Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy in dogs sometimes known as idiopathic epilepsy is a condition in which the brain becomes excessively hyperactive, resulting in seizures in dogs. Trauma, poisons, brain tumors, genetic anomalies, problems with the dog’s blood or organs, and a variety of other factors can induce seizures in dogs. Seizures can sometimes occur for unknown reasons, which is known as idiopathic.

Epilepsy in dogs is a neurological condition that causes sudden, uncontrollable, and recurrent seizures in dogs. These physical assaults can result in a loss of consciousness or not. In dogs, seizures can cause a variety of uncontrollable movements. Some dogs will have subtle focal seizures, while others will have more obvious generalized seizures that affect the entire body.

Epilepsy in dog with the dog lying down

The dog may have a limb or muscular contractions, as well as problems managing urine and abdominal bloating. Seizures are most common when the dog is relaxing or napping, usually late at night or early in the day. Furthermore, most dogs will still have recovered by the time you take them to the specialist for an assessment.

A duration of caution, as well as a modified psychological condition in which the animal will encounter what is known as a radiance or central focus emergence, may be signs of an impending seizure. A dog may have seemed nervous, disoriented, frustrated, or alarmed during this time. It may become disoriented, conceal, or require support and affection from its master.

Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

When a dog has generalized epilepsy, it drops down onto its side and flippers its legs. The legs may spasm, twitch, or stiffen in different ways, the neck may arch, and the dog may even vocalize. These seizures are more noticeable than focal seizures, and they frequently scare the owner. Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons, including being overheated or being exposed to a toxin, therefore not all seizures are caused by epilepsy.

A dog displaying signs and symptoms of epilepsy

Epileptic seizures are seizures that occur repeatedly throughout a dog’s life, not just once. Other focal seizures can result in a dog’s leg becoming rigid and impossible to flex or use properly for a few seconds. These seizures may not be noticed by the owner until they become more frequent.

Types of Epilepsy in Dogs

  • A cluster seizure is defined as a scenario in which an animal suffers many seizures in a 24-hour period. Cluster seizures can occur at regular intervals of one to four weeks in dogs with epilepsy. This is especially true with large-breed dogs.
  • Status epilepticus is characterized by continuous seizures or activity characterized by brief intervals of inactivity but not total remission from seizure activity.
  • Idiopathic epilepsy refers to a type of epilepsy that has no known cause. Idiopathic epilepsy, on the other hand, is generally accompanied by structural brain abnormalities and is more common in male dogs.
  • Probably symptomatic epilepsy is a term used to indicate suspected symptomatic epilepsy in which a dog has recurring seizures but no lesions or brain damage is visible.

Primary epilepsy resulting in structural lesions or damage to the brain’s structure is referred to as symptomatic epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy in Dogs

Because no one understands what causes epilepsy, it is also known as idopathic epilepsy. Idiopathic means “without a known cause,” hence idiopathic epilepsy is characterized by seizures that have no known cause. Since nobody truly knows what causes epilepsy in dogs, it is considered to be the result of a gene variant.

Purebred dogs appear to be more susceptible to the condition than mixed breeds, and males appear to be more affected than females, although this does not rule out the possibility of mutts and females being diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Dogs

Between the ages of one and five, dogs with epilepsy usually have their first seizure. The majority of older dogs who begin to have seizures do not have epilepsy and are instead diagnosed with a brain tumor or another cause for the seizures. If your dog suffers a seizure, your veterinarian will order blood tests and urine tests to rule out conditions that cause seizures.

A dog been diagnosed for epilepsy

If these tests reveal no underlying disease, an MRI and cerebrospinal fluid sample may be advised to further investigate the etiology of the seizures. If there is no obvious explanation for the seizures, the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is made, and treatment is usually initiated.

Treatment and Management of Epilepsy in Dogs

Some surgical treatments, such as surgery to remove tumors that could cause seizures, may be required. Some animals may benefit from drugs that help them have fewer seizures. Anti-epileptic, anti-convulsant, and corticosteroid drugs may also help to lessen the frequency of seizures. The sort of medication supplied will be determined by the animal’s epilepsy as well as any other underlying health concerns.

Early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in dogs are critical to a dog’s overall health and well-being. Younger dogs are more susceptible to severe kinds of epilepsy, such as primary and idiopathic epilepsy. If you feel your dog is in danger of this or any other disease, make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.