Seizures in Dogs

Seizures are one of the most frequently seen neurological problems in dogs. A seizure is also known as a convulsion or fit. It may have all or any combination of the following:

 

Seizures consist of three components.

 

Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, the dog feels no pain, only bewilderment. Dogs do not swallow their tongues. If you put your fingers into the dog's mouth, you will do no benefit to your pet and will run a high risk of getting bitten. The important thing is to keep the dog from falling and hurting him/herself. As long as he/she is on the floor or ground, there is little chance of harm occurring.

If seizures continue for longer than a few minutes, the body temperature begins to rise. If hyperthermia develops secondary to a seizure, another set of problems may have to be addressed.

 

There are many causes of seizures. Epilepsy is the most common and of least consequence to the dog. The other extreme includes severe diseases, such as brain tumors. Fortunately, most are due to epilepsy.

 

When a seizure occurs, we begin by taking a thorough history, concentrating on possible exposure to poisonous or hallucinogenic substances or history of head trauma. We also perform a physical examination, a basic battery of blood tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) if heart disease is suspected. These tests rule out disorders of the liver, kidneys, heart, electrolytes and blood sugar level. 

 

If these tests are normal and there is no exposure to poison or recent trauma, further diagnostics may be performed depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures. Occasional seizures are of less concern than seizures that become more severe and frequent. In the instance of frequent or severe seizures, a spinal fluid tap and fluid analysis may be performed. Depending on availability, specialized imaging of the head with a CAT scan or MRI might also be performed. Fortunately, these additional tests are usually not needed.

 

We generally prescribe one to two weeks of anticonvulsant therapy after a seizure; if the dog does not have any more seizures during that time, the anticonvulsants are gradually discontinued. The next treatment is determined by how long it takes for another seizure to occur, which could take days, months or years.

 

At some point, many dogs have seizures frequently enough to justify continuous anticonvulsant therapy. Since that means that medication must be given every 12 to 24 hours for the rest of the dog's life, we do not recommend it until seizures occur about every 30 days or unless they last more than five minutes. It is important to avoid sudden discontinuation of any anticonvulsant medication. Even normal dogs may be induced to seizure if placed on anticonvulsant medication and then abruptly withdrawn from it. Your veterinarian can outline a schedule for discontinuing the medication.

 

Some dogs with seizures are known to have non-suppurative meningoencephalitis. This is a disease that causes inflammation in the brain and surrounding tissues. The illness is not caused by infection, but usually responds well to corticosteriods. Therefore, these may be tried when an anticonvulsant is not effective. The only way to make a confirmed diagnosis of non-suppurative meningoencephalitis is with an autopsy. 

 

Status epilepticus bears special note. It is characterized by a seizure that lasts more than five minutes. When it occurs, the dog's life is endangered. Unless intravenous medication is given promptly, the patient may die. If this occurs, you should seek treatment by a veterinarian immediately.