Canine seizures come in varying types and degrees. Some are only partial, affecting simply one side of the animal's body or even just a small area. A grand mal is the most commonly seen type.

1. A Guide To Canine Seizures For Worried Owners
Canine seizures come in varying types and degrees. Some are only partial, affecting simply one
side of the animal's body or even just a small area. A grand mal is the most commonly seen
type. Usually, the dog will collapse, salivate heavily, start convulsing, are completely unaware of
all surroundings, and can also involuntarily defecate or urinate. A petit mal is similar, but there
are no convulsions.
If you are watching very closely, you will see that there are three stages to a seizure. The aura,
or pre-phase, is the beginning of the episode. Your pet may whine, seek affection, pace and
appear generally restless. Next is the fit itself, known as the ictus. Symptoms include collapsing,
vomiting, salivating, and convulsions. The recovery phase, or postictal, can last anywhere from
minutes to possibly days. You might notice temporary blindness and the animal seeming to be
disoriented.
Even in current times, we do not know the exact triggering of these episodes. It has been
observed by many owners and veterinarians that attacks are most often triggered while the dog
is in a state of excitement. Being happy to see people come in the door or just in general play is
sometimes enough for those affected. Some dogs have also been known to seizure while
asleep.
There is a long list of conditions and diseases that are known to cause fits like these. For
instance, the metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus affects the animal world just as it does
humans. It is caused when the pancreas produces too little insulin. This leads to higher glucose
levels in the system than are normal. They can also be too low, something known as
hypoglycemia.
Taking in or being exposed to any number of toxins can also be a contributing factor. One
example would be antifreeze, also known as ethylene glycol. Attractive to pets due to its sweet
aroma and taste, it is highly dangerous and can kill even a large dog with a very small dose. It
does this by forming crystals on the kidneys, systematically shutting down the body. Also avoid
giving chocolate due to it toxicity.
Another major culprit is the canine distemper disease. This virus is devastating and known to be
fatal in over seventy-five percent of cases. The body is slowly and thoroughly ravaged over
time. The condition basically attacks and shuts down every system in the body. It is highly
contagious and excruciating to the infected animal. However, it can be avoided with a yearly
vaccination.
These are common culprits of seizures but certainly not all of the possibilities. If a veterinarian
runs multiple tests and still cannot find a direct cause, he will usually diagnose your pet as

2. having epilepsy. This only means that the animal is repeatedly seizing without it being caused
by another condition. It is thought that a chemical imbalance in the brain leads to misfiring of
neurons which causes the episode. It usually shows up between the ages of six months to five
years.
If your dog goes into canine seizures, the best thing you can do is remain calm. Remove any
other animals or small children from the room. To prevent injuries from a fall, put him on the
ground if he isn't already and away from sharp objects. It's a myth that they will swallow their
tongue, so avoid putting your hand in their mouth; you might get bitten. Observe your pup
closely so you can describe the episode to your vet. They should be called immediately if it goes
on for over three minutes or has an immediate repeat.
Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory's Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine
epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website for a wealth of information on canine
seizures Sandra's secret to good canine health--you'll be surprised to learn the truth.