Seizures are one of the most frequently seen neurological problems in dogs.  Seizures are also called convulsions or fits.  A seizure may one, all or a combination of the following:

• Loss or derangement of consciousness.
• Contractions of all muscles in the body.
• Changes in mental awareness, ranging from non responsiveness hallucinations.
• Involuntary urination, defection, or salivation.
• Behavioral changes including, but not limited to, non recognition of owner, pacing and running in circles.

The three phases of a seizure

Seizures consist of three phases:

1. Pre-Ictal:  This is a period of altered behavior in which the dog may hide, appear nervous, or seek out the owner.  In people with seizures, they call the this phase "an aura".  This phase may last a few seconds to a few hours.
2. Ictal Phase:  This is the phase that is the actual seizure.  Seizures can last a few seconds to about five minutes.  During this period, all of the muscles of the body contract strongly.  The dog usually falls on it's side and seems paralyzed.  The head can be drawn backward.  Urination, defecation, and salivation often occur.  If the seizure is not over within five minutes, the dog is said to be in status epilepticus and this is an emergency.  Many dogs do not have full blown seizures as described above.  Some dogs can just have odd behavior changes, licking the floor, snapping at imaginary flies, or just be in daze.  Discuss any odd behaviors you see in your dog with your veterinarian.  These type of seizures are called "partial (limbic) seizures".
3. Post-Ictal Phase:  During this phase, the dog can be confused, disoriented, salivate profusely, pace, and/or have temporary blindness. There is no direct correlation between the severity of a seizure and the duration of the post-ictal phase.  This phase can last for several seconds to several days.

What to do if your dog has a seizure

Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, the dog does not feel any pain, only bewilderment.  Dogs do not swallow their tongues.  Please do not put your fingers near or in your dog's mouth.  You run a high risk of being bitten by your dog.  This is not on purpose, it is just part of a seizure.  The important thing you can do for your dog is to keep the dog from falling and hurting itself.  As long as your dog is on the floor or ground, and away from stairs, there is little chance of harm.  If seizures last for more a long time, or if several seizures continue with little recovery between seizures, your dog's temperature can rise (hyperthermia) and this poses a new set of problems.  Get your dog to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Causes of seizures

Unfortunately, there are many, many causes of seizures.  Just because your dog had a seizure, your veterinarian cannot tell you the cause without doing tests.  Tests include, but are not limited to, blood work, radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, and MRI's.  Epilepsy is the most common cause and fortunately the least serious of causes to your dog.  However, other causes include brain tumors, toxins, low blood sugar and liver disease.

How to prevent further seizures

If your dog has only had one seizure or less than one seizure every 6-8 weeks, some veterinarians will opt not to treat your dog.  Many dogs can have one or two seizures in it's lifetime and require no treatment.  However, those dogs that have many seizures do need anticonvulsant treatment.  If there is an underlying cause, such as liver disease or a low blood sugar, those are treated first (if possible) and often the seizures will cease.  If the dog has epilepsy, there are two drugs veterinarians can prescribe out to a patient.  These drugs are phenobarbital and potassium bromide.  Medication is for the rest of dog's life. Your veterinarian will give you a schedule of when to come back for blood work rechecks in order to measure your dog's phenobarbital or potassium bromide levels, plus liver values.  The goal of the treatment is that the dog should have one or no seizures every 6 weeks.  It is never a good idea to stop your dog's medication abruptly.  Even normal dogs may be induced into a seizure if placed on anticonvulsant medication and then it is abruptly stopped.

What is status epilepticus?

Status epilepticus (S.E.) is something an owner of a dog with seizures needs to be aware of.  S.E. is characterized by a seizure that lasts for more than five  minutes or has frequent seizures in a row without recovery in between.  When this occurs, your dog's life is in danger.  Without prompt intravenous medication and support, your dog could die.  If S.E. occurs, or you are unsure of your dog's safety, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately.

How do I know my dog had a seizure if I'm gone?

Obviously, many dog owners work and are not around to monitor their dog every single minute.  If your dog has partial seizures, you may never know that your dog had a seizure while you were gone.  If your dog has full grand-mal seizures, where your dog loses bowel control and/or salivates profusely, you may find feces or urine in your house, or dried saliva in many places.  Your dog may still be in the post-ictal phase when you return home or be acting normal.  Call your veterinarian to discuss this.  Keep a calendar as to how often your dog has a seizure.  This helps determine if the treatment if working.  Let the veterinarian know the frequency and how long each seizure lasts.

It can be very scary to watch your dog have a seizure.  If there is an extra person around, have that person call your veterinarian for instructions.  Depending on what is causing your dog's seizures, your dog could be successfully treated and live a long normal life.