Seizures in Dogs - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment | Southeast Veterinary Neurology

Summary

This video provides an in-depth explanation of seizures in pets, covering their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Seizures are abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain, which can result from metabolic issues, brain conditions, or idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnosis involves blood tests, x-rays, and MRI scans. Emergency treatments like Valium help control seizures, while long-term medications aim to reduce their frequency and severity. The video emphasizes that although seizures cannot always be fully prevented, effective management is key to improving pets' quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Seizures are abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain, indicating a brain problem but not revealing the cause.
• 😀 Common symptoms of seizures in animals include falling, jaw clenching, salivation, urination, defecation, and limb paddling.
• 😀 Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes, with pets often experiencing disorientation afterward.
• 😀 Seizures can be caused by three broad categories: metabolic (external causes), structural brain issues, and idiopathic epilepsy.
• 😀 Metabolic causes of seizures include low blood sugar, liver/kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and toxins.
• 😀 Structural brain issues like encephalitis, brain tumors, strokes, and malformations can lead to seizures.
• 😀 Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs, particularly those between 1-5 years old, and is diagnosed by ruling out other causes.
• 😀 Blood tests, X-rays, MRI, and CSF analysis are essential for diagnosing the cause of seizures in pets.
• 😀 Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed by excluding other causes and is considered a diagnosis of exclusion.
• 😀 Seizures lasting over 3 minutes or multiple seizures in one day require immediate veterinary attention for possible emergency care.
• 😀 Treatment involves emergency medications like Valium and midazolam to stop active seizures, while maintenance drugs (e.g., Levetiracetam, Phenobarbital) help reduce future seizures' frequency and severity.

Q & A

What exactly is a seizure in animals?

A seizure is an abnormal burst of electrical activity in the cerebral cortex (the front part of the brain), indicating there is a problem with the brain. However, it doesn’t specify the cause, just that something is wrong with the brain.

What are the common signs that an animal is having a seizure?

Common signs of a seizure include the animal falling on its side, clenching its jaws or mouth opening, drooling, urinating or defecating, paddling of the limbs, and disorientation afterward.

What are the three broad categories of causes of seizures in animals?

The three categories are: 1) Causes outside the brain (extracranial or metabolic), such as low blood sugar or toxins; 2) Problems within the brain itself (intracranial), such as brain tumors or infections; 3) Idiopathic epilepsy, where no specific cause is found.

How can we diagnose the underlying cause of seizures?

The diagnosis typically involves blood tests, x-rays, and an MRI. For more detailed information, a spinal tap or CSF analysis may be performed. The goal is to rule out other causes, such as metabolic disorders or brain malformations, before diagnosing idiopathic epilepsy.

When should diagnostic tests be considered for seizures?

Tests should be considered if the animal has a seizure at a young age (under 1 year) or at an older age (over 12 years), especially if seizures have recently begun. Tests should also be pursued if the animal shows abnormal neurological signs such as confusion or weakness.

What is idiopathic epilepsy and how is it diagnosed?

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs, usually occurring between 1-5 years of age. It is diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes through blood tests and MRI scans, making it a diagnosis of exclusion.

What should pet owners do if their dog has a seizure?

If your dog has a seizure for the first time, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If the dog has recurring seizures, and the cause is known or suspected to be epilepsy, urgent veterinary care is needed if the seizures last longer than 3 minutes or if there are multiple seizures within 24 hours.

What are the treatment options for seizures in animals?

Treatment can be divided into emergency and maintenance drugs. Emergency drugs like Valium or Midazolam are used to stop seizures in progress, while maintenance drugs like Levetiracetam, Phenobarbital, and Potassium Bromide are used to prevent further seizures over the long term.

What is the goal of treating seizures in animals?

The primary goal is to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of seizures, rather than eliminate them completely. It is not realistic to expect that medication will stop all seizures, but it can help manage and lessen their impact.

Are there specific breeds more prone to seizures?

Yes, certain dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Maltese, and Chihuahuas, are more likely to have structural problems inside the brain that could cause seizures. These breeds may require more immediate testing and MRI scans to identify underlying issues.