NERVOUS SYSTEM

Mistakenly, many people think of epilepsy as a disorder that only affects humans. However, it is becoming more and more common for dogs to experience epileptic seizures. Epilepsy in dogs is caused by many different factors. Additionally, the seriousness of the condition differs. Some dogs experience mild seizures, which are disregarded by their owners. On the other hand, more severe seizures can cause involuntary body shakes or convulsions. Epilepsy in dogs can occur in stages. When a dog is prone to have seizures, owners may be able to foresee an upcoming episode. In many cases, epileptic seizures and unusual behavior go hand-in-hand.

It is important to have dogs examined by a veterinarian immediately following a seizure. Although epilepsy is a common cause of seizures in canines, other factors may have contributed to the episode. After undergoing a series of medical examinations, a vet will determine whether the seizure was caused by idiopathic epilepsy or secondary epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is the prognosis when no known cause for the seizure is found. Thus, the seizure may have been caused by an inherited condition or injury. Secondary epilepsy in dogs occurs when a vet is able to pinpoint the medical condition that brought on the seizure.

Epilepsy in dogs occurs in four stages. During stage one an owner may notice a slight change in their dog's behavior. The animal may appear less active or unhappy. During the second stage, the animal will start to exhibit additional behavioral changes such as loud barking, whining, salivating, walking in circles, urinating, etc. The epileptic seizure occurs in the third stage. Severity varies. The dog will perhaps gnash its teeth, drool excessively, pant, cry, twitch, or lose consciousness.

Certain breeds are more prone to epilepsy. Even so, veterinarians have pinpointed some possible causes of epilepsy in dog. These include hypoglycemia, brain tumors, lead poisoning, organ failure, toxins, and other diseases.