Information Regarding Seizures In Dogs And What They Could Mean

Seizures, also known as fits, are episodes of excessive and abnormal neurological activity that take place in the brain. In humans, the fits can have a number of different effects from loss of awareness and fainting to uncontrollable thrashing and muscle spasms. Seizures in dogs occur in a very similar manner and can be caused by a number of things. However, due to the unspecific and numerous symptoms of the fits they can be understandably difficult to notice in a canine so it is crucial that owners ensure their dogs are seen by a vet after exhibiting any and all odd behaviors.

Just as with human patients who suffer from seizures, canines with recurring convulsions and blackouts are often diagnosed with epilepsy. However not all dogs who suffer from seizures are epileptic. Only one to two percent of dogs will experience a seizure during its lifetime and roughly half of that number actually have epilepsy. It is still important, however, to ensure your pet receives medical treatment immediately.

Signs of a pet's impending seizures can include periods of whining or growling. The dog may appear to be frightened or stressed and attempt to receive comfort from its owner. Other signs include trouble urinating, pacing, and shaking. Once the animal has progressed into an epileptic fit, it may pass out, become uncontrollably agitated, begin convulsing, or appear to be in an altered state of mind.

A number of different factors can cause seizures in dogs as well as influence the likelihood of future ones. These include the dog's age, genetic history, and breed. The type of fit a canine experiences can usually accurately predict the type and severity of subsequent attacks.

Because seizures are a brain disorder, any sign of one that you witness in your pet should be taken very seriously. An appointment should be made immediately with your vet who will likely run a battery of tests on your dog, depending on its age. If your dog is ten years or older you should be prepared to hear that managing the pain, rather than treating it, is your best option.

In most cases the exam will consist of blood pressure tests, blood work, X-rays, CT-scans, and vision checks. And despite the numerous types of epileptic episodes, the symptoms are usually very similar. In most cases, the tests and lab work will reveal either tachycardia, kidney failure, low blood pressure, swelling of the brain, infectious disease, or a weak pulse is present.

It is very important to remember that just because your beloved pet has received a diagnosis of neurological fits doesn't necessarily mean it will die. With proper care and treatment, most forms of epileptic seizures are fairly manageable. In fact, the sooner that the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis will be.

Make sure to consult your veterinarian the moment you begin noticing any new behavior in your pet as he or she will have the tools and the information needed to come up with the best possible course of action.

I have more information about seizures in dogs at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on stages of seizures in dogs.

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