Canine Seizures

Canine seizures can be frightening events for both dogs and the people who love them. Learning more about what actually goes on during a seizure and what causes one may help you deal with the situation if it arises.

What Happens During Canine Seizures?

Activity in the Brain

First of all, all seizures are the result of abnormal brain activity that can be caused by numerous sources which we'll discuss in just a moment. Typically, something causes the brain to send out an electrical impulse the goes awry. The brain interprets this false signal as a call to activity and triggers uncontrolled muscles movements normally governed by what ever part of the brain is being affected.

Physical Signs

Depending on exactly how much of the brain is involved in the misfire, you will notice one or more of the following symptoms.

• Your dog may act dazed, confused and may not seem to recognize you.
• Your dog may begin to whine and behave anxiously 24 hours prior to a seizure event.
• One or more areas of your dog's body may begin to convulse uncontrollably.
• Your dog may salivate without control and gnash his teeth.
• The eyes may roll up and back toward the head.
• Urination and defecation accidents are also common during a canine seizure.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of canine seizures, you dog will appear exhausted and slightly confused. He will also likely become ravenously hungry and thirsty. It is best to offer food and water in limited but frequent doses for the next 24 hours. This helps the blood sugar to return to normal levels, yet keeps your dog from over indulging which can induce vomiting. This procedure can also help prevent recurring seizures, also known as cluster seizures.

Types of Seizures

• Partial: This type of seizure only affects a small portion of the brain, so a loss of physical control would only be seen in specific parts of the body.
• General: A general seizure involves the entire brain, therefore the entire body would display physical signs of the seizure.
• Psychomotor: This type of seizure is distinctly different from the types mentioned above. The outward signs are predominantly behavioral, such as barking and whining for no apparent reason, walking in circles or unusually aggressive behavior. A psychomotor seizure can sometimes be a warning signal that a partial or general seizure is on the way.

There are additional classifications for canine seizures depending on their source.

These include:

• Primary: This classification is used when no actual cause of the abnormal brain activity can be diagnosed.
• Secondary: This classification is used when there is an identifiable abnormality in the brain.
• Reactive: This type of seizure happens when an essential healthy brain is exposed to outside forces such as toxins and accompanying illnesses.

Are All Seizures Related to Canine Epilepsy?

Although many seizures with undetermined causes are grouped together under the umbrella of Canine Epilepsy, not all dogs that experience canine seizures are actually epileptic. To put it simply, a seizure is either caused by the environment within the brain or from outside of it. It is possible for a dog to have basically healthy brain, yet still experience seizures caused by outside forces.

Cause of canine seizures include:

• Head trauma: Any dog that has received a blunt force blow to the head, caused by collision with an automobile or other means, is likely to experience seizures.
• Brain infections: A brain infection can also trigger unusual brain activity, and is most commonly diagnosed with a spinal tap.
• Brain tumors: An undiagnosed brain tumor can put pressure on the brain tissue as the growth enlarges. This can result in intermittent yet increasing seizures. Tumors of this nature are typically diagnosed with an MRI, and are often operable if caught early enough. If diagnosed in later stages, it may be necessary to treat with medications to reduce brain pressure and control the frequency and intensity of the seizures.
• Metabolic imbalances: A metabolic imbalance affects brain chemistry and can cause faulty brain signals that induce seizures.
• Exposure to toxic substances: The body can react to toxins in many ways, including vomiting, cardiac arrest and convulsions/seizures.
• Other diseases: Conditions like hypoglycemia and hypothyroid have also been known to trigger brain seizures.

Treatment Options

The best way to treat canine seizures is by treating the actual cause if a specific medical or environment cause can be determined. This will most often cause the seizures to cease. However, there are cases where the episodes can only be managed to provide a dog with greater relief. In these cases, phenobarbital and/or valium are used to control and possibly prevent recurrent episodes.

Caring for Your Dog

If your dog experiences a seizure, it's important to help stabilize him with the feeding routine mentioned above. It's also helpful to keep him warm and comfortable, as well as reassured by your presence. Call your vet and alert him/her to the fact that your dog has had an episode, and your vet will advise you on whether your dog needs to be seen.

• Funny Halloween Dog Pictures
• Miniature Teacup Chihuahuas
• English Bulldog Names
• Name That Dog Breed Quiz
• Choosing a Puppy Quiz

• Signs Of Dog Pregnancy
• Dog Anal Glands
• Sick Dog Symptoms
• Female Dog Heat Cycle
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding

• Category:Dog Health
• Cairn Terriers
• Difficulty Recovering from Seizure
• Canine Pancreatitis
• Canine Paroxetine