Convulsions or fits are usually called seizures by veterinarians. They are relaÂtively common and have many causes. These causes can be due to problems outside the brain such as toxins, low blood glucose or liver problems. They can also be due to a problem within the brain itself such as epilepsy, encephalitis or tumours. Seizures can be generalised and cause unconsciousness, rigid limbs, continuous, violent, limb movements or ‘paddling’, salivation or frothÂing at the mouth and possibly urination or defecation. Partial seizures vary greatly but usually involve involuntary movements such as facial twitching or changes in behaviour. Sometimes a seizure may just be an episode of staring into space. Prior to a seizure, a period called the aura, the dog may be anxious and behave abnormally. Similarly once a dog has recovered from a seizure, they may be disoriented and are often very hungry or thirsty. They may even appear blind, behave very strangely and sometimes seem demented. This is called the post-ictal period and can last for hours or days, even after only a short seizure.
Seizures are upsetting for onlookers, especially if it is the first time that you have seen one. If your dog has a seizure for the first time, the cause may not be obvious, or there may be evidence that they have ingested a toxin, in which case you should take them to your veterinarian immediately. Seizures may occur due to low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia in diabetic dogs that have had an insulin overdose. They can also occur in young puppies that have not eaten regularly enough or have been vomiting. They can also be caused by the artificial sweetner, Xylitol. If you suspect that the seizure has been caused by low blood sugar you should rub some honey or another sweet substance on the dog’s gums, being very careful to avoid being bitten, and take them to your veterinarian immediately.
If they recover from the seizure, offer them something to eat and then take them to your veterinarian. When the cause for the seizure is not obvious you should take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Regardless of the cause for the seizure you should move any objects such as furniture away from the dog so that they do not hurt themselves. You should not try to comfort or hold the dog as they are usually unconscious and the movements are involuntary. Similarly, do not try to rouse the dog. A seizure will last as long as it is going to last and talking to, yelling at or shaking the dog will not stop it. You should also not put your hand in their mouth as the dog may bite you involuntarily. Dogs rarely swallow their tongue or even bite it. You can start to comfort the dog once they start to recover.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy and perhaps is on anticonvulsant medication, a seizure may not be as surprising or upsetting and the cause is usually more obvious. So there may be less urgency to see your veterinarian. However, you should take your dog to a veterinarian if a seizure lasts more than 90 seconds. Seizures typically feel much longer than they actually are so you should time this. Sometimes seizures will be continuous without the dog recovering and this can be very dangerous as it can cause the body to overheat and damage the brain. You should also take your dog to a veterinarian if your dog has more than two seizures in quick succession. If your dog is having a continuous seizure or is having seizures one after another you should try to keep them cool while you transport them to your veterinarian. Spray their coat with cool water or cover them with a wet towel and turn your car’s air conditioning onto maximum or open the windows.
It is also very important to make the environment as safe as possible for dogs with a seizure disorder so that they do not injure themselves if they do have a seizure or during the post-ictal period when they are very disoriented. Swimming pools and other bodies of water are especially dangerous as a dog can drown during a seizure. Cliffs and other heights where a dog may fall are also dangerous. These areas should be secured so that a dog with a seizure disorder cannot access them.
You may have medication to give your dog if they have a prolonged seizure at home. This may be a drug such as Valium (diazepam) that can be administered rectally. In my opinion this is not warranted unless the seizure has been continuing for longer than 90 seconds, however your veterinarian may have given you specific instructions for your dog. You can draw the Valium up into a syringe. The outside of the syringe can be lubriÂcated with water-based lubricant and gently inserted into the anus. The plunger is then depressed and the contents evacuated into the rectum where it is quickly absorbed. Your veterinarian may also have instructed you to give your dog’s regular anticonvulsant medication early, as an additional dose or at an increased dose on days when your dog has had a seizure. This is usually very safe but can cause some sedation and drowsiness. If the additional medication is not controlling the seizures or if you have to continue giving additional medication for 48 hours because of ongoing seizures, your dog should be seen by your veterinarian. You should not try to give any oral medication to your dog while they are having a seizure.
Related posts:
- How to Treat Diabetes in Dogs
- How to Treat Nosebleeds in Dogs
- How to Treat Ticks, Insect Stings and Bites in Dogs
- How to Treat Heatstroke in a Dog
- How to Treat Hypothermia in a Dog
- Stray Dogs and the Cycle of Broken Bonds
- How to Treat Autistic Disorder
- New Flea Fighter for Dogs
- Dogs’ Best Friends – People Who Rescue and Rehome
