It's possible for a dog to experience a number of types of seizures. These all differ in severity, symptoms and duration. In this post, our vets explain the types of seizures seen in dogs.
Understanding Seizures in Dogs
Most seizures in dogs happen without warning and last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
You may be surprised to learn that there are a number of different types of seizures vets see in dogs. It's also not unusual for an individual dog to experience more than one type of seizure. How each type of seizure impacts individual dogs can differ greatly.
While many pet parents are concerned that their dogs may hurt themselves during a seizure, injury is rare. That said, it's important to contact your veterinarian to notify them if your pooch has a seizure. Your vet can let you know whether emergency care is needed or if you should schedule an appointment for a physical exam for your pup.
Simple & Complex Focal Seizures in Dogs
Also referred to as partial seizures, focal seizures in dogs only affect a particular region within one-half of the brain. If your dog is officially diagnosed with a focal seizure, this type will be described as either simple or complex, depending on your dog's level of awareness during the seizure.
During a simple focal seizure, dogs usually remain conscious, but will typically lose consciousness during complex focal seizures.
Signs That Your Dogs Could Be Having a Simple Focal Seizure
Focal seizures in dogs can be difficult for pet parents to spot since these seizures often present as strange behaviors. If your dog is experiencing a simple focal seizure your pet could display one or more of the following signs:
- Hallucinations (Your dog may bark, growl or moan at nothing, bite at the air or behave fearfully for no apparent reason)
- Signs of vision or hearing changes
- Fur standing up
- Dilated pupils
- Specific muscles may contract and relax
- Balance problems
- Involuntary movements
Generalized Seizures in Dogs
A generalized seizure occurs within both sides of the dog's brain. These seizures often begin as focal seizures and then evolve into generalized seizures. Typically, dogs experiencing a generalized seizure will lose consciousness and may urinate or defecate while unconscious.
Types of Generalized Seizures Seen in Dogs
Where focal seizures only affect one specific region on one side of the dog's brain, generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and are characterized by movement on both sides of the body. Different categories of generalized seizures include:
- Tonic: Muscle contraction or stiffening
- Clonic: Involuntary rapid and rhythmic muscle contractions or jerking
- Tonic-Clonic: Tonic phase followed immediately by a clonic phase (see above)
- Myoclonic: Sporadic jerks or movements on both sides of the body
- Atonic: Often called 'drop attacks' these seizures will cause the dog to collapse suddenly
- Cluster: Two or more seizures within a 24-hour period with the dog regaining full consciousness between seizures
Focal Seizure Into Generalized Seizure
Focal seizures which develop into generalized seizures are the most common type of seizures seen in dogs. The focal seizure which begins the episode is often so short or subtle that the signs are missed by pet parents.
If your dog has a generalized seizure, try to remember exactly what they were doing right before the seizure began. Was there an unusual behavior right before the seizure? Provide your vet with a detailed explanation of what your pup was doing before the generalized seizure occurred. The more information your veterinarian has, the better able they will be to diagnose the type and possible cause of the seizure your dog had.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.