My Dog Is Having Seizures About Once a Month
Seizures in a dog can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Isolated seizures once a month should prompt a visit to your local veterinary clinic.
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Seizures Defined
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Seizures are muscular responses to abnormal nerve signals in the brain, according to Canine-Epilepsy.com.
They are usually symptoms of an underlying neurological problem.
Types of Seizures
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There are three main types of seizures: generalized (grand mal), partial (petit mal), and psychomotor.
Grand mal seizures are the most common in small animals, according to MarVistaVet.com. They involve the entire body, and the animal will sometimes lose consciousness during the seizure.
Petit mal seizures originate from a specific area of the brain and generally involve only part of the body.
Psychomotor seizures are behavioral seizures, meaning that the dog will involuntarily howl or snap.
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Causes of Seizures
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Seizures can be inherited, or they can be the result of hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, brain lesions, encephalitis, distemper or lead poisoning.
Frequency of Seizures
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Canine seizures can occur in clusters within a 24-hour period or less frequently. MarVistaVet.com recommends seeking a diagnosis and treatment for your dog if seizures occur in clusters or in isolated incidents once a month or more.
Seizure Treatment
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Medical treatment is available to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, though it may not stop them altogether. Phenobarbitol is a commonly prescribed drug for seizures. Alternative treatments include vitamin therapy and acupuncture.
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References
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