Most might not be aware that seizures in dogs are as common to them as to humans. A seizure occurring for the first time in dogs is very critical. This is due to the fact that not many dogowners have the proper knowledge of how to deal with the situation.
Here the subject of seizure is being discussed so that you can be well prepared for what to expect while facing seizures in dogs.
Seizures are directly connected with brain activities especially when the nerve cells in the brain become very agitated and start malfunctioning. The external manifest of such brain activities can result in convulsions that can become violent. If such type of seizures happens quite frequently, then the condition can be termed as epilepsy.
Immediate treatment is required to be done in order to prevent the condition from getting any worst. If not treated on time, such seizures can occur more frequently causing permanent damage to the brain cell.
Causes of seizures in dogs
Seizures generally originate in the brain when the brain cell gets damaged due to whatever reasons. It can also occur due to problems that are not connected to the brain as well. The following are some of the causes of seizures:
• Immune malfunction
• Brain malformation
• Tumors
• Medications
• Overheating
• Blood vessel rupture
• Hypothyroidis
• High blood pressure
• Infection
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Toxins and poisons
• Lack of oxygen
• High levels of vitamins or minerals in the blood
If you are unable to determine the cause of seizures in dogs, you can consult a vet who will be able to pin point the cause of seizures. Some breeds of dogs are naturally susceptible to get seizures. Seizures in dogs can also be due to the genetic make up of some breeds like retriever, Bull Terriers or shepherd that are large dogs. Some small dogs and herding dogs too are prone to develop seizures as well.
Types of seizures
seizures in dogs
Seizures on dogs can either be partial or generalized. Generalized seizure occurs when whole of the brain gets involved and effect both sides of the dog’s body. On the other hand when a small portion of the brain is involved and the seizure is partial.
When there is partial seizure it affects one part of the body. Structural cause can also be a category of seizure that the dog can have.
What to do
When the dog is under seizure you have nothing to do except wait it out which is generally not more than two minutes. A seizure longer than this calls for emergency call to the vet. It is advised that when the dog is having seizure, you should not physically touch it in any way. If you touch the dog it can get startled and might get at you in the form of scratch or bite. After the seizure is over you should let the dog cool off before you even touch it.
If you take your dog to the vet he will immediately inject it with diazepam and thereafter do all the clinical tests in order to determine the underlying problems through blood and urine tests. However, medication will not cure the seizures completely; it can only provide temporary relief.