A seizure can be very traumatic for both the dog and the owner. Chihuahuas may commonly suffer from hypoglycemia that can cause many symptoms including seizures; however, there are numerous other causes of seizures as well. If your dog has a seizure you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will need to diagnose the proper cause of the seizure before he can tell you what treatment options are available.
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Seizures
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A seizure is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, which causes false electrical impulses to be sent out. Uncoordinated nerve tissue activity sends scrambled messages to the muscles of the body, resulting in uncontrolled muscular movements throughout the body.
Seizures are divided into two categories: generalized and partial. A generalized seizure is when the electrical impulses appear throughout the entire body. A partial seizure is when only part of a body is affected.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of a canine seizure include the dog whining and acting anxiously or confused. One or more areas of your dog's body may begin to convulse uncontrollably, and it may salivate excessively, while its eyes roll back into its head. Your dog may also urinate and defecate during a seizure.
Causes of Seizures
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There are many reasons that a dog may experience a seizure. Some of these causes may include distemper, tick-borne diseases, thyroid problems, lead poisoning, hypoglycemia, vaccinations, exposure to certain substances (plant chemicals) and head trauma. Brain infections and brain tumors can also cause seizures in a dog.
There are also diseases that may mimic a seizure, but are not specifically a seizure, such as vestibular (balance) diseases, narcolepsy and REM disorders.
Chihuahuas and Seizures
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Chihuahuas can experience seizures much the same as any other breed can. These seizures can be triggered by various reasons; however Chihuahuas are susceptible to hypoglycemia that can exhibit many symptoms including seizures according to the VIP Chihuahua website.
Hypoglycemia
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Small dogs such as Chihuahuas are more likely to develop hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when the sugar levels drop and the symptoms they experience depend on how low the glycemic level is in the dog. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia include a lack of energy, shivering, disorientation, restlessness, loss of balance, tilting of the head, seizures and coma.
Severe hypoglycemia can result in the dog experiencing seizures and becoming unconscious. Call a veterinarian immediately if this happens as your dog will most likely need insulin to adjust its glycemic level.
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