Dog Seizures Causes

Wondering what causes dog seizures? Are you aware of the symptoms of seizures in dogs? A seizure is one of the most common neurological disorder that leaves the dog feeling disoriented and confused. If you often spot your pet trembling or running in circles, you must consult a veterinarian soon. Uncontrolled urination is another symptom of seizures in dogs. Like other neurological disorders in dogs, a seizure attack occurs due to abnormal functioning of the brain. Pet owners often find it hard to see their pet in such a state and wonder why their pet is having a seizure. Though this is generally seen in older dogs, even puppies can sometimes suffer from this disorder. Here's some information on dog seizures causes.

Dog Seizures: Causes
During a seizure, a dog becomes disoriented and totally unaware about the surroundings. This is responsible for the behavioral changes such as running in circles, paddling of legs, trembling, excessive salivation and muscle contractions. Seizures in dogs could also result in loss of consciousness. You, as dog owners need to understand the common dog seizures causes. Go through the factors responsible for causing seizures in dogs.

Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common dog seizures causes. Epilepsy in dogs is a condition that is responsible for causing recurring canine seizures. Epilepsy is a brain disorder which is associated with abnormal electrical impulses hampering the ability of the dog to use the muscles in a well-coordinated manner. Epilepsy is categorized into idiopathic epilepsy and secondary epilepsy. It might be caused due to injuries causing head trauma or infection. It could also be a genetic disorder.

Toxins
It is extremely important to make sure that your dog is not eating anything that contains toxins. Consumption of certain environmental toxins can also lead to dog seizures. Ingestion of these substances is one of the common dog seizures causes. Make sure that your dog doesn't come into contact with poisonous substances or chemicals. Paints, insecticides and other such substances must not be kept in the open. Exposure to metals such as lead, mercury and aluminum can also cause seizures in dogs. Sometimes, seizures could also occur if the dog's kidneys are unable to remove the toxins from the body.

Brain Tumors
One of the common old dog seizures causes, is the development of brain tumors in dogs. If there is any abnormal growth in your dog's brain, it might cause seizures. Brain tumors could be caused due to various factors. Such tumors can put pressure on the tissues of the brain and cause certain physiological and behavioral changes. Some tumors could also spread to the brain via the bloodstream. If your dog has been suffering from recurrent seizures, getting a scan would help in the diagnosis of any such abnormal growths in the brain.

Canine Distemper
Distemper is one of the common puppy seizures causes. This disease can affect puppies that are below the age of 6 months. The puppies are more vulnerable because at this age they lose the antibodies received from their mother. To prevent distemper, you must get your dog vaccinated. Those who get infected by this virus often experience symptoms such as eye discharge, fever, cough, diarrhea, dehydration and convulsions. Other conditions that might cause seizures are meningitis or hydrocephalus.

Tick-borne Diseases
Tick-borne diseases can also cause seizures in dogs. The symptoms of such an infestation include fever, diarrhea and dehydration. All these symptoms can also make a dog prone to having seizures. If you are wondering about puppy seizures causes, you must understand that if the puppy is not vaccinated at the right time, prevention of seizures might become difficult in puppies. Puppies usually begin to exhibit the symptoms when they complete the age of 3 months and begin to lose the antibodies they received from their mother. It is therefore, important to pay attention to the aspect of vaccination.

These were some of the common dog seizures causes. As far as the treatment of seizures in dogs is concerned, an early diagnosis and treatment can really help. The veterinarian may recommend basic blood tests, urine analysis, spinal tap, an X-ray examination and other imaging procedures such as CAT scans and MRI scans. Once the underlying dog seizures causes are identified, medicines might be prescribed by the vet. Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, primidone, potassium bromide, gabapentin and chlorazepate may be prescribed. Certain herbs might also prove useful in calming the dog. Now that you are aware of pet seizures causes, make sure that you take proper care of your dear pet. It is your responsibility as pet owners, to see that your pet stays healthy.