Dog Seizures

Dog Seizures

Is your dog having a Seizure?

What are the symptoms of a seizure in a dog?

Seizures are one of the most reported neurological conditions in dogs. Seizures are an abnormality of motor activity occurring in the brain. Symptoms can vary from dog to dog, but most seizures include at least one of the following; convulsing, jerking, loss of consciousness, tongue chewing, drooling, rhythmic actions or movements, and/or incontinence. Before a seizure, some dogs might look confused or disoriented. After the seizure, some dogs recover quickly, while others might have side-effects. Examples of these conditions are the dog being unable to stand, temporary blindness, and unsteadiness.

There are three components to a seizure; the pre-ictal phase, the ictal phase and the post-ictal phase. The pre-ictal phase is a change in behavior in the dog. The dog may act nervous, hide, shake, whine, and could have excess saliva. The ictal phase, which most people would recognize as a seizure, can vary greatly. The dog might have minor symptoms, describe earlier, or might lose all consciousness and convulse, this is called the grand mal seizure. The last phase is the post-ictal, where the dog is confused and might show uncharacteristic behaviors; excess salivation, pacing, or even temporary blindness. The seizure might last a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Several known causes that can trigger seizures in dogs are:

1. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause seizures in dogs. Your veterinarian may want to check your dog’s blood glucose levels to see if this is a contributing factor.
2. Toxicity: Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides or certain medications, can cause seizures in dogs. Your veterinarian may want to test for toxicity to rule this out as a possible cause.
3. Infectious diseases: Certain infectious diseases, such as distemper or encephalitis, can cause seizures in dogs. Your veterinarian may want to test for these diseases to rule them out.
4. Liver or kidney disease: Liver or kidney disease can cause seizures in dogs. Your veterinarian may want to perform blood tests to check for these conditions.
5. Genetic disorders: Some breeds of dogs are more prone to genetic disorders that can cause seizures. Your veterinarian may want to perform genetic testing to rule out these disorders.

The goal of ruling out these potential causes is to identify the underlying cause of your dog’s seizures and develop an appropriate treatment plan to manage the condition.

What do you need to do if your dog is having a seizure?

Please, stay calm. Seizures look painful, but actually do not hurt the dog. The dog might become injured if there are objects in the area where the seizure is happening. It would be beneficial to gently slide the dog to safety. During the seizure, do not put anything in the dog’s mouth, dogs do not swallow their tongues. Keep hands and face away from the pet, as biting could occur.

Detailed seizure reporting is a crucial piece of information for your veterinarian. Keeping a dog seizure diary including when, how often, and the duration of the seizures is extremely helpful in the treatment of the dog. If you have this documentation, please bring it with you on your scheduled visit. A MRI is a useful diagnostic study as it can help to rule out brain tumors or diagnose underlying conditions. Once the underlying condition is determined a veterinarian may prescribe medication for managing and reducing the frequency of your pet’s seizures.

Why has my veterinarian ordered an MRI for my seizure dog?

Your veterinarian may want your seizure dog to have an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to help diagnose the underlying cause of your dog’s seizures. Seizures in dogs can have a variety of causes, including neurological disorders, brain tumors, infections, or injuries. An MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and other internal structures. It can help your veterinarian to identify any abnormalities in the brain that may be contributing to your dog’s seizures, and to rule out other possible causes. An accurate diagnosis can help your veterinarian to develop an effective treatment plan for your dog’s seizures, which may include medications, dietary changes, or other interventions.

If you feel like your dog is having a seizure, please contact us for an appointment today.

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