![]() ![]() If your dog is between 6-months-old and 6-years-old, and their tests are normal, most veterinarians agree antiepileptic drug therapy is not necessary after the first seizure. Schnauzers, Collies, Bassett Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have higher rates of seizure conditions compared to other breeds. Dogs that are over 6-years-old when they have their first seizure are more likely to have a metabolic disorder or a structural brain lesion, like a tumor or a stroke.īreed predilection toward epilepsy is another clue your veterinarian uses during diagnosis. Dogs younger than 1-year-old are more likely to have a congenital defect, an intoxication or an infectious disease like canine distemper. ![]() Idiopathic epilepsy usually starts between 6-months-old and 6-years-old. A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is typically made after every other cause has been ruled out. ![]() However, the most common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy, which is a seizure condition of unknown origin. Called structural seizures, they’re caused by things like tumors, head trauma, inflammatory diseases and infectious diseases, like rabies and canine distemper. Eliminating exposure to the toxin and giving treatment for the toxin resolves the seizures.Īdditionally, seizures can be caused by abnormalities in the brain itself. This is part of the risk of things like dark chocolate, caffeine, the sugar substitute xylitol, anti-freeze, rat poison and liquor. Discontinuing the drug resolves these reactive seizures. Some drugs can cause seizures by lowering the seizure threshold in the brain. The brain is normal, and if the metabolic disorder can be corrected, the seizures go away. These seizures are called reactive seizures. ![]() Seizures can be caused by metabolic disorders like low blood sugar or low blood calcium, liver disease, liver shunts, kidney disease and others. However, a focal seizure can segue into a generalized seizure, so be sure to keep a close watch on your dog until it passes. These types of seizures usually don’t require treatment. There is not necessarily a loss of consciousness. The “chewing gum fit” is where the jaw repeatedly clacks.Ī focal seizure might just be repeated twitching of an eyelid, lip or ear. For example, “fly-biting” is a classic one, where the dog looks like they are seeing and repeatedly snapping at flies. This can look like a lot of different things. Tonic (stiff, extended limbs that don’t move or jerk)Ītonic (standing, staring and non-responsive)įocal seizures, as opposed to generalized seizures, happen when the abnormal electrical activity is localized to just one spot in the brain. Status epilepticus requires emergency veterinary intervention with intravenous medication, usually a benzodiazepine like diazepam (Valium), to break the seizure.īeyond the classic grand mal seizure described above, other generalized seizures include: There is so much intense, violent physical activity that the core body temperature rises to life-threatening levels. If a dog is in status epilepticus for too long, they could die. Peter Early, visiting clinical professor of neurology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. “Status epilepticus is an ongoing seizure that doesn’t self-resolve, typically considered more than five minutes,” says Dr. Timing the seizure is important because of a life-threatening condition called status epilepticus. Furthermore, in the minutes to hours after a seizure (a period called the postictal phase) your dog may remain disoriented or confused, which can sometimes be expressed as aggressive behavior. But your dog is not aware of their surroundings during a seizure, and they are not in control of their movements either. Your natural tendency may be to comfort your dog by hugging or stroking their head. If they are near stairs, try to stay below them on the steps - if you can safely do so - to prevent them from falling down further.Īvoid your dog’s mouth so you don’t get bitten. To keep your dog safe from injury, remove any items near them that are breakable or that may fall on them. If this happens, first, make sure you both stay safe. Also known as tonic-clonic, this type of seizure is the one where a dog suddenly falls over with violent, jerking spasms affecting all four limbs, paddling, frothing at the mouth, possible loss of bladder and bowel control, and loss of consciousness. The big, bad grand mal seizure is a generalized, convulsive seizure with widespread, excessive, abnormal electrical activity occurring in both sides of the brain. ![]()
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