For virtually every person seeing your four legged friend having some sort of a fit almost always is a very upsetting and disconcerting event to witness. You should not have to worry about something like this happening to an animal that is our best friend. Once you know what to look for and identify the causes you can put your mind at ease. Getting the right help is possible when dealing with seizures in dogs.
Seizure patterns and the symptomatic severity are unique in each and every dog. However, a typical seizure pattern has three stages, all of which can be controlled with medication. Not all fits are critical to the life of a canine.
First of all there is a condition known as a generalized seizure, also known as the grand mal seizure. Your pet will lose its balance, and stiffen its whole body as well as extend its limbs. These symptoms which are known as the Tonic phase will last for about 30 seconds. In the next stage, the Clonic phase your pet will have what looks like a running movement, as if he or she is running on the spot. He or she may contract their jaw muscles.
Dogs having an absence seizure could suddenly become extremely listless and silent. They may may blink or stare blankly. They may roll their eyes, or make a smacking sound with their lips. Multiple signs and symptoms may be present during a partial seizure including specific muscle tensing and then alternately contracting and relaxing, low barking or growling and involuntary turning of the eyes.
An episode beginning with a motionless stare or is known as a Complex Partial seizure. This is followed by a series of involuntary movements, possible vocalizations, and eye movements. A fit lasting longer than 10 minutes could be fatal and should be seen to immediately.
What happens in the instance of a Cluster seizure is that the dog will have a short fit and then recover. He may have another fit a couple of hours later followed by another and another fit all in the space of 24 hours. They don't completely recover before another episode occurs. They may suddenly collapse and begin to drool excessively followed by paddling his or her legs uncontrollably and snapping of the jaws. During the seizure, the dog will be unresponsive but is conscious of everything that is going on in the surrounds.
It is essential than when your pet is having an episode, that you do not attempt to grab hold of its tongue to prevent your beloved companion from swallowing it. Your dog is unaware of what is going on, and may clamp its jaws over your hand causing serious injury to you requiring medical attention.
You should make a list of what you see. If possible write down the date and time, the duration and the severity of the fit as well as each and every symptom you witnessed during the episode. The more information you are able to give to the vet, the better the chances of deciding on how to proceed. A thorough physical examination and blood profile for pets that have had an episode is recommended. Dogs need not live with this for the rest of their life time.
Seizure patterns and the symptomatic severity are unique in each and every dog. However, a typical seizure pattern has three stages, all of which can be controlled with medication. Not all fits are critical to the life of a canine.
First of all there is a condition known as a generalized seizure, also known as the grand mal seizure. Your pet will lose its balance, and stiffen its whole body as well as extend its limbs. These symptoms which are known as the Tonic phase will last for about 30 seconds. In the next stage, the Clonic phase your pet will have what looks like a running movement, as if he or she is running on the spot. He or she may contract their jaw muscles.
Dogs having an absence seizure could suddenly become extremely listless and silent. They may may blink or stare blankly. They may roll their eyes, or make a smacking sound with their lips. Multiple signs and symptoms may be present during a partial seizure including specific muscle tensing and then alternately contracting and relaxing, low barking or growling and involuntary turning of the eyes.
An episode beginning with a motionless stare or is known as a Complex Partial seizure. This is followed by a series of involuntary movements, possible vocalizations, and eye movements. A fit lasting longer than 10 minutes could be fatal and should be seen to immediately.
What happens in the instance of a Cluster seizure is that the dog will have a short fit and then recover. He may have another fit a couple of hours later followed by another and another fit all in the space of 24 hours. They don't completely recover before another episode occurs. They may suddenly collapse and begin to drool excessively followed by paddling his or her legs uncontrollably and snapping of the jaws. During the seizure, the dog will be unresponsive but is conscious of everything that is going on in the surrounds.
It is essential than when your pet is having an episode, that you do not attempt to grab hold of its tongue to prevent your beloved companion from swallowing it. Your dog is unaware of what is going on, and may clamp its jaws over your hand causing serious injury to you requiring medical attention.
You should make a list of what you see. If possible write down the date and time, the duration and the severity of the fit as well as each and every symptom you witnessed during the episode. The more information you are able to give to the vet, the better the chances of deciding on how to proceed. A thorough physical examination and blood profile for pets that have had an episode is recommended. Dogs need not live with this for the rest of their life time.
About the Author:
I have more information about canine seizures at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on canine epilepsy treatment.
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