Causes of seizures in dogs

Have you ever seen a dog fall from the ground to the ground and start shaking all over? Agree, the phenomenon is awesome. No one is ready for such a seizure, so when it occurs, the owners are lost and do not know what to do. In this article you will find a brief guide describing the symptoms of seizures in a dog and will understand how to act in cases of the appearance of the first signs of convulsions.

Seizure convulsions discord

First you need to determine what kind of cramp your pet has. It can be:

1. Convulsions . Severe abrupt contractions of one or more muscles. Convulsions are usually accompanied by a sharp pain, so the animal begins to whine pitifully.
2. Tonic convulsions . Caused by a slow contraction of the muscles for a short period of time. The animal remains conscious, but looks frightened.
3. Clonic convulsions . Periodic muscle contractions, alternating with prolonged relaxation. The approximate repetition time is 25-50 seconds of contraction, 60-120 seconds - relaxation. During relaxation, the dog tries to get up, but when the cramps occur, it falls again.
4. An epileptic fit . The contraction of the muscles is accompanied by loss of consciousness. The most dangerous form of seizures, since an animal in an unconscious state can do itself harm.

After the first manifestations of seizures, it is desirable to write everything in a notebook. This will help you make a complete picture of the disease for the veterinarian.

What is the reason?

As a rule, convulsions in animals are the result of diseases associated with the activity of the brain or a shortage of certain substances. Let us consider in more detail the causes of seizures in a dog.

1. Epilepsy . It is the most common cause of seizures. Epilepsy can be a consequence of brain trauma, inflammation or a tumor. Some breeds, for example, German and Belgian sheep dogs, bigles, collies, dachshunds, boxers, retrievers, labradors suffer epileptic cramps more often than other breeds. Bitches get sick less often than males.
2. Hypoglycemia . This disease is characterized by a drop in blood glucose. Hypoglycemia affects dogs of small breeds ( that of terriers , dachshunds, cocker spaniels, French bulldogs ), as well as puppies.
3. Scotty Crump . Neuromuscular disease, inherited. Some experts believe that the disease occurs because of an excess or a lack of serotonin in the central nervous system of the animal. Symptoms are manifested during training or in moments of nervous excitement. During an attack, the facial muscles contract, the lumbar spine flexes, the flexibility of the hind legs is lost, breathing becomes difficult. It should be noted that only Scottish terriers are affected by Scotty krumpu.
4. Eclampsia . The disease is caused by a sharp drop in the level of calcium in the blood. This condition is typical for nursing bitches during the first month after childbirth. Symptoms of eclampsia are close to the symptoms of epilepsy. After a short disturbance, the animal begins convulsive twitching of the muscles, the head tilts back and the limbs stretch out tensely. The attack lasts 15-20 minutes. Consciousness is preserved.

In addition, the causes of sudden seizures in the dog can be tumors, metabolic disorders, poisoning with phosphates / heavy metals.

First aid

Unfortunately, in the case of seizures, the owner does not have effective ways to help the pet. You can only try to drip on the animal's tongue a little Valocordinum or Corvalolum and try to carefully measure the temperature. During an attack try to not lose self-control and all its appearance to inspire the dog calmness and confidence. If possible, take it to a veterinary clinic.