
How to Manage Epilepsy and Seizures in Dogs
If a seizure lasts for longer than usual, for more than 5 minutes or they have more than two seizures in a day, contact your vet straight away.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that causes your pet to have multiple seizures or ‘fits’. This can be due to a structural problem in the brain, due to a genetic cause or sometimes due to unknown reasons.
Genetic epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown origin (called ‘idiopathic epilepsy’) most commonly starts between the ages of 6 months to 6 years and structural epilepsy can occur at any age.
It can be quite distressing to witness these seizures but it may help you to know that your pet is likely unconscious and unaware of the event.
With effective treatment an epileptic dog should lead a long and happy life, it may not be possible to stop every seizure from occurring but reducing them as much as possible is the aim of therapy.
Certain breeds are suspected to be more at risk due to inherited genetics including the: Labrador, German Shepherd, Pug, Basset Hound, Dogue de Bordeaux, Boxer, Beagle, French Bulldog, British Bulldog, Border Terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Border Collie.
Seizures
These can present differently in each animal but can be classed as either ‘focal’ or ‘general’. In a focal seizure, only one part or side of the dog may be affected, such as localised muscle twitching/spasms or in some cases they may exhibit odd behavioural symptoms. In a generalised seizure, the dog lies on one side and makes paddling or running movements, is most commonly unconscious and may also lose control of their bowels or bladder.
Seizures often last for 1 to 2 minutes but can be longer and it is important to speak to your vet about when further action should be taken (for instance if a prolonged seizure occurred).
Before and after seizures
In addition to the seizure itself, you may notice unusual behaviour both before and after a seizure. In fact, you may learn to recognise the signs which indicate a seizure is about to occur. Your dog may be overly affectionate or anxious before the seizure and tired or restless afterwards. Each dog may present differently.
After a seizure your dog may:
- Be tired and need to rest
- Be disoriented and wander around
- Be agitated and run around
- Suffer temporary loss of vision
- Be hungry and thirsty
- Be aggressive and may not recognise you
My dog is having a seizure – what should I do?
C Stay CALM
An epileptic seizure often looks scary but is rarely life-threatening. By staying calm, you will be able to help your pet recover quickly.
C CUSHION their surroundings
Move any objects from close to the pet that may fall or injure them. Make the area as quiet and dark as you can (turn off music or the TV, turn off the lights etc.). Keep children and other pets away.
C CONTROL the situation
If your vet has prescribed an emergency use anticonvulsant, administer it to your pet (if possible). If the seizure doesn’t stop within a couple of minutes, or if more seizures happen in quick succession, you should contact your vet immediately.