Types of Seizures in Canines

Dogs can have seizures for a variety of reasons, from a neurological disorder like epilepsy to poisoning. Seizures in dogs should be treated as an emergency. After the first attack, the dog needs to be taken to the vet immediately for evaluation. Any seizure lasting more than five minutes warrants a trip to the emergency vet clinic, according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al; 2007). Dogs can live long and full lives, even when they suffer from a seizure disorder.

  1. Grand Mal

    • This is what a person usually thinks of when they think of a seizure. Not only are these the most dramatic types of canine seizures, but according to Race Foster, DVM, they are also the most common. The dog will fall on the side, lose consciousness, salivate excessively, tremble or go into spasms. Sometimes, the dog may lose control of the bladder and/or the bowels.

    Petit Mal

    • This is a less dramatic version of the grand mal seizure, but it is still serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet. Sometimes it looks as if the dog has an inexplicable change of behavior and then collapses. Although the dog will not go into spasms or paddle the legs like in a grand mal, it still may drool, chomp uncontrollably and lose control of bladder or bowels.

    Partial Seizures

    • Also called focal motor seizures, they generally are caused by brain damage. The dog stays conscious, but only one part of the body moves uncontrollably. This can be anything from one leg kicking repeatedly to one eye blinking rapidly. Partial seizures in dogs can get worse over time if not treated.

    Blood Sugar

    • According to Thomas Graves, DVM, sudden drops in blood sugar can trigger canine seizures. These seizures often look like either a petit or grand mal seizure. They can occur to a dog with diabetes, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, to newborn puppies and to female dogs after they have had puppies.

    Misconception

    • According to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," a dog's reaction to a bee sting can often be mistake for a seizure. The dog will often suddenly whirl about, vocalize and collapse. Depending on how allergic the dog is to a bee sting, the dog may or may not have coordination problems or pass out. The vet should be called immediately.