Seizures are the most common neurological problem seen in dogs. Seizures are the result of a sudden electrical disturbance in the cells of a dog's brain. It is often impossible to determine the exact cause of seizures; therefore, most seizures are diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy.
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Idiopathic Epilepsy
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Idiopathic epilepsy is the term used for any seizure activity that has an unknown cause. There are two classifications of idiopathic epileptic seizures: generalized and focal.
Atonic Seizures
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Generalized seizures affect the entire area of the brain and involve the muscles on both sides of the body. Atonic seizures are generalized seizures with no known cause; therefore, they are considered idiopathic epileptic seizures.
Symptoms
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Atonic seizures are often called "drop attacks." Atonic seizures cause a loss of muscle tone and temporary loss of consciousness causing your dog to fall to the ground
Duration
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Atonic seizures happen abruptly and last only a few seconds. Dogs recover quickly after an atonic seizure and usually return to normal within minutes with no lasting effects.
Treatment
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If seizure activity occurs on a regular basis, you vet may prescribe an anti-convulsive medication such as phenobarbital. The decision regarding when to begin anti-seizure medication varies among veterinarians.
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