many people feel. Dr. Crofts expertise is freely available to the Foundations Members in order to allay fears and worries and to help them understand and to manage their dogs medication. Don't forget that the aim of treatment is to encourage the lowest level of medication that controls the fits. Most dogs have to be medicated for life but in some cases it is possible to reduce and stop the treatment. We know that the support, friendship and shared experiences of fellow Foundation Members plays a significant part in giving the owners the confidence to manage their dog's  epilepsy.

An important part of the foundations work will be to gain the co-operation and confidence of the veterinary profession. Together we could find ways to monitor the long term use of medication and its side effects and build a database of information that can be used to further the work of neurologists and perhaps encourage more veterinarians to take a specific interest in the condition. Together we could work towards establishing a standard procedure for treatment, highlight the need for continuity of care and contribute to an environment of mutual trust and understanding.

There are many causes of epilepsy but often, after exhaustive testing, a cause is not found, the dog is then assumed to have primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This can be hereditary and the Foundation aims to encourage breeders to take a more positive attitude to the condition. If an owner, veterinarian, breeder and drugs company can be persuaded to work closely together in a determined effort to reduce the incidence of epilepsy we can lessen the associated pain and suffering.

There is a great need to promote education about epilepsy as the condition still arouses prejudice and superstition. Friends and family may be well meaning when they advise an already traumatized owner to have their dog euthanised but in most cases it is just ignorance. Many epileptic dogs live long and happy lives.

    WE APPEAL TO YOU ALL- OWNERS VETS AND BREEDERS- PLEASE JOIN US (All requests for confidentiality will be strictly respected)

For more information please contact:
Margaret James, 77, Upland Road, Billericay, Essex.UK