Seeing your dog have a seizure is a scary experience. They often seem to come on out of the blue, especially the first time when you’re not watching closely for subtle signs. Not only are seizures scary, but they can also cause injuries to your dog and the people or animals around them. In this article, we’ll outline what different types of seizures look like, how your vet will find the cause, and what treatment might be recommended. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep your dog (and yourself) safe during a seizure.
Breeds commonly affected:
What do seizures in dogs look like?
Seizures can vary, depending on whether they are partial or full (similar to grand-mal seizures in humans). A partial seizure may only cause abnormal movement of one part of the body, for instance, the eyes, ears, mouth, or head. However, full seizures are much more common and cause loss of consciousness, as well as other symptoms, which might include paddling with feet, twitching and shaking, salivation, urination, and defecation. The seizure itself can vary in how long it lasts, but will often end as suddenly as it started, within 2 to 5 minutes.
Before the seizure, your dog’s behavior might be a little unusual. They might seem disorientated, restless, or more vocal. This is known as the preictal phase. Humans who have seizures have reported unusual sensations during the preictal phase, with some saying they notice an overpowering smell.
What causes seizures in dogs?
Seizures in dogs can be caused by issues within the brain itself (known as intracranial), or health conditions elsewhere in the body that impact the brain (known as extracranial). Some intracranial causes are congenital problems, present from birth, including hydrocephalus and cysts within the brain. However, dogs can also develop seizures due to acquired intracranial issues including head trauma, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, and brain hemorrhages. One of the most common intracranial causes of seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy. The term idiopathic means that the reason for the condition is not yet fully understood.
Extracranial causes of seizures in dogs include toxins, like xylitol (a sweetener), ethylene glycol (antifreeze), and chocolate; lack of oxygen to the brain; kidney disease; low blood glucose; and low calcium levels, which dogs who have just given birth are prone to.
Certain breeds are prone to specific health conditions that cause seizures, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who are genetically prone to L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
How is epilepsy in dogs diagnosed?
Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that there is no specific test available, and the other causes of seizures need to be ruled out first. To find the cause of your dog’s seizures, first, the vet will take a history, asking about access to toxins and any other symptoms your dog might have. They’ll usually ask you to describe the episode and watch any video footage you have to check if it’s truly a seizure rather than something else.
Then, the vet will need to do a blood test to check the overall health of their kidneys, liver, and pancreas, and ensure their electrolyte levels like sodium and potassium are correct. If their breed makes them prone to a specific condition, this can also be ruled out with blood tests. To check for structural problems within the brain, like a tumor, cyst, or congenital abnormality, the vet may recommend advanced imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (an MRI scan).
How to treat epilepsy or seizures in dogs
Seizures can be treated with anticonvulsant medications. Some medications are intended for long-term use, while others should only be used during an episode or cluster of seizures. Some dogs are managed with just one seizure medication, while others need a combination to keep the seizures under control. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t respond well enough to anti-seizure medication and continue to have seizures very regularly, which can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or even death. In these situations, the vet may decide that it’s the kinder option to euthanize them.
If there is an underlying reason for the seizures, like a toxin, kidney failure, or low glucose, this will need to be treated too, and these dogs are unlikely to need long-term anti-convulsant treatment.
How much does it cost to treat epilepsy in dogs?
Epilepsy in dogs, like any chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment, can be costly to treat. According to data from Spot Pet Insurance, the average treatment cost for epilepsy in dogs in the United States is $1051.21. If you live in a state like California, you can expect to pay $726.01 on average.
What should you do if your dog has a seizure?
If your dog has a seizure, try to stay calm. Clear the area to prevent injuries and keep other pets and people safely out of the way. Don’t try to touch your dog or bring them out of it, because you could get bitten or scratched accidentally, and remember that your dog may not feel like their normal self for a few hours afterward, so give them some space.
If you can get one, a video of the seizure will help the vet make a diagnosis. If their seizure lasts for longer than one minute, it’s a good idea to call the vet for advice. However, they’ll likely say to wait until the seizure is over rather than move them. Once the seizure has ended, if it’s their first seizure you should make an appointment with the vet. Otherwise, keep a diary of seizures and follow your vet's advice.
Summary
Seizures in dogs are horrible to see, but it’s important to stay calm and get your vet's advice as soon as possible.
About the Author
This blog post was written by Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a seasoned veterinary professional who earned her degree from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. Her career has spanned various aspects of animal care, from mixed practice to specialized small animal work in a bustling hospital setting. Along the way, she even honed her skills with advanced training in canine and feline dentistry! These days, Dr. Godfrey focuses on sharing her expertise through pet-related writing. Learn more about her background and qualifications at petsradar.com.
