Epilepsy in dogs can cause seizures that may result in an upset in equilibrium for a period of time after the seizure ends. Dogs that have epilepsy may benefit from anti-epileptic medication.
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Identification
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Epilepsy is a condition that causes seizures. A seizure is characterized by involuntary jerking and a loss of consciousness. Seizures in dogs may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. After a seizure ends, it may be followed by a postictal phase in which the dog's equilibrium is disturbed. In this phase, the dog may appear sleepy as well.
Types
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Types of seizures that may be the result of epilepsy in dogs include cluster seizures, partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. Status epilepticus is the most serious and occurs when seizures occur in rapid succession; it is a medical emergency.
Symptoms
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Generalized seizures may result in loss of consciousness, jerking, paddling the limbs, loss of equilibrium and excessive salivation. Complex partial seizures can cause aggression, howling, running, hiding, diarrhea and vomiting; the dog may not lose consciousness but will be unaware of its surroundings. Partial seizures restrict the dog's movements to one area of the body, and produce muscle jerking and facial twitching. Cluster seizures occur repeatedly within a short period of time.
Causes
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Canine epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. However, there are other causes, such as a reaction to medication, distemper, allergies and toxins.
Treatment
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The treatment for epilepsy that may cause a loss of equilibrium in dogs is anti-epileptic medication. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are two medications that may provide relief from canine seizures.
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