Everything You Need To Know About Epilepsy In Dogs
Epilepsy in dogs is a disease that affects the brain and can cause seizures that lead to uncoordinated movements. It is not a lethal disease, but knowing how to react in the face of an epileptic seizure can save your dog’s life.
The brain is an organ that performs multiple functions. It is responsible for interpreting and translating external stimuli to other cells in the body. Likewise, it controls all metabolic processes in the body.
Neuronal activity
This whole dynamic is largely possible because the brain is made up of neurons. These cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses, carrying the perceived stimuli and interpreted information. This electrical phenomenon is called a synapse.
When a disease reaches neurons or another brain component, not only the metabolism can be affected. Intellectual and / or emotional functions also deteriorate.
Author: Soggydan Benenovitch
Epilepsy in dogs is one of the most common diseases that can develop. Knowing the symptoms of seizures and knowing how to prevent them can improve their quality of life.
What does epilepsy in dogs consist of?
Contrary to what one might think, epilepsy is not a psychic or mental illness. Affected animals do not present any learning difficulties or behavioral disturbances.
Idiopathic epilepsy is a physical disorder that can attack some neurons. Its only visible symptom is the so-called convulsions or seizures.
These crises can also indicate the presence of some diseases. For example, brain tumors, liver or heart problems, distemper, diabetes, trauma and / or intoxication. In these cases, they are warning signs.
Primary causes
The primary cause of this syndrome is unknown. It has been proven that the breeds most prone to epilepsy are: German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Beagle, Irish Setter and Poodle.
Some studies have shown that seizures are due to an excess of electrical activity in some neurons. These cells become overactive and extreme arousal can momentarily affect brain function.
It is for this reason that during an epileptic seizure the patient can present a motor uncoordination. Furthermore, he can make involuntary and excessive movements, suffer behavioral alterations and / or have a temporal loss of consciousness.
What are the stages of seizures?
Specialists divide the epileptic attack into 3 stages:
1st stage: “Aura”
The initial symptoms that herald a seizure occur: nervousness, restlessness, hyperactivity, excessive salivation, tremors and / or alienation.
This phase can last a few seconds or for days. For this, it is the crucial moment to prevent the advancement of the attack.
2nd stage: “Stroke”
It consists of the epileptic seizure episode in and of itself, and usually lasts a few seconds.
Generally, the dog loses consciousness and collapses. Later, he begins to make involuntary movements, such as kicking. It can also lose control of the urinary and anal tracts.
In the event that it is not possible to stop the convulsions, it is essential to act correctly to prevent the animal from getting hurt.
3rd stage: “Post Stroke”
It is the stage following the epileptic seizure.
The dog looks disoriented and exhausted. It can take a few moments to regain consciousness and realize where it is. In some cases, it may present with temporary blindness and paralysis.
How to treat and prevent seizures in dogs
Treatment of epilepsy in dogs involves relieving symptoms. Normally, anticonvulsant drugs are prescribed.
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It is worth remembering that the vet is the only professional who can recommend a suitable treatment for each animal. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, take your dog to a veterinary office immediately.
How to react in front of a dog that has a seizure?
- Keep calm and act rationally.
- Place the animal on a flat and stable surface, preventing it from falling and getting hurt. You can place it on top of pillows or a mattress.
- Never try to stick your dog’s tongue out or put a hand in his mouth. The animal may bite its tongue on its own, or harm people subconsciously.
- If your vet has prescribed treatment to avoid seizures, proceed as directed.
- Let the dog recover when the attack ends. Make room for him to breathe and regain his senses, do not suffocate him.
