Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is a common neurological disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Some seizures result from structural problems, such as a tumor, or from metabolic disorders or toxins. Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when no underlying cause can be identified. The frequency of seizures varies widely.
Causes of Seizures. Not all seizures are due to epilepsy, as seizures can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Brain Tumors: More common in senior dogs, growths can pressure parts of the brain.
- Head Trauma or Strokes
- Brain Inflammation or Infections: This includes encephalitis, meningitis, or viral infections.
- Toxins and Poisoning: Ingestion of household toxins like Xylitol (sugar substitute), chocolate (theobromine), caffeine, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol), rubbing alcohol, cleaning products, and carbon monoxide. Human painkillers (ibuprofen), and certain antibiotics. Rat and snail bait (metaldehyde), insecticides, and plants like sago palm and mushrooms. Marijuana (cannabis), alcohol, and illicit drugs
- Metabolic Disorders: Serious organ issues, such as liver disease, kidney failure
- Blood Sugar/Electrolyte Imbalances: Critically low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or abnormal calcium levels
Symptoms of Canine Epilepsy. Seizures can vary greatly in appearance and can be described as either generalized or focal.
- A generalized seizure (sometimes referred to as a convulsion or “fit”) involves both sides of the brain, whereas a focal seizure involves a smaller localized region only on one side of the brain.
- Focal seizures may be more subtle and are sometimes harder to identify as they can mimic other diseases. For example, some dogs may display “fly biting” behavior, appearing to catch a nonexistent fly, which may be due to focal seizures or other causes.
Seizures can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and are often characterized in dogs by three phases:
- Pre-ictal phase -- Subtle behavioral changes, such as restlessness or anxiety, may or may not be noticeable preceding a seizure.
- Ictal phase -- The seizure itself, often lasting seconds to minutes.
- Post-ictal phase – A recovery period following the seizure, in which the brain is “resetting” after the abnormal activity, characterized by confusion, disorientation, and lethargy. Many dogs start to salivate excessively during this recovery phase.
Any active seizure lasting more than five minutes (status epilepticus) or more than one seizure within a 24-hour period is termed “cluster seizures” and is considered a medical emergency. All status epilepticus is life-threatening, and some of the cluster seizures can be as well. In both cases, your dog should be taken to the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately.
Treatment. While epilepsy is rarely cured, it can be managed.
- Medication: Lifelong medication is often required to maintain a good quality of life. Anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam) are used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
- Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to adjust medication and manage potential triggers, such as stress. Owners should keep a seizure log detailing the date, duration and severity of each episode.
- Emergency Care: If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if a dog has multiple seizures in 24 hours (cluster seizures), veterinary attention is needed immediately.
- Prognosis: Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy often live near-normal lifespans if their seizures are well-managed with medication. While epilepsy can lead to premature death or euthanasia if seizures are severe or uncontrolled, 60–70% of dogs achieve good seizure control.
What to do if your dog is having a seizure.
- A seizing animal does NOT swallow its tongue, so do not touch your pet near the mouth to prevent an accident or injury to you or to your dog.
- Remove any objects with hard surfaces from the area and prevent your dog from being injured, including falling down any stairs.
- Try to place soft blankets or padding near your seizing dog to decrease the chance of injury.
- Try to time the length of the seizure, and if possible, take a short video of the seizure to show the vet
- Turn off any bright lights
- Remain calm and speak softly to your dog as they recover as they are unaware of what just happened to them
- Immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Any dog having a seizure for the first time should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.