Dog Seizures FAQ's with Your Diamond Bar Veterinarian

Here at East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic, we routinely treat animals for all sorts of emergencies, including seizures. While they may not kill your animal, seizures are distressing and damaging to the dog, and should be addressed immediately. Here are a few FAQs to start the educational process.

What Types of Seizures Do Dogs Experience in Diamond Bar?

Typical seizures are dubbed idiopathic epilepsy, which is typically inherited and results in a single seizure at a time, usually when the dog is excited.

• Cluster seizures - occur when the dog experiences multiple seizures over and over, which can cause body temperature to rise dangerously and may prove fatal.
• Status epilepticus - is an extremely serious condition in which the seizure lasts for more than five minutes. In this case, you need to seek treatment from a qualified veterinarian immediately.

What Causes Seizures in Dogs?

Seizures may result from genetic conditions, from poisoning, liver or kidney disease, brain trauma or brain tumors.

What Are the Stages of a Seizure?

Seizures occur in three stages. In the first, the pre-ictal phase, the dog will exhibit anxiety, nervousness, neediness or hiding tendencies.

This will be followed by the ictal phase. The dog may simply “check out,” or may actually seize, with uncontrollable muscle spasms that last from a few seconds to a few minutes. During this time, the dog may lose consciousness.

In the post-ictal phase, the third and final one, the dog may pace, appear confused, salivate or lose eyesight.

Wondering What to Do If Your Dog Has a Seizure?

No doubt you’re wondering what to do if your dog has a seizure, and that’s normal. If the seizure is still ongoing, hang up and call (909) 861-5737 or whatever emergency pet facility is closest to you. If the seizure has passed, you should still visit a vet right away. It may be repeated shortly, especially if the pet is seizing due to an external or environmental factor.

How Are Seizures Treated?

Serious and ongoing seizures are treated with intravenous anticonvulsants to get the condition under control. Ongoing treatment consists of phenobarbital and potassium bromide, and sometimes both.

Once medication is started, it must be continued for life or risk a recurrence of the seizures – often more severe than before. Anticonvulsants can even cause seizures in dogs that have no history if administered and then withdrawn.

What Should You Do to Follow Up with a Diamond Bar Practitioner?

Always follow up on a seizure right away by calling us at (909) 861-5737. We will provide a thorough examination and a course of treatment to prevent a recurrence and keep your pet healthy for life.