Types of Seizures in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and What They Mean

A dog experiencing a seizure is a scary event. It occurs suddenly, and it is powerful. It often causes owners to question what has just taken place. Knowing the types of seizures in dogs provides guidance amidst the confusion. It enables you to identify what is happening and assess its severity.

We'll start with the basics and then build toward the terms used in epilepsy in veterinary medicine terminology. That keeps things simple for pet owners and reliable for practitioners and professionals.

What is a Seizure in a Dog?

A seizure occurs when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity within the brain. This interrupts regular bodily control. Some seizures cause full-body shaking, while others are small and easy to miss. A few show up as strange or sudden behavior changes.  

There are different types of seizures in dogs. Here are a few of them discussed in detail:

Canine Seizure Classification

1. Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures

This is the most dramatic type of dog seizures. The dog falls, stiffens, and starts to shake when it is experiencing an episode. The legs may paddle. Drooling and loss of bladder control are common. These episodes usually last under two minutes.

2. Focal Seizures in Dogs (Partial Seizures)

A focal seizure starts in one area of the brain. Because of that, only part of the body reacts. You may see twitching on one side of the face. Some dogs blink rapidly or make chewing motions. Others seem frozen or confused.

These types of seizures appear mild, yet they really matter a lot. If left untreated, focal seizures in dogs can progress into generalized seizures.

3. Cluster Seizures in Dogs 

Cluster seizures occur when a dog experiences more than two seizures within a day. This pattern can be considered serious, even when the dog wakes up between episodes. The result of cluster seizures in dogs could be brain swelling and long-term damage to the brain.

Any case of cluster seizures in dogs needs immediate veterinary care. The dog should be rushed to the veterinarian if the symptoms persist or if it shows consistent signs of confusion.

4. Status Epilepticus

At times, dogs experience repeated episodes of seizures without any intervals between them. Such a situation is known as Status Epilepticus. This can be a life-threatening condition for the dogs and should be addressed immediately. 

As a result of recurring seizure attacks, the brain of the dogs has little to no time for recovery. Moreover, these seizures are often known to last more than 5 minutes and should be tackled.

5. Psychomotor Seizures

Pet owners often get confused by these seizures in dogs because they affect behavior more than movement. The symptoms of psychotomor seizures can easily be mistaken for behavioral issues, mood swings, or a dog just throwing tantrums.

A dog may snap at invisible objects or chase something that isn't there. Some run in circles or freeze suddenly. The episode usually ends as quickly as it starts.

6. Idiopathic Seizures in Dogs

Idiopathic seizures in dogs refer to seizures that do not have any recognizable source. These seizures frequently come up in young to middle-aged dogs. Generalized seizures in dogs or partial seizures in dogs can be manifestations of this condition.

After going through the key seizure types, it would be beneficial to compare them directly. The next table provides a summary of every seizure type, its symptoms, risk category, and frequent causes.

Types of Dog Seizures: Easy Comparison Table

 

Accurate knowledge of the features, dangers, and reasons for each seizure type assists you in speedy diagnosis. Nevertheless, it is also important to know when to take action before things progress and get out of hand.

When Is a Seizure an Emergency?

Certain seizures come to an end fairly quickly and require only one visit to the veterinarian. However, there are more hazardous ones. Any seizure that continues for more than five minutes is a medical emergency. 

The same goes for any case of cluster seizures in dogs. Besides, seizures that result from trauma or toxin exposure will also necessitate immediate care.

If you are aware of the signs and symptoms of emergencies, you might protect your dog's brain and overall health by seeking immediate treatment.

Treatment for Seizures in Dogs

The treatment for the seizures depends on many factors. These factors include the type of seizures, their intensity, and their occurrence. 

• Emergency Measures: If a dog is going through recurrent seizure attacks or cluster seizures, then veterinarians can prescribe anticonvulsant medications immediately. It is considered an effective way to treat the seizures right away.
• Medications for treatment: Dogs that suffer from recurrent seizures may get anti-seizure medications daily, like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or the newer ones like levetiracetam.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: It is essential to treat the root cause when seizures are caused by toxins, infections, or metabolic disorders.
• Supportive Care: It is very important to carefully help the dog get through a seizure episode. Ensure that there are no hazards around the dog. Moreover, making sure that a dog recovers and gets the due rest after an episode can speed the recovery.

To learn more about modern seizure care strategies, join our canine seizure management CE webinar.

Final Thoughts

Learning the types of seizures that can occur in dogs enables you to act confidently in a very scary situation. You will be able to see the same patterns, detect early signs, and remain calm when your dog requires you the most. 

This understanding also allows your vet to pinpoint the cause of the seizure and devise a treatment strategy that works well.

FAQs

What does a seizure look like in a dog?

A seizure has different aspects in terms of severity and visibility. Some dogs fall over and shake, while others only move some of their muscles or stop moving altogether. Occasionally, dogs may just stare or seem bewildered. The seizure type determines the appearance of symptoms.

What can trigger a seizure in a dog?

Stress, flashing lights, toxins, infections, and metabolic imbalances are all triggers. Excitement or sudden fear may cause some dogs to have seizures. However, for others, there is no apparent trigger whatsoever. By recognizing patterns, your vet can direct treatment more easily.

Can learning about seizures help in a veterinary career?

Surely, being familiar with the different kinds of seizures and the subsequent emergency treatment will make you ready for a veterinary support position. Those new to the veterinary industry consider the breakdown of vet assistant salary and assess the benefits of these indispensable roles.

What causes seizures in dogs?

The causes vary from the idiopathic seizure in dogs to tumors, trauma, organ disease, or poisoning. Puppies are the usual victims of congenital epilepsy. On the other hand, older dogs more frequently suffer from either structural or medical reasons. 

What are the four main types of seizures in dogs?

The four types of seizures that are most often grouped together are generalized seizures, focal seizures in dogs, cluster seizures in dogs, and psychomotor seizures. Each type has different symptoms and poses a different risk. Identifying them allows pet parents to act safely.

What type of seizures does brain trauma cause in dogs?

In dogs, brain injuries usually cause focal seizures as the first symptom. They might show involuntary movements or strange conduct on one side of the body. Through time, trauma-related seizures have the possibility of progressing to generalized seizures.