Older dogs are more susceptible to seizures and other health problems. Your dog may suffer seizures for one of a variety of reasons. Some dog breeds, such as beagles, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, dachshunds and collies, are more susceptible to seizures. Help prevent your dog's seizures by finding out their cause.
-
Identification
-
A seizure in a dog is no different than a seizure in a human. Brain cells communicate through electrical and chemical signals. Those signals either turn a neuron on or turn one off. When too many brain cells fire signals at once, a seizure can happen. When your dog has a seizure, all of his muscles tense up and he may fall to the ground. Veterinarians say dogs don't feel pain during seizures.
Causes
-
A brain tumor, or an abnormal growth in the brain, could cause seizures. According to the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center, brain tumors are most likely to occur in dogs that are older than age 5.
Low blood sugar, which doctors call hypoglycemia, is a common cause of seizures in older dogs. If your dog is diabetic and you give him too much insulin, it could bring on hypoglycemia and a seizure. Pancreatic tumors, which are common in older dogs, also can secrete insulin and cause seizures.
Just as with people, older dogs are less able to handle physical trauma than in their younger years. If your older dog takes a hit to the head, his brain could swell or hemorrhage, creating a blood clot and leading to a seizure.
Diagnosis
-
A veterinarian will diagnose what is causing your dog's seizures through a variety of tests. Because so many different things can cause seizures, the doctor will need to determine the cause. This can be done through blood work, an MRI, an X-ray or other tests.
Treatment
-
When your doctor diagnoses your dog with a seizure disorder, he will likely find an underlying cause for the seizure. It is likely he will attempt to treat the cause. If he finds tumors, trauma or a blood sugar disorder, for example, treating those problems could simultaneously treat the seizure problem. The vet also could give you medicine to give your dog during a seizure.
Considerations
-
When your dog has a seizure it can be scary for both you and your pet. The best thing to do is remain calm and make sure he doesn't hurt himself by falling or hitting something. Don't restrain your dog, and be sure to keep your hands away from his mouth because he may clench his jaws and accidentally hurt you. If your dog is prone to seizures, your veterinarian may have given you medication to administer during a seizure. Be sure to keep that handy.
-