Dog Seizures & Aggression

Seizures in dogs have a number of causes, including distemper, Lyme disease and poisoning. According to Roy Dvorak from the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center, when aggression is added as a symptom, the list of causes shortens. Seizures with aggression can signify a serious medical problem; any dog that shows these symptoms should see a vet as soon as possible.

  1. Types

    • Seizures and aggression in dogs have a number of causes, most of which are related to neurological problems. These problems include brain tumors, epilepsy, behavioral seizures and head trauma. Brain tumors and head trauma can put pressure on the part of the brain that controls seizures and aggression. Behavioral seizures that cause unprovoked aggression are often seen in specific dog breeds, such as Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Bull Terriers, Poodles and Golden Retrievers.

    Identification

    • The main symptoms of epilepsy in dogs are seizures. Dogs tend to become aggressive post-seizure when they are unaware of their actions. Epilepsy sometimes causes partial seizures, which cause the dog to remain lucid rather than convulsing, while displaying odd and often aggressive behavior. Symptoms of behavioral symptoms include a mood change prior to the seizure, sudden aggression, salivation, dilated pupils and aggressive posture. Vets diagnose brain tumors with CT scans or MRIs.

    Considerations

    • According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman at PetPlace.com, brain tumors more commonly occur in older dogs. A sudden change in personality is a sign that the dog needs a medical checkup. Any time a dog has head trauma, it should see a vet to be on the safe side.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the Epi Guardian Angels, medication can help prevent and manage violent, aggressive seizures in dogs. Phenobarbital is an anti-convulsant medication prescribed for epilepsy and other seizure-inducing disorders. The drug is given to the dog daily to prevent seizures and can also be given to stop a seizure that has already started in a dog. Annual health checkups and careful monitoring can help catch seizure-inducing disorders early.

    Warning

    • When a dog is seizing and acting aggressively, it will often bite without realizing what it is doing. Dr. Nicholas Dodman recommends that an owner takes care in handling a dog that is seizing and acting aggressively to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.