Psychomotor seizures, also known as focal seizures and complex partial seizures, affect dogs differently than typical seizures do. Because of their unusual nature, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how common these seizures are. In some cases, problem behavior in dogs may actually be due to psychomotor seizures rather than disobedience.
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Description
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In humans, psychomotor seizures cause patients to sense physical and emotional things that do not actually exist, sometimes producing bizarre experiences that affect the way the person acts outwardly. While it is difficult to determine if dogs experience the same mental confusion, their actions seem to suggest that they do. These seizures originate in the area of the brain that controls behaviors, often causing dogs to behave strangely.
Stages
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In dogs, seizures generally occur in four stages. The first stage, known as the prodome, may begin days before the seizure and is characterized by changes in temperament and behavior. Next is the aura, during which dogs usually act restless or dazed. The ictus, or actual seizure, follows the aura. Afterward the postictus causes the dog to be confused and often dysfunctional. Psychomotor seizures are often difficult to recognize because the aura and postictus may be very subtle.
Signs and Symptoms
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Psychomotor seizures usually manifest themselves through behaviors such as biting at an imaginary object, howling or barking without reason, tail chasing, erratic running, side sucking, aggression and other unusual behaviors. Physical symptoms of canine psychomotor seizures include vomiting, diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, extreme thirst and blurred vision. In some cases, psychomotor seizures precede a typical seizure.
Causes
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Canine seizures may have a variety of causes, including trauma to the head, brain tumors or infections, problems with the metabolism, hypoglycemia and environmental factors. Dogs experiencing seizures should have a thorough medical examination to pinpoint any problem areas that may be contributing to the seizures.
Treatment
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The first step in treating psychomotor seizures is to eliminate any known medical or environmental causes. After that, a veterinarian may prescribe one of a few anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbitol, primidone, diazepam and potassium bromide.
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