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Dog Seizures: Causes, What To Do, and When To Call A Vet

Seeing your dog experience a seizure can be frightening. Knowing how to respond can help ensure your dog’s safety and provide valuable information to your veterinarian. This article will guide you through the steps to take if your pet has a seizure, the potential causes, and when to contact your veterinarian.

What Does a Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Generalized seizures: These involve the entire body and may include convulsions, stiffening, loss of consciousness, and urination or defecation.
  • Focal seizures: These affect only one part of the body and may cause twitching or jerking in a specific limb or area.
  • Absence seizures: These are characterized by a brief lapse in awareness, staring into space, or repetitive movements like lip-smacking.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures in dogs can have various underlying causes, including:

  • Idiopathic epilepsy: This is the most common cause of seizures in dogs and cats, and it means there’s no identifiable underlying cause.
  • Brain tumors: Tumors in the brain can disrupt normal brain activity and trigger seizures.
  • Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections affecting the brain can cause seizures.
  • Toxins: Exposure to certain poisons or toxins can lead to seizures.
  • Metabolic disorders: Liver or kidney disease can disrupt the body’s chemical balance and trigger seizures.
  • Trauma: Head injuries can cause seizures.

What to Do During a Seizure

  • Stay calm: Although it’s upsetting to witness, it’s crucial to remain calm.
  • Ensure safety: Move furniture or objects that could injure your pet if they were to hit them. Move the pet to the floor if they start having symptoms while on a piece of furniture like the couch or a bed.
  • Do not restrain: Never try to restrain your dog or put your hands in their mouth.
  • Time the seizure: Note the start and end time of the seizure.
  • Observe: Pay close attention to the type of movements and any other symptoms such as urination or defecation.
  • Video record: If possible, record the seizure for your veterinarian.
  • Contact your vet: Call Colonial Park Veterinary Hospital immediately at (940) 691-0261 after the seizure ends.

What to Expect at Colonial Park Veterinary Hospital

Your veterinarian will likely ask detailed questions about the seizure and perform a thorough physical examination. They may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause, such as:

  • Blood tests: To assess organ function and check for metabolic disorders.
  • Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and rule out infections.
  • Neurological examination: To assess nerve function and coordination.
  • MRI or CT scan: To visualize the brain and identify any abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the seizure. It may include medications to manage seizures, dietary changes, or surgery in some cases.

Remember, if your dog has a seizure, stay calm, ensure their safety, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Call to Action:

If your dog or cat experiences seizures, don’t hesitate to seek expert care. Contact Colonial Park Veterinary Hospital today.