There are many different causes of seizures in dogs. Knowing the causes can help you to identify potential problems and get your dog the treatment they need. Seizures are scary for both you and your dog and you want to do your best to prevent them from happening. This blog article will discuss 6 different causes of seizures in dogs so you can start to understand why your dog may be seizuring. When you know what’s causing your dog’s seizures, you can take steps to prevent them from happening again!
1. Idiopathic Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is one the of most common causes of seizures in dogs. It usually begins when the dog is between one and five years old. The cause of idiopathic epilepsy is unknown, but it is thought to be a genetic disorder. There is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy, but it can be controlled with daily medication.
2. Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a variety of things, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and immune-mediated disorders. Dogs with meningitis may have seizures, neurological deficits, fever, neck pain, and changes to mentation.
The treatment for meningitis will depend on the cause and can include antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and corticosteroids. The same is true for prognosis, steroid-responsive meningitis carries the best prognosis, whereas infectious causes generally have a poor prognosis.
3. Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain. This causes the ventricles to enlarge and puts pressure on the brain. Hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and is often due to a genetic defect. Acquired hydrocephalus can be caused by head trauma, meningitis, or brain tumors.
Small breed dogs are predisposed to congenital hydrocephalus such as the chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, pug, and Maltese. The clinical signs of congenital hydrocephalus usually appear within the first 6 months after birth, but some dogs do not develop these symptoms until adulthood.
Dogs with hydrocephalus may have seizures, depression, blindness, ataxia, and circling behavior. The treatment for hydrocephalus depends on the cause and can include surgery to remove the excess cerebrospinal fluid, medications to reduce brain swelling, or a shunt to drain the excess fluid away from the brain.
4. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar levels drop too low. Common reasons for hypoglycemia in dogs include excessive glucose utilization or decreased glucose production. Since the brain doesn't create or produce glucose, it's important to have a consistent supply of glucose in order to maintain normal function.
Dogs that have sepsis, some infections, are pregnant, have paraneoplastic syndromes, or engage in extreme exercise may utilize glucose excessively and experience hypoglycemia. Decreased glucose production can lead to hypoglycemia in dogs. This can occur in toy breeds or young puppies and in cases of liver dysfunction, Addison's disease, glycogen storage disease, and certain medications such as beta-blockers.
Dogs with hypoglycemia may have seizures, weakness, tremors, and collapse. The treatment for hypoglycemia is to give the dog glucose or sugar water until their blood
If your dog is experiencing a hypoglycemic crisis at home, you can administer syrup or honey orally to help stabilize their blood sugar levels. However, this is not as effective as IV dextrose treatments administered by a veterinarian. You should transport your dog to your animal hospital for proper care.
5. Toxins
There are many different toxins that are important causes of seizures in dogs. These include, but are not limited to lead, chocolate, xylitol, ethylene glycol, rodenticides, strychnine, and organophosphates.
Puppies and young dogs are often more susceptible to toxin exposure as they are typically more curious and likely to put things in their mouths. Dogs that live in rural areas are also at an increased risk, as they may be more exposed to toxins such as pesticides and herbicides.
The clinical signs of toxicity will depend on the toxin involved and can range from mild to severe. Some dogs may only have gastrointestinal upset while others may experience neurological deficits, seizures, and even death.
Treatment for toxicity-induced seizures will depend on the toxin involved and how much was ingested. If the dog is having seizures, it will likely need to be hospitalized for supportive care and IV fluids. The prognosis for dogs that have ingested toxins is generally good if they receive prompt and appropriate treatment.
6. Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain. These can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and tend not to spread. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the brain or body. The most common type that occurs in dogs is meningioma, which originates in the membranes surrounding the brain.
Dogs with brain tumors may have seizures, changes in behavior, and neurological deficits. The treatment for brain tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location, and whether it has spread. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The prognosis for dogs with brain tumors is generally poor but depends on the type of mass and how early it is detected and treated.
Seizures are a common occurrence in dogs, and there are many different causes to consider. If you're concerned about your dog's seizure activity, it's important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform some diagnostic tests to rule out specific causes, and may also be able to provide you with treatment options. Don't wait—the sooner you address the problem, the better chance your dog has of remaining healthy and seizure-free.