Seizures in dogs are an extremely distressing experience for both pet owners and pooches. Prevent yourself from panicking when this happens by learning its early signs. We also share tips on how to handle dog seizures once it occurs.
Defining Seizure in Dogs
Dog seizures are brought about by a disturbance in regular cognitive functions. Muscle activity typically becomes affected, which can result in fits or convulsions.
When seizures repeatedly happen in episodes, it is considered an epileptic seizure. This condition may occur singularly or in clusters. Moreover, it can present itself suddenly or at regular intervals.
4 Types of Seizures in Dogs
What are the 4 types of seizures in dogs? Dog seizures are classified into 4 categories: grand mal, focal, psychomotor, and idiopathic. Here is how they differ from each other:
1. Grand mal Seizures in Dogs
Also known as generalized seizure, grand mal is the most common type of seizure in canines. It crops up due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The duration of grand mal seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
2. Focal Seizures in Dogs
Focal dog seizures are prompted by the unusual electrical activity that occurs only in a certain part of the brain. It causes abnormal movements on one side of the affected dog’s body. In some cases, seizures in dogs begin as focal and gradually transform into grand mal.
3. Psychomotor Seizures in Dogs
Psychomotor dog seizures are characterized by odd behaviors. Affected canines may become aggressive towards imaginary objects or run around in circles.
Identifying this type of seizure in dogs may seem difficult. However, the common indicator to look out for is that a dog will repeatedly do the same behavior when having a seizure.
Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs
Seizures that occur without any known cause are called idiopathic epilepsy. Around 25-30% of dogs with seizures are diagnosed with this condition. Idiopathic epilepsy is prevalent in canines ranging from 6 months to 6 years old.
Dog Breeds Predisposed to Seizures
Due to genetics, some dog breeds are prone to seizures, particularly idiopathic epilepsy. Here are some of them:
- Australian shepherds
- Beagles
- Belgian Tervurens
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Border Collies
- Border Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Collies
- Dachshunds
- English Springer Spaniels
- Finnish Spitz
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Keeshond
- Labrador Retrievers
- Lagotto Romagnolos
- Petit Basset Griffon
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Standard Poodles
- Vendeens
- Vizslas
However, keep in mind that seizures may still occur in any dog regardless of breed or age. Moreover, if your pet’s breed is included in the list, it does not necessarily mean he will suffer from seizures in his lifetime.
4 Most Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs
What causes seizures in dogs? Dog seizures are not an illness but rather a symptom of a disease. Let us look into the most common health issues that induce seizures in dogs.
1. Brain Problems
Cognitive disorders such as brain tumors and encephalitis can induce dog seizures. Brain injury due to trauma, for instance, car accidents, may also cause this condition.
2. Metabolic Diseases
Liver disease, abnormally low blood sugar levels, kidney issues, and hormonal imbalances can play a part in inciting dog seizures.
3. Toxins
What can trigger a seizure in a dog with a clean bill of health? Healthy dogs also risk experiencing seizures if they ingest poisonous substances.
What toxins can cause seizures in dogs? Many of them can be found in your homes, such as ethanol from alcoholic beverages and ethylene glycol in antifreeze. Some over-the-counter flea products for dogs may also contain seizure-inducing toxins such as pyrethrins or organophosphates.
4. Heat Stroke
“Can heat cause seizures in dogs?” is a frequently asked question by pet owners. The answer is yes. Exposing dogs to abnormally hot temperatures can affect their brain function, resulting in seizures.
3 Phases of Dog Seizure Symptoms
What does a seizure in a dog look like? Dogs having seizures tend to faint, and their muscles become stiff for a moment. Afterward, their limbs will start twitching and convulsing.
However, these are only a small part of dog seizure signs. To get a clearer picture of what is likely to happen before, during, and after dog seizures, let’s take a look at their 3 phases of symptoms:
1. Pre-ictal Phase
It is the moment before a seizure starts. Affected dogs may exhibit unusual behaviors such as restlessness, vocalization, and lack of energy. These seizures in dogs’ symptoms are subtle and often get easily overlooked.
2. Ictal Phase
It is the term used to describe the onset of a seizure. Symptoms commonly manifest around this phase are loss of consciousness, convulsions, and salivation. Urination and defecation may also take place.
3. Post-ictal Phase
It occurs right after the seizure attack ends. Dogs may become confused and disoriented. They will feel restless, which leads them to pace back and forth. In some cases, temporary blindness may also occur.
Duration of Seizure in Dogs
Single seizures in dogs can last for about a minute and rarely cause a fatal outcome. What pet owners should worry about are cluster seizures. It is characterized by multiple seizures within a short time.
This can trigger a life-threatening condition called status epilepticus, which causes prolonged dog seizures. It can last anywhere from 3-30 minutes. If this type of episodic seizure is not stopped, irreversible brain damage in dogs is very likely to happen.
Dealing with Seizures in Dogs
What do you do if your dog is having a seizure? Dog seizures are terrifying to witness, and they can send many pet owners into a panic. However, keeping yourself calm throughout the whole ordeal is important. Having a clear mind helps you manage seizures without putting your dog in further distress.
Here are other important reminders of what to do if a dog has a seizure:
1. Avoid placing anything in his mouth
It is a misconception that dogs are in danger of choking on their tongues when a seizure occurs. So, do not place any objects inside your pet’s mouth. This will only put you in danger of getting bitten by him.
2. Gently move your dog to a safe location.
If your dog was in a precarious place when the seizure happened, carefully push him to a safer area in your home. Place him in a spot far from any furniture to prevent him from jumping onto them and hurting himself.
