Seizures in dogs: causes, first aid and treatment

Types of seizures

From a physiological point of view, cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that are accompanied by pain and loss of consciousness. The main cause of this pathology is considered to be a disruption of the brain, so during the next seizure, convulsions affect many organs and systems. Depending on the external manifestations and severity, the following types of seizures are distinguished:

• Tonic convulsions . Usually these are muscle contractions of the dog's hind legs, in which the spasm leads to fixation of the limb in one position. The main symptom is that the paw is extended or bent in an unnatural position for a long time.
• Clonic . This is always a short-term attack of muscle contraction, which alternates with a relaxation phase. May affect both front and hind legs.
• Epileptic seizure . It is triggered by an incurable disease of the animal’s brain. The next attack is accompanied by increased salivation, foam at the mouth and profuse vomiting.
• Convulsions . This group includes short and alternating contractions of all muscles of the body. Loss of consciousness usually does not occur, but spasms occur throughout the body.

If cramps affect only certain muscle groups (fore or hind limbs, abdominals, neck), then they are called localized. In the event that the entire body is in hypertonicity and the animal loses consciousness, the spasm is considered generalized. Convulsions can also occur during sleep, before death - this is a normal physiological reaction of the body.

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At the moment of fainting, the animal's brain receives little oxygen. It is not enough for full functioning. Blood circulation and supply of nutrients are disrupted, muscles lose tone, resulting in loss of consciousness. In some cases it may persist. But usually the pet does not react to the owner and does not feel touch.

Note! If the problem is neurological, then it is the brain or spinal cord that is involved. When an animal has cardiac problems, you can notice, for example, an arrhythmia, in which the rhythm of the heart is disturbed.

Causes of seizures

Strong muscle contractions cannot occur by accident; it is always a consequence of a serious illness or exposure to external factors. The main causes of seizures in dogs:

• Epilepsy. A chronic disease that can be congenital or resulting from traumatic brain injury or tumors in the brain. The disease can lead not only to systematic seizures, changes in behavior, but also urinary or fecal incontinence, and visual impairment.
• Poisoning. Attacks caused by toxic substances entering the body are accompanied by indigestion, weakness and paleness of the mucous membranes.
• Diabetes. Convulsions during hypoglycemia can be caused by an acute lack of glucose in the dog's body.
  

  A serious attack can result in paralysis of the limbs or coma; it is important to provide first aid in a timely manner.

• Infections. This is an infection by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Some diseases of this nature cause hypertonicity of the whole body. That is why after a tick bite you should undergo laboratory tests to rule out borreliosis or encephalitis.
• Metabolic disorders. Any metabolic disorders lead to permanent changes in the dog’s behavior. Typically, before an attack, you may notice increased thirst, digestive problems, and changes in heartbeat. When examining blood, a decrease in hematocrit and other blood parameters is observed.

In addition, seizures in dogs can be caused by pathologies of internal organs. Another attack of muscle contractions is a common symptom of diseases of the heart, central nervous system and liver. Convulsions are often observed after anesthesia, as well as after childbirth.

If your pet has had at least one case of body hypertonicity, then a full diagnosis is required.

It allows you to promptly detect serious illnesses, select the necessary treatment and prolong the dog’s quality of life.

What to do?

Any muscle spasms in a dog require a veterinary examination; self-medication is not recommended. If the attack lasts more than 7-10 minutes, the dog has lost consciousness, then you need to go to the clinic as soon as possible. It is often possible to determine the onset of the next attack in advance. The animal's behavior changes and there is a refusal of water and food. It behaves restlessly, salivation increases and foam appears at the mouth.

Owners of pets with chronic or congenital diseases, as well as older dogs, should be especially careful.

General description of the condition

The state in which a dog is during a seizure is not a sight for the faint of heart. An attack may have a different clinical picture. It consists of either trembling or twitching of the limbs; a more severe attack may be accompanied by foam at the mouth, and loss of consciousness is possible. It all depends on which part of the brain and how extensively it is affected.

The attack consists of several stages:

1. The aura is the period of time when a spasm is approaching. The duration of this period can be different - it can be a couple of minutes or last several days. At this time, the dog’s paws are shaking, the pet is very restless.
2. Impact is the most acute period when the symptoms are most pronounced. The dog may twitch, the body may shake, uncontrolled urine may be released, and increased salivation may be observed. Severe convulsions may cause the animal to lose consciousness.
3. The post-traumatic stage is a state when the dog is in some prostration for about several hours. The pet is confused and does not orient itself in space.

If such attacks are isolated, then there is no great danger. But if the animal undergoes a series of seizures, then this condition is called convulsive status and the pet needs emergency medical attention.

First aid

Muscle spasms, other than those occurring during sleep, require immediate attention and medical attention. Helpful tips if you notice that your dog is twitching and convulsing:

• lay the animal on a flat horizontal surface, turn it over on its right side;
• carefully inspect the mouth; there should be no remains of food or objects in it;
• eliminate loud sounds and other irritants that can intensify the course of an attack;
• in case of severe convulsions, hold your limbs and head;
• put a few drops of Valocordin or Corvalol on your tongue.

If hypertonicity persists for more than 10 minutes, you need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. If you are diagnosed with, for example, epilepsy, you should have anticonvulsant medications at home, which ease the course of spasms and reduce the risk of death.

How to help your pet if he has seizures

If the attack lasts more than 10 minutes, the animal must be hospitalized immediately

Survey

Competent diagnosis allows you to determine the causes of seizures in a dog and select the most appropriate treatment. Since the sign can be caused by a whole range of reasons, a comprehensive examination of the animal is always carried out. The most informative methods:

• MRI and CT scan of the brain and spinal cord;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• radiography of the skeletal system;
• ECG;
• clinical and biochemical blood tests.

