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Epileptic Symptoms: Dog Seizure Behavior Explained

Dogs > Nervous System > Epileptic Symptoms: Dog Seizure Behavior Explained

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Epilepsy is only one cause of dog seizure symptoms, which include convulsions, salivation (foaming at the mouth), spinal stiffness and loss of consciousness.

Characteristics of an Epileptic Seizure

An epileptic seizure in dogs is a spontaneous, spreading discharge of neurons in the brain. Partial epileptic seizures can last a number of seconds; generalized seizures can last a number of minutes. Partial seizures can turn into generalized seizures. Epileptic seizures occur in three phases: pre-ictal, ictal and post-ictal. "Ictal"means "attack."

Causes of Seizures

Epileptic seizures, or "primary seizures," have no known stimulus; the tendency to have them is genetic. Other types of seizures, or "secondary seizures," have such triggers as brain tumors, Lyme Disease, distemper, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, hypoglycemia, "garbage disease," hormonal imbalances, renal failure, among other conditions. Dogs that have seizures may or may not have epilepsy.

Pre-Ictal Phase Symptoms

Your dog will experience these symptoms right before a seizure:

Unresponsiveness, catatonic expression
Trembling
Whining
Biting and snapping
Gnawing of limbs
Restlessness
Pacing and running in circles

Ictal Phase Symptoms

Your dog will experience these symptoms during a seizure:

Convulsions, with thrashing of limbs
Excessive salivating
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Temporary paralysis
Collapse to the ground
Gnashing of teeth
Stretched neck
Head thrust backward

Post-Ictal Phase Symptoms

Your dog will experience these symptoms right after a seizure:

Loss of hearing or vision
Confusion and disorientation
Running into walls and doors
Excessive salivating
Increased appetite
Excessive thirst

Diagnosis and Treatment

To arrive at a diagnosis of true epilepsy, your vet must go through the process of elimination, ruling out all causes of secondary seizures; no test exists for epilepsy. Treatment for epileptic seizures includes a variety of anti-seizure medications and surgery in extreme cases.

also see Canine Seizures: 6 Potential Causes

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also see Dog Seizures: What are They and how to Control Them