Seizures in both dogs and humans can have a variety of different causes. The key to providing proper treatment is to identify the proper, underlying cause and to neutralize it. Sometimes that's not possible since the cause is internal, or genetic. Other times, the cause is environmental or from something that can be prevented.
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Chemicals
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One of the main sources of environmentally caused seizures in dogs is chemicals in the house. While not all dogs will have a seizure as a reaction to being exposed to these chemicals, some will. Organochlorides, which are often found in flea powder, are one culprit for causing seizures in dogs. Zinc phosphate and lead may also cause dogs to have seizures, especially if the chemicals get into their system through ingestion. Stopping these seizures is as simple as eliminating the chemical exposure in many circumstances.
Lyme Disease
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There are a number of diseases that, if a dog gets them, can cause a seizure as a reaction. Lyme disease is one of these illnesses. Dogs most often get this condition by being bitten by ticks, and the more common symptom of Lyme disease in dogs is arthritis. However, if the condition advances, a dog may display central nervous system symptoms, which include seizures. Curing Lyme disease (and keeping the dog free of ticks) is the cure for that particular type of seizures.
Canine Distemper
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If a dog gets infected with canine distemper, it may cause seizures. This illness has a high fatality rate, and it's a more serious threat for younger dogs than for older ones. As the illness progresses a dog may lose strength or muscle control, and then the condition reaches the dog's nervous system. Once canine distemper progresses that far it can cause seizures, though it may not do so--even in dogs that have advanced canine distemper.
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