Diseases That May Cause Grand Mal Seizure In Dogs
Grand mal seizure has become quite a common threat in most dogs. They are not able to sustain it and sometimes it may lead to death. It is very necessary that you understand the causes and symptoms which causes seizures in them as that can help you to save your loved dog. Seizure is often described as the inept firing of the neurons that usually takes place in the cerebrum which is located in the brain. The main cause has yet not been found as why such seizures happen but they are often classified as similar to human seizure disorder but not identical.
Canine Distemper Disease Is A Most Common Cause For Grand Mal Seizure In Pets
Causes Of Grand Mal Seizure In Dogs
Often it has been found out that the neurotransmitters sometimes do not produce proper chemical balance and that causes imbalance in the functioning of the cerebrum which leads to grand mal seizure in your dog. The main following causes are mainly responsible for such an imbalance.
- Defects in the neuron system from birth often known as congenital defects
- The level of blood glucose either too excessive or too low
- Anemia, it is responsible for producing low oxygen level in the dog’s body system
- Kidney and liver diseases
- Canine distemper is also one of the most common causes for grand mal seizure in pets.
- Brain tumors
These are some common diseases or disorders that are often associated for the cause of seizure attacks in dogs.
Grand Mal Seizure Has Adverse Effect On Whole Body Of A Dog
Generalized seizure or grand mal seizure often affects the whole body. When a dog experiences this type of seizure attack they often falls to their side and they lose control of their muscles such as kicking of their legs. They often produce excessive amount of saliva and they also lose their control over urination and often defecates. The worst scenario is when a dog experiences two grand mal seizure attacks simultaneously and as they are not able to recover from the first they have long seizure duration for approximately one or two hours falling under the category of “Status Epilepticus”.
Phases Of Seizure In Dogs
As compared to humans dogs also have three phases of seizure. They are:-
- Aura – This is also known as pre-seizure phase. The symptoms that a dog shows at this phase are restlessness, seek affection and salivate in excessiveness.
- Ictus –When this stage occur dogs often urinates irregularly, starts vomiting, may run in circles and may sometimes suddenly collapse in the floor.
- Post-Ictal phase –This is the final stage after aura and ictus. In this dog may look a bit disoriented and awkward. This may resist for few hours or even days.
Grand Mal Seizure May Causes Dog To Lose Their Consciousness
This often causes dog to lose their consciousness and they would feel more urge for comfort. It’s always beneficial to comfort your dogs as soon as they recover from the attack. Also don’t leave them alone, it’s always good that you’d be with them during this difficult time.
Always Seek Assistance Of A Veterinarian
When you notice any such kind of behavior in your dog, always seek assistance of a veterinarian. Usually they conduct a physical and neurological checkup of your dog. If they show symptoms of a grand mal seizure, they can advise you what precautions you need to take and how seek help upon emergency. There are no tests as to find the exact possible cause of seizure but certain observations and symptoms have helped to create some specific medicines that can help in its cure or recovery.
Grand Mal Seizure In Dogs | Try Alternative Remedies For Treating Seizure
Does your dog have seizure? What treatments have you applied up till now? The conventional treatment for epilepsy in dogs consists of Phenobarbital and Potassium bromide. Both veterinary drugs are known for various side effects. A more genital approach here would be to adopt an alternative remedy such as homeopathic or herbal medications to cure epilepsy or seizures in dog. These alternative remedies contain natural ingredients which are safer and highly effective without causing any serious side effects that are typically evident with conventional drugs for epilepsy.
Sudden Change In Natural Brain Working
Veterinarian Perform CT Scan To Find Out Underlying Cause Behind Seizures
As we know seizure is a muscle contraction resulted through uncontrolled signals from the brain. It’s a sudden change in the way your dog’s brain usually works. However it occurs for only a few seconds. The process of brain during seizure is like a power outage that switches off the electricity. Seizure gives uncontrollable movement to the body. Seizures in dogs are classified as grand mal seizure as it affects dog’s entire body. Like with other, grand mal seizure also has no known cause. The veterinarian does perform tests like MRI, Spinal fluid tap, x-rays and CT scan to get a possible clue behind the seizure.
