A Dog Seizure

A dog seizure may be described as a sudden attack, spasm or convulsion. It is an abnormally-occurring, involuntary behavior.

Seizures are the result of muscle responses to an abnormal nerve-signal burst from the brain. It's a symptom of an underlying neurological dysfunction.

Seizure in dog may be caused by different factors and the first step in diagnosis is determining whether the cause is from within the brain, as with infection or trauma, or outside of the brain, as with external poisons, low blood sugar or circulating metabolic toxins. A blood test or ophthalmic exam can be performed to determine this.

Types of Dog Seizure:

Mild: (Petit Mal) this can be a simple as momentarily staring into space, or upward eye movement.

Moderate: (Grand Mal) the dog falls down, loses consciousness and extends its limbs rigidly. Paddling of limbs, salivation followed by possible loss of control of bladder and bowels and vocalization (blood curdling scream) may follow. This may occur for 1-3 minutes and is most often followed by a period of restlessness, pacing, bumping into objects and loss of balance. (Post Ictal period) The dog is conscious but may appear deaf, blind and disoriented. Great care must be taken to prevent the dog from injuring itself at this time.

Status Epilepticus: Status can occur as one continuous dog seizure lasting 10 minutes or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no period of normal consciousness, this may be life threatening.

Cluster Seizures: Multiple seizures within a 24-hour period time, may also be life threatening. It is often difficult to distinguish between the two types and veterinarian assistance is imperative.

There are four basic stages to a dog seizure:

The Prodome: may precede the seizure by hours or days. It is characterized by changes in mood or behavior.

The Aura: signals the start of a dog seizure. Nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, affection, wandering, restlessness, hiding and apprehension are all signals.

The Ictus: (actual seizure) A period of intense physical activity usually lasting 45 seconds to 3 minutes. The dog may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. There may be teeth gnashing, frantic thrashing of limbs, excessive drooling, vocalizing, paddling of feet, uncontrollable urination and defecation.

The Post Ictus/Ictal: after the seizure, the dog may pace endlessly, appear blind and deaf and eat or drink excessively.

Pets aged one to five typically have no cause to the seizures and are labeled epileptic. Epilepsy is a term which simply means seizure disorder. Certain dog breeds are more prone to epilepsy, including Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Collies and Schnauzers. Epileptic pets may be prescribed medication to help suppress frequent dog seizures.

Medications for dog seizure:

Phenobarbital

Potassium Bromide

Phenobarbital & Potassium Bromide

Primidone (Mysoline)

Valium (Diazepam)

Dilantin

Gabapentin

Immediate emergency care should be sought in situations involving non-stop seizure activity for five minutes or longer or in situations involving more than three dog seizures within twenty-four hours.