Seizures are not exclusive to humans, animals like dogs can suffer from them as well. Just as in humans, when dogs have seizures they become prone from the physical harm that might come to them because of their surroundings. They lose consciousness, and because of that they became unable to take care of their own safety. I have several dogs and one of them suffers from epilepsy. That was the reason why I originally became interested about seizures in dogs. I did some research and I found out that animal epilepsy is something that is very common specially in dogs. In fact as much as 5% of all dogs may be suffering from epilepsy.
Symptoms- When a tremendous burst of neurological activity conquers the brain and one loses control over certain parts of the body, that might be classified as a seizure. There are times when the attack becomes so massive that the whole body is affected by it and everything else shuts down, that is the type of seizure that we are more familiar with. There are various symptoms by which seizures in dogs can be exhibited. The following is the rough order by which such a condition can occur.
1. The dog starts sensing that there is something wrong, and that something will happen. The animal usually seeks its master and some reassurance.
2. The dog’s eyes start to glaze over and the animal starts to lose consciousness. The body begins to tremble.
3. The body of the dog stiffens and the trembling becomes violent. The animal will fall on the side with the feet paddling. The dog might start to salivate without any signs that it is breathing.
4. The dog will start to recover but it is gradual. Sometimes symptoms like blindness can persist for up to two days.
That is the general order by which a seizure in a dog might proceed. You have to be aware that certain symptoms of certain diseases might resemble what could happen during a seizure, but they are not connected. You have to be aware of the distinction.
Causes- The causes of epilepsy are the same with animals and humans. The brain functions in a well balanced state. When that balance is overturned and one state becomes dominant, then seizure is the result. There are many triggers that might cause the imbalance. Excessive doses of insulin in diabetic dogs has been a well documented cause. High levels of ammonia in the blood can also cause seizures. It has also been proven that lead poisoning can be a cause. Lead poisoning might happen because of ingestion of a material that is highly toxic, like paint chips. Other common causes of seizures in dogs are brain tumors, liver diseases, deficiencies in vitamins, and vaccinations.
There are several methods by which seizures can be treated. The best step would be for you to consult a veterinarian right away about your pet’s condition. The cause for the seizure has to be determined first in order to find the best solution for the disease. It might be that the epilepsy is only a symptom of something even more serious, as in the case of dogs who have brain tumors.