Seizures In Dogs And What They Could Mean
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Posted On :
Oct-09-2011
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Article Word Count :
543
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Seizures, also known as fits, are episodes of excessive and abnormal neurological activity that take place in the brain.
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Seizures, also referred to as fits, are periods of numerous and abnormal activities that take place in a brain. In people, the episodes can have a variety of various effects from altered awareness and passing out to uncontrollable shaking and muscle spasms. Seizures in dogs happen in a very similar way and can be caused by a variety of factors. Though, thanks to the unspecific and many symptoms of the episodes they can be very difficult to notice in a dog so it's important that people make sure their canines are taken to a veterinarian after showing any and all new symptoms.
Just as with a human patient who suffers from a seizure disorder, a canine with a history of blackouts and recurring convulsions is often diagnosed with a condition called epilepsy, though not every dog who suffers from seizures is epileptic. Only about one percent of them will ever experience seizures during their lifetimes and half of them are actually suffering from epilepsy. However, it is still very important to ensure your pets receive immediate medical treatment.
Signs of a dog's impending fits can include instances of moaning or growling. The animal may seem to be scared or stressed and try to get comfort from his or her owner. Other symptoms include trouble peeing, pacing back and forth, and convulsing. After the dog has progressed into a full out epileptic fit, it might black out, become uncontrollably frightened, begin shaking, or seem to be in a strange state of mind.
A number of different factors can cause seizures in dogs as well as influence the likelihood of future ones. These include the dog's age, genetic history, and breed. The type of fit a canine experiences can usually accurately predict the type and severity of subsequent attacks.
Because a seizure is a brain disorder, any signs of one you witness in your pets should be taken seriously. Appointments should be immediately made with a vet who likely, depending on his or her age, will run batteries of tests on the dogs. If the dogs are older than ten years old, you should mentally prepare yourself to deal with the fact that your pet's best option may be to be humanely put down.
In many cases the tests will be things like BP tests, serious blood work, X-rays, Cat scans, and eye checks. And despite the many kinds of epileptic fits, the signs are typically the same. In many cases, the exams and laboratory work will prove that either tachycardia, kidney problems, extremely low blood pressure, brain swelling, infections, or a low pulse is present in the animal.
It is very important to remember that just because your beloved pet has received a diagnosis of neurological fits doesn't necessarily mean it will die. With proper care and treatment, most forms of epileptic seizures are fairly manageable. In fact, the sooner that the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis will be.
Make sure to consult your veterinarian the moment you begin noticing any new behavior in your pet as he or she will have the tools and the information needed to come up with the best possible course of action.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Seizures In Dogs And What They Could Mean _89959.aspx
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Author Resource :
I have more information about canine seizures at Cory's Story.
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Keywords :
seizures in dogs, pets, dogs,
Category :
Home and Family
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Pets
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