Canine seizures have many potential causes, and the severity, treatment and prognosis will depend on why your dog is having them. If your dog is having seizures, work closely with your veterinarian in order to determine the cause and to develop a plan for how to handle them.
-
Epilepsy
-
Epilepsy is a brain disorder; the neutrons in the brain do not fire properly, which results in recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is the cause of most canine seizures and affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of dogs, according to Vet Info. This condition usually begins early in the dog's life, usually between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. It is more common in certain breeds, such as beagles, poodles, collies and dachshunds.
Canine Distemper Virus
-
Distemper is a viral disease in dogs that can be transmitted through contact with saliva, feces, urine and possibly even human contact; however, most cases of distemper are transmitted through the air. After two to three weeks the dog will enter the second stage of this disease and the brain can be affected at this point. Seizures and other neurological symptoms, such as head tilting and paralysis, can occur at this time. Unfortunately distemper cannot be cured, but it can be prevented by vaccinating dogs.
Other Diseases
-
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease and lissencephaly are other diseases that cause canine seizures. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease are spread by ticks, and severe cases can result in seizures. Lissencephaly is a rare disease that is present at birth and causes the brain to be very smooth; seizures are usually seen within the first year of life.
Head Injuries or Tumors
-
A brain tumor or traumatic head injury can cause a dog to have seizures. Brain tumors can cause pressure on the brain and seizures or loss of vision and coordination can result. A serious head injury, such as one severe enough to crack the skull, can also cause seizures. However, the dog may not have seizures right away; in some cases, seizures do not occur for weeks (or even months) after the trauma.
Toxins
-
Environmental toxins, such as chocolate, lead, rat poison and antifreeze, can lead to seizures. A dog may transmit a staphylococcal or botulism infection from garbage, which can affect the central nervous system and lead to seizures. The type of toxin will determine the dog's prognosis and how the dog should be treated. A dog that may have ingested a toxin should be seen by its veterinarian right away.
Other Factors
-
There are many other potential causes of seizures. Liver disease, kidney disease, hypoglycemia and other conditions that affect levels of nutrients (such as calcium or potassium) in the blood can lead to seizures. Some other causes include medications, fever and anemia.
-