Seizures take many forms, but it is always terrifying to watch a beloved canine lose physical and mental control. Most people who have never witnessed a dog convulse before have a hard time understanding what is happening. Owners feel helpless and don't know how to comfort their dog or what to do.

Seizures are unpredictable. A dog may have one seizure and then never experience another episode again. Other dogs suffer repeated seizures. Although a dog may act completely normal before a seizure and then again after, it's entirely possible that serious and progressive disease is the underlying cause.

The Anatomy of a Seizure

Seizures are uncoordinated surges of the neurons or electrical activity within the part of the brain called the cerebrum. Because the nerves are not coordinated, they will affect how a dog will feel and act for a few minutes. Seizures are not a disease but a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain. These include cancer, metabolic diseases, genetic predispositions to environmental toxins, and trauma.

Types of Seizures

Seizures can be partial or generalized. Partial seizures happen when only one portion of the brain is discharging abnormally. This brain damage happens after trauma, infection, circulatory disorders, or cancer. They are known as focal seizures; the movements are limited to only one area of the body, such as turning the head or body to one side. These can progress into a generalized seizure, which affects the entire body.

Complex partial seizures are linked with bizarre behavior during the seizure, such as chewing, fly biting, aggression, or hysterical running. The dog may not lose consciousness, but she may not be aware of her surroundings.

Generalized seizures are either petit mal or grand mal. A petite mal seizure is barely noticeable. The dog may click his teeth or blink repeatedly. Petite mal seizures typically last ten to twenty-five seconds. A grand mal seizure is a series of serious convulsions. The dog may fall, grind his teeth, salivate excessively, lose control of his bladder and bowels, and experience violent jerking and uncontrollable leg kicks. The dog may also lose consciousness. Sometimes it can take as long as a day or two for dogs to recover.

Dogs can have multiple seizures within twenty-four hours. When the dog has enough time to return to consciousness and begin to recover between seizures, these are known as cluster seizures. When a dog has one or more grand mal seizures in quick succession without recovery from the previous seizure, this cycle, known as status epilepticus or status, can continue for hours. Dogs that experience cluster seizures or status epilepticus must be taken to a veterinarian immediately because these conditions can be fatal. In the worst case scenario, the seizure cannot be controlled and the veterinarian may advise euthanasia, but a veterinarian may be able to stabilize the dog's condition long enough to determine the problem and begin treatment.

Signs

No two seizures are alike, but a dog that is about to experience a seizure often exhibits warning signs a few hours or days before he begins seizing. These signs are often so subtle that owners never notice them. They include slight changes in mood or behavior.

The pre-seizure phrase is called the prodromal state. The dog may seem nervous, apprehensive, or agitated, perhaps sensing that something unusual is going to happen. He may seek affection or try to hide.

In the ictus stage, which is the actual seizure, the dog will often become stiff first and then start convulsing or paddling. He may lose consciousness and may not be able to respond to his owner's voice. He might lose control of bodily functions and urinate, defecate, and/or salivate. This can last seconds to minutes.

The postictal phase begins when the seizure ends. During this period of recovery, the dog is exhausted and may pant and seem disoriented. Some dogs experience temporary blindness or deafness. This phase may last for minutes, hours, or sometimes days.

Most seizures occur at night or early in the morning, although they can come on when you least expect them. Dogs rarely become vicious during an episode, but you'll want to protect him and yourself. It's best to move any furniture or objects that could hurt him if he falls, or put a blanket around him to cushion his fall. Keep the lights low and minimize noise.

While a dog is not aware of his surroundings during a seizure, you can comfort him in a calm, reassuring voice and gently stroke his hip or side. Stay away from his feet because muscle spasms might cause him to kick. Remain beside your dog throughout the seizure so you can comfort him when it ends.

What's Not a Seizure

Sometimes a dog will have an episode that an owner mistakes for a seizure. One example is disease of the middle ear. The nucleus of the brain causes an abnormal head position and the dog loses balance. This is not a seizure, but it's still important to contact your veterinarian for an evaluation if this occurs.

Fainting is often mistaken for a seizure. Dogs with cardiac and respiratory disease may become weak and fall. They may pant to compensate for a loss of oxygenation, so they may appear to be suffering from seizures. It could signal a medical problem, so schedule a physical examination with your veterinarian.

Reverse sneezing is characterized by a series of violent and noisy sneezes. The chest and abdominal muscles contract spasmodically and an owner may think the dog is having a seizure. This is not a medical emergency, but a dog that continually experiences reverse sneezing should be taken to a veterinarian for a checkup.