Canine Seizures

canine seizures

Canine seizures and epilepsy is a very upsetting disability not only for your dog or puppy but also for you as a dog owner and lover to witness.

There are a number of causes of this condition which are listed in more detail below but the most common causes of the condition are due to neurological disorders caused by...

  • Distemper - this extremely deadly virus can lead to brain damage and can cause seizures.
  • Foreign toxins are another cause of the condition - this is when your dog or puppy has eaten a foreign object causing the toxins to infect your pooch. Foreign toxins can be ingested via - chocolate, rat poison, insecticides, paint chips and anti freeze.
  • Low blood sugar
  • Thyroid problems
  • Brain tumors
  • Kidney problems due to disease
  • Liver disease.
  • Heat stroke

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Canine seizures come in different types...

Primary or Idiopathic - This is when the seizures do not seem to be happening for a reason

Secondary - This is when there is an underlying medical condition causing the condition.

Canine seizures can occur in dogs that are..

Six months old or younger due to...
  1. Hydrocephalus - this is when there has been an abnormal amount of fluid accumulating in the brain.
  2. Due to an unexpected trauma.
  3. Hypoglycemia - although this only affects miniature dog breeds.
  4. Toxic exposure - as previously mentioned - due to chocolate, rat poison etc.
  5. Distemper - and bacterial disease.
  6. Pilepsy - this is juvenile epilepsy.
Six months  - 5 years old...
  1. No known cause
  2. Due to infection from ticks - including Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and Ehrlichia.
  3. Neospora and Toxoplasmosis which are known as protozoal diseases.
  4. Fungal infections
  5. Parasitic infections
  6. GME - Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis - this affects the central nervous system.
  7. Thalamocortical and Intercranial tumors.
The Symptoms of Canine Seizures...

The symptoms of this condition can include...
  • Behavioral changes
  • Restlessness
  • Frightened and anxious behavior
  • Fainting
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Violent muscle contortions
  • Loss of motor control
  • Trembling
  • Stiffness
  • Excessive salivating
  • Decrease of mental awareness
  • Your dog may not recognize you
  • Disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness
Treatment...

Firstly you should take your dog to the vet immediately if you have any concerns that your dog or puppy is exhibiting worrying symptoms - treatment may include the vet prescribing...
  • Potassium Bromide
  • Primidone
  • Phenobarbital
If you notice your dog having a seizure - you should...
  1. Call the vet
  2. Move any objects away from your dog or puppy so that he can't hurt himself
  3. Do not try and restrain your dog as this may cause more problems including injuring your dog.
  4. Do not get close to your dog's face as your dog may not recognize you and may bit you
  5. Speak calmly to your dog and try and relax him until the seizure has finished.



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