The Top 5 Causes of Dog Seizures

Fits, as they are referred to in England, occur when the body is not properly controlled by the brain. In the U.S. these fits are more often called seizures. This article will be an information summary about some of the diseases and influences that are known to cause seizures to happen in dogs.

EPILEPSY. Perhaps the top cause of seizures in dogs is a condition called epilepsy, however it is important to note that epilepsy is not the cause for all seizures. The definition of epilepsy was discovered by some people who were on a walk in the woods and happened upon a wolf that was throwing fits, looking as if he were doing some odd dance on a path in the woods. The scientific term "idiopathic epilepsy" was coined following the report of this event to a group of forest rangers. OK, so that story is completely made up, however, the true story behind this term doesn't make much more sense and is actually kind of boring. The truth is that the experts use the term "idiopathic epilepsy" to describe a situation when a dog is having seizures and they don't know the actual, true cause.

TOXINS. There are many environmental reasons why dogs have seizures since dogs are exposed to so much in their environment that can be toxic. These toxins range from poisons to get rid of rodents or slugs to flea powders or chemicals that are actually meant for dogs to wear as collars. Other things that are toxins that can bring about seizures, include paint, insecticides and antifreeze, which are also products that can be fatal. Fortunately, if it is caught early enough by doctors, many animals will be able to recover full after experiencing a seizure that was caused by an environmental toxin or poison.

BRAIN TUMORS. One thing that any vet will want to rule out first when a dog has a seizure is the presence of a brain tumor or abnormal growth in the brain. Tumors cause pressure to build upon the brain tissue as they grow, causing neurological abnormalities such as seizures. This can easily be determined through the use of diagnostic scans such as CAT or MRI, however it must be stated that this is a rare condition in that tumors and other head injuries are only responsible for a very small number of dog seizures. In the case of either a brain tumor or other type of head injury, if a dog is suffering from a seizure that was caused by one of these conditions, anti-epileptic medications will not help.

TICK INDUCED DISEASES. The bite of the bloodsucking arachnid known as a tick can cause Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which can cause dog seizures. The chance of a dog being infected by one of these diseases can usually be minimized or avoided by removing a tick within 24 hours of attachment. There are antibiotics that can kill Lyme Disease, and most dogs respond quite well in general to antibiotics.

DISTEMPER. Seizures in dogs can be caused by a disease called distemper, which often occurs in young puppies who no longer have the benefits of their mother's antibodies; this disease causes diarrhea and can lead to a dog becoming dehydrated, as well. Distemper is a serious disease, but it can usually be avoided by getting a dog the proper vaccinations, but if a dog does get the disease then it can be a very serious and life threatening situation.