Seizures, which are sometimes referred to as convulsions or fits, can occur in dogs for many different reasons. Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause. A seizure occurs when the brain's cerebral cortex functions abnormally, leading to unusual behaviors or movements. The cause of this malfunction may be a physical abnormality, toxic exposure, trauma, or disease. While any breed of dog can have a seizure, certain breeds, including German shepherds, beagles, huskies, Akitas, and Labrador retrievers, are prone to epilepsy.
A seizure is a symptom of a neurological disturbance in a dog's brain. There are many causes of seizures, ranging from anatomical to environmental, but all result in a temporary disruption of the normal electrical impulses within the dog's brain. The presentation of seizures ranges from a momentary lapse in consciousness to full-blown physical convulsions.
A prolonged seizure (over five minutes) or a series of seizures that occur in rapid succession is called status epilepticus. This is a medical emergency. If left untreated, this type of seizure can lead to brain damage, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), and death. Dogs in status epilepticus require hospitalization and may need a constant infusion of medication to stop the seizures.
There are three phases of symptoms that characterize seizures, as follows:
During the ictal phase of a seizure, symptoms manifest as abnormal motor (movement) symptoms, abnormal behavioral symptoms, or a combination of both. The following symptoms are common but may be alarming:
At the first sign of a seizure, it is important to make sure your dog is in a safe place where it cannot hit its head or fall while experiencing potentially violent, jerking movements. Keep your hands and face away from your dog's mouth during the seizure because your dog can't control its movements and may bite you unintentionally.
If your dog has recurrent seizures, you will likely become accustomed to the "routine" of quickly moving your dog to a safe place (if possible) and having paper towels on hand to clean up drool, urine, and feces.
Illustration: The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
These are generalized motor seizures that involve the entire body. A dog suffering a grand mal seizure may fall over, become stiff, and shake its whole body violently. Many dogs salivate or foam at the mouth, and some urinate and/or defecate involuntarily. Dogs may vocalize as well, whining and growling during a seizure.
Clusters are serious seizures, distinguished by multiple grand mal seizures over 24 hours that may occur in rapid succession, increasing their severity and the risk of experiencing status epilepticus.
Psychomotor seizures are characterized by odd behavior that lasts only a minute or two. For example, your dog may suddenly start chasing its tail or acting as if it sees things that aren't there.
The least serious type, these seizures are limited to a specific part of the body and may not look like much more than a twitch in the dog's facial muscles or limbs.
Seizures have different causes, and various external influences can trigger seizures in susceptible dogs. The common causes of canine seizures include the following:
If your dog is having a seizure for the first time, call your vet, who will help stabilize your dog if necessary. The next step will be to run diagnostic tests, starting with blood panels (CBC, liver, thyroid) and a physical examination. If initial testing is inconclusive, a veterinary neurologist may run a CT scan, an MRI, or perform a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap to gather further information on your dog's condition.
If brain malformations, brain tumors, inflammation in the brain, or liver issues are ruled out, then your dog will likely be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and treated with anticonvulsant medication to prevent or reduce seizure occurrence.
One or more anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed by your vet to control your dog's seizures:
For many dogs, there's a period of trial and error with anticonvulsant therapy. Drugs may be combined, adjusted, or switched until your dog's seizures are regulated. In many cases, lab tests must be performed regularly to monitor your dog's response to medication and overall health.
Most vets won't initiate pharmaceutical treatment if the seizures occur less than once a month. As with any medication, these drugs have side effects. If they help manage your dog's seizures, you may find that the benefits outweigh the risks. Once medications are started, they are often required for life and must be given at least twice per day. While this is a great responsibility, it can help extend your dog's life. Many dogs with epilepsy live happy, normal lives with infrequent seizures.
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