Canine Fainting & Seizures
Canine fainting and seizures may be a symptom of a health condition, though dog owners commonly confuse fainting with seizure. Some dogs may suffer from one or the other, but some conditions--such as several heart conditions--may cause both.
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Symptoms
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Both fainting and seizures make your dog collapse, stiffen, and possibly jerk. Seizures also cause your dog to drool, urinate, and defecate.
Fainting or Seizure?
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The primary difference between fainting and seizure is that fainting--when your dog's brain is deprived of oxygen--usually occurs during activities that make your dog's heart rate go up, while seizures--caused by an excitation of brain neurons--occur more often during downtime.
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Possible Causes
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Possible causes of seizures include head trauma, low blood sugar, and ingestion of toxins such as insecticides. Fainting may result from anemia or an object obstructing air passages.
Possible Conditions
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Heart problems cause fainting when the heart fails to pump blood efficiently for full oxygenation of the brain, while seizures may be a symptom of a brain tumor or infection.
Treatment
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Your veterinarian may recommend antiepileptic medication to reduce the frequency and seriousness of seizures. If fainting signals a blood problem, a blood transfusion or an IV may be necessary.
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References
- Photo Credit sheep-dog image by petar Ishmeriev from Fotolia.com
