From the Pomeranian to the Shetland, from the Husky to the Labrador, all breeds of dogs can be subject to epileptic seizures. You must then react quickly and take the animal to a veterinarian because the seizure can be fatal and a symptom of underlying pathologies.
What is canine epilepsy?
In both humans and dogs, epileptic seizures are caused by small electrical discharges that are sent from one part of the brain and then seem to spread throughout the body. When it occurs, the seizure is very recognizable and can be quite impressive.
There are two types of epilepsy. The first type has no apparent cause: the dog has never had a seizure and has no predisposition. This type of epilepsy is idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown. The second type of epilepsy can be the result of another pathology in the dog. If your pet suffers from kidney problems, if it suffers from chemical poisoning, if it has suffered a head injury, it may be prone to epileptic seizures. In this case, the veterinarian will know the cause of the seizure and will be able to treat it more thoroughly.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy in dogs?
There are a few symptoms that can alert you to a seizure. The dog usually shows signs of stress. He barks, clings to you for a hug, whines or cries for no reason. He may also wander around the house without stopping and lick his lips a lot. If you see that your dog is salivating, vomiting and frequently urinating, this may also be a symptom of a developing seizure. Be aware: but it is still difficult to prevent an epileptic episode, especially if the dog has never had one before.
There is a difference between partial and generalized seizures. During a partial seizure, your dog will remain conscious. Only a part of the body is affected by tremors and convulsions and the animal can no longer control it. During a generalized seizure, the dog loses consciousness and the entire body becomes seized. The dog may also defecate on itself, drool, urinate. After the seizure, the recovery phase lasts about an hour, but the duration varies from dog to dog: your pet may seem disoriented and have difficulty making movements.
Is there a cure for this canine condition?
If the seizures have an idiopathic cause, the veterinarian will be able to give you a treatment to relieve the animal if the seizure lasts too long, but it will not be able to solve the problem in depth. The veterinarian will then prescribe a pill for your pet to take every day for the rest of its life. If the seizures are due to the presence of a brain tumor, it will be necessary to reduce the tumor as much as possible to eliminate the seizures.
Canine epilepsy is therefore relatively impressive, but your dog will still be able to live for many years with regular veterinary care. Feed him a well-balanced diet and allow him to enjoy many outdoor activities to prevent seizures as much as possible.
