Throughout our pet’s life, it is normal for certain diseases to appear in its body. Depending on the breed, the frequency of these will be greater or less. However, there are pathologies that we do not expect because they are rare. Seizures in dogs can fit perfectly into this group Dog training spring tx.
But what is considered a canine seizure? This type of pathology appears when our pet’s brain becomes unbalanced, causing a failure in the excitation and inhibition signals of its neurons . This situation causes the brain to send electrical shocks that result in the dog’s attacks.
What are the symptoms in which this pathology manifests itself? Seizures in dogs are evident when they have tremors, strong shaking, and intense drooling . Depending on the dog’s breed, age, subsequent seizures, physical condition, and history of injuries, our pet will be more likely to suffer some type of seizure. Learn more about seizures in dogs in this article!
CAUSES OF SEIZURES IN DOGS
Seizures are not symptoms that are related to a single disease or cause . One of the complications that this type of neuronal dysfunction entails is the large number of pathologies to which it can be related . The conditions that can be associated with this symptom are the following:
– EPILEPSY
From the first moment they appear, seizures are commonly related to epilepsy. Although it is usually one of the most well-known and widespread pathologies, no hasty diagnoses should be made without a veterinary evaluation .
The first epileptic seizures occur in dogs from six months to five years of age . We are talking about a hereditary disease that causes loss of consciousness, prostration, pedaling, salivation, defecation, urination and -the already mentioned- seizures .
– ENCEPHALITIS OR MENINGITIS
Inflammation of the brain or meninge can be two causes of your dog’s seizure. They are usually caused by a viral infection such as canine distemper , ehrlichiosis or toxoplasmosis .
- METABOLIC DISEASES
These pathologies are varied and cause quite important losses in the dog’s metabolism : hepatitis, hyperlipoproteinemia, hyperthermia, hypocalcemia, etc.
– CARDIOVASCULAR ACCIDENTS
With this type of anomaly, the amount of blood that reaches the brain is not ideal, resulting in cardiovascular failure in dogs . Some examples of this type of accident are strokes and brain hemorrhages.
- CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS
One of the most common is hydrocephalus , a disorder that consists of an abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain .
This liquid is responsible for eliminating waste produced by the continuous functioning of the nervous system. It is a common pathology in the following breeds : Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Boston Terrier and Maltese.
- BRAIN TUMOR
In the worst case scenario for our faithful companion, a tumor may be behind these seizures in dogs. The appearance of the tumor can damage the brain mass and cause this type of abnormal behavior .
– INTOXICATION DUE TO SUBSTANCE USE
The chemical components of this type of substances damage our pet’s brain . Car antifreeze, toxic pesticides, external dewormers, lead, cyanide or metaldehyde, among others, are the top substances that are harmful to our pet.
– HEAD TRAUMA
A blow that is stronger than normal can lead to seizures that our dog has not experienced to date . In the event of any of these causes, the most advisable thing is, without a doubt, to go to the veterinarian and have them give us a clear diagnosis.
PHASES OF SEIZURES IN DOGS
In general, several stages can be considered in seizures that will allow us to detect in advance what is happening to our dog and, in this way, have a better chance of guaranteeing its health. Read carefully the three phases that we show you!
– PRE-STROKE PHASE
Its duration varies from a few minutes to several days. The dog begins to behave strangely and appears nervous for no apparent reason . Some of the symptoms of this phase are tremors, confusion, incoordination and excessive salivation.
– STROKE PHASE
It is a period that can last several seconds or minutes. It represents the beginning of the attack. The dog usually loses consciousness and falls sideways to the ground. Immediately afterwards, he begins to pedal unconsciously . In addition, the dog is likely to vomit, urinate and defecate.
– POST-STROKE PHASE
It is a stage that will allow us to measure how intense the seizure our dog has suffered has been. It is likely that , if it has been strong enough, the dog will show certain after-effects that will last several days : confusion, blindness, tremors, etc.
HOW TO ACT IN THE EVENT OF AN ATTACK OF SEIZURES IN DOGS?
It is logical and normal that in a situation of these characteristics, nervousness takes over us. Since it is something we do not expect, it is likely that we will not act appropriately . Therefore, we show you everything you should do and everything you should avoid when your dog suffers a seizure.
– WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS A SEIZURE ATTACK?
Staying calm is the first thing you should do . In extreme circumstances of this type, we will think much better if we keep our minds calm and without nerves. Once we are calm, we will have to remove any object that is near our dog so that it does not get hurt.
Once the attack has passed, it is important that we move our pet to a cool and ventilated place , otherwise his recovery could worsen. Immediately afterwards, what you should do is take your faithful companion to the nearest veterinarian . With a valuable professional diagnosis, you will be able to discover what caused the dog’s seizure.
In the days, weeks and months that follow, you should administer your dog the relevant medication prescribed by the veterinarian . It is important to be constant in this sense. If, even so, the attacks continue, it will be necessary to take him to the vet again.
– WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO?
In the midst of an attack, a common behavior on the part of the owners is to try to grab the dog so that it does not stagger . This is a clear error, since – apart from the fact that the seizure is not going to stop – the dog is not conscious at that moment and could hurt the person (through a bite or scratch). You should also not give water or food to the dog in the middle of a seizure .
In no way is it advisable to place objects that provide heat to the dog . Therefore, you should avoid covering him with blankets, sheets, clothing, etc. Finally,tampoco se debe administrar al perro medicamentos que no hayan sido recetados por el veterinario. ¡No hagas diagnósticos por tu cuenta!
Seizures in dogs, in most cases, cannot be avoided. For this reason, at Mascota y Salud, we recommend that you have a trusted veterinarian so that he can care for your dog in the best possible way . If you don’t have any, remember that on our website there is a wide network of professionals and centers.