Cushion his head to keep it from knocking hard on the ground. After having a seizure, your dog might feel panicked and scared. Make sure to close the door or place a baby gate in the room so he does not run out.
3. Lower your dog’s body temperature.
Long seizing fits in dogs can lead to hyperthermia, a condition that abnormally increases the body temperature. Once the seizures stop, cool your pooch by placing wet towels over his head, neck, groin, and paws.
4. Take notes about your dog’s seizures.
If possible, record your dog’s seizures with a video. Do not forget to take note of the date in case your pet has another episodic seizure within the week or month.
Keeping track of the time and duration is also critical. Using a stopwatch is ideal for getting a more accurate result. However, monitoring the time with a clock will do too. All of this information will help the vet determine whether or not there is a pattern to your dog’s seizing fits.
5. Send your dog to the vet.
Call your vet right away after your dog’s seizure subsides. Never skip informing them even if your pooch seems fine. On the other hand, episodic seizures that last for more than 3 minutes need to be checked by the vet immediately.
The same should be done if he suffers from cluster seizures within 24 hours. Both conditions can lead to life-threatening complications if treatment is delayed.
Diagnosing Seizures in Dogs
Dog seizures have similar symptoms to some canine ailments, such as vestibular disease and REM sleep disorder. To rule out other health issues, the vet will conduct tests to get an accurate diagnosis, such as:
Medical History and Physical Examination
Inspecting your dog’s physical condition for abnormalities such as stiffness in the muscles or tremors can help pinpoint the leading cause of his seizures.
The vet will also check your pet’s medical history since the condition is prone to appearing in certain age groups or breeds. Knowing if your pooch has any pre-existing diseases also offers clues as to what triggers his seizures. It also gives the vet idea of which lab tests should be done.
Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)
This test checks whether or not your dog has a normal amount of red blood cells and white blood cells. Its results will help the vet ascertain if your pet has anemia, tumor, infections, or cancer.
Blood Chemistry Profile
This is carried out to examine your dog’s liver enzymes, which can determine if he has liver disease. Blood chemistry profile results will also show his blood glucose levels as well as electrolyte levels like sodium, phosphorus, and calcium.
Urinalysis
During this test, your dog’s urine will be analyzed for abnormal substances such as crystals, blood, and protein. It aids in verifying if he has developed kidney problems.
Brain Scans
The vet may suggest that your dog has a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized axial tomography (CT scan) test. These tests are used to spot the presence of lesions, abnormalities, or inflammation in your pet’s brain if there are any.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
The EEG looks at the electrical activity in your dog’s brain. It is used to identify abnormal electrical patterns and locate the area of the brain where the seizures begin.
Treatment for Seizures in dogs
Dog seizure treatment primarily aims to prevent the re-occurrence of seizures and reduce their severity. Generally, the vet will administer anticonvulsant drugs to keep seizures under control. Below are the medications commonly used:
1. Phenobarbital
Known for its effectiveness, phenobarbital is typically the first medication given to dogs with seizures. Around 80% of canines taking this drug have a 50% decrease in seizure frequency. It is estimated that around 31% of dogs on phenobarbital may become seizure-free.
However, your dog will need blood tests while on this medication. It is done to monitor his phenobarbital blood levels. Exceeding the normal range can lead to him developing liver disease.
Intake of phenobarbital comes with side effects such as temporary sedation. They occur during the first 1-2 usage of the medication. As your dog’s body adjusts to the drug, these side effects gradually wear off.
2. Potassium Bromide
It is more effective in controlling seizures in dogs compared to phenobarbital. Approximately 70% of dogs on this drug experienced a 50% reduction in seizure frequency. About 52% of dogs taking potassium bromide are likely to become seizure-free.
This medication, like phenobarbital, should be monitored for its effect on your dog’s blood levels. It can take months before your pet has stable blood levels, making her vulnerable to seizures.
Potassium bromide also has a temporary sedative effect on dogs in the same way as phenobarbital. This side effect will slowly disappear over time. Since potassium bromide is linked to pancreatitis, it would be best to avoid administering the drug to your dog if he suffers from this disease.
3. Zonisamide
These anticonvulsant drugs are gaining popularity for seizure treatment in dogs. Zonisamide can be administered on its own or combined with other anti-seizure medications.
However, as this drug is sulfa, it may cause side effects similar to sulfa antibiotics, such as dry eye. Other known adverse reactions it can cause are lack of appetite, sedation, and vomiting.
4. Levetiracetam
The vet may opt to administer this drug if the commonly used anticonvulsant medications do not work on your dog. Levetiracetam produces a more positive result when combined with other anti-seizure drugs. Unlike potassium bromide and phenobarbital, it does not require monitoring tests when given to dogs with seizures.
5. Premidone
Similar to levetiracetam, premidone is given to dogs when other anti-convulsion medications fail to produce their desired effect. The drug is converted into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) when administered. Premidone may cause side effects on dogs, such as hives, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Most dogs with seizures need to stay medicated with anti-seizures drugs for the rest of their lives. Halting their intake of these drugs increases their risk of developing severe seizure attacks.
If you still plan on stopping your pet’s medication, consider waiting until he is seizure-free for at least a year. Make sure to discuss it thoroughly with the vet before making a decision.
Dog Seizures: When to Put Down?
Although seizures have no cure, many dogs with this condition can live long life with the help of proper treatment. However, others might not be so fortunate. They may end up unresponsive to regular treatment.
In some cases, their seizures become very severe. It becomes worse to the point that they are unable to carry out basic activities such as eating and drinking. When their condition reaches that point, your pet’s illness is greatly diminishing his quality of life; it might be time to consider letting him go; speak to your vet as they are the most appropriate person to advise you on this decision.