Witnessing your canine having a seizure may be distressing for lots of canine owners. Moreover, understanding the reasons for the seizure and what to do in case your canine does have a seizure may assist in making the situation a bit less stressful.

Actually, seizures are the most common neurological situation in canines. 

A seizure results from immoderate electric activity in the brain’s cerebral cortex. The electric activity starts in a single area (known as the “seizure focus”) and spreads outwards through the brain. 

Also, it inflicts involuntary moves and loss of ordinary consciousness. Classically, the affected dog loses consciousness, collapses, turns stiff at first and then begins paddling or suffering; however, seizures can take many forms. 

What Does A Focal Seizure Look Like In A Dog?

When an animal experiences a seizure, the neurons emerge as hyperactive and start firing abnormally. This inflicts a lot of visible consequences on the body. This abnormal activity frequently arises without any particular trigger and commonly resolves on its own without treatment.

A seizure is an odd surge of electrical activity inside the mind. Electrical indicators are always passing along and among neurons in the mind, controlling conscious and subconscious thought, movement, and all of the different features of the mind. 

A partial seizure in canines influences only a small part of the mind and can appear in a pair of unique ways. However, it commonly develops into grand mal seizures throughout the canine’s lifetime. When a canine has a partial seizure, only one limb, or the face, can be affected.

What Does A Silent Seizure Look Like In A Dog?

Absence seizures are a kind of generalised seizure known as petit mal seizures. Like their name, absence seizures show a short absence, followed by a return to consciousness, lasting only a few seconds.

Canines with petit mal seizures can also tremble, drool, arch their back, shake their head, or have trouble standing.

Petit mal seizures may show the canine’s body going slack, a clean stare, or eye-rolling upwards. They are both uncommon or so moderate that it requires an EEG to diagnose them.

Common Causes of Seizures in Dogs

A massive variety of potential reasons can cause seizures, a few more severe than others.

Seizures are a result of one or more of these reasons:

• Poisoning
• Brain cancer
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Vascular disease/Embolism
• High or low blood sugar
• Traumatic injury to the head
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Encephalitis
• Anaemia

Signs and Symptoms of a Dog Seizure

There are several other signs and symptoms that show that your dog is having a seizure. 

• Stiffening
• Circling
• Jerking bodily movements
• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle twitching
• Foaming at the mouth
• Drooling
• Involuntary defecating or urinating
• Chomping or tongue chewing
• Head Pressing and Tremors

Quite often, a canine may look astonished just before a seizure hits. He also can become unsteady. After the seizure goes, the canine usually appears disoriented. Additionally, he may also be temporarily blind.

What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?

Animal compounds	Killer Bees Bufo Toad
Human foods	Caffeine  Dark chocolate Salt  Artificial sweetener
Alcohol	Alcoholic beverages Raw bread dough Rubbing alcohol Varnishes Paints Ethylene Glycol
Heavy metals	Zinc Lead
Human medicines	Decongestants Analgesics Chlorpheniramine Theophylline Antidepressants Muscle Relaxants  Cardiac medication
Illegal drugs	Methamphetamines Amphetamines Marijuana Cocaine Opiates
Pesticides	Strychnine Snail baits Rodenticide Pyrethrines and pyrethroids Weed killers Mole baits

Diagnosing seizures in dogs

Diagnosing seizures in canines requires a vet’s affirmation that a canine has had a seizure, followed by an intensive evaluation to decide its underlying cause. Seizures are initially identified based on your description and a test.

Your vet will give your canine an intensive bodily and neurological examination. They will search for abnormalities that could point them toward the underlying cause. In many cases, the vet will advise recurring laboratory assessments and diagnostic imaging.

Based on those results, your vet may advise additional assessments, consisting of MRIs, blood tests to look for signs of toxins or metabolic problems, and cerebrospinal fluid series to diagnose potential mind infection. A board-licensed vet neurologist or internist commonly performs these more special diagnostic assessments.

Some illnesses and conditions, like vestibular problems and REM sleep disorder, may be similar to signs of seizures. Your vet may advise testing for those conditions, as an accurate analysis is the best manner of getting your canine the proper treatment.

Diagnosing seizures in canines can take time. After figuring out that a seizure has occurred, the vet then looks for the underlying cause of the seizure. This can require a couple of assessments, and an underlying cause cannot be decided at all in a few cases.

What to Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure

If your canine collapses and starts having a seizure, there are things you may do to assist him safely through it.

