Understanding The Symptoms Of Canine Seizures

There are different kinds of canine seizures which affect dogs. As a pet owner, you need to educate yourself about such things to help protect your pet and make sure that they are kept safe from this. Knowing about the types of canine seizures would help you understand the symptoms and therefore seek medical attention.

The most common are generalized seizures also known as “tonic clonic” because it has two phases. The first phase is also known as the “tonic” phase wherein the dog loses his balance and he automatically extends his limbs afterwards. The next phase known as “clonic”, the dog would exhibit an action that seems to be as if he is running in place.

Another kind is known to be the Petit Mal seizure. This rarely occurs among dogs but is also worth noting. When a dog experiences this type of seizure, their eyes would automatically roll upwards as if rotating uncontrollably. What’s worse is that the dog can become temporarily unconscious in the process.

There are also partial seizures which you must similarly note. This happens when an isolated part of your dog’s body gets into an uncontrollable shaking fit. Muscle contractions are quite noticeable and spasms can become uncontrollable even around the facial area.

Complex partial canine seizures are also known to occur although they already involve a behavioral response from the afflicted dog. Sometimes, dogs with this kind of illness tend to get aggressive or they suddenly run around the home hysterically. They might also bite on their limbs in the attempts of halting what is currently happening to them.

However, the most serious perhaps of all canine seizures is known to the status epilepticus. This can last for over fifteen minutes or close to half an hour. This being said, the case can end up becoming life threatening for the dog and you should know that this requires careful observation and medicinal intake from the vet.

Cluster seizures can also last for a longer period of time, but this is because different seizures occur at different parts of the dog’s body. This is why it can be sometimes confused with status epilepticus.

Because of the gravity of some of these canine seizures, it becomes important to report them immediately to your veterinarian should you observe them happening to any of your pet. This way you can find a solution easily and prevent any unwanted results from happening.

I have more information about canine epilepsy at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on health care for older dogs.