Seizures

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden electrical disturbance in the brain. A focal seizure affects only part of the brain, and the dog remains conscious. A generalized seizure, which is more common in dogs, affects the entire brain, and includes loss of consciousness. Dogs usually give behavior signs before and after that differentiate a seizure from fainting or a dizzy spell.

What are common seizure signs in dogs?

Signs of an impending seizure include:

• Staring into space 
• Nervousness, neediness, or other behavior changes

Focal seizure signs include:

• Fly biting, or sudden tail chasing
• Repetitive motions in one part of the body

Generalized seizure signs include: 

• Falling over, with loss of consciousness
• Stiffness of legs, or paddling 
• Urination and defecation
• Vomiting and salivation
• Disorientation after the seizure

How are seizures managed in dogs?  

Ideally, you should pursue diagnostics and specific treatments for any possible underlying conditions that may be causing your dog to seizure. Anti-epileptic medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency, but may not eliminate seizures entirely. Medication is lifelong, and regular diagnostic testing is needed, to monitor your dog’s status and prognosis.    

What is the prognosis for dogs with seizures?

The prognosis depends on whether the seizures are idiopathic, or due to a specific cause, and your dog’s treatment response. Most dogs will respond to anti-epileptic medication, but some may experience refractory seizures, or adverse side effects, and have a poorer prognosis. 

Management tips for dogs with seizures

At-home needs include:

• Consistency with medications
• Easy access to food, water, and a safe location
• Prescription diets and supplements that promote brain function
• Caution with handling, and avoiding sudden movements, or other stimuli
• Keeping track of seizure length, time, and day, and taking a video for your veterinarian

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your dog safe and comfortable
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of your dog’s health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has a seizure lasting longer than two minutes, multiple seizures in one day, collapses and does not recover, or vocalizes in pain.

Before your dog’s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this difficult time.