A seizure manifests when a neurological activity in the brain begins to fire off in sudden bursts of neurons. These neurons cause the brain to react by causing the body to convulse in an uncontrollable rhythm. The sudden onset of seizures in older dogs normally indicates an underlying cause such as a tumor, diabetes, liver disease, renal failure or poisoning.
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Seizure Appearance
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Most dogs sense that something is wrong or about to happen to their bodies when they are about to have a seizure. The dog may become agitated or appear nervous. A dog will often run to its owner in fear and beg for help. The canine will normally start to tremble, and its eyes will take on a glazed appearance. Collapse soon follows as the dog stiffens on its side. The dog's legs will begin to paddle faster and faster. Excessive salivation often occurs, and the dog's jaw will be in a clenched position. The dog often bites its tongue during a violent seizure so blood mixed with saliva will pour from its mouth.
Seizure Recovery
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The dog will begin to recover from the seizure slowly. This is known as the postictal period; the dog will lie on its side, panting and disoriented. Often the dog remains blind for a time, but slowly its eyesight will return. This stage lasts for around an hour but may be as long as two days depending upon the underlying cause of the seizure. Once the seizure and its aftermath are over, the dog will be exhausted. It may fall into a deep sleep.
Diagnosis
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After a dog experiences its first seizure in old age, the owner should seek medical help. The veterinarian will listen closely to the description of what has occurred and may take notes. He will perform a complete physical on the dog. Blood work will be taken to evaluate the dog's electrolytes, liver function and kidneys. A urine analysis will also be taken. The veterinarian may decide to draw some cerebrospinal fluid by placing the dog under general anesthesia. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be performed. An MRI or CT scan may also be used to diagnosis the cause of the seizure.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
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Idiopathic epilepsy is often diagnosed in old dogs. It is a form of epilepsy that appears to have no underlying cause that can be detected. The disorder does appear to be genetic, however. Certain breeds suffer from the condition more commonly than other dogs. Breeds that commonly suffer from idiopathic epilepsy are German shepherds, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, poodles and golden retrievers.
Treatments
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No matter the underlying cause of the seizure, the dog will be prescribed anti-seizure medication. These medicines often do not completely eliminate the seizures, and the dog will continue to suffer but at a lesser degree. Both primidone and phenobarbital are often prescribed.
What to Do
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Watching a beloved older pet go through a seizure can be extremely traumatic and heart breaking. Make the dog as comfortable as possible so it does not suffer injury to its legs or body while seizing. Make sure all furniture is moved out of the way. Time the seizure to give the veterinarian an idea of the length of time it lasted. Dogs rarely die from seizures unless they occur one right after another. If the seizures appear to be ongoing, seek emergency care immediately.
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