Seizures, also referred to as fits, are periods of numerous and abnormal activities that take place in a brain. In people, the episodes can have a variety of various effects from altered awareness and passing out to uncontrollable shaking and muscle spasms. Seizures in dogs happen in a very similar way and can be caused by a variety of factors. Though, thanks to the unspecific and many symptoms of the episodes they can be very difficult to notice in a dog so it's important that people make sure their canines are taken to a veterinarian after showing any and all new symptoms.
Just as with human patients who suffer from seizures, canines with recurring convulsions and blackouts are often diagnosed with epilepsy. However not all dogs who suffer from seizures are epileptic. Only one to two percent of dogs will experience a seizure during its lifetime and roughly half of that number actually have epilepsy. It is still important, however, to ensure your pet receives medical treatment immediately.
Signs of a pet's impending seizures can include periods of whining or growling. The dog may appear to be frightened or stressed and attempt to receive comfort from its owner. Other signs include trouble urinating, pacing, and shaking. Once the animal has progressed into an epileptic fit, it may pass out, become uncontrollably agitated, begin convulsing, or appear to be in an altered state of mind.
A number of different factors can cause seizures in dogs as well as influence the likelihood of future ones. These include the dog's age, genetic history, and breed. The type of fit a canine experiences can usually accurately predict the type and severity of subsequent attacks.
Because seizures are a brain disorder, any sign of one that you witness in your pet should be taken very seriously. An appointment should be made immediately with your vet who will likely run a battery of tests on your dog, depending on its age. If your dog is ten years or older you should be prepared to hear that managing the pain, rather than treating it, is your best option.
A typical exam consists of blood work, CT-scans, X-rays, vision checks, and blood pressure tests. This is because the numerous types of episodes usually tend to have very similar symptoms. In a typical case, the lab work and tests reveals either kidney failure, tachycardia, swelling of the brain, a weak pulse, low blood pressure, or an infectious disease is present.
It is very important to remember that just because your beloved pet has received a diagnosis of neurological fits doesn't necessarily mean it will die. With proper care and treatment, most forms of epileptic seizures are fairly manageable. In fact, the sooner that the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis will be.
Owners should make sure they consult their dog's doctor the moment they notice any new behaviors as they will have the information and tools that are needed to form the best course of action.
Just as with human patients who suffer from seizures, canines with recurring convulsions and blackouts are often diagnosed with epilepsy. However not all dogs who suffer from seizures are epileptic. Only one to two percent of dogs will experience a seizure during its lifetime and roughly half of that number actually have epilepsy. It is still important, however, to ensure your pet receives medical treatment immediately.
Signs of a pet's impending seizures can include periods of whining or growling. The dog may appear to be frightened or stressed and attempt to receive comfort from its owner. Other signs include trouble urinating, pacing, and shaking. Once the animal has progressed into an epileptic fit, it may pass out, become uncontrollably agitated, begin convulsing, or appear to be in an altered state of mind.
A number of different factors can cause seizures in dogs as well as influence the likelihood of future ones. These include the dog's age, genetic history, and breed. The type of fit a canine experiences can usually accurately predict the type and severity of subsequent attacks.
Because seizures are a brain disorder, any sign of one that you witness in your pet should be taken very seriously. An appointment should be made immediately with your vet who will likely run a battery of tests on your dog, depending on its age. If your dog is ten years or older you should be prepared to hear that managing the pain, rather than treating it, is your best option.
A typical exam consists of blood work, CT-scans, X-rays, vision checks, and blood pressure tests. This is because the numerous types of episodes usually tend to have very similar symptoms. In a typical case, the lab work and tests reveals either kidney failure, tachycardia, swelling of the brain, a weak pulse, low blood pressure, or an infectious disease is present.
It is very important to remember that just because your beloved pet has received a diagnosis of neurological fits doesn't necessarily mean it will die. With proper care and treatment, most forms of epileptic seizures are fairly manageable. In fact, the sooner that the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis will be.
Owners should make sure they consult their dog's doctor the moment they notice any new behaviors as they will have the information and tools that are needed to form the best course of action.
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