Dog seizure: causes, stages, coping skills and treatment

Video: Everyday First Aid: Seizure (epilepsy)

Dog Seizure

Dog seizures can have a number of causes, for the most part very serious. Causes of canine seizure include, but are not limited to, brain tumor or head injury, Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, distemper, environmental toxins, and lissencephay. Dog seizure can be a symptom of conditions such as hypoglycemia, kidney disease, or toxoplasmosis. Because dog seizure is a warning sign of serious illness, see your vet right away if dog seizure symptoms occur. The most common cause of dog seizure is dog epilepsy. Canine epilepsy affects 2-3% of all dogs. Canine epilepsy dog seizures occur in documented stages. You may notice your dog behaving erratically hours or days before the dog seizure takes place. This first stage of your dog`s seizures is known as the Prodome. The next stage, known as the Aura, signals the beginning of a dog seizure. Dog seizure symptoms in this stage include whining, salivation, nervousness, restlessness, even affectionateness. The stage known as the Ictus constitutes the actual canine seizure. This period may last from between 45 seconds to three minutes and will include intense physical activity. Your dog may gnash her teeth, vocalize uncontrollably, drool, and/or lose control of her bladder and bowls during this stage of the dog seizure. In the Post-Ictus or Ictal stage, the dog may pace restlessly, temporarily lose her sight or hearing, or over-eat or drink. There are four basic types of dog seizures. The first is the Mild canine seizure which may not even be noticeable. The second and more severe type of canine seizures are the Moderate or Grand Mal seizures, where the dog falls down, kicks erratically, loses consciousness or displays other dog seizure symptoms. A Status Epilepticus dog seizure can continue for ten minutes or more, and can be deadly. Cluster seizures occur when your dog experiences multiple dog seizures in a 24 hour period- these can also kill. See your vet immediately if your dog experienced Status Epilepticus or Cluster dog seizures. Canine seizures often have no known cause- these types of canine seizures are the result of Idiopathic or Primary dog epilepsy, which is believed to be inherited. Dog seizures caused by underlying factors are said to be caused by Secondary dog epilepsy. Your vet may be able to determine the cause of your dog`s seizures and treat them with medication. In many cases medication can control a dog`s seizures.

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