Causes of Cluster Seizures in Dogs
Cluster seizures in dogs is a dangerous and possibly life-threatening condition. This is when the dog has several seizures in a 24-hour period. Many kinds of medication are available from the veterinary, and medical assistance is imperative immediately.
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Causes
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Cluster seizures are caused by disruption of the dog's brain circuitry, this could be one of several illnesses, says the Canine Epilepsy Resource Center, a website that addresses dog seizures. Several tests can be done to pinpoint the cause.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
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Idiopathic epilepsy is the name given to the cause of cluster seizures when no other disease can be found. Some dogs inherit cluster seizures. According to the website FetchDog, many dog breeds are more prone to have idiopathic epilepsy; including border collies, boxers, cocker spaniels, collies, dachshunds, German shepherds and golden retrievers, just to name a few. Dogs that have this inherited disorder usually display it anywhere between 6 months to 5 years. It is also more common in male dogs.
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Tests
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Dogs that have had cluster seizures are tested for hypoglycemia via a glucose tolerance test. They will also be tested for low thyroid function/hypothyroidism. A CT scan or MRI is done to check for lesions on the brain. Blood tests also are done to check for lead poisoning.
Symptoms of a Dog Seizure
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Witnessing your pet have a seizure can be a difficult and scary experience. Some of the symptoms of seizures are pedaling of all four legs, excessive drooling, eyes becoming large and unresponsive, uncontrollable jaw movement, uncontrollable bowel movements and urinating. Your dog may show some or all of these symptoms when seizing. After a dog has a seizure, it may sleep for a long time or walk about in a drugged manner; this is normal and happens because seizures are exhausting. You should allow your dog to sleep undisturbed.
Aftermath of seizures
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The first time you witness your dog in a seizure, you should take note of all the things it does during and after the episode. Call your vet to have your dog evaluated and put on medication. You should tell your vet everything that you noted in your dog's behavior during the seizure.
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Resources
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Comments
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I just had to put my dog down do to cluster seizures, had them bad even on meds had 106 fever, left him with some brain damage.
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My Molly was dropped off at animal control due to seizures when she was 2 yrs of age. A beautiful purebred cocker, white with tan spots. Her seizures began about every 2-3 months and progressively got more frequent until one day she started seizing and had one after another. Of course it was Sunday, called my vet and he referred me to a nearby animal hospital. Put her on Valium i.v. overnight and she was prescribed phenobarbitol, which has controlled them for over 3 yrs now. 8.00 a month is cheap for all the love she gives.
