Dog Has Seizure Then Walks Funny
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled movement of the body caused by abnormal brain activity. Some dogs may have partial seizures, involving only a limited portion of the trunk. Many dogs have generalized, or tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, involving movements of the entire body and a loss of consciousness.
Seizures can be acquired past a number of underlying conditions. The nigh common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy, an inherited condition that results in increased excitability of the brain'southward neurons (nerve cells). Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have their starting time seizure between the ages of six months and half dozen years. In improver to idiopathic epilepsy, other causes of seizures include toxins, liver and kidney disease, head trauma, and brain tumors.
What is syncope?
Syncope describes a temporary loss of consciousness and posture, also known as 'fainting' or 'passing out'. Syncope is caused by a temporary disruption in claret period or oxygen delivery to the encephalon. Typically, this is acquired by episodes of depression blood pressure level, although other internal changes tin besides trigger syncope. Mutual underlying causes of syncope include center disease, heart tumors, emotional stress or feet, hypoglycemia (low blood carbohydrate), and abnormalities in blood electrolyte levels. Additionally, some episodes of syncope are triggered by specific actions or activities, including coughing, urinating, and defecating.
"Syncope is caused by a temporary disruption in blood flow or oxygen delivery to the brain."
What does a typical seizure look like?
A dog with a generalized seizure often begins showing abnormal behaviors prior to the actual seizure. Dogs may hide, whine, act anxious, tremble, or salivate for anywhere from several seconds to several hours prior to a seizure. This period is chosen the pre-ictal phase, or aura.
In a generalized or tonic-clonic seizure, the dog will typically be seen to all of a sudden autumn on his side. The legs will first become potent and this stiffening is often followed past rhythmic/jerky paddling motions. The head is frequently held back with the cervix extended. Dogs may vocalize, will often have repeated chewing or chomping motions of the jaw, and often will salivate excessively. Typically, dogs will also urinate or defecate during seizures.
Seizures typically last approximately ane to two minutes, although prolonged seizures can occur and crave treatment. Once the seizure has concluded, the domestic dog will have a prolonged mail service-ictal recovery catamenia, lasting up to 24 hours depending on the individual domestic dog. During the post-ictal catamenia, dogs are typically confused and disoriented. They may exist observed to stride and wander aimlessly, while some dogs may show farther signs such as blindness, and increased thirst and urination.
"During the post-ictal menstruation, dogs are typically dislocated and disoriented."
What does a typical episode of syncope expect like?
A typical syncopal episode volition start suddenly with no pre-ictal phase, oft during concrete activity and exertion. The canis familiaris may initially announced weak or wobbly and, if observed, this period will be brusque-lived. When the dog collapses, he will go suddenly limp. Like a dog having a seizure, he may urinate or defecate during the episode.
A syncopal domestic dog may move his legs but these movements are typically associated with the dog trying to go support. These movements are non like the paddling leg movements that are more commonly associated with a seizure. Syncopal dogs typically will non have chewing motions of the jaw or increased salivation. The episode will end within seconds to minutes and the dog volition recover rapidly, with no post-ictal period.
How are seizures and syncope treated?
Handling is dependent on accurately determining whether your canis familiaris is experiencing seizures or syncope. Videos of your dog'due south episodes can be very useful in this determination.
If you and your veterinary determine that your canis familiaris is having seizures, farther workup volition depend on such details as your domestic dog'southward age, seizure history, and other concurrent medical issues. About likely, the adjacent steps will include claret piece of work to assess cell counts, glucose (saccharide) levels, and organ function. Following blood work, your canis familiaris may be started on anti-seizure medication or may be referred to a specialist for more advanced testing to assess for possible underlying neurologic causes.
If you and your veterinary determine that your canis familiaris is having syncope, your veterinarian will likely develop a programme to evaluate your dog's heart function. Your canis familiaris may need to continue medications to help right the underlying heart abnormality if i is detected. Based on the diagnosis, at that place may exist other interventions to subtract the frequency of your dog'south syncopal episodes.
What is the prognosis for a dog with seizures or syncope?
Your canis familiaris's prognosis volition depend on the crusade of his seizures or syncope. Young dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically answer well to treatment, while some other causes of seizures carry a more guarded prognosis. The prognosis for syncope is also dependent on the underlying cause. In some cases, avoiding triggers may be enough to eliminate your dog'south risk, while other dogs may have significant heart disease that carries a more guarded prognosis. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet'southward prognosis more than specifically in one case an accurate diagnosis has been obtained.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-and-syncope
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