If muscle spasms are observed on an ongoing basis, diagnosis should be carried out at least once every six months. It is especially important to see a veterinarian for small breeds and older animals that are prone to seizures.

Seizures in a dog: symptoms

Seizures in dogs occur as a result of excessive activity of neurons that are responsible for controlling motor activity. The nature of the symptoms of seizures is determined by the area in which they appear and the degree of damage to the nervous system. They can vary from muscle tremors, accompanied by twitching of one leg or the muscles of the dog's face, to an attack, which usually seriously frightens the dog's owners. In this case, the animal may fall, begin to twitch with its whole body, and saliva or foam begins to flow from its mouth. Due to the fact that the dog loses control over its body, it can urinate, the muscles of its body begin to contract voluntarily. This condition in a dog is often called an epileptic seizure, despite the fact that in fact epilepsy is not always the cause of this condition.

Seizures in dogs do not differ in duration; seizures last from several seconds to five minutes, their cessation is as sudden as their onset. After the seizure ends, the dog for some time is not able to soberly assess the situation around it - it moves stiffly, constantly looks around, its head is shaking. Often, immediately after a seizure, the dog drinks and eats a lot, its reactions are inhibited - it can sit for a long time, looking at one point, without reacting to the owner’s voice. During the first attack there is no great danger to the dog’s health, but the situation in this case should be monitored in order to avoid its recurrence in the future.

Treatment

Attention! Before use, consult a specialist!

The choice of treatment methods is selected depending on the characteristics of the seizures, the age and weight of the dog, as well as the presence of chronic diseases. Therapy comes down to relieving symptoms and preventing another attack. The most effective method is considered to be intramuscular administration of anticonvulsants, for example, magnesium sulfate (magnesium). When making a diagnosis, specialized drugs that affect the central nervous system may be prescribed: Phenobarbital, Diazepam, Pagluferal-1. These are psychotropic medications that are prescribed only by a doctor and require a prescription.

Medicinal self-medication of seizures and epilepsy is contraindicated and can be dangerous to the dog’s health.

Throughout active therapy, nutrition should be normalized and free access to water should be provided. If a dog exhibits accompanying symptoms – urinary and fecal incontinence, joint problems, vomiting – then targeted medications are prescribed. After another attack, droppers with Hartmann's or Ringer's solution are recommended to restore metabolism and general well-being.

Prevention

If your dog has had convulsions, then you should adjust your lifestyle and diet - this is the only effective measure to prevent another attack. If possible, you should spend as much time as possible outside with your dog, and be sure to play active games. The daily diet should be balanced; it is best to switch to ready-made dry food - they contain all the necessary micro- and macroelements for the normal functioning of the body.

For dogs that are fearful and prone to nervous disorders, it is imperative to reduce the number of stress factors.

Try to avoid severe fears and stress, and eliminate loud sounds.

In this case, walks should be planned in advance - the route should pass through quiet places.

Metabolic disorders can cause seizures in dogs

Which breeds are prone to muscle spasms?

Seizures can occur in any dog, regardless of external features. It is believed that representatives of small breeds are prone to muscle spasms: Chihuahua, toy terrier, Yorkshire terrier. The risk of convulsions is higher in males and older animals.

A predisposition to epilepsy is observed in the Golden Retriever, Poodle, Dachshund, German Shepherd, and Irish Setter. If your pet has had at least one case of an epileptic seizure, you need to be prepared for lifelong therapy - this disease is currently incurable.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that may be accompanied by loss of consciousness, vomiting and increased drooling.
2. Depending on the causes and external manifestations, tonic and clonic convulsions, epileptic seizures, and convulsions are distinguished.
3. If your dog is having a seizure, you need to place your pet on a horizontal surface. See a doctor as soon as possible.
4. Before prescribing treatment, a complete diagnosis is carried out. Therapy for seizures is always medicinal, and prevention comes down to lifestyle and nutrition adjustments.
5. Some breeds are prone to seizures. Muscle spasms are more often observed in small dogs and older individuals.

Have you experienced seizures in your dog? Share in the comments which treatment was most effective in your case.

Seizures in an Old Pekingese

Hello, please help the dog with some advice: the Pekingese is 15 years old, recently the seizures have become more frequent: he falls to the floor, the dog twists his paws, his head back and lets out a heartbreaking howl! I feel sorry for the dog. We give him light massage strokes, and after a minute he lets go. In June 2021 there were winds. clinic. The doctor diagnosed a weak heart. Is there a cure to relieve suffering? Thank you in advance.

Hello. When answering the question, first of all we draw attention to the fact that seizures in a fifteen-year-old Pekingese are not a disease, but symptoms of a disease. The pet is already an adult dog. Pekingese are among the longest-living breeds. However, over the age of ten years, health problems are possible due to the aging of the body. It is necessary to determine what type of seizures your pet has.

Attacks are divided according to the type of muscle contraction:

1. Convulsive - contractions of the body muscles, the pace of contractions is jerky, the duration of the spasm is short.
2. Tonic - the muscles contract slowly, the pain does not go away for a long time.
3. Clonic – contractions are frequent and repeated many times over a short period of time.
4. Epileptic - a seizure accompanied by loss of consciousness of the animal.

The Pekingese remains conscious during the attack. A dog's howl is an indicator of severe pain. If the animal does not lose consciousness during convulsions, several diseases are believed to be the cause.

It is important to remember that a veterinarian can treat or alleviate the symptoms of any disease. Information found in a book or on the Internet will be useful in understanding your pet's condition. But only a doctor can help and prescribe medications suitable for the dog.