Sarah Southard, DVM
Pets and Livestock
A few months ago I saw a social media post from an acquaintance; one of her dogs had had a seizure. This was the dog’s second seizure within the last six months and she asked, “Does anyone know anything about seizures in dogs?” This is a complex question to pose to a vast social media audience with an unknown range of experiences, education, and knowledge. Even if someone gives what appears to be a “good” answer, you have no way to discern whether that answer is in any way reliable. Seizure disorders in particular can be incredibly complicated to sort out and every animal is unique with regard to causes, required treatment, and responses to that treatment.
The best way to deal with seizures in your dog, or any other pet, is to bring them to a veterinarian who can offer expert guidance. Seizures in companion animals can be scary to witness. Thankfully, most seizures are short enough that the seizure activity does not cause any long-lasting damage. However, we’re always left with questions about the underlying cause. What caused the disturbance in the brain that led to uncontrolled muscle activity?
There are multiple types of seizure activity. A short list of potential causes might include: disease processes originating in the brain, trauma or infection causing injury to the brain, electrolyte imbalances caused by any of a number of diseases or metabolic processes, blood sugar abnormalities, toxin exposure in the environment, or developmental abnormalities in young animals. Because of the great number of possible causes of seizures, animals of any age can be affected. I have seen an orphaned puppy begin having seizures at just 3 weeks old, at the time that soft food was first introduced.
The age at which an animal begins having seizures can sometimes help to identify possible causes. For example, epilepsy is usually diagnosed in dogs that are 5 years old or younger. A brain tumor of some sort becomes more likely as an animal ages. Physical abnormalities such as liver defects (portosystemic shunt) or too much fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus) usually become apparent while a dog is young.
Due to the wide range of possible underlying causes, getting a definitive diagnosis of the reason for seizure activity can be time-consuming and frustrating. Finding a suitable treatment can also be complicated due to individual differences in response to therapy. Treatments may include anti-seizure medications, pharmaceutical or surgical treatment of an underlying condition, or often, a combination of these.
If you find yourself facing a seizure investigation for your pet, be encouraged. Ongoing research is improving diagnostics and pharmaceuticals each year. It is quite likely that your beloved companion can be successfully treated or their condition managed for years to come. A dedicated owner and veterinary team can find answers, and many animals can maintain a good quality of life over the long-term.
