Signs & Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs
There are not many conditions affecting canines that may produce dramatic symptoms as seizures. However, the good news is that most seizures will last one to three minutes during which the dog feels no pain. This article will focus on some of the most common symptoms of epilepsy in dogs.
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Effects
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Signs and symptoms of seizures in epileptic dogs generally follow a specific pattern. Dogs, therefore, will develop different symptoms during the prodrome phase, the aura phase, the ictus phase and the post-ictal phase.
Prodrome Phase
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Epileptic dogs during this phase may exhibit behavior changes and mood swings signaling an impending seizure. This may take place hours or days prior to the seizure.
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Aura Phase
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During this phase, the dog may exhibit more significant signs and symptoms. The dog may appear uncomfortable, often whining, pacing, appearing restless, hiding and sometimes even drooling, vomiting and losing bladder control.
Ictus Phase
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This ictus phase is literally the seizure. The dog will lose consciousness while exhibiting violent muscle contractions with other accompanying symptoms such as stiffening and collapsing to the ground, drooling, teeth gnashing, thrashing of head and legs, vocalizations, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Post Ictal Phase
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This phase develops after the seizure takes place. Affected dogs resume consciousness but may appear confused, thirsty, sleepy, disoriented and sometimes may have temporary loss of sight and hearing.
Considerations
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One thing to consider is that dogs may be affected by different types of seizures. In partial seizures, the dog remains conscious and the seizure generally involves only one body part, whereas in psychomotor seizures, the dog may undergo behavioral changes or may snap at imaginary flies.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of psyberartist
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Comments
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Today Nov 28, 2011 my Cocker Spaniel suffered what I think may be a seizure. Grace was shaking at least for 3 minutes with involuntary contraction of muscles. Its the second time that happened in a one year period. I remember clearly its first time, since I got so nervious and crying because I didn't knew what was happening to my dog. After all that shaking and thing goes away, my dog acts as nothing had happened. But this is such a dramatic and terrible experience for a owner. Specially when you have such a bond with your dog. Grace even sleep with me. I don't want to even imagine anything because I know I will never be ready to don't have my dog. I just thanks God every day for enjoying Grace. Things that are so precious, you want them to last forever. Pets energy is wonderful, I think the most pure energy ever exist.
