Descriptions About Seizures In Dogs

We are very familiar with this type of problem being associated with epilepsy however, there are many different reasons it may appear in a pet. Some of the causes are genetic, while others can be caused from head injuries, brain tumors, and even particular diseases such as Lyme and canine distemper. Not only are there several ways to develop the problem, but there are also several types of seizures in dogs.

The first type can present in both mild and more severe forms (Grand Mal) is classified as Generalized. This Generalized seizure type can also be divided into two separate phases called the Tonic and Clonic, which are likely to cause a pet to mimic the behavior of running in place and lose their balance. Petit Mal is the second type, but is rarely seen in canines, and it can result in periods of unconsciousness with the eyes rolling in an upward motion.

Classification type three is called the Partial and may progress into a Generalized type in some cases. With the Partial, it is likely that a particular body part is affected, like a limb. The jerking repetitive movements can be noticed in a particular area on the pet on one or more occurrence.

The Complex Partial is classification type four and can be determined by a series of behaviors which are much more complex. It causes the animal to experience visual events, sensory events or both, and to repeatedly perform an action. A pet may uncontrollably bite a particular limb, lick their lips, or even bolt in a particular direction for no apparent reason.

Classification number five is a type known as Status Epilepticus which must last at least five minutes and may continue up to thirty minutes. This type can certainly be life-threatening, and it presents some challenges when trying to record the number of actual seizures during the entire episode. Cluster Seizures which are type classification six and Status Epilepticus are very difficult to distinguish from one another.

Not only are there different types, but there are also different phases associated with this problem. There are generally three phases that each pet will go through during an episode. These phases include the Pre-Ictal, Ictal, and Post-Ictal Phases.

In a Pre-Ictal phase, the pet can be found to be experiencing feelings of uneasiness and often whining for a period of a few minutes to a few hours. When this phase has progressed into the Ictal Phase, the seizure should have already started and spastic motions of some of the muscles should be visible. In most cases, the pet will have fallen down unable to maintain their balance at this point.

If the duration of this stage is longer than five minutes, it is then categorized as Status Epilepticus as discussed earlier. It becomes very likely for many pets to lose control of bodily functions during this time. During the Post-Ictal phase, a pet is likely to be very disoriented, confused, and may experience a loss of sight for a brief time.

The best thing to do for your pet in the event that they experience any type of this problem is to refrain from restraining them in any way. Also, do not attempt to stick anything in their mouth to hold their tongue in a particular position. Trying to remain calm and keeping the area around your pet clear is the best thing to do when dealing with seizures in dogs.

I have more information about canine epilepsy at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on dog seizure symptoms.

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