Eleanor Finch
Seizures in dogs can be frightening to witness and are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. While not every seizure is an emergency, dogs need prompt veterinary attention to determine the cause and reduce the chance of recurrence. If a seizure lasts longer than three to five minutes, it is considered a medical emergency, and you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. During a seizure, it is important to keep yourself and your dog safe by removing any potentially harmful items from the area and preventing them from falling off furniture or stairs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seizure duration | More than 3 minutes |
| Seizure duration | More than 5 minutes |
| Body temperature | 104 degrees or above |
| Post-seizure behaviour | Disoriented, confused, temporary blindness, walking in circles, bumping into things, drinking more water |
| Post-seizure behaviour | Restlessness, pacing, temporary blindness, confusion, disorientation, salivation |
| Post-seizure behaviour | Hyperthermia |
| Post-seizure behaviour | Cerebral edema |
| Post-seizure behaviour | Pulmonary edema |
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What You'll Learn
Seizures lasting over five minutes
Seizures that last over five minutes are considered a life-threatening situation and require immediate veterinary attention. This condition is called status epilepticus, which is characterised by a seizure that does not self-resolve. During this time, the dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels, and they may have problems breathing, which can lead to brain damage or death.
If your dog is experiencing a seizure that lasts over five minutes, you should take them to a veterinary clinic immediately. If the seizure is still ongoing when you arrive, the dog will be in dire need of emergency help, and intravenous medication will be required to break the seizure. Diazepam (Valium) is often used for this purpose.
It is important to remain calm and remove anything from your dog's surroundings that could pose a risk during the seizure, such as a lamp that might be knocked over. If your dog is in a risky situation, such as at the top of the stairs, try to gently move them to a safer spot. You can also help cool down your dog's body temperature by turning on a fan and applying cold water to their paws. However, avoid touching them as they may bite you unknowingly.
If the seizure resolves on the way to the veterinary clinic, you can wait a little bit before entering. If your dog remains quiet, the life-threatening status epilepticus emergency is over. However, it is still crucial to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to ensure their well-being.
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Status epilepticus
SE is a serious concern and can be fatal in up to 25% of cases. If your dog is experiencing a seizure that does not stop within five minutes, it is considered an emergency, and you should seek veterinary help immediately. If the seizure stops while you are on your way to the vet, it is still crucial to have your dog examined, but the situation may not qualify as an emergency.
The official definition of SE, according to the International League Against Epilepsy, is a seizure that shows no clinical signs of stopping after a duration that encompasses the majority of seizures of that type in most patients, or recurrent seizures without a return to baseline central nervous system function between episodes.
SE can be caused by intracranial or extracranial disease. Intracranial causes include congenital defects, acquired brain damage, brain tumours, or trauma. Extracranial causes may involve problems with the blood supply to the brain. Additionally, metabolic derangements and inflammatory brain injuries can contribute to SE.
If your dog experiences frequent seizures, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to control them. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are commonly used first-line treatments. Other anti-seizure medications include zonisamide, levetiracetam, gabapentin, and pregabalin. In emergency situations, diazepam (Valium) can be administered rectally to shorten and reduce the severity of the seizure. Intranasal midazolam is another option that can be applied inside the dog's nostrils to control seizures at home.
It is important to note that once anticonvulsant medication is started, it often needs to be given for life. Discontinuing medication can increase the risk of more severe seizures in the future.
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Partial seizures
Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. A seizure may also be called a convulsion or fit, referring to a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. Epilepsy is a term used to describe repeated episodes of seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in dogs, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown.
If your dog has been seizing for more than five minutes, go to the veterinary clinic immediately. If they are still seizing when you get there, they are in dire need of emergency help. If the seizure resolves while you are on your way, sit tight for a little bit. If your dog remains quiet, the life-threatening status epilepticus emergency is over. They still need to be seen by your veterinarian, but you don’t necessarily have to incur an emergency fee.
If your dog is prone to cluster seizures while on an anticonvulsant, ask your veterinarian about keeping levetiracetam on hand. The two most commonly used medications to treat seizures in dogs are phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Research into the use of other anticonvulsants is ongoing, and newer anticonvulsants, such as zonisamide (Zonegran®) and levetiracetam (Keppra®), are becoming more popular. Once anticonvulsant medication is started, it must be given for life.
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Generalised seizures
Generalized seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are the most common type of seizures in dogs. They are caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the dog's brain, resulting in a loss of consciousness and convulsions affecting the entire body. These seizures can be further classified into three phases: pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal.
During the pre-ictal phase, also known as the aura, dogs may exhibit nervousness, restlessness, whining, shaking, or drooling. This phase can last from a few seconds to a few hours before the seizure occurs. The ictal phase is the seizure itself, during which the dog loses consciousness and experiences convulsions. Generalized seizures usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes, but if they extend beyond five minutes, it is considered a prolonged seizure or status epilepticus, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
In the post-ictal phase, dogs may exhibit confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness, and temporary blindness. This phase typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, with longer and more severe seizures resulting in a more prolonged and dramatic post-ictal phase. During this phase, it is important to monitor your dog's temperature as their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels during a prolonged seizure, leading to secondary problems such as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) or cerebral edema (fluid around the brain). To prevent this, you can apply cold towels to areas of your dog's body with less fur, such as the stomach, groin, underarms, or neck, while continuously monitoring their temperature with a thermometer.
While witnessing your dog having a generalized seizure can be alarming, it is crucial to remain calm and focus on keeping your dog safe during the episode. Remove any objects from their surroundings that could pose a risk, such as a lamp that might be knocked over. Once the seizure has ended, schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options. Medications such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, levetiracetam, gabapentin, pregabalin, and diazepam are commonly used to control and prevent seizures in dogs.
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Epilepsy
Seizures in dogs can be frightening, but luckily, there are many tools to help diagnose and manage this condition. Idiopathic epilepsy, or epilepsy of unknown origin, is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. This condition usually starts between 6 months old and 6 years old. If your dog is within this age range and is experiencing seizures, it is important to seek veterinary advice.
If your dog is experiencing a seizure, it is important to remain calm and take steps to keep them safe. Clear any potentially harmful items from the area, and place a soft pillow or comforter under their head to protect them. Use a stopwatch to time the seizure, as the duration will be important information for your veterinarian. Most seizures last between a few seconds and five minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it is considered a medical emergency, and you should seek veterinary assistance immediately.
If your dog is prone to seizures, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, levetiracetam, gabapentin, or pregabalin. In some cases, your veterinarian may also prescribe diazepam (Valium) or similar medications to be given rectally during a severe seizure. It is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions and administer these medications as directed.
In summary, while not every seizure is an emergency, it is important to seek prompt veterinary attention to determine the underlying cause and reduce the chance of recurrence. If your dog is experiencing a seizure, remain calm, keep them safe, and seek veterinary advice, especially if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. With proper management and medication, dogs with epilepsy can live long and happy lives.
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Frequently asked questions
If your dog's seizure lasts longer than three to five minutes, it is considered a medical emergency, and you should take them to the vet immediately.
If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, dogs may experience a neurological condition called Status Epilepticus. Their body temperatures get so high that they start to develop secondary problems, which can often lead to death.
It is important to remain calm and create a safe environment for your dog by removing any potentially harmful items from the area and taking precautions to keep them from falling off furnishings or stairs. You can place a soft pillow or blanket under their head to shield them from any harm.
