My Dog Had a Seizure

I Think My Dog Has Seizures

These attacks vary considerably depending on the cause and the health of the victim. But, they have one thing in common in that they should not be ignored. In dogs, these fits rarely last more than one minute; some may last only a few seconds. Any lasting more than five minutes are considered a medical emergency. The pet must be taken to a veterinarian at once for any hope of survival. Irreversible brain damage sets in about 30 minutes, and sometimes even lead to death.

Types of Epileptic Attacks

The stereotypical image of someone foaming at the mouth and convulsing violently can be misleading. Not all canine seizures are that severe. The types include:

• Focal or partial fits: This is a reparative motion that the dog cannot stop, such as a nodding of the head. They stay conscious and do not seem upset.
• Complex focal seizures: Also called psychomotor, these are more serious and dramatic, because the focal episode is combined with another symptom like vomiting or squirting diarrhea. They also may go into a sudden emotional change, such as becoming aggressive.
• Petit mal seizures: Known as absence seizures, they can be difficult to recognize. The animal just seems to become a statue and does not respond to any stimulus like a sudden noise. He will still blink and breathe but not much else.
• Grand mal attacks: The pup may stiffen, fall over, champ jaws, paddle legs, roll eyes, suddenly urinate or defecate and uncontrollably drool. They are thought to go unconscious during this time. Some will stop breathing.

Causes of Convulsions

One common of this trauma is inherited epilepsy. This is a genetic disease of the neurological system and cannot be prevented. Responsible breeders will never breed epileptic canines, but there are plenty of unethical ones who will. Most first show symptoms of epilepsy while they are still puppies. The breeds most prone to inheriting this biological trait are:

• Standard poodles
• Boxer
• Cocker spaniel
• Dachshund
• Irish setter
• Labrador retriever
• Collie
• German shepherd
• Golden retriever
• Beagle
• Keeshond
• Miniature schnauzer
• Saint Bernard

Mixed Breeds and Mongrels Can Also Develop Epilepsy.

Breeds can also develop symptoms due to birth defects like liver shunts, heart defects or brain tumors. Illnesses that can cause episodes include canine distemper and encephalitis. The good news is that many of these illnesses are treatable.

Do not assume that all pups that suffer convulsions have epilepsy. Some may experience trauma for many other reasons, such as poisoning, injury to the head or internal organ failure. If a veterinarian does not know what is causing the convulsions, your furry friend may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

Witnessing a first time attack is frightening. Since there are so many causes, your vet will need as much information as possible in order to diagnose the cause of the problem. Take the time to note any symptom the puppy has just before or during a fit:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of injury or trauma, such as open wounds or broken bones
• Balance issues, such as walking like a drunken sailor
• Passes blood in stool or urine
• Uncontrollable trembling
• Panting heavily
• Stops urinating
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Tongue turns blue (although Chows normally have blue tongues)
• Whining or other vocalizations
• Fainting or falling unconscious
• Rubbing the mouth against paws or on the ground as if trying to wipe off something.

The vet also may ask questions such as:

• Has he started any new medications?
• Has he recently had a fever?
• Has she recently given birth?
• Did the animal recently suffer a fall? (Toy dogs are especially prone to injuries after a fall of only a few feet.)
• Has it gotten into any garbage or recently eat any dead animals?
• Does the dog have a history of kidney or liver problems? (these organs are failing.)

Phases of An Attack

Most canines will develop distinct phases before and after their seizures. Over time, you can recognize when they are about to occur and prepare for it. These phases are:

• Pro Dome: This happens prior, depending on the breed, this phase starts hours or days before the seizure set in. The dog’s behavior changes, such as a confident specimen becoming very timid. Some may not show any recognizable pro dome.
• Aura: This happens just before, the pet could start suddenly whining at a strange pitch, run about or pant as if in pain. It’s during this time that children should be sent out of the room and furniture moved so he will not hurt itself when it occurs.
• Ictal: This is the actual event and is usually over in a minute. Do not try to hold the tongue; he may bite. Dogs cannot swallow their own tongues. Dim the lights and turn off any loud devices like a television. Human occurrences report that their senses become heightened so that sounds become unbearably loud and normal light becomes painfully bright. It is thought this also happens in our counterparts.
• Post-ictal: After, they will be shaky and possibly distressed. Just take the dog outside and clean up any mess. The dog may have balance issues for the next day. Some seem to suffer temporary blindness. Keep them indoors as much as possible.

This is not a death sentence for animals. It can be treated with medication, diet changes and supervision.