The moment a dog owner realizes his beloved pet is having a seizure is terrifying. However, once an owner learns the causes, symptoms and treatment of canine epilepsy, they can help their animal to stay safe, healthy and happy.
What kinds of seizures can dogs have?
Epilepsy in dogs has three main types, similar to human seizure conditions. Dog seizures can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney failure. These occur in much older dogs, and are treated as a symptom of the disease. Young dogs commonly exhibit primary epilepsy, which does not have an obvious cause but can be very scary for the dog owner. Injury, stroke, or other traumas can cause secondary epilepsy.
What other factors are involved in canine seizures?
Many factors can be at play when dealing with canine seizures. These include genetics, which is the most common cause of epilepsy in dogs. Breeds that most commonly exhibit tendencies to dog seizures include poodles, collies, retrievers and Dachsunds. Distemper is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause dog seizures. Distemper is easily transferred between dogs, not even needing direct contact. Other diseases may also affect the nervous system, causing dog seizures, including Lyme disease.
What kinds of canine seizures are most common?
As with humans, different kinds of seizures are witnessed depending on the illness and particular situation. These include partial seizures, petit mal seizures, and complex seizures. Partial dog seizures affect only specific parts of the body, such as the legs. In petit mal seizures, which are extremely rare in dogs, cause temporary unconsciousness and rotation of the eyes. Strange or unusual behavior, such as hysteria, aggression or smacking of lips, are typical of complex partial seizures.
How do I know if my dog is having a seizure?
Long term effects of epilepsy in dogs include confusion, hearing loss, blindness, increased appetite, and disorientation. However, the seizures themselves may be difficult to recognize, as they can look like a variety of other issues. Common canine epilepsy symptoms include unresponsiveness, trembling, biting, restlessness, thrashing, excessive salivation, eye rolling and paralysis.
Are there treatments available for dog seizures?
Knowledge is power, so the correct treatment and prevention of canine seizures is critical. Dog owners should seek out a veterinarian who is experienced in finding causes of epilepsy and who understands the most effective medications. Some common medications to treat dog seizures include phenobarbital, Zonisamide, Clorazepate, and potassium bromide. Triggers for epilepsy will be specific to the animal, so dog owners should be careful to avoid these situations. Often triggers are caused by sudden excitement, extensive exercise, aggressive animals or ongoing medical conditions. Understanding both the causes and treatment of dog seizures are first steps in making sure your epileptic dog is healthy and happy.
What kinds of seizures can dogs have?
Epilepsy in dogs has three main types, similar to human seizure conditions. Dog seizures can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney failure. These occur in much older dogs, and are treated as a symptom of the disease. Young dogs commonly exhibit primary epilepsy, which does not have an obvious cause but can be very scary for the dog owner. Injury, stroke, or other traumas can cause secondary epilepsy.
What other factors are involved in canine seizures?
Many factors can be at play when dealing with canine seizures. These include genetics, which is the most common cause of epilepsy in dogs. Breeds that most commonly exhibit tendencies to dog seizures include poodles, collies, retrievers and Dachsunds. Distemper is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause dog seizures. Distemper is easily transferred between dogs, not even needing direct contact. Other diseases may also affect the nervous system, causing dog seizures, including Lyme disease.
What kinds of canine seizures are most common?
As with humans, different kinds of seizures are witnessed depending on the illness and particular situation. These include partial seizures, petit mal seizures, and complex seizures. Partial dog seizures affect only specific parts of the body, such as the legs. In petit mal seizures, which are extremely rare in dogs, cause temporary unconsciousness and rotation of the eyes. Strange or unusual behavior, such as hysteria, aggression or smacking of lips, are typical of complex partial seizures.
How do I know if my dog is having a seizure?
Long term effects of epilepsy in dogs include confusion, hearing loss, blindness, increased appetite, and disorientation. However, the seizures themselves may be difficult to recognize, as they can look like a variety of other issues. Common canine epilepsy symptoms include unresponsiveness, trembling, biting, restlessness, thrashing, excessive salivation, eye rolling and paralysis.
Are there treatments available for dog seizures?
Knowledge is power, so the correct treatment and prevention of canine seizures is critical. Dog owners should seek out a veterinarian who is experienced in finding causes of epilepsy and who understands the most effective medications. Some common medications to treat dog seizures include phenobarbital, Zonisamide, Clorazepate, and potassium bromide. Triggers for epilepsy will be specific to the animal, so dog owners should be careful to avoid these situations. Often triggers are caused by sudden excitement, extensive exercise, aggressive animals or ongoing medical conditions. Understanding both the causes and treatment of dog seizures are first steps in making sure your epileptic dog is healthy and happy.
About the Author:
I enjoy writing about dogs and their health. For more helpful information, I recommend corysstory.com.
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