Like humans, epilepsy in dogs is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. It can be either idiopathic (no known cause) or caused by a structural problem with the brain or by a reaction to something in the body (like toxins).
Dr. Theresa Pancotto, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), a Board-Certified Veterinary Neurologist, explains that “stressful events seem to make seizure activity worse.”
She adds that epilepsy triggers can include:
- Loud sounds
- Bright lights
- Extra visitors to the home
- Seasonal changes
- Medical stress
Read on to learn more about what to expect if your dog has epilepsy and how you can support them during seizures.
What Are Epileptic Seizures?
Epilepsy causes abnormal electrical activity within the dog’s brain, and it’s this abnormal activity that results in seizures. The length of a seizure will vary from dog to dog, but seizures typically last between about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes.
The first idiopathic epileptic seizure will typically occur when your dog is between 6 months and 6 years of age. Outside this range, seizures are more likely caused by structural abnormalities or reactions to something in the body.
Generalized seizures are fairly easy to recognize, with symptoms including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Paddling, shaking movements
- Involuntary urination and defecation
Partial seizures are more difficult to identify. Some common health problems that look like a seizure but aren’t include:
- Fainting
- Dementia
- Cushing’s disease
- Vestibular disorders
Is Epilepsy in Dogs Common?
“According to recent studies, the prevalence of epileptic seizures in dogs ranges between 0.5% and 5.7%,” explains Dr. Peter Gordon, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), and Board Certified Veterinary Neurologist.
While any dog can develop epilepsy, Dr. Gordon notes that some breeds have a higher rate of epilepsy than others. These include:
- Siberian Huskies
- Border Collies
- Golden Retrievers
- Keeshonds
- Irish Setters
- St. Bernards
- Shepherds
Dr. Gordon notes that while one gene for inherited epilepsy has been identified, the link between genetics and epilepsy still remains unclear.
What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs?
Dogs with epilepsy experience seizures, but pinpointing one can be challenging. Certain symptoms might resemble a seizure without actually being one.
Dr. Pancotto explains that an epileptic seizure has three phases:
- Pre-ictal: The pre-ictal phase is just before a seizure and is usually fairly short, maybe a few seconds to a minute. Dogs may become needy, fearful, excitable, or otherwise do not seem like themselves but are still alert and moving around.
- Ictal: The ictal phase is the seizure itself, which can be highly variable in appearance. In many cases, dogs don’t respond to commands or their name.
- Post-ictal: The post-ictal phase is recovery. During this phase, a dog may be confused and have difficulty seeing, but usually try to walk around and interact.
Keeping a diary of your dog’s seizures is a good idea. Record the date, duration, and any changes in your dog’s behaviour during the pre-ictal phase. This will help you identify the potential onset of a seizure.
Dr. Pancotto explains that videos are extremely helpful when veterinary neurologists are trying to characterize an event. If possible, try to take a video during the seizure.
What Causes Epilepsy in Dogs?
Dr. Pancotto explains that there are three main causes of epilepsy in dogs: reactive epilepsy, structural epilepsy, and idiopathic epilepsy.
1. Reactive epilepsy
Reactive epilepsy is when the dog’s brain is normal but responding to something disrupting their normal metabolic functions.
Metabolic disorders can include low blood sugar, toxins, and liver conditions.
Bloodwork diagnoses these conditions. If you notice your dog ingested something before their seizure or has recently been exposed to a toxin, tell your veterinarian the details.
2. Structural epilepsy
Structural epilepsy occurs when something is physically wrong with the dog’s brain.
Problems with the brain can include:
- A traumatic injury
- Malformation
- Inflammation
- Degenerative conditions
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
Dr. Pancotto explains that most dogs with structural epilepsy have an abnormal neurological exam. However, an MRI and spinal tap are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
3. Idiopathic epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means all other causes are ruled out first.
Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy often have a family history of epilepsy, but tests for epilepsy genes are not yet readily available.
How Do Vets Diagnose Epilepsy?
While an EEG (electroencephalogram) is the ideal way to identify abnormal brain activity that characterizes a seizure, Dr. Pancotto says it is not very practical or reliable with dogs.
