Seizures in our four-legged friends are often frightful to witness. The dog can become disoriented for hours or days. Just like human seizures, the canine variety, which is also referred to as canine epilepsy, has a main cause and temporary treatments.
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Types
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Dogs can experience a number of different types of seizures, which are divided into three main classes: Generalized seizures, which can further be divided into Grand Mal or Tonic-Clonic seizures and Petit Mal, Partial or Focal seizures and Status Epilepticus.
In a Grand Mal seizure, an electrical surge in the brain appears everywhere at once and comes in five main stages: 1) Aura, the time before a seizure when a dog can sense its coming. This is characterized by restlessness, anxiety, a "blank" expression or overly affectionate behavior. 2) Prodrome, post-aura and pre-seizure when the dog becomes still and loses consciousness. 3) Ictus, the actual event. A period of timed contractions following an increase in muscle tone. Chomping of the laws, "running" of the extremities, facial twitching, stiffness, heavy drooling, the emptying of bowels or bladder and pupil changes all are signs. 4) Post-Ictus, the stage immediately following a seizure. This can last minutes, hours or days and is characterized by blindness, ataxia, confusion, depression and fatigue. 5) Interictus, the dog should be fully recovered and exhibiting normal behavior.
A Partial Seizure (Focal) affects only part of the brain, but is able, in some cases, to expand into a Grand Mal. An underlying disease or injury will be highly suspected as the cause. In a Simple Focal, consciousness is preserved and the area of the brain affected is that which controls movement. In a Complex Focal, consciousness is altered and the area of the brain affected is that which controls behavior. This is also called a psychomotor seizure.
The most severe type of seizure disorder in dogs is the Status Epilepticus. These often can go on for 30 minutes or more or as cluster seizures without any periods of normal behavior. One outcome of Status is irreparable brain damage.
Causes
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Breeds of dogs such as Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, British Alsatians, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Keeshonds and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to canine epilepsy than other breeds because of genetic factors, but there can also be internal causes. Brain tumors, liver disease, a severe worm infestation, cancer and a poor diet that throws blood sugar levels off course are just a few of these.
What To Do During a Seizure
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During an episode, there are "Dos" and "Do Nots" of caring for a seizing dog. Stay calm, relax and make sure your dog cannot hurt himself, but do not restrain your dog. Many vets believe the dogs are not in pain so let her seize, but make sure to keep hands and other pets away. Dogs experience loss of control over snapping jaws and flailing limbs.
Treatment
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Quite a few treatments are now available for canine epilepsy. Whether you gravitate toward narcotic treatments, homeopathic remedies, home solutions or a mix of all three, there are plenty of choices.
Home remedies include giving your dog honey (1tsp for small pets, 1 tbsp for large pets); Breyers all natural vanilla ice cream (1 tsp for small, 1 tbsp for medium, 2 tbsp for large dogs); and keeping him on a healthy, balanced diet. Home cooking is generally recommended, but if not possible, you can feed your dog Flint River Ranch or Azmira pet foods.
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