Doctors call epilepsy a sign of the presence of a neurological dysfunction present in the area of the brain. Symptoms of epilepsy in a dog often indicate some imbalance in the bioelectric system of the body, which leads to impaired functioning of the nervous system. Nerve cells in one of the areas of the brain dramatically lose electrical stability, resulting in an electrical discharge. It quickly spreads to surrounding cells. It is therefore logical that their work is disrupted.
Symptomatology
Signs of dog epilepsy are most often manifested in convulsive jerking of the limbs. Their strength can range from relatively weak paw movements to true seizures, during which the whole body of the animal convulses.
Accompanying illnesses
Veterinarians point out that attacks of epilepsy in a dog are often observed against a background of diseases such as heart disease, brain tumor, diabetes, as well as in the presence of problems with the liver and kidneys. True epilepsy, that is, not provoked by anything, depends primarily on a hereditary predisposition. Its reasons have not yet been established.
Dog epilepsy. Reasons and types
As noted above, there are two types of disease. Doctors say that there is primary and secondary epilepsy in dogs. So, the causes of the disease may be associated with external factors, and may be due to genetic disorders. It must be emphasized that epilepsy is to some extent associated with the breed of the animal. Most often, dachshunds, German shepherd dogs, Labradors, husky dogs, poodles, St. Bernards, spaniels, collies, as well as wire-haired terriers suffer from seizures.
Diagnostics
Most often, the first seizure of epilepsy in a dog is observed before the age of six years. Of course, such a diagnosis cannot be considered evidence of a genetic defect. You can confirm it only by conducting a thorough examination of the animal. It is currently not possible to avoid this disease, but most breeders try to minimize the risks by using only those dogs in the genus which did not have a single carrier of the disease.
Secondary epilepsy
As for secondary epilepsy, in this case the cause of the seizures can be established. Most often, such factors as infectious diseases (for example, plague or encephalitis), chemical poisoning, brain injuries, malnutrition, the presence of parasites in the body (especially helminths), as well as prolonged overvoltage, become the determining factors.
Seizures
In a dog, seizures of epilepsy are divided into three components. The condition prior to the attack is called an aura. The animal behaves very nervously, whines, tries to hide. Salivation is enhanced. The next stage is the ictal one, during which the dog loses consciousness, her whole body is tense, her head is thrown back, breathing is difficult, all limbs are twitching convulsively. The postictal period may be accompanied by disorientation and temporary blindness. If the seizure lasts more than half an hour, you should consult a doctor.