• Stay calm
• Carefully move him away from anything that could injure him 
• Do not touch his mouth or place something in it
• Speak softly to him
• Reassure him with a mild touch

If the seizure lasts longer, then there may be harm that your canine could overheat. Quickly place a fan close to him to blow cool air on him and wrap a cool, damp fabric around his paws to assist cool him down. If it lasts for more than 5 minutes, take your canine to your vet or an emergency clinic if it is after hours.

Are dog seizures treatable?

Seizures aren’t uncommon in canines. Some breeds are much more vulnerable to having them than others. However, all breeds can suffer from seizures at some unspecified time in the future.

Seizures in canines can be due to several factors, which include age, diet, underlying disease, hereditary problems, and more. They may also be due to epilepsy.

Only your vet can tell you for positive reasons for your canine’s seizures and the way to deal with them. However, the next time your canine gets a seizure, you will be prepared to assist him while maintaining the above recommendations.

Is a seizure painful or dangerous for my dog?

Despite a seizure’s dangerous appearance, seizures aren’t painful, even though your canine may sense harassment and panic. Contrary to famous belief, canines do not swallow their tongues during a seizure.

If you put your hands or an item into her mouth, you may not assist your puppy and run an excessive threat of being severely bitten or injuring your canine.

The critical aspect is to preserve your canine from falling or hurting himself by knocking objects onto him. If he is on the ground, there may be little danger of damage occurring.

Stroke in Dogs – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

A stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. While strokes are most commonly associated with humans, they can also occur in dogs.

If you think your dog may be having a stroke, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of strokes in dogs.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a clot in the arteries or bleed in the brain. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die.

Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness, paralysis, seizures, and coma. Treatment for a stroke will vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include surgery, blood thinners, or rehabilitation therapy.

Symptoms of a stroke in dogs

If you think your dog may be having a stroke, it is important to know the symptoms so you can get them the help they need. The most common symptom of a stroke in dogs is paralysis. This can happen on one side of the body or even just on the face.

Other symptoms include:

-Loss of balance
-Collapsing
-Head tilt
-Dizziness
-Confusion
-Disorientation
-Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your dog to the vet immediately. A vet will be able to determine if your dog is having a stroke and what the best course of treatment is.

Causes of strokes in dogs

There are many potential causes of strokes in dogs, and the exact cause can often be difficult to determine. However, some of the more common potential causes include:

-Atherosclerosis: This is a condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque. This can reduce blood flow to the brain and lead to a stroke.

-Heart disease: Various heart conditions can lead to a stroke by reducing blood flow to the brain or causing abnormal blood clotting.

-High blood pressure: This is a relatively common condition in dogs and can lead to strokes by damaging blood vessels and causing them to narrow.

-Infections: Certain infections (such as those caused by bacteria or viruses) can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to a stroke.

Diagnosing strokes in dogs

If you think your dog may be having a stroke, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. strokes are a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

There are several tests that your vet will perform to diagnose a stroke. These tests may include:

-A complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or anaemia

-A biochemical profile to check organ function

-An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart function

-A urinalysis to check for kidney problems

-Imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for evidence of a stroke or other problems in the brain

Treating strokes in dogs

If your dog has suffered a stroke, it is important to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. There are many factors that go into treatment, including the severity of the stroke, the underlying cause, and your dog’s overall health.

Treatment will be focused on supporting your dog and helping them recover from the stroke. In some cases, this may require hospitalization and intensive care.

Recovery from a stroke can take weeks or even months, but with the right care and support, most dogs make a full recovery.

Prevention of strokes in dogs

As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke in dogs so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. However, it is just as important to be proactive in preventing strokes from occurring in the first place.

Here are some tips on how to prevent strokes in dogs:

1. Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for strokes in dogs, so make sure your pet is at a healthy weight.

2. Keep your dog’s blood pressure under control. If your dog has high blood pressure, work with your veterinarian to get it under control.

3. Do not smoke around your dog. Smoking increases the risk of strokes in dogs, so avoid smoking around your pet.

4. Give your dog regular exercise. Exercise is important for overall health, including stroke prevention.

5. Feed your dog a healthy diet. A nutritious diet will help keep your dog healthy and prevent strokes.

By following these tips, you can help prevent strokes in dogs and ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life.

Conclusion

If you suspect your dog may be having a stroke, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Strokes in dogs can be serious and even fatal, so prompt treatment is essential. With proper medical care, many dogs make a full recovery from strokes and go on to live happy, healthy lives.

In conclusion, I would say that seizures in dogs are a common thing to happen. It is not life-threatening, but you have to handle it carefully. I hope you enjoyed the article. I will be back soon with more interesting and informative pieces of writing. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.

Frequently asked questions