Seizures in Lab Dogs
Seizures in Labrador retrievers may be caused by metabolic conditions such as low blood sugar and high ammonia levels in the body. Seizure disorders are thought by veterinarians to be an inherited condition, and are common in the Labrador retriever. Most seizures in dogs are diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy, meaning the cause is unknown.
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Identification
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Seizures are characterized by convulsions in which your dog may lose awareness of his surroundings and control of his bodily functions. Seizures often are more common at night, when your dog is drifting off to sleep and relaxed.
Causes
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The primary cause of seizures in retrievers are idiopathic, meaning it is probably an inherited condition. Other causes of seizures in dogs may be encephalitis, poisoning--lead poisoning is the most common--and heat stroke. Some conditions, such as canine distemper, may cause seizures especially in puppies. Trauma to the head may also cause a retriever to have seizures, and they can occur years after the original injury.
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Symptoms
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The symptoms of seizures in Labs may include loss of consciousness, panting, salivating, urinating and defecating. They may also become temporarily blind. Some dogs may sense that something isn't quite right and may bark or howl just prior to having a seizure. There are some conditions, such as vestibular disorders, that may resemble seizure activity, but if your dog does not lose consciousness, he is not experiencing a seizure. Most dogs will sleep for a period of time immediately following a seizure.
Risk Factors
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Labs are at an increased risk of having seizures. Some other breeds of dogs that may also have a genetic link to epilepsy are German shepherds, Keeshonden, Belgian tevuren, dachshunds and beagles. There are also other breeds of dogs that have a high incidence of seizures, but the genetic component has not been documented. These may include poodles, wire-haired terriers, fox terriers, golden retrievers, Irish setters, St. Bernard's and Siberian huskies.
Treatment
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There are a wide range of anti-convulsion medications that may be prescribed in the treatment of seizures in retrievers. These medications may include potassium bromide and phenobarbital.
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References
- Photo Credit Labrador retriever image by crazy.nataly from Fotolia.com
