A seizure occurs when unusual bursts of electrical signals temporarily disrupt normal brain function in a dog. The rapid movements seen during a seizure can be frightening for an owner who has never witnessed one before. A pet may seem healthy one minute, then suddenly collapse, become rigid, or experience uncontrolled movements of its muscles. Understanding what a seizure is, what might have triggered it, and the appropriate ways to remain calm while caring for your pet can make all the difference regarding the safety of your pet.
What a Seizure Looks Like?
Generalized seizures often produce symptoms that affect multiple areas of the body at the same time. The animal falls to its side (if standing), loses awareness, and experiences involuntary muscle activity. Pets having seizures may display several noticeable physical and behavioral symptoms, such as:
• Collapsing or falling
• Rigidness or stiffness of muscles
• Trouble managing normal bladder or bowel control
There are times when seizures may be less obvious. Focal seizures may manifest themselves through twitching of facial features, “snapping” at nonexistent objects, and/or short periods of apparent confusion. There are occasions when the pet will appear to understand what is going on but behave erratically. After the seizure has ended, pets may appear dazed, sleepy, agitated, or wobbly and unstable for a period of time. (post-ictal phase)
Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs
Seizures are not a medical condition. Instead they are a sign of something else causing problems with either the body or the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy is a very common cause of seizures in animals. In this case there appear to be no obvious abnormalities in the structure of the brain that would explain why the animal’s seizures are occurring. Many times this type of epilepsy is inherited in young adults.
Such examples include, inflammation, traumatic injury to the head, infection(s) in the brain, tumor(s). These brain-related disorders may cause seizures while also leading to a range of additional neurological problems.
Other types of systemic diseases and conditions can also produce seizures. Some examples include low blood sugar levels, liver disease, kidney failure, and electrolyte imbalances in the blood which disrupt normal brain functioning. When seizures are produced as a result of systemic disease or conditions, then the seizure is caused by a malfunction within the body and not from damage or a disorder to the brain. Chemicals, medications, or toxic substances can also induce seizures. Because the underlying cause can vary so widely, a proper diagnosis from a trusted vet clinic is essential to determine the right course of treatment.
What Happens in the Brain?
During a seizure, the brain’s usual pattern of electrical activity is disrupted, causing nerve signals to fire irregularly and without proper control. The neurons within the brain start firing off in every direction. This uncontrolled firing results in a complete loss of communication between parts of the brain and the body. This is why movements experienced by an animal during a seizure appear uncontrollable. Also, because an animal during a seizure is unable to process what is occurring, it does not know what is happening to it. Once the abnormal electrical impulses subside, the seizure will stop.
How to Respond During a Seizure?
If you see your pet having a seizure, remain calm and take steps to protect your pet from harm. If there is anything near your pet that could potentially cause harm to it, move it out of reach. This includes moving anything like furniture, edges, stairs, etc. Restraint may inadvertently injure your pet. Do not put anything in your pet’s mouth either.
Track how long your pet’s seizure lasts by noting the exact time it starts and stops. Even if it seemed short in length, tracking time will provide valuable information later on. Quiet and dark environments tend to minimize stimulation. Keep the surroundings calm and free from sudden movement while the person recovers from the seizure.
Recovery Stage After a Seizure
Your pet will need time to recover after it has stopped having a seizure. Depending upon how long your pet had been seizing, your pet may take anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours before it returns to normal. While recovering from the seizure, your pet may appear disoriented or even dizzy. Some pets may appear dazed or act irrationally and may circle back and forth. Some pets may forget about their familiar surroundings right away.
Providing your pet with a peaceful environment will assist in helping your pet regain composure. Providing water for your pet can be done once it is awake and alert again. Depending upon how severe the seizure was, eating may eventually resume. Fatigue or temporary weakness in your pet may also occur following a seizure and generally resolves quickly once your pet gets plenty of rest.
When Seizures Become More Serious?
Some pets only experience a short seizure with no long term health issues. Other pets will continue to develop more serious conditions based on their repeated seizures. Some examples of these severe cases are:
• Seizure episodes continuing beyond three to five minutes
• Having multiple seizures over time and increasing the frequency.
Pet owners should pay close attention to any changes in their pet’s behavior and/or any patterns involving their pet’s post seizure recovery phases as these changes could signal additional progression/.
Conclusion
Canine seizures result from many possible causes such as idiopathic (primary) epilepsy, metabolic disorder, toxin exposure, or other primary brain related illnesses. Although it can be terrifying to witness a dog have a seizure, understanding what is occurring and being prepared to provide care and safety during this episode can greatly minimize the risks associated with each seizure. To keep yourself and your dog safe, observing, calming, and preparing for potential seizures by learning about the types of canine epilepsy, neurological seizures, and emergency responses can help manage each situation safely.
