There are several reasons that this condition may present itself in your pet aside from epilepsy which we are all familiar with. Some possible causes are related to brain tumors, head injuries, diseases that may be contracted such as distemper and Lyme, and even genetics can play a part. Seizures in dogs can be found in several types, as well as contracted in several different ways.
The first type is classified as Generalized and may be considered either mild or severe (Grand Mal). This type goes through two phases known as the Tonic and Clonic phases, with the animal experiencing loss of balance and then a motion of running in place. The second type or Petit Mal is believed to be extremely rare in canines and is classified by the eyes rotating upward and brief unconsciousness.
Classification type three is called the Partial and may progress into a Generalized type in some cases. With the Partial, it is likely that a particular body part is affected, like a limb. The jerking repetitive movements can be noticed in a particular area on the pet on one or more occurrence.
Classification type four is the Complex Partial which may include a number of more complex behaviors. It has been known to cause both visual and sensory events that will cause an animal to repeatedly perform a particular act. For instance, it becomes likely that a pet may uncontrollably lick the lips, bite on a particular paw, or even take of running for no reason.
A type that lasts longer than five minutes, and can last up to thirty minutes is known as Status Epilepticus, and number five on this list. This can actually be life-threatening for the pet and it is difficult to tell how many episodes actually occur. It is also difficult to tell this type apart from that of the Cluster Seizures which is number six on the list.
Just as important as learning the different types, it becomes necessary to learn the phases associated with the condition. A pet is likely to experience three different phases that are commonly associated with this problem. Pre-Ictal, Ictal, and the Post-Ictal are listed as the particular phases associated with a seizure.
In a Pre-Ictal phase, the pet can be found to be experiencing feelings of uneasiness and often whining for a period of a few minutes to a few hours. When this phase has progressed into the Ictal Phase, the seizure should have already started and spastic motions of some of the muscles should be visible. In most cases, the pet will have fallen down unable to maintain their balance at this point.
Should this particular phase last longer than five minutes it then becomes type Status Epilepticus as described above. It is quite possible for many pets to lose control of their bowels at this time. It is likely that the pet will be confused, disoriented and even lose their sight for brief periods during the Post-Ictal Phase.
Should your pet experience any type that has been described, never attempt to restrain them in any way. Also, never attempt to place any object in their mouth to protect the tongue. The best thing to do for seizures in dogs is remain calm and keep the area free from objects that might injure the animal.
The first type is classified as Generalized and may be considered either mild or severe (Grand Mal). This type goes through two phases known as the Tonic and Clonic phases, with the animal experiencing loss of balance and then a motion of running in place. The second type or Petit Mal is believed to be extremely rare in canines and is classified by the eyes rotating upward and brief unconsciousness.
Classification type three is called the Partial and may progress into a Generalized type in some cases. With the Partial, it is likely that a particular body part is affected, like a limb. The jerking repetitive movements can be noticed in a particular area on the pet on one or more occurrence.
Classification type four is the Complex Partial which may include a number of more complex behaviors. It has been known to cause both visual and sensory events that will cause an animal to repeatedly perform a particular act. For instance, it becomes likely that a pet may uncontrollably lick the lips, bite on a particular paw, or even take of running for no reason.
A type that lasts longer than five minutes, and can last up to thirty minutes is known as Status Epilepticus, and number five on this list. This can actually be life-threatening for the pet and it is difficult to tell how many episodes actually occur. It is also difficult to tell this type apart from that of the Cluster Seizures which is number six on the list.
Just as important as learning the different types, it becomes necessary to learn the phases associated with the condition. A pet is likely to experience three different phases that are commonly associated with this problem. Pre-Ictal, Ictal, and the Post-Ictal are listed as the particular phases associated with a seizure.
In a Pre-Ictal phase, the pet can be found to be experiencing feelings of uneasiness and often whining for a period of a few minutes to a few hours. When this phase has progressed into the Ictal Phase, the seizure should have already started and spastic motions of some of the muscles should be visible. In most cases, the pet will have fallen down unable to maintain their balance at this point.
Should this particular phase last longer than five minutes it then becomes type Status Epilepticus as described above. It is quite possible for many pets to lose control of their bowels at this time. It is likely that the pet will be confused, disoriented and even lose their sight for brief periods during the Post-Ictal Phase.
Should your pet experience any type that has been described, never attempt to restrain them in any way. Also, never attempt to place any object in their mouth to protect the tongue. The best thing to do for seizures in dogs is remain calm and keep the area free from objects that might injure the animal.
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