Most likely, the next steps will include blood work to assess cell counts, glucose (sugar) levels, and organ function. If you and your veterinarian determine that your dog is having seizures, further workup will depend on such details as your dog’s age, seizure history, and other concurrent medical issues. Videos of your dog’s episodes can be very useful in this determination. Treatment is dependent on accurately determining whether your dog is experiencing seizures or syncope. The episode will end within seconds to minutes and the dog will recover rapidly, with no post-ictal period. Syncopal dogs typically will not have chewing motions of the jaw or increased salivation. These movements are not like the paddling leg movements that are more commonly associated with a seizure. Like a dog having a seizure, he may urinate or defecate during the episode.Ī syncopal dog may move his legs but these movements are typically associated with the dog trying to get back up. When the dog collapses, he will go suddenly limp. The dog may initially appear weak or wobbly and, if observed, this period will be short-lived. "During the post-ictal period, dogs are typically confused and disoriented." What does a typical episode of syncope look like?Ī typical syncopal episode will start suddenly with no pre-ictal phase, often during physical activity and exertion. They may be observed to pace and wander aimlessly, while some dogs may show further signs such as blindness, and increased thirst and urination. During the post-ictal period, dogs are typically confused and disoriented. Once the seizure has ended, the dog will have a prolonged post-ictal recovery period, lasting up to 24 hours depending on the individual dog. Seizures typically last approximately one to two minutes, although prolonged seizures can occur and require treatment. Typically, dogs will also urinate or defecate during seizures. Dogs may vocalize, will often have repeated chewing or chomping motions of the jaw, and often will salivate excessively. The head is often held back with the neck extended. The legs will first become stiff and this stiffening is often followed by rhythmic/jerky paddling motions. In a generalized or tonic-clonic seizure, the dog will typically be seen to suddenly fall on his side. This period is called the pre-ictal phase, or aura. Dogs may hide, whine, act anxious, tremble, or salivate for anywhere from several seconds to several hours prior to a seizure. "Syncope is caused by a temporary disruption in blood flow or oxygen delivery to the brain." What does a typical seizure look like?Ī dog with a generalized seizure often begins showing abnormal behaviors prior to the actual seizure. Additionally, some episodes of syncope are triggered by specific actions or activities, including coughing, urinating, and defecating. Common underlying causes of syncope include heart disease, heart tumors, emotional stress or anxiety, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and abnormalities in blood electrolyte levels. Typically, this is caused by episodes of low blood pressure, although other internal changes can also trigger syncope. Syncope is caused by a temporary disruption in blood flow or oxygen delivery to the brain. Syncope describes a temporary loss of consciousness and posture, also known as 'fainting' or 'passing out'. In addition to idiopathic epilepsy, other causes of seizures include toxins, liver and kidney disease, head trauma, and brain tumors. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have their first seizure between the ages of six months and six years. The most common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited condition that results in increased excitability of the brain’s neurons (nerve cells). Seizures can be caused by a number of underlying conditions.
Many dogs have generalized, or tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, involving movements of the entire body and a loss of consciousness. Some dogs may have partial seizures, involving only a limited portion of the body. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled movement of the body caused by abnormal brain activity.