Seizures in Older Dogs

Seizures is a term that will generally associate with a human disorder or condition. But, as dogs are man's best friends, they too share similar dog health problems like humans. Canine seizures is very common and can occur due to various reasons. Sometimes seizures occur without any apparent reason and sometimes there can be a variety of factors involved.

Types of Seizures
There are many types of canine seizures that can affect your pet. Some of these include primary epileptic seizure, secondary epileptic seizures and reactive epileptic seizure. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose the type of canine seizures and provide treatment accordingly. Let us go into the details of symptoms and causes of seizures in dogs.

Causes of Seizures
Canine seizures in older dogs occur due to the same reason; changes in electrical and chemical signals in brain. There is a normal pattern of neurological activity that occurs within the brain of dogs. However, when many brain cells get excited all at once, and cause changes in the brain activity, it may lead to canine seizures. The causes of seizures in dogs depends on the age of the dog. Let us understand some of these dog seizures causes, according to their age.

Dogs Under 8 Months of Age
It's not just older dogs, but young dogs too can suffer from seizures. These canine seizures can occur due to developmental disorders in the young dog, encephalitis, meningitis, hypoglycemia, portacaval shunt, parasites in the intestinal tract and due to idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Seizures due to idiopathic epilepsy occur very rarely.

Dogs 8 Months up to 5 Years of Age
Dogs in this age group suffer from seizures mostly due to idiopathic epilepsy, trauma, meningitis, neoplasia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism in dogs, toxins, etc.

Dogs Over 5 Years of Age
There are many causes of seizures in older dogs that includes dog canceri, tumor, degenerative disorders, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, trauma, meningitis, acquired hydrocephalus, electrolyte disturbances, hypothyroidism, etc. Other causes may include toxicity due to ingestion of poison like lead, traumatic impact, heart disease, etc. Infection of the central nervous system, organ failure may also lead to canine seizures.

Grand Mal Seizures
Grand mal seizures is a term that is usually used in case of humans. Grand mal seizures in older dogs are a type of generalized seizures. They affect the entire body of the dog causing stiffness, spasticity, involuntary movements, etc. The dog loses control and may strike suddenly. During grand mal seizures, the dog may fall on his side or chest. The eyes may even roll back and the dog may drool. There will be twitching or muscle spasms in the dog's body. They may even urinate or defecate on themselves. Once the episode of grand mal seizures is over, the animal may wake up confused and disoriented.

Prevention of Seizures
One cannot do much to prevent seizures in older dogs. However, you can take your dog to a veterinarian for regular check ups and keep the underlying causes in check. Also, regular dog seizure treatment will help keep the occurrence of episodes to a minimum.

What to do in Case of Seizures
You need to remain calm yourself when you witness dog seizure symptoms. You should immediately contact the veterinarian and ask him for advice according to the situation. You should maintain a safe distance from the animal as they may suddenly strike. Also, make sure your dog is in a safe environment that will not cause any injury to the animal. Once the seizure is over, remain calm. You need to approach the animal cautiously and gently. Call out the dog's name and try to make the disoriented animal calm.

You should speak to the veterinarian regarding the treatment. You need be regular with the doses of medications if you want the frequency of seizures to reduce. It is a very frightening time for the owner to haplessly watch their dear pet suffering on the floor. One goes to through an emotional upheaval that makes seizures not only traumatic for the dog, but also emotionally draining for the owner. Many times, we almost feel our beloved pet will die right in front of our eyes, without doing us being able to anything to help him. However, with proper dog care and treatment, we can reduce the occurrence of seizures in dogs. As an owner, it is up to you to decide what's best for your loyal pet and do everything possible to make him feel alright.