Dog Seizures Treatment

Just like we humans, even dogs suffer seizures due to an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Seizures are believed to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain that triggers an uncoordinated nerve transmission. Being one of the most common outcomes of canine epilepsy, seizure, convulsion or fit is a shaking, fainting or thrashing in dogs that can be a dreadful sight for any pet owner. Seizures in dogs can be categorized in to three stages:

1. Pre-ictus Phase: Pre ictus phase or aura, is a stage wherein the dog appears nervous, starts shaking, whining, drooling and wandering from one place to another. The stage may last from a few seconds to even a couple of days.
2. Ictus Phase: During ictus phase, all muscles of the dog's body contract and the dog may appear uncontrolled or uncoordinated. It may fall on his side, thrash its limbs and vomit. This stage usually lasts for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
3. Post-ictus Phase: Herein, the dog starts recovering but may still appear to be disoriented, shaking and temporarily blind. The stage can last from a few minutes to a couple of days.

Dog Seizures: Causes
Though one cannot ascertain the exact causes of seizures in dog, some of the probable dog seizures causes include:

• Brain tumors
• Liver disease
• Low or high blood sugar level
• Head injury
• Anemia
• Low or high blood calcium level
• High fever
• Certain medications
• Reaction to toxins or allergens like antifreeze, lead or chocolate
• Bacterial or viral infection such as canine distemper

Dog Seizures: Symptoms
Given below are the symptoms of seizures in dogs that will help you to know whether your dog is having a seizure or not:

• Sudden, violent shaking
• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle twitching or slight shaking of a limb
• Confusion or disorientation
• Excessive salivation
• Loss of hearing or vision
• Increased thirst and appetite
• Involuntary urination or defecation

Dog Seizures: Treatment
Identifying the underlying cause for this dog illness is the most important step in finding the appropriate treatment for dog seizures. Also the frequency with which the seizures occur is another factor to consider as unless the seizures persist on regular or semi regular basis the veterinarian will not prescribe the treatment. Hence it is important to conduct proper diagnosis which may include MRI, CT scan, toxin tests, spinal tap for infectious diseases like dog distemper, and antibody titers in order to know the actual cause of this dog health problem. However, common dog seizures medications mainly include:

• Phenobarbital: This medication is used to treat sedation, loss of coordination, lethargy, depression, increased thirst and appetite, excessive urination, weakness in rear legs, and chronic liver disease.
• Potassium Bromide: The medication is given to cure vomiting, depression, lethargy, and drowsiness in the dog.
• Clorazepate (Tranxene): Likewise, clorazepate is also one of the most effective dog seizures drugs that is used to cure drowsiness, lethargy and excessive shakiness.
• Felbamate (Felbatol): The medication works well to overcome liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression.
• Levetiracetam (Keppra): This medication is used to control stiffness, wobble gait, excessive vomiting and salivation in dog.
• Zonisamide: The medication is given to dogs with high salt levels.

These medications can either be given alone or in combination depending upon the severity of the condition and the dog's response to the medications. However, for chronic dog seizure cases, where these medications do not prove to be helpful, the dog may have to undergo a brain surgery which is relatively uncommon but still possible. Another dog seizures treatment option is kindling wherein the dog is given low voltage electric stimulus to certain parts of the brain.

Besides these, one can also consider dog seizures natural treatment which involves use of all natural blend of herbs and other homeopathic ingredients to treat and prevent seizures. The diet also plays an important role in managing seizures in dog. Ensure that the dog food you are giving to your dog is free of preservatives or chemicals, and is made of natural or organic human grade ingredients. Vaccinations can also lower the risks of dog seizures and can be a good puppy seizures treatment as well as prevention.

Along with these pet seizures treatment options, ensure that you are always there with your pet to take proper dog care. Keep your hands away from the dog's mouth, stay calm and talk to your dog gently as this will help regain consciousness. The dog may find difficulty walking or may bump into furniture or get stuck in the corners, hence keep a watch on it. I hope the information given in this article on dog seizures treatment as well as symptoms and causes of seizures in dogs proves to useful to all you dog owners.