dogs&cats&more

 If you’ve ever had a dog that experienced a seizure, you know how scary it can be without the correct knowledge in your head to do something about it.  Seizures can be caused by many different things, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), toxicities (ingested toxins or internal ones like from liver or kidney problems), central nervous system lesions/infections/tumors, high fevers and epilepsy, to name a few.

They are not considered grand mal seizures if  it lasts under 5 minutes and the dog comes back to consciousness/ responsiveness fairly quick. However, what you want to start doing should your dog ever have a seizure is make a note of the day it occurred and how long it lasted, both the unconscious part as well as how long until back to normal appearance. When one starts, time it. And write in your journal all details you remember about it. This makes for a great history for the vet.

Generally, if bloodwork is run and appears fine, and seizures are increasing in frequency, epilepsy is assumed and Phenobarbital is prescribed to help control them. If the medication does not work, then it is time to look for something more serious, like a problem in the brain. An MRI or CT scan may be ordered at that time.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be caused by a long seizure, or can be the cause of a seizure. It is always a good idea for any dog who has had seizures to feed at least twice a day (split meals up) and to have some karo syrup in the house at all times, in case needed to place on gums to increase blood sugar during a long seizure. Do be careful with this however, as even the sweetest dog can bite their owner when unconscious and seizing.

With certain liver conditions, ammonia can build up after eating a high protein meal, and seizures can occur. With kidney disease, toxins are not being normally filtered from the blood and can cause a seizure. Generally, with either of these, other symptoms are seen as well, live excessive drinking/urinating, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. But a general blood profile run at the vet’s office will help ease your mind that all else is well.

It’s always a good idea to have a rectal thermometer in the house for the dog. A dog’s normal temperature is 100F to 102.5F. Anything over 104 is an emergency, and 105 and up can cause seizures. If a dog gets overheated, seizures may occur. In warm temperatures, always make sure the dog has access to cool fresh water, shade, and a breeze. Even dog’s with short to no fur get overheated: and can even get skin burns!

While I don’t think you need to rush to the vet immediately with a random seizure activity/ event, I do believe keeping a good eye on a seizing dog is a must and making sure all other signs are normal for them. If any of the above seem to make more sense along with other symptoms noted, you have a better way of steering the conversation with your veterinarian, you’ll know what to ask your vet about at your next appointment, which should be made soon after a seizure occurs, or in an emergency if one lasts 5 min or more, or if 3 occur in one day.

Christine, LVT