Seizures are common in dogs. The most common form of a seizure disorder is known as idiopathic epilepsy and is reported to occur in 0.5 to 5.7 percent of all dogs. Treatment options will depend on the reason the dog experienced a seizure.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
There are different types of seizures a dog may experience. The four basic types of seizures a dog may experience are:
- Mild Canine seizure - this type of seizure may go unnoticed
- Moderate or Grand Mal seizure - dog falls over, kicks legs erratically, loses consciousness
- Status Epilepticus - seizure can last for 10 minutes or more, can be deadly
- Cluster seizure - multiple seizures occur within a 24 hour period, can be deadly
Dogs who experience a status epilepticus or cluster seizure needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Reasons for Seizures in Dogs
Several underlying conditions can cause a dog to experience a seizure. They can include but are not limited to:
- brain tumor
- distemper
- poisoning
- low blood sugar
- thyroid disorder
- trauma
- Lyme disease
- congenital malformation
- kidney failure
- heat stroke
Most seizures in dogs have no known cause. These type of dogs are diagnosed as having idiopathic epilepsy. This type of seizure is thought to be an inherited disorder. It is not recommended to repeat breeding which resulted in a dog diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.
Symptoms of Seizures in Dogs
Seizures are not always easy to recognize because symptoms widely vary between dogs. Common signs a dog is experiencing a seizure are:
- agitation or nervousness
- dog is whining
- being very affectionate
- trembling
- falling over
- paddling of legs and convulsing
- appears blind and does not respond to voice commands
- eyes glazed over
- disconnected to the surrounding environment
- increased salivation
- appears to not be breathing
- disorientation
Always remain calm during a canine seizure. Move the dog to a safe place, if able, to avoid chance of injury. Take note of how long the seizure lasts and what the dog is doing during the seizure. This information will need to be described to the veterinarian.
Treatment of Canine Seizures
Seizures will be treated dependent upon the underlying cause. If a known cause is determined for the seizure, treatment can focus on correcting the condition. If no cause is detected and the dog is diagnosed with epilepsy, an anticonvulsant medication can be prescribed to help control the seizures.
Phenobarbital is the most common drug used to control epilepsy in dogs. Other types of medications that are commonly used are Dilantin and Primidone.
Treatment for epilepsy in dogs is not a cure. The object of treatment is to decrease the severity, duration, and frequency of the seizures. It is important to never miss a dose of the seizure medication for the dog, severe seizures could result.
Considerations regarding Seizures in Dogs
Treatment is available for most dogs who suffer from seizure disorders. Medications may need to be adjusted, if the dog starts having more seizures or more intense seizures. Taking note of symptoms will help a dog during a seizure.
The most important thing an owner can do for the dog is to remain calm during a seizure. Never put a hand in the dog's mouth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues and dogs could bite or clamp down during a seizure.
Petting and comforting a dog during a seizure can be reassuring to the animal. Most seizures are not fatal. However, if the dog experiences a status epilepticus or cluster seizures, immediate care by a vet is necessary.
References:
Pet Education, "Epilepsy: A Cause of Seizures in Dogs" (accessed March 18, 2010)
Thomas K. Graves, D.V.M., "Seizures in Dogs" (accessed March 18, 2010)
Vet Info, "Canine Seizures" (accessed March 18, 2010)
Sandra Blake - Sandra resides in Ohio. She attended the Academy of Health Sciences and Columbus State. She has years of experience in health information ...
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