Cluster Seizures

Causes

• Cluster seizures may be caused by a variety of reasons. A brain tumor may be cutting off communication inside the brain or something is causing not enough oxygen to get to the brain. According to Pet Info, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism or poisoning can also cause cluster seizures. Unfortunately, sometimes there is not an underlying cause for the seizures. When this is the case, the dog is diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. This type of seizure cluster normally points to genetics.

Symptoms

• Seizures can start suddenly. According to Pet Info, a dog may suddenly collapse and begin to excessively drool. The dog may paddle his legs uncontrollably and snap his jaws. During the seizure, the dog will be unresponsive. With cluster seizures, the dog will regain consciousness between seizures, according to the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center.
  .

During Seizures

• Pet Info recommends that when a dog is having a seizure, the owner should remove any harmful objects the dog could hurt himself on during the seizure. It is also recommended to move the seizing dog away from stairs, because he could fall down the stairs during the seizure. To help soothe the animal, darken the room and do not make any loud noises. During cluster seizures, take notes on everything leading up to the seizure to try and pinpoint a cause. Pet Info recommends contacting a veterinarian immediately; also keep a tally of how often the dog is having the seizures and how long each one lasts.

Diagnosing

• The first thing a veterinarian will do for a seizing dog is take a glucose test to make sure it is not low blood sugar causing the seizure. If that is not the case, the vet will also test the dogs thyroid and check to make sure it has not been poisoned, according to Pet Info. If the blood work is negative, then the vet may run a CT scan or MRI to make sure there are not any tumors causing the issue. If all the tests come back clear, then the dog will be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

Treatment

• According to the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center, cluster seizures can been treated with a rectal diazepam, also known as valium. Because a dog with a cluster seizure condition can be costly to the owner, this type of treatment can be given immediately at home and save the owner a trip to the veterinarian. When a seizure starts, the owner will inject a diazepam solution through the dog's rectum. A dog can receive up to three treatments within 24 hours. If the treatments do not stop the cluster seizures, then the owner should contact the veterinarian.