While this problem is often attributed only to epilepsy, there are a number of reasons that it may present itself in your pet. Other causes can also be linked to genetics, Lyme disease, canine distemper, brain tumor, head injury, and environmental conditions. While there are many ways that this problem can develop, there are also many different types of seizures in dogs.
Generalized is the classification given to the first type of seizure, and this can present as mild or more severe (Grand Mal). Generalized can also be expected to go through two different phases which are known as the Tonic and Clonic, causing the pet to lose balance and possibly mimic running in place. Petit Mal is the classification given to type two and very rare in canines, with the pet experiencing limited unconsciousness and rolling of the eyes in an upward position.
Classification type three is called the Partial and may progress into a Generalized type in some cases. With the Partial, it is likely that a particular body part is affected, like a limb. The jerking repetitive movements can be noticed in a particular area on the pet on one or more occurrence.
The Complex Partial is classification type four and can be determined by a series of behaviors which are much more complex. It causes the animal to experience visual events, sensory events or both, and to repeatedly perform an action. A pet may uncontrollably bite a particular limb, lick their lips, or even bolt in a particular direction for no apparent reason.
Status Epilepticus is classification type number five and has a duration of anywhere between five and thirty minutes. This type is known to be life-threatening in certain circumstances, and it often can be difficult to record the number that actually takes place in a particular time frame. Type classification number six on the list are known as Cluster Seizures and these are very similar to Status Epilepticus and almost impossible to tell them apart.
Not only are there different types, but there are also different phases associated with this problem. There are generally three phases that each pet will go through during an episode. These phases include the Pre-Ictal, Ictal, and Post-Ictal Phases.
In a Pre-Ictal phase, the pet can be found to be experiencing feelings of uneasiness and often whining for a period of a few minutes to a few hours. When this phase has progressed into the Ictal Phase, the seizure should have already started and spastic motions of some of the muscles should be visible. In most cases, the pet will have fallen down unable to maintain their balance at this point.
Should this particular phase last longer than five minutes it then becomes type Status Epilepticus as described above. It is quite possible for many pets to lose control of their bowels at this time. It is likely that the pet will be confused, disoriented and even lose their sight for brief periods during the Post-Ictal Phase.
If your pet should experience this type of episode the best thing to do for them is to avoid restraining them. Also very important is to avoid putting anything in their mouth in order to control the tongue. During seizures in dogs it is best to be calm, and keep the immediate area clear so that your pets cannot do further harm to themselves.
