Seizures in canines can have several causes, many of them quite serious. Symptoms of a seizure should never be ignored. The underlying problem can be life-threatening. Your veterinarian is the only one who can determine the cause and the proper course of treatment for your dog.
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Causes
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One of the most common causes of seizures in canines is epilepsy, which affects 2 to 3 percent of the dog population. Some epilepsy is inherited and has no known cause. Sometimes a seizure is a secondary symptom of an underlying problem. Some seizures can be a symptom of cancer, poisoning, kidney disease or a head injury. For other potential reasons for seizures, see Resources.
Seizure Types
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There are four types of seizures in dogs. The first is the Petit Mal seizure, or mild seizure, which may be barely perceptible. The second type is the Grand Mal seizure, in which classic symptoms are clearly noticeable. The Status Epilepticus seizure can be life-threatening and can last for 10 minutes or more, possibly resulting in severe brain damage or death. Cluster seizures are multiple seizures over a 24-hour period, which also can lead to brain damage or death.
Early Stages And Symptoms
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The first stage of a seizure is known as the Prodome stage. In it, there can be a subtle or noticeable change of mood and behavior in your dog. This stage can last for a few hours or up to several days. The second stage is called the Aura. It signals the actual beginning of the seizure. You may notice your dog whining, trembling, drooling or becoming very restless.
Later Stages And Symptoms
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The third stage is called the Ictus, and is the actual seizure period. It may last 3 or 4 minutes. This is a period of intense physical movement, and your dog may gnash her teeth, fall down and paddle her feet, salivate or lose control of her bladder and bowel. For more symptoms of Ictus, see Resources. The final stage, after the seizure has ended, is the Post-Ictal stage. You may notice your dog is disoriented, restless and very thirsty or hungry. She also may temporarily lose her sight or hearing.
Treatments
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Your veterinarian will run tests to determine the cause of your dog's seizures. The seizures may stop on their own, without seizure medication, if the cause is a brief condition. If the condition continues, or if he has inherited epilepsy, there are seizure medications available that may lessen or stop the seizures. These medications include old standbys like, phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Your veterinarian may prefer something newer like keppra, gabapentin, felbamate or primidone.
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