Brain Infection May Causes Seizure In Small Dogs
The age at which the dog gets the onset gives nearly accurate idea of an underlying cause behind the seizures. The small puppies get seizure because of some brain infection in them such as meningitis. Epilepsy is another major cause behind the seizures, especially to the dog’s ages 1 to 5. Seizure usually occurs to the small pets if it is affecting an older dog, the dog must have a severe brain injury in recent past. There is a close connection between diet and seizure attaches. A pet with epilepsy should be given a commercial hypoallergenic diet for few weeks. The diet may show some positive results. Holistic diet, naturally preserved food and animal proteins are a part of alternative remedies for seizure.
Alternative Remedies For Fast Relief
Belladonna A Possible Replacement Of Conventional Medication For Seizure
If you are able to, you can try an acupressure point to help control seizure. The point is located where the nose and the upper lips meet. It is known as GV26 (point below the nostrils). Alternatively, you can try homeopathic medicines. Holistic practitioners usually suggest belladonna (twice a day) as a possible replacement of conventional medicine. There is another medicine called ‘Aconite’ which is used for sudden conditions. The ideal dose is 30C tab per 30lbs (in 15 minute intervals).
Consult A Veterinarian Every Now And Then
Seizure in dogs or any pets is a crucial condition as they cannot tell you their experiences. You have to be well aware of the things like seizure, its types and possible consequences. You may consult your dog’s veterinarian time to time about the changes or symptoms you see in your dog. Instead of giving importance to conventional medicines, I would encourage you to try alternative or holistic medication options. They can be an effective substitute of conventional medication with almost no side effects.
Grand Mal Seizures in Cats | Causes and Symptoms
Seizures are not as common in cats as much as in dogs, however, they do occur. Cats of all ages (mostly between two to three years of age), breeds and both sexes are seen to be at risk, and they may suffer from generalized or partial seizures. Of those, grand mal seizures are seen to be most common and more conspicuous than petit mal seizures. It’s important to know the background and features of a grand mal seizure so that the right therapy and treatment can be administered to prevent the pet from going into status.
Certain Causal Factors of Grand Mal Seizures in Cats
As in humans, it is hard to classify the causes behind seizures for cats in many situations. However, it has been found that certain diseases and medical issues may present with grand mal seizures, hence a grand mal seizure usually pinpoints to the actual problem and is a symptom in itself. Here are some root causes of grand mal seizures in cats:
- Much like a stroke in humans, which constricts the blood vessels so that the blood supply to the brain is reduced, is seen to be the cause of up to 20% seizures in cats.
- Severe parasite invasion which makes the cat immunocompromised
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Hypocalcaemia (low calcium)
- Low oxygen levels in blood caused by anemia, heart disease or respiratory problems
- Lead poisoning
- Toxins like antifreeze or chocolate
- Liver or kidney problems, such as hepatic encephalopathy
- Thyroid problems
- Hypertension
- Feline Diabetes
- Cancers inclusive of brain tumors and lymphomas
- Hyperthermia (fever)
- Head trauma
- Congenital malformation within brain
- Vascular disorders
- Some inflammatory diseases or infections like feline infectious peritonitis, feline leukemia virus or feline immune-deficiency virus can lead to frequent seizures. Cryptococcosis (a fungal infestation that spreads from the lungs to the nervous system) and rabies also cause seizures.
- Grand mal seizures can be genetically predisposed or familial in nature, passed down from one generation to another.
In a lot of cases your vet may be unable to determine a true cause for the grand mal seizures and would diagnose the cat with primary or idiopathic epilepsy, characterized by seizures having no apparent cause.
