Seizures are one of the most common neurological conditions reported in dogs. Certain dogs experience seizures often which is referred to as epilepsy. Although seizures are quite common and can be treated, sometimes they become life-threatening to the dogs. One question that haunts every dog owner is how many seizures a dog can be able to endure before he dies.
Having excessive seizures at a given amount of time could put the life of a dog at risk. Examples include cluster seizures in which the dog could experience several seizures in a single day or status epilepticus, which means a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes could result in a life-threatening emergency.
When they occur seizures cause body heat, fatigue, and a lack of oxygen which can cause brain damage, or even death if not addressed promptly. However, with treatment and medication epilepsy-related dogs can generally live long and healthy lives.
What is a Seizure?
A seizure is when there is abnormal brain activity. It makes the dog’s body shake and lose awareness. Seizures usually last 1-3 minutes. During a seizure, the dog’s legs kick, the head pulls back, and they may lose control of their bladder or bowels. They do not feel pain but may feel confused after.
Seizures themselves are not dangerous. However many seizures can put a dog at risk. Having more than one seizure in a day is called a cluster seizure. A seizure over 5 minutes is called status epilepticus and is an emergency.
What Causes Seizures?
To find the cause, vets first examine what happened before the seizure. They do a physical exam and blood and urine tests. This helps rule out problems with the liver, kidneys, heart, blood sugar, and more.
If these are normal, the vet may suggest additional tests:
- CT scan or MRI – to look at the brain
- Spinal tap – to get fluid from around the brain and test it
These tests can help find tumors, trauma, infections, or other causes. Sometimes no cause is found.
What Happens During a Seizure?
Seizures have 3 phases:
Pre-ictal phase
Before a seizure, the dog may act nervous. It may hide, shake, pace, or salivate. This can last from seconds to hours. It’s like the dog senses a seizure is coming.
Ictal phase
This is the actual seizure. It lasts from seconds to minutes. The dog’s body shakes and muscles move uncontrollably. They may fall, paddle their legs, and stare blankly. They can lose control of their bladder/bowels.
In a big seizure, the dog will lose consciousness. Their head pulls back. If it lasts over 5 minutes, it’s called status epilepticus – an emergency.
Post-ictal phase
After the seizure ends, the dog is confused and disoriented. They may drool, pace, seem restless, or blind. This phase lasts various lengths – unrelated to how bad the seizure was.
Causes of Seizures in Dogs
Epilepsy – seizures happen again and again, for no reason. It is genetic in some dogs.
- Not eating for a long time
- Liver or kidney problems
- Brain tumors
- Head injury
- Poisoning
- Infections
- Lack of oxygen at birth
For some dogs, seizures happen when excited or during changing brain activity. The cause may not be known.
How Many Seizures are Dangerous for My dog?
Seizures themselves don’t directly put a healthy dog’s life at risk. But cluster seizures or status epilepticus can lead to:
- Overheating – Seizures make the body heat up. Over 106°F causes brain damage.
- Exhaustion – Frequent seizures tire out the body.
- Brain damage – Lack of oxygen in long seizures damages the brain.
So when are seizures an emergency?
- More than 3 seizures in a day
- Any seizure over 5 minutes
- Seizures longer than usual for that dog
- Not recovering fully between seizures
Call your vet right away if the above happens. Prompt treatment prevents complications.
How are Seizures Treated?
If seizures happen a lot, dogs usually need lifelong medication to control them. This doesn’t cure epilepsy but helps reduce seizures. Common medications vets give include:
- Phenobarbital – Given 2-3 times a day.
- Potassium bromide – Given 1-2 times a day.
- Newer drugs like zonisamide or levetiracetam.
During a seizure: Stay calm. Make sure your dog is safe until it passes. Do not put anything in their mouth or restrain them. Just let the seizure happen. Comfort your dog after.
The Takeaway
Seizures themselves don’t directly kill dogs. But frequent or very long seizures put dogs at risk of problems. Call your vet if your dog has cluster seizures or a seizure over 5 minutes. With medication, dogs with epilepsy can often live long, happy lives.
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