Canine seizures isn’t the topic for the first blog I was going to write. In fact, this topic didn’t even make “the list” of topics. Bella came into my family 14 years ago when my daughter wanted a dog……and through it all, Bella has been an amazing part of my daughters’ and my life. She stood by to comfort us through illness, another adopted dog with issues, grandchildren, four moves within one calendar year, my daughter growing up and out of the house, my broken arm, noisy neighbors and countless trips down the Shore.
A few weeks ago, Bella had her first seizure. Luckily, it wasn’t severe. Yet a seizure is still a seizure. Her veterinarian checked her over, and came back with news that wasn’t the best scenario, and it certainly wasn’t the worst. It was agreed she’d be watched closely, medicated and kept as comfortable as possible.
Seizures are one of the most frequently reported conditions in dogs. They can also be called a fit or a convulsion. When Bella had hers, it looked like she was running during a dream.
Though there is no one set cause of seizures, the most common cause of seizures is Idiopathic epilepsy, which is an inherited disorder. Other causes may include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma or exposure to toxins.
There are three parts to a seizure:
- The pre-ictal phase also known as the aura phase. This is a period of changed behavior where the dog may hide; seem nervous or restless; shake or salivate.
- The ictal phase can last a few seconds or several minutes. This phase can range from mild changes in mental awareness (like a dazed look, mild shaking, staring off in to space, licking their lips to a complete loss of body function.
- The post-ictal phase there can be disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness or temporary blindness.
There are three types of seizures, generally known as focal (partial) seizures, generalized (grand mal) seizures, and focal seizures with secondary generalization.
A partial seizure in dogs affects only a small part of the brain and can manifest a couple different ways, but will typically progress to grand mal seizures throughout the dog’s lifetime. When a dog is having a partial seizure, only one limb, side of the body, or just the face will be affected.
A grand mal seizure is the term used for a full blown seizure, where the dog loses consciousness, all of her muscles move erratically and spastically. During a grand mal, she will usually fall over on her side and “paddle” her legs. Salivating, defecation and urination may occur during grand mal. If a grand mal lasts longer than five minutes, the dog is having a status epileptics (a prolonged seizure).
A status epilepticus seizure is quite serious and life threatening. This is a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, the dogs’ body temperature begins to rise and may cause hyperthermia. If your dog has a status epileptics seizure, treatment from his/her veterinarian is needed immediately!
If your dog has had a seizure, it is always a good thing to have her examined by her veterinarian. The veterinarian can recommend what steps are needed next, such as an MRI, diagnostic tests and/or anti-seizure medicines.