Triggers for Grand Mal Seizures in Cats
Kitten Suffering from Grand Mal Seizure
Besides accompanying ailments or inborn tendencies, the frequency and trend of seizures in cats also depends on their diet. Most regular, packaged cat foods available at grocery stores contain additives such as chemicals, colouring agents, stabilizers and fillers which can be unhealthy for your cat. Dry cat food contains sodium nitrate, which has been demonstrated to cause seizures in cats during clinical trials. Hence, it is better to shop at your local pet supply store instead and buy additive-free, natural cat food. Other than what cats eat, chemicals present in their environment also have a fundamental role. Quite a few household cleaners and floor polishes are composed of chemicals detrimental to the cats’ nervous systems and can cause cancer. Intelligent alternatives can be usage of green products, or if not that, then you should minimize the feline’s exposure to such chemicals by keeping it away from the room that is being cleaned with these products.
How to Tell if Your Cat’s Having a Grand Mal Seizure
There are three stages associated with a grand mal seizure in cats. Identification of these three states will make it easier for you to observe whether or not your cat is experiencing grand mal seizures.
- The pre-seizure phase, also called the aura, lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. The cat might exhibit nervousness or anxiousness. It might seek your affection, salivate, meow or hide. Cats possibly seek the owner for comfort because they sense the seizure coming on.
- During the seizure itself, the ictus, all the muscles in the cat’s body would contract. It would fall on its side with its head drawn back. The cat might vomit, salivate, urinate, defecate, collapse, display uncoordinated muscle activity or appear excited. This stage should last less than five minutes, but if it goes beyond five minutes it becomes a medical emergency, known as status epilepticus, which can cause brain damage and death.
- After the seizure is over, known as the post-ictal (recovery) period, the cat would be confused or disoriented. It might drool and experience temporary loss of vision. It would have no recollection of the seizure itself.
Final words on grand mal seizure in cats – causes and symptoms
I hope this “Grand Mal Seizures in Cats | Causes and Symptoms” article was helpful to you and you are able to assess possible diagnoses for cats associated with grand mal seizures, would be able to overcome any triggers and can better understand the grand mal seizures a cat experiences.
Stages of Grand Mal Seizures in Dogs
Seizures in dogs result from an abnormal or sudden in change in the dog’s neurological activity. The change in neurological activity can be caused by epileptic reasons or it can be a random occurrence. There is reason to believe that seizures in dogs can be an inherited trait as well. A dog that is experiencing a seizure is likely to be suffering from altered consciousness or total loss of consciousness.
The most typical type of seizure that dogs suffer is known grand mal seizures. A grand mal seizure is when the abnormal activity in the brain or body of the dog is not localized to one spot but it takes over the dog’s entire brain and body. There are typically 2 stages that occur in the normal grand mal seizure. The first stage is known as the Tonic stage, in this stage the dog usually loses consciousness, falls to the ground, will stretch out their legs in a rigid fashion and commence shaking in their muscles. This stage will usually last 10-30 seconds and the dog will typically quit breathing.
The 2nd stage of the seizure is known as the clonic phase, which is characterized by rapid uncontrollable movement of the legs and chewing of air. Both of the stages will also display salvation, defecation and dilated pupils. Once these two stages are over, the dog will usually act sluggish and or appear drugged for some amount of time. Usually the dog will sleep it off. This is characterized as a grand mal dog seizure
In the worst form of this type of seizure, a dog can experience one seizure and not fully recover from the initial seizure before having another one. These are known as “Status Epilepticus” and if these are not treated quickly, the result can be fatal. Like the basic grand mal seizure, the Status Epilepticus also comes in stages. The first stage is called Prodome and this is when the dog may become “clingy” and follow their owner around. The next stage is known as Aura and this when the pet tends to whine, hide, wander or vomit. The 3rd stage is called the Ictus stage and this is when the seizure actually occurs and usually brings salivation, uncontrollable muscle cramping and shaking and possibly loss of consciousness. Similar to the typical grand mal seizure, the Status Epilepticus seizure has a recovery stage and it is called the Post-Ictal phase. In this phase, the dog will usually appear blind or drugged or some just sleep for an extended period of time. The Post-Ictal phase has a chance of lasting several days.
