Epileptic seizures in dogs: causes, symptoms, diagnosis

Epilepsy doctors call the sign of the presence of neurological dysfunction present in the brain area. Symptoms of epilepsy in a dog often indicate a certain imbalance in the bioelectrical system of the body, which leads to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. Nerve cells in one part of the brain dramatically lose electrical stability, resulting in an electrical discharge. It quickly spreads to the surrounding cells. It is natural therefore that their work is disrupted.

Symptomatics

Signs of epilepsy in a dog are most often manifested in convulsive twitching of the limbs. Their strength can range from relatively weak movements of the paws to real seizures, during which the entire body of the animal is beating convulsively.

Accompanying illnesses

Veterinarians note that epileptic seizures in a dog are often observed against a backdrop of diseases such as heart disease, brain tumor, diabetes, and also in the presence of problems with the liver and kidneys. True epilepsy, that is, nothing provoked, depends primarily on hereditary predisposition. The reasons for it have not yet been established.

Epilepsy in dogs. Causes and types

As already noted above, there are two varieties of the disease. Doctors say that there is primary and secondary epilepsy in dogs. So, the causes of the disease can be associated with external factors, and may be due to genetic disorders. It must be emphasized that epilepsy is to some extent related to the breed of the animal. Most often, seizures suffer from seizures, German shepherds, labradors, husky, poodles, St. Bernards, spaniels, collies, and also coarse-wool terriers.

Diagnostics

Most often, the first attack of epilepsy in a dog is observed at the age of up to six years. Of course, such a diagnosis can not be considered a proof of a genetic defect. Confirm it is possible only by conducting a thorough examination of the animal. Avoid this disease is currently not possible, but most breeders try to minimize the risks, using for mating only those dogs in whose genus there was not a single carrier of the disease.

Secondary epilepsy

As for secondary epilepsy, in this case the cause of seizures can be established. Most often, factors such as infectious diseases (for example, plague or encephalitis), chemical poisoning, brain injuries, malnutrition, the presence of parasites (in particular helminths), as well as prolonged overvoltage, become the determining factors.

Attacks

In a dog, seizures of epilepsy are divided into three components. The condition preceding the attack is called an aura. The animal behaves very nervously, whimpers, tries to hide. Salivation increases. The next stage is ictal, during which the dog loses consciousness, all of its body is tense, its head is thrown back, breathing is difficult, all limbs jerk convulsively. The postictal period can be accompanied by disorientation and temporary blindness. If the seizure lasts more than half an hour, you need to see a doctor.