Once your dog's seizures have been diagnosed your vet will work with you to determine the best treatment for your dog's seizures which may include medications or keeping a seizure diary. Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro accepts new clients to our specialty services by referral.
What causes seizures in dogs? Epilepsy Heat Exhaustion Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency Low blood sugar levels Liver disease. Ingested poisons such as caffeine, chocolate An injury to the dog's head such as a road accident Diabetes Infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus infection CDV and rabies Heartworms.
If your pet is experiencing an emergency involving seizures, contact your emergency animal hospital immediately. Other causes of seizures in dogs include electrolyte or blood abnormalities, such as low blood sugar, severe anemia , cancer , brain tumors , trauma to the brain, metabolic diseases, and exposure to toxins. While these are easier to spot, some seizures may be localized, such as a facial tremor, or present as a sudden onset of rhythmic movements or actions, like unusual barking.
Following these tips will help keep you and your dog safe until the seizure is over:. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.
Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Speak in low, comforting tones to your dog. Some owners even try putting on soft, gentle music for their dogs after a seizure.
However, your dog may appreciate it more if you just let him come back to normal without adding distractions around him, too.
Because of this, it can be helpful to gently place cool washcloths over his feet after the seizure has ended. Some owners wrap their dog in a towel or blanket and hold him to comfort him after a seizure.
It is fine to do this if your dog has become alert and is otherwise back to normal following the seizure. Avoid doing this if hugging usually bothers your dog, as he will not find it comforting in this situation, either. After your dog is alert and awake again, he may be very tired. Your dog may also be extremely hungry or thirsty after a seizure. If this is the first time your dog has had a seizure or if the seizure lasted longer than usual, call your vet right away and ask their advice.
Follow what the vet suggests. If your vet diagnosis your dog with epilepsy, he may be given epilepsy medication. You will need to speak with your vet for more information about how to administer this medication and what to expect in terms of side effects when you give it to your dog. Seizures are not uncommon in dogs. Some breeds are much more prone to having them than others, but all breeds can suffer from seizures at some point in their lives. Seizures in dogs may be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, age, hereditary problems, underlying disease, and more.
Aura : Minutes before the actual seizure, a period of altered behavior may occur called the aura. This is not always recognizable, but many owners report their dogs may hide, appear anxious, attention seek, or whine just prior to a seizure.
Ictus : The actual seizure is called the ictus. It usually lasts seconds to one to two minutes and is self-limiting, but longer seizures can occur.
Seizures can have a variable appearance as described below. Postictal phase : After the seizure, many dogs exhibit a postictal phase characterized by disorientation. This may last minutes to hours. The most commonly reported signs are behavior changes, prolonged sleepiness, confusion, transient blindness, and eating voraciously. Yes, seizures can take on many forms.
Which area and how much of the cerebral cortex is abnormally firing will determine how a seizure looks clinically. A generalized tonic-clonic seizure also referred to as a grand mal seizure is the most common form and the most easily recognizable. Both cerebral hemispheres are activated simultaneously. It is characterized by falling to the side, loss of consciousness, and rhythmic contraction of muscles paddling, jerking of limbs, chewing jaw movements. Some dogs also salivate, urinate, and defecate.
A focal seizure also referred to as a partial seizure can be more difficult to recognize. It results from a group of neurons firing in one part of the cerebrum, with limited spread to other areas.
There are two types of focal seizures:. Simple focal motor seizures result from firing of neurons in the motor area of a cerebral hemisphere and usually manifest as involuntary limb jerking or repetitive facial muscle movements. Consciousness may or may not be impaired.
Complex partial psychomotor seizures are the most challenging for pet owners and veterinarians to recognize because they manifest as a behavioral abnormality. These originate from the limbic system or temporal lobe of the cerebrum.
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