In either form of a grand mal seizure, responding in a calm and appropriate way is imperative in the recovery of the dog. Try to make the environment as soothing and calm as possible, it is suggested to dim the lights and try to obtain total silence. It’s also a good idea to note if there were any triggers to the seizure or events that led up to the seizure. It is also highly suggested that your dog seeks medical attention. A veterinarian can assess the dog’s condition by a series of tests and scans including an EEG and an X-Ray. The series of seizures cannot ever be fully cured, but the symptoms can be inhibited by oral medications.
Source: Evolution Supply website
How To Recognize Dog Seizure Symptoms
Dog seizure symptoms can vary depending on what kind of seizure a dog is having. If your dog has a seizure you should pay close attention to the symptoms and how long the seizure lasted so you can describe the event to your veterinarian.
Partial Seizures
Partial seizures are seizures that only affect one area of your dog’s body, or one side or your dog’s body. These seizures are usually less dramatic than other kinds of seizures. They are often caused by a brain lesion.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures come in two forms: petit mal seizures and grand mal seizures. Petit mal seizures do not cause convulsions but the dog may lose consciousness. Your dog may simply appear to collapse.
The dog seizure symptoms for grand mal seizures are much more dramatic. They are probably what most people think of when they think of “seizures.” Grand mal seizures are much more common than petit mal seizures. The dog usually falls over on his side and has uncontrollable muscle activity that may include kicking his legs or paddling them. The dog usually salivates or drools profusely. And the dog may urinate and defecate involuntarily. Your dog is unaware of you and of his surroundings. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.
Status
The final form of seizures is called Epilepticus Status or simply Status. In this kind of seizure the dog actually has one grand mal seizure followed by another, without having time to recover from the previous seizure. The dog may be in a state of seizure for hours. Seizures are not usually life-threatening unless they reach this state. If your dog is in Status you should call your veterinarian immediately for help.
These are the actual symptoms of seizures in dogs. However, you may have warning signs that your dog is about to have a seizure, if you know what to look for. There are phases of a seizure.
Pre-Seizure: The pre-seizure stage is called the “aura.” During this time before a seizure your dog may seem restless. He may pace and look to your for petting and affection. He may drool or salivate. He may whine or look for a hiding place. These signals usually occur just a few minutes before a seizure begins. Of course, your dog may also behave this way for other reasons. A dog sensing a thunderstorm, for example, may show similar behavior, so you have to know your dog. You may not recognize these symptoms if your dog has never had a seizure before. However, if your dog has had a seizure you may learn to predict an oncoming seizure by noticing these symptoms.
Ictus: Ictus is the name of the seizure itself. During this stage your dog may seem excited. He may vomit, drool, salivate. He may run in circles and have uncoordinated movement. He may ultimately collapse. The ictus phase usually lasts for less than five minutes.
Post-Ictal: The post-ictal phase is the time after the seizure. This is the recovery period. Your dog may be disoriented and uncoordinated during this time. He may even be temporarily blind. This period may last from several minutes to several days.
If your dog has a seizure you should make sure that he is lying comfortably on the floor. Remove any hard or sharp objects that he could hurt himself on. Clear children and pets out of the room. Place a pillow or rug under your dog’s head. Then keep clear of your dog’s mouth and head. Your dog may not be aware of his surroundings or you and he could accidentally bite you. Observe him carefully during the seizure. See if his entire body is affected, how long the seizure lasts, and other details in case you need to describe the event to your vet. If your dog has a single seizure that lasts for less than three minutes it is not usually necessary to call the vet, though you can if it will make you feel better to discuss it. However, if your dog has more than one seizure you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
Remember that dog seizure symptoms do not always indicate that your dog has epilepsy. There are sometimes other underlying veterinary health problems. In many cases if the underlying condition is treated, the seizures will stop.