About Focal Seizures in Dogs

Focal seizures are also known as focal motor, minor motor or partial seizures. They are not as dramatic as a grand mal seizure in dogs. Any uncontrollable twitching happens to just one part of the body, although "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al, 2007) notes that focal seizures can sometimes spread to other parts of the dog's body.

Characteristics

Focal motor seizures are different from other types of seizures because the dog stays conscious and may bark or whine for help. One limb or part of the face will jerk about or appear to spasm. Also, there usually isn't any great change in the behavior of the dog, unlike with other seizure types where the dog may become aggressive or terrified.

Causes

There are numerous causes for focal seizures. These include epilepsy, poisoning, encephalitis, brain injury, heat stroke, kidney failure, sudden drop in blood sugar, sudden drop in calcium levels of a nursing dog or distemper. According to TJ Dunn, Jr. DVM, if no cause can be found for the seizures, then it is usually given the label idiopathic epilepsy until a cause can be discovered.

Significance

Any seizure disorder shows that there is something wrong with the electrical activity of the brain. With focal motor seizures, a brain injury or lesion is often the culprit. But if the seizures last only for less than five seconds and come about once a month or less, there is no need to go to a vet immediately, although a vet should be notified.

Treatment

Depending on the cause, treatment for focal seizures usually is with daily medication. The common choices are phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide. But if the seizures worsen or spread to other parts of the body, anti-convulsant medications like diazepam, clonazepan, clorazepate or valproic acid are given. "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" notes that acupuncture has helped with some dogs.

Home Care

Dogs with focal seizures in the face will never swallow their tongues. Keep away from the mouth during the seizure. Keep the room dark and quiet and move anything that the dog may blunder into. When the seizure is over, offer some water, because even small seizures can sometimes make a dog very thirsty.

References

• "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al, 2007)
• Hilltop Animal Hospital: Seizures
• Epilepsy and Seizures in the Dog by TJ Dunn, Jr, DVM

Resources

• Find a Veterinarian
• Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs
• Seizure Disorders in Dogs and Cats