Overview of Seizures in Dogs
Watching your dog during a seizure can be a very stressful experience. However, by understanding the definition, causes and treatment for seizures in your dog, it's possible to find an effective treatment procedure for this condition. There are many different types of seizures that may affect dogs, each of which have several defining traits.
Types of Seizures in Dogs
1. Generalized (also called Tonic Clonic) Seizures
This type of seizure may be either "Mild" or "Grand Mal" (severe). In the "Tonic" phase of this seizure, a dog typically loses its balance and immediately extends its limbs. This usually continues for roughly 20-30 seconds before the next phase (the "Clonic" phase) begins. In the Clonic Phase, a dog will begin a "running in place" motion, which may be combined with contraction of the jaw muscles.
2. Petit Mal Seizures
This type of seizure is fairly rare in dogs. Petit Mal seizures are characterized by upward rotation of the eyes and brief unconsciousness. There is still some debate among veterinarians about the occurrence and classification of Petit Mal Seizures.
3. Partial Seizures
A Partial Seizure will typically only involve one area of a dog's body. This may include uncontrollable spasms of a single lib, facial muscle contractions, or slight jerking of the muscles. It is possible for a Partial Seizure to progress to a Generalized Seizure.
4. Complex Partial Seizures
Complex Partial Seizures involve the frequency of complex behavioral traits that are repeated with each seizure. This may involve sensory or visual sensations that will cause strange behavior in a dog. Biting of limbs, hysterical running, aggression and smacking of the lips are other common behaviors that are associated with Complex Partial Seizures.
5. Status Epilepticus
This defines a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, and may end up to being up to 30 minutes in length. It's possible for several seizures to occur, with no period of coherency in between. It's difficult to discern between this type of seizure and Cluster Seizures, though both are considered to be life-threatening.
6. Cluster Seizures
This type of seizure involves the mutiple occurrence of several seizures during a single episode. It's possible that Cluster Seizures may be confused with Status Epilepticus.
The Three Stages of Seizures in Dogs
When experiencing a seizure, an affected dog will typically go through three separate stages.
1. Pre-Ictal Phase
This is a period of time before the actual seizure in which a dog's behavior will begin to be affected. This may include nervousness, trembling, constant salivation or incessant whining. The period of time in which this phase lasts is uncertain. Sometimes the Pre-Ictal phase may last for several seconds, or it may continue for a few hours.
2. Ictal Phase
This phase is characterized by the actual onset of the seizure. Most seizures usually last from a few seconds to several minutes. If this phase continues for longer than five minutes, it's called "status epilepticus", also known as a prolonged seizure. During this phase, a dog's muscles will visibly contract in an uncontrollable spastic motion. Most dogs may fall over during this period, appearing stiff-legged and paralyzed while convulsing. Sometimes a dog may lose control of their bowels or salivary glands during this phase.
3. Post-Ictal Phase
This is the period of time after the seizure where a dog's behavior is still abnormal. A dog in the Post-Ictal phase may appear disoriented, confused, and be salivating excessively. Temporary blindness may also occur during this phase.
Causes of Dog Seizures
Epilepsy
This is probably the most well-known cause of seizures, both in dogs and in humans.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that involves frequent, sudden seizure attacks.
This can involve malfunction in a dog's sensory or muscular functions. Epileptic seizures may or may not be accompanied by complete loss of consciousness.
Epileptic seizures have been speculated by researchers to be caused by a locus of abnormal brain nerve tissue, which begins to send out signals via nerve impulses. Since this area of the brain is abnormal, these impulses result in a chain reaction which may cause the voluntary muscles in a dog's body to become active. This is how the characteristic convulsions and "twitching" which accompany epileptic seizures occur.
Canine Distemper
Canine Distemper is a viral disease that is very common in young dogs. Distemper is a very serious condition, since it has a relatively high likelihood of being fatal to your dog. The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is also very contagious, being able to spread by mere non-contact association with an infected dog. When Canine Distemper progresses to the nervous system, it can cause muscle weakness, loss of basic motor skills, and seizures. Seizures may or may not occur in dogs with advanced stages of Canine Distemper.
Genetics
There is currently some evidence that being prone to seizures may be a hereditary trait (However, hereditary epilepsy has already been confirmed). Also, there are many dog breeds that are known to be succeptible to having seizures. These breeds include the German Shepherd, the Dachshund, the Collie, the Beagle, the Keeshond, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
Brain Tumor
If your dog has a brain tumor, this may cause certain types of seizures. A brain tumor is characterized by an abnormal growth in the brain, which usually causes disruption in brain functions. The reason why a brain tumor may cause seizures in your dog, is because a tumor may be putting pressure on your dog's brain tissue. This can cause seizures, and may also be accompanied by other problems such as loss of coordination and deteriorating vision.
Head Injury
If your dog has had a recent accident involving significant head injury, this may be contributing to the occurrence of seizures. An impact to the head can damage or crack the cranium, which may also cause damage to brain tissue. In addition to this, a displaced or damaged skull may put pressure on the brain, which also causes seizures in dogs.
