Kepp you dog safe by knowing detect seizures.
Canine seizures can be a scary experience for both you and your pet. There are a number of causes for seizures in dogs that are related to existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypoxemia or distemper. Even healthy dogs can experience seizures due to head injuries or common tick bites. Every responsible dog owner should be aware of the signs and symptoms of canine convulsions. Knowing detect a seizure in a dog can be the difference between life and death for your pet.
Instructions
Symptoms And Phases Of Canine Seizure
1. Be aware of slight abnormal changes in your dog's behavior. The hours preceding a canine seizure are called the aura--or pre-ictal phase. In this phase your dog may begin to display what appear to be mood swings and slightly unusual behavior patterns. These actions may appear within seconds or even hours prior to the seizure and may include restlessness, wandering, apprehension, trembling, whining, nervousness, salivation and hiding.
2. Do not mistake a seizure for an injury. The second stage of canine seizures is called the ictal phase. This phase is the actual seizure and, if unexpected by the dog owner, can be mistaken for an injury or poisoning. During the convulsive period your dog may yelp excessively; its muscles will visibly contract, and it will likely fall to the ground salivating. Uncontrollable waste elimination may occu,r and unconsciousness is likely. These symptoms will typically last about five minutes unless prolonged seizure, otherwise known as status epilepticus is evident.
3. Make note of the length of the seizure with urgency. If your dog's seizure lasts for more than five minutes it is likely that it is in a state of status epilepticus. You must seek immediate veterinary attention as this is a life-threatening condition for your pet. If more than 20 minutes elapse and your pet has not been treated, regained consciousness or ceased convulsive activity, brain damage may occur due to lack of muscle relaxation in the brain.
4. Recognize the after-effects of canine seizures. If your dog is left unsupervised for extended periods of time--like while you are at work--it is possible for you to be completely oblivious to the fact that he has suffered a seizure. Being aware of post-ictal seizure symptoms can indicate whether or not your dog has suffered a seizure while you were away. Symptoms of the post-ictal phase of canine seizures include pacing and restlessness, excessive eating or drinking, temporary blindness, disorientation and uncontrollable salivation.
5. Check for an elevated temperature. If you suspect that your pet is having--or has had--a seizure, feel his nose and the back of his ears. If they feel warm to the touch he may have an elevated temperature that could be a sign of hypothermia. Immediate veterinary assistance is required to prevent heat stroke and treat the seizure before secondary conditions or in the worst case, death occur.
Tags: canine seizures, elevated temperature, five minutes, more than, status epilepticus