What You Need to Know About Seizures In Dogs

Seizures in dogs are very scary for pet owners. However, the more that you know and understand, the better off that you will be.

What is a seizure?

A seizure is classified as an involuntary behavior.

There are several different types of seizures, but the most common are called grand mal seizures. During these types of seizures, dogs will fall on the ground and thrash their legs around. They will often urinate and defecate without knowing it.

Many dogs know that they are going to have seizures, but they can’t tell us. However, some owners are able to notice a change in their dog’s behavior beforehand.

Often, after seizures, there is a period of disorientation. Some dogs even appear to be blind. This can last from a few minutes up to a few hours.

What are the common causes of seizures?

There are many different causes of seizures. Often, you can figure out the cause depending on the age of the dog.

Meningitis

Younger dogs often have meningitis, which is an infection. This is usually confirmed by analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, which is collected through a spinal tap. This can only be done by a neurologist. These dogs will need to be on antibiotics for several weeks or months after their signs are gone.

Epilepsy

When you can’t find a cause behind the seizures, the disease is called epilepsy. This usually occurs when a dog is between one and five years old. The most common breeds are Schnauzers, Basset Hounds, Collies, and Cocker Spaniels.

Meningioma

A meningioma is a brain tumor that commonly causes seizures because it puts pressure on the brain. These can often be removed if caught early. However, a neurologist will need to perform a CT scan or MRI to find the tumor. Then, they will have to decide whether or not surgery is an option. Steroids may help if surgery is not an option.

Common Medications for Seizures

There are many medications that can be used to help with seizures. They are necessary to help treat epilepsy. They can also be used while treating meningitis and if surgery is not an option with a meningioma.

When should you start treating seizures with medications?

Not everyone wants to start treating seizures with medications right away. If your dog has more than one seizure a month, it may be time to think about putting your dog on medication. Another reason that dogs get started on medication is because they have cluster seizures. Cluster seizures are seizures that occur close together. They can be very dangerous to a dog’s brain.

Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is the most commonly used medication to treat seizures, so you should be familiar with it. It is a long-acting barbiturate which is used to stop the seizure activity in the brain. It is fairly cheap.

It can take a few weeks for a good phenobarbital level to build up in the blood. After this happens, it is important to run a phenobarbital level to make sure that the phenobarbital level is effective. Once your dog is at a therapeutic level, it needs to be checked every six months to make sure that it stays there. Phenobarbital can be toxic to the liver, so it is also important to check a liver function every six months along with the phenobarbital level.

Many dog’s seizures can’t be adequately controlled by phenobarbital alone. However, before adding another medication, it is important that the level is at the maximum therapeutic range.

Potassium Bromide

Potassium Bromide is usually added to phenobarbital. The phenobarbital dosage is cut back and a higher dosage of potassium bromide is given for a few days until a maintenance dose can be given. These two medications work very well together, and many dogs’ seizures can be controlled with them.

There are going to be some dogs who may need more medications. Though, these are human medications, so they can get quite costly for owners.

Zonisamide

Zonisamide can be used alone, or it can be added to phenobarbital and potassium bromide. It is in the sulfa class, so it has side effects pertaining to the eyes and some immune-mediated reactions. It is best when used twice a daily but has shown to be effective in some animals when used once daily.

Levetiracetam (Keppra®)

Keppra is becoming popular because it works well and does not seem to have many side effects. However, it is expensive and needs to be given three times a day. It may take some time to figure out a dosage that works for your dog.

Clorazepate (Tranxene®)

This medication is related to a medication which is used to stop seizures in an emergency situation. However, this medication does not last very long and dogs develop a tolerance to this medication quickly. They can also have withdrawal symptoms, so you have to be careful when you stop it.

Felbamate (Felbatol®)

Many owners like this medication because it does not have many side effects. However, it can be costly, and it needs to be given three times a day. It will also make dogs very sleepy. It can not be used in puppies.

Gabapentin (Neurontin®)

Some veterinarians like this medication, while others do not. It needs to be given three or four times a day. It does not have many side effects. Within a week, it should stabilize in the blood. It works great for some but not for others.

Seizures can be scary for owners but, with some testing and medications, your dog can live a long and relatively healthy life.