Environmental Toxins
We generally assume that common household products are safe for both people and pets. However, this is not the case. There are many household products that can cause seizures in your dog. A good example of potentially seizure-causing chemicals are Organochlorines. Organochlorines are commonly found in some brands of flea powders, and in products designed to control parasite infection in dogs. Other potential chemicals that may cause seizures are Lead (in some rat poisons and paints), Methylxanthines (commonly found in chocolate and chocolate products), and Zinc Phosphate (a substance found in some rat poisons).
Lyme Disease
It's possible for your dog to become infected with Lyme Disease by being bitten by the "Ixodes Genus" tick (also known as the "Deer Tick"). The most common sign of a dog being affected by Lyme Disease is arthritis. However, in severe cases of Lyme Disease, symptoms involving the central nervous system may result, such as seizures.
Symptoms of Dog Seizures
Seizing dogs may have several identifiable symptoms before, during, and after the actual seizure.
Pre-Ictal Phase Symptoms
Unresponsive
This is usually a symptom that first appears before the onset of a seizure. Your dog will ignore your spoken commands, and may seem to be slightly catatonic.
Trembling
Before a seizure, some dogs will begin to tremble uncontrollably. This may also be accompanied by incessant whining.
Biting
It's possible that a dog will begin biting before a seizure. This may manifest as uncontrollable gnawing of the limbs, or snapping at nearby individuals and objects.
Restlessness, Twitching of Limbs
Some dogs will experience a period of time where they seem anxious, active and restless. This may include pacing, sporadic running, and turning in circles.
Ictal Phase Symptoms
Thrashing of Limbs
This is a telltale sign that your dog is experiencing a seizure. Seizing dogs will usually have violent convulsions of the limbs, to the extend of frantic thrashing.
Urination, Salivation and Defecation
These three symptoms are sometimes present during a seizure. Many dogs lose control of their bladder, salivary glands and bowels while having a seizure.
Paralysis
When a dog is experiencing a seizure, they may appear to be temporarily paralyzed, and will usually fall to the ground. This may last several seconds to a few minutes right as the seizure occurs.
Teeth Gnashing, Extended Head
This is also an obvious sign that a dog is having a seizure. Some dogs will have their neck stretched out and head drawn backward during a seizure episode. This may be accompanied by violent gnashing of the teeth.
Post-Ictal Phase Symptoms
Loss of Hearing or Vision
This is a temporary condition that sometimes affects dogs after a seizure. Some dogs will seem to lose either their vision or their hearing, though in some cases it may be both.
Confusion, Disorientation
Many dogs will seem to be disoriented after a seizure episode. Some dogs will even run into walls, door frames, and other objects. This period of confusion can last for a few minutes, or several hours.
Excessive Salivation
This sometimes occurs after a dog has a seizure. This Post-Ictal phase symptom is especially common if the dog was also salivating during or before the Ictal phase.
Increased Appetite
Some dogs will display a greatly increased appetite after having a seizure. This Post-Ictal phase symptom is sometimes also accompanied by excessive thirst.
Diagnosis of Seizures in Dogs
There are many procedures that a veterinarian may use to help better understand and diagnose seizures in your dog. Since there are many factors that may contribute to the occurrence of dog seizures, one or many of these diagnostic procedures may need to be performed.
1. Take Notes on your Dog's Seizures
This is actually a very important part of helping your veterinarian to properly diagnose your dog's condition. When your dog is having a seizure, try to observe important details about the situation. Record the last two meals that your dog ate, and any new household products that you may have recently used.
Try to estimate the time in between seizures, and the average number of seizures that your dog has in a day. Be alert for any loud noises that may have caused a seizure-like panic attack in your dog. Also, it's important to note if your dog has had any recent surgery or injuries. Keeping track of these details will allow your veterinarian to properly identify and diagnose your dog's seizures.
2. CBC (Complete Blood Count) and Blood Chemistry Panel
One of the intial tests that a veterinarian may use in diagnosing your dog's seizures is a series of lab tests that analyze your dog's blood. Since there are many medical conditions that may contribute to the occurrence of seizures in your dog, analysis of the blood is absolutely essential.
3. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Examination
The pathology of the cerebrospinal fluid may help to identify any lesions present in a dog's central nervous system. This can help to ascertain if your dog is suffering from epilepsy, and if there are any abnormalities in the Cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Urinalysis
This test is not always performed in relation to the diagnosis of seizures in dogs. However, if a veterinarian needs more information about your dog's health, they may request an analysis if your dog's urine. This can help in identifying any medical factors that may be contributing to seizures in your dog.
5. Bile Acid Test
This diagnostic test is usually performed when the dog being diagnosed for seizures is fairly young. This is because many young dogs may experience seizures due to a medical condition called a “Liver Shunt”. A liver shunt is a blood vessel that diverts around the liver instead of through it. This may be a defect at birth, or some dogs may develop multiple liver shunts because of certain liver diseases. A dog with a liver shunt may have increased levels of blood bile acid, because the liver in not functioning properly. Liver shunts commonly cause seizures, behavioral abnormalities, and poor muscle development.
