Dog Seizures

Seizures or convulsions in dogs is usually caused by a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. This condition is known as status epilepticus or ‘epilepsy’. Dog’s that suffer from recurrent seizures are usually diagnosed with having epilepsy, however not every dog that experiences recurrent seizures suffers from the condition.

If your dog isn’t already diagnosed with epilepsy, there are a number of other reasons that can cause seizures. Brain cancer, especially the growth of large tumours that put pressure on the brain can result in serious and recurrent seizures. Anaemia can be a cause, as well as kidney disease, stroke, high or low blood sugar, head injury and poisoning.

A seizure is recognised by viewing the erratic physical behaviour of your dog. During the most common type of seizure, a generalised seizure, they will lose consciousness and convulse uncontrollably. The body twists and shakes because of an unusual electrical activity in the brain. The seizure can be violent and last for a number of minutes.

The psychomotor seizure occurs when unusual electrical activity in the brain affects the dog’s normal behaviour for a few minutes. It is difficult to separate a psychomotor seizure from acts of ‘silliness’ or ‘madness’ but, when the seizure is in full swing, the odd behaviour will always be consistent. Common behaviours associated with a psychomotor seizure include chasing the tail in circles and the attacking of an imaginary animal.

While there are a number of reasons for seizures in dogs, epilepsy is also a likely cause of the recurrent convulsion attack. If you suspect your dog may have epilepsy, your veterinarian can perform a number of tests to determine the true cause.

SYMPTOMS

You won’t be able to miss it when your dog is having a generalised seizure. You will notice a jerking of the body, arching of the back, the twitching of muscles and violent chomping, tongue chewing or frothing at the mouth.

The focal seizure usually attacks one side of the body or one limb in particular. This is because during a focal seizure, unusual electrical activity happens in only a limited part of the brain whilst the rest of the brain functions normally. These seizures, too, may last for between a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes.

Psychomotor seizures are perhaps the most difficult types to diagnose. The symptoms are similar to bouts of ‘madness’, ‘clownishness’ or ‘silliness’. All of a sudden your dog may begin chasing its tail ravenously or it may growl at, pounce on and tear apart an animal made up of thin air. While they are harder to determine, the strange behaviour during psychomotor seizures are always consistent.

Some symptoms that are common to all the types of seizures include:

• Confused or Unfocussed Appearance. In many cases dogs will regain consciousness and be disorientated. In most cases they are unconscious throughout the seizure and will be taken aback by any injuries they’ve sustained or energy they’ve exerted.
• Sudden Blindness. You may notice that your dog will be a little wobbly or uncertain on their feet for a while after the attack. Seizures can often cause temporary blindness that can last a number of minutes.
• Uncontrollable Drooling. The physical exertion and trauma associated with a seizure can result in a great deal of saliva production. Your dog may not be able to control the level at which they are drooling for a while after recovery.

In most cases, seizures will be easily recognisable by the violent physical movements of the animal. Seizures will usually last between a few second and a few minutes.

It’s important to always remain calm while you dog is having a seizure. If they are near any sharp of hard objects that could cause injury, gently move them away. Calm your dog by gently placing your hand on their stomach or back; never put your hand near their mouth as they may bite down hard on you.

If your dog’s seizures are lasting for more than five minutes overheating is a serious concern. Take your dog to vet for assistance, even during a period of seizure, to be sure the animal is not at risk of serious injury.

DIAGNOSIS

There are a number of tests that will help a veterinarian determine the cause of your dog’s seizures. The most likely cause of frequent recurring seizures is epilepsy. There are a number of different types of seizure that can affect dogs.

Epilepsy is the name for recurrent seizures that originate in the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy is the term for seizures that doesn’t cause brain lesions or any other damage while Symptomatic epilepsy is the type that does.

There are a number of physical symptoms that the vet can test for, including:

• Kidney and liver failure
• Systemic diseases
• Viruses or fungal infection
• Blood disease
• A fatty liver
• Low blood sugar

While the physical condition of the animal will help the vet determine the type of epilepsy is the cause of the seizures, it will also help them to determine what medications will best suit their needs.

Other causes of seizure such as poisoning and stroke can also be diagnosed by your veterinarian; usually by carrying out thorough physical examinations, followed by a number of in-depth and conclusive tests.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

It’s important to seek the assistance of a veterinarian the moment you begin to notice seizures. In most cases, epileptic seizures will progressively damage the brain, causing lesions to form if not treated properly.

There is no cure for epilepsy, however your vet will proscribe your dog an antiepileptic drug to help manage the seizures. The medication, paired with life-long therapy is aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of the seizures. Medication may have some unwanted side effects but, if the clusters of seizures are reduced and the damage that comes with each one lessened, then the treatment is considered a success.

Antiepileptic medications and their dosages may differ, depending on your dog’s age, health and other specific needs. If your dog is experiencing fewer seizures than another animal, the dosage and type may vastly differ also. Common side effects of the most popular medications include sedation and increased appetite.

The medications commonly used are diazepam, potassium bromide and phenobarbital. These medications are aimed at reducing the unusual electrical energy that occurs in the brain leading up to and at the time of a seizure.

PREVENTION

There is no way to prevent epilepsy from developing in dogs or cats. Because a common cause of epilepsy is trauma to the brain, keeping your dog safe from head injury is perhaps the only way to prevent the onset of seizures.

There are, however, a number of things you can do to ensure your dog is safe during a seizure. When a seizure strikes, your dog will have no control over their physical actions; be sure that they aren’t in the vicinity of any edges or hard objects that may cause them injury or further harm.

The best thing you can do for a dog suffering a seizure is to stay calm. As the dog’s owner it’s important to remain a calming influence and in control. The animal will feel your emotional presence, especially during recovery, so talking softly to them, gently rubbing their tummy or back until they regain consciousness is a good idea.

Remember, never put your hands near the animal’s mouth. They won’t mean to, but biting is common in animals suffering a seizure. They aren’t in control of their body and their reflexes could cause them to bite down hard.

If seizures last for more than five minutes, overheating is a possibility. This can prove life-threatening and emergency veterinary care is advised.

COMMONLY AFFECTED BREEDS

Epilepsy can affect any breed of dog or cat. Some of the most susceptible breeds include: German Shepherds, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, Labradors, Saint Bernards, Irish Setters, Collies, Fox Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels.

Epilepsy will usually present itself while the animal is still young. It’s most likely that the first seizures will occur between the ages of 10 months and 3 years. Breeds that are more likely to develop the condition aren’t necessarily going to; it’s simply statistically more likely.

INTERESTING DOG SEIZURE FACTS

Epilepsy is the name given to a number of recurring seizure types. While epilepsy (erratic electric activity in the brain) is a common cause of seizures, it’s not the only cause. Brain cancers as well as poisoning are also common causes.

Although there is no hard data available, according to the Canine Epilepsy Network (CEN), as many as 4% of all dogs may be affected by epilepsy. The condition is common, but luckily the seizures are now very treatable.

A seizure can come on very quickly. Your dog may be happy-go-lucky one minute, then uncontrollable the next. While seizures only last a number of seconds or a few minutes, the effects of a seizure can last 24 hours or more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION  

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html

http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_seizures_convulsions