Instead, a mixture of bloodwork, physical and neurological examinations, an MRI, and a spinal tap may be used to diagnose epilepsy in dogs.
iStock/nuttapong punna
How to Treat Epilepsy in Dogs
For reactive and structural epilepsy, treatment includes correcting the underlying problem with the possible inclusion of anti-seizure medications.
Dr. Pancotto explains that treatment for idiopathic epilepsy is recommended when seizures are long (>3-5 minutes or status epilepticus), clustered (>2 in 24 hours), or too frequent (more than 1 seizure every 6-8 weeks). If a dog has any of these criteria, anti-seizure medications are recommended first.
Anti-seizure medications
There are four main anti-seizure medications veterinarians may prescribe for epilepsy.
- Levetiracetam or Keppra (TM): This medication is very safe and well tolerated with few side effects. It is effective in only about 30% of dogs as a daily medication to control seizures.
- Zonisamide: This medication has low side effects, with the main side effects being GI upset and wobbliness. These usually resolve over the first few weeks. Zonisamide works in 40-60% of dogs.
- Potassium Bromide (KBr): This drug’s side effects are much more significant. Dogs will seem a bit drunk (wobbly) after starting this medication, but this usually improves over several weeks to months. As a side effect of this medication, dogs will also drink more, pee more, and eat more. KBr is effective in about 70% of dogs.
- Phenobarbital: Phenobarbital is considered the most effective anti-seizure medication in dogs at 80%. Like potassium bromide, dogs will initially act drunk (this resolves over the first 2-3 weeks). They will also drink more, urinate more, and eat more while on this medication. Liver changes can also occur with this medication, which usually requires additional monitoring.
Anti-seizure medication may not necessarily stop all the seizures but is considered effective if it cuts the number of seizures in half. If your veterinarian considers your dog’s seizures to be too frequent, they may increase the dosage or add an additional medication to the plan. Lastly, speak to your vet if you’re having trouble giving your dog their medications.
Immediate seizure management
Watching your dog have a seizure can be scary, but knowing what to do in the meantime is essential.
Tips to help you manage your dog’s seizure include:
- Ensure safety: If you notice any signs during the pre-ictal phase, guide your dog to a safe space that is away from hazards or sharp objects. If you’re strapped for time, remove any objects close to your dog while they are seizing.
- Avoid restraint: Restraining a dog or holding them down during a seizure can lead to injury for you and your dog. Allow the seizure to run its course, and don’t place your hands or other objects inside your dog’s mouth, as you may get bitten.
- Don’t comfort your dog: As much as you want to comfort your dog by stroking their head or petting them, it’s important to know that they aren’t conscious or in pain. Because they aren’t in control of their movements, you may get injured if you touch your dog during a seizure.
- Take a video: Where possible, take a video before, during, and after the seizure. This will help your veterinarian provide a more accurate diagnosis. If this is too much for you to perform at the moment, ask someone nearby to record the video for you.
- Give your dog time to recover: During the post-ictal phase, your dog may be disoriented and confused. Let them recover on their own and avoid giving them any stimulation.
- Record the seizure in your diary: When your dog has recovered, record the seizure in your dog’s epilepsy diary.
- Seek veterinary care: If this was your dog’s first seizure, immediately let your vet know.
Emergency care
“Cluster seizures (more than 2 in 24 hours) and status epilepticus (lasting over 5 minutes or recurring without regaining consciousness) are emergencies that demand immediate veterinary attention,” explains Dr. Wonjae Lee, DVM, medical director at Blue Cross Pet Hospital.
If a dog’s seizures are infrequent and well-controlled with medication, he says they could be left alone for short periods.
However, if seizures occur frequently or are severe and require immediate medical attention, it is not safe to leave your dog unattended.
What’s the Outlook for Epileptic Dogs?
Dr. Lee says that for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, the outlook varies. This is because as dogs age, their health, metabolism, and brain function may change, potentially affecting the seizures. However, these changes don’t necessarily worsen epilepsy.
“In general, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have a normal lifespan. But, dogs with frequent episodes requiring emergency treatment may have a shorter lifespan,” Dr. Lee explains.