6. Brain Imaging Tests
To obtain a positive diagnosis for a condition such as epilepsy, a veterinarian will have to perform a Brain Imaging Test (usually either a CT scan or MRI). However, this test can be extremely expensive, sometimes costing a dog owner upwards of $1500. If this test is not performed, it is only possible to obtain a presumptive diagnosis for epilepsy.
Treatment for Dog Seizures
Treating the Cause
It's very important for the cause of a dog's seizures to first be identified or speculated before treatment begins. For example, if a dog is experiencing seizures in reaction to a specific household chemical, the treatment will involve a combination of seizure suppression therapy and the removal of the chemical from the household.
If the seizures are being caused by a viral disease such as Distemper, treatment for this disease should begin immediately, and may be combined with anti-seizure medication. Identifying the cause of your dog's seizures is a huge step towards finding the right treatment. If no cause can be positively identified by your veterinarian, they may prescribe one or many anti-seizure medications to help suppress the occurrence of future seizures.
Medications for Seizures in Dogs
Phenobarbitol
This type of seizure medication is among the most common types of medication prescribed by veterinarians for dog seizures. However, there are many potentially severe side effects. These side effects include sedation, weight gain, severe liver disease, difficulty standing or balancing, and extreme lethargy.
Chlorazepate (Tranxene)
This type of anti-seizure medication is more closely related to the drug Valium (diazepam). The problem with Chlorazepate is that a dog will eventually develop a tolerance to the effectiveness of this drug. This means that a higher dosage will be necessary as time goes on. Chlorasepate also has a high risk of dependency. This means that dosage must be gradually withdrawn when treatment is stopped, to prevent possibly severe withdrawal symptoms.
Felbamate (Felbatol)
The side effects of Felbamate are relatively mild. However, this seizure medication requires a dosage schedule of three doses per day. It can also be relatively expensive, and does not work well with puppies or some younger dogs. However, Felbamate does not cause sedation, which means that it's an excellent choice for treating seizures in dogs that are experiencing lethargy-inducing brain conditions.
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Just like Felbamate, Levetiracetam requires a dosage schedule of approximately three doses per day. It can also be slightly expensive, sometimes costing pet owners from $200-$300 per month (depending on the size of the dog being treated). The dosage is different for each dog, so it may require an "experimental dosage" procedure to find the proper beneficial treatment level of this medication.
Other Treatment Procedures
Surgery
This is a very expensive treatment, and should only be used when a dog is experiencing a potentially life-threatening medical condition that can only be treated with a surgical procedure. Brain surgery on dogs is relatively uncommon, though is still possible. Also, since the potentially life-threatening risks of brain surgery are extremely high, many dog owners choose to engage in a less invasive and safer method of anti-seizure treatment.
Kindling
This is a treatment procedure for dog seizures that is still in its experimental phase. It involves the frequent application of a low-voltage electric stimulus to certain parts of a dog's brain. The results of this treatment procedure for dog seizures have not yet been officially confirmed.
What to Do When Your Dog is Having a Seizure
Watching your dog experience a seizure can be a very scary experience. However, to ensure that you don't cause further harm to your dog, it is extremely important that you know what to do (and what not to do) when your dog is having a seizure. Here are a few simple guidelines.
Do not Try to Restrain Your Dog!
This is one of the most common errors that many pet owners make when their dog is having a seizure. It has been confirmed by veterinarians that a dog will not usually experience pain during a seizure, so it is not necessary to try to stop the seizure. A seizure is simply a spastic contraction of your dog's muscles. Attempting to restrain your dog during a seizure can result in injury both to you and your pet. The most important thing is to keep the dog from falling and hurting himself.
Keep the Area Around Your Dog Clear
While your dog is having a seizure, try to move away any nearby objects that may cause your dog further injury. If necessary, blockade any possible dangerous areas around your dog, such as stairs.
Very Important!
Do NOT try to reach into your dog's mouth in an attempt to keep them from "swallowing their tongue"! Since your dog is having seizure convulsions, this will only provide further stress, and may result in your dog biting your hands involuntarily.
Stay Calm
This is another very important part of dealing with your dog's seizures. Try not to panic, and instead, talk to your dog in a gentle, comforting tone of voice. Being stressed, or taking loudly will only increase the severity of the situation for your dog, so try to do your best to be relaxed.
Remove Other Pets From the Area
When your dog is having seizure convulsions, it's possible that they may try to bite or attack nearby people or animals. Keep your hands clear of the area around your dog's head, and be sure to keep any other pets away from your dog during the seizure.
Take Notes
This may seem like the last thing you should be doing. However, try to identify the characteristics of your dog's seizure. This can be a very important part of helping your veterinarian to figure out what is causing seizures in your dog.
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