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| Seizures
| Dog Seizure Causes
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General Information
Seizures in dogs are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The most well known cause for seizures in dogs is canine epilepsy, but there are a variety of other neurological and physical conditions that can lead to seizures. Veterinarians may use MRI tests or CAT scans to determine whether the dog suffers from epilepsy or another condition. To correctly diagnose the problem, it is important for owners to be aware of the frequency and severity of seizures and relay this information to veterinarians.
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Symptoms
Canine seizures vary in severity. The seizure usually begins or is preceded by a sudden change in behavior. The dog may act unusually timid or anxious and will usually salivate. When the actual seizure begins, the dog will lose consciousness and experience muscle spasms across its entire body. This usually lasts a few minutes but can extend into longer periods longer than an hour. Sometimes, after the seizure is over, the dog may not regain its full mental or physical functionality for a few days. The dog may exhibit abnormal behavior and even temporary blindness during this time.
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Canine Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the condition of being prone to frequent, unprovoked seizures. This condition is often but not always linked to the dog's family history. Nonhereditary developmental disorders can also bring about canine epilepsy. Primary or idiopathic epilepsy occurs when all other potential factors have been ruled out. Secondary or symptomatic epilepsy occurs when another neurological or physical disorder causes seizures.
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Neurological Disorders
Brain tumors, particular later in a dog's life, can bring about seizures even in dogs with no past history. Tumors affect the way the brain works and can cause neurons to misfire, triggering frequent sudden seizures. Any head trauma, which causes damage to the dog's skull or brain, can have the same effect by disrupting neurological activity. Later stages of certain physical ailments and viruses can attack the dog's central nervous system, leading to seizures.
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Physical Problems
Canine seizures can be brought on by physical conditions that interact with the dog's brain function. Lyme disease and distemper, for example, are infectious diseases that can trigger seizures in dogs by interfering with muscle coordination and neurological functions. Noninfectious metabolic disorders affect the dog's blood chemistry and have a negative effect on brain function, possibly leading to seizures. Some of these disorders include low blood sugar and liver or kidney problems.
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External Factors
Seizures are not only linked to a dog's internal brain chemistry but can be brought on by environmental factors as well. Methylxanthines, otherwise known as caffeine, found in chocolate and other food products, are toxic to dogs and can trigger seizures if consumed in large quantities. Other chemicals found around the house, such as pest control products or certain paints contain chemicals that can bring on seizures.
