Dog Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do
Seizures in dogs (canine epilepsy) are episodes of abnormal electrical brain activity. Causes are broadly categorized.
Etiologic Classification
| Category | Examples | Typical Onset |
|---|
| Idiopathic epilepsy (genetic) | No identifiable structural/metabolic cause; breed predisposition (Beagle, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, etc.) | 6 months – 6 years |
| Structural | Brain tumor, stroke, trauma, hydrocephalus, malformation, granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) | Any age; often >5 yrs or <1 yr |
| Metabolic / Toxic | Hypoglycemia, hepatic encephalopathy, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, toxins (xylitol, lead, organophosphates, mycotoxins) | Acute, often reversible if cause treated |
| Infectious / Inflammatory | Distemper, rabies, neosporosis, toxoplasmosis, tick‑borne (RMSF, ehrlichiosis), bacterial/fungal meningitis | Variable; often systemic signs |
| Unknown (cryptogenic) | No cause found despite workup | — |
Seizure Types
- Generalized tonic‑clonic (grand mal): Loss of consciousness, paddling, jaw chomping, urination/defecation.
- Focal (partial): Facial twitching, limb jerking, fly‑biting, staring, behavioral changes – may generalize.
- Psychomotor: Bizarre behavior (running, vocalizing, aggression) – temporal lobe origin.
What to Do During a Seizure
- Stay calm; time it.
- Protect from injury: Move furniture, cushion head; do NOT put hands in mouth.
- Reduce stimulation: Dim lights, quiet.
- Record video for veterinarian.
- If >5 min or cluster (≥2 in 24 hrs): Emergency vet – status epilepticus.
Diagnostic Workup
- CBC, chemistry, bile acids, urinalysis, thyroid, tick panel.
- MRI brain + CSF analysis (gold standard for structural/inflammatory).
- EEG rarely used in veterinary practice.
Treatment
- Idiopathic epilepsy: Phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, zonisamide, imepitoin. Monitor levels, liver.
- Treat underlying cause (surgery, antibiotics, detox, diet).
- Dietary therapy (ketogenic/MCT) adjunctive.
Early veterinary evaluation improves seizure control and quality of life.
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