Dog seizures can be a very frightening event to watch. These dogs may suddenly fall over on their side, paddle their legs or hold their legs out rigidly and tremor. The movements may be less severe such as staring blankly off into space, facial twitching and mouth chomping. They may bark or whine during the seizure. Generally dogs having seizures will not be responsive when talking to them. Your dog may seek you out before the seizure and may urinate or defecate after. They may be tired for some length of time after the seizure, or they can be normal immediately after the event.

What To Do During A Dog’s Seizure

1. Do not hug or hold your dog while they are having a seizure. They are having unconscious muscle contractions and may bite you inadvertently.
2. Ensure they are away from stairs, sharp edges (such as table legs), or out of water. If you need to move them gently pull them by the hind legs to an area where they will be safe. You can also place pillows around sharp table legs to protect them.
3. Take your dog to their veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if the seizure is short (less than a minute) and your dog is acting normally, they should still be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Causes Of Dog Seizures

1. Idiopathic epilepsy – This is commonly seen in dogs between 6 months and 3 years of age. Dogs are placed in this category once all other causes of seizures have been ruled out. This is the most commonly diagnosed cause.
2. Structural abnormalities of the brain – This can include problems such as hydrocephaly, strokes, and brain tumours.
3. Metabolic diseases – These can result of increases in calcium or decreases in blood sugar that then cause the seizure.
4. Trauma or toxins – Sudden blows to the head, poisons that were eaten, or toxic waste products that build up in body due to organ failure can result in dog seizures.
5. Infection – Viral or bacterial infections can cause seizures in dogs if it affects the brain.

Medical Testing For A Dog With Seizures

A completephysical dog or puppy examinationby your veterinarian must be done. Further testing will depend on the findings of the exam, but can include blood and urine analysis, special tests for infectious organisms or toxins, liver function testing, cerebral spinal fluid analysis, and CT or MRI scans of the brain.

Treatment For Seizures In Dogs

Treatment for dog seizures depends on the underlying cause of the seizure. Control of underlying diseases, treatment of bacterial infections, and hospitalization of critically ill patients may be needed. If your dog has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, they will be placed on medication if they have seizures more once every 6 weeks or they are severe in duration. Complete elimination of the seizures may not be possible, but we try to reduce the frequency to less than every 6 weeks with as little side effects from the medication as possible. Medication may be needed for the rest of your dog’s life. The frequency of veterinary monitoring of the dog will depend on the type of medication and how well controlled they are.

Dog seizures may not be controllable in some cases despite proper medical treatment. In general, the longer the seizure event lasts, the more likely there can be damage to the brain which then makes the patient more prone to seizing. Early intervention is your best chance at long term success.

If you think your dog has experienced a seizure,contact your veterinarianas soon as possible.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley