#Signs of head trauma in puppies full#

Based upon these results, your veterinarian may also suggest additional tests, such as MRIs, blood tests to search for signs of toxins or metabolic disorders, and collection of cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose potential brain inflammation or infections. In many cases, the veterinarian will recommend routine laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, like chest radiographs (to look for evidence of cancer). They will look for any abnormalities that may point them in the direction of the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will then give your dog a thorough physical and neurological examination. If possible, ask a friend or family member to safely video your dog’s seizure activity, as this will help your veterinarian accurately diagnose your dog’s condition. Seizures are initially diagnosed based upon the owner’s description and an exam. These signs can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.ĭiagnosing seizures in dogs requires a veterinarian’s confirmation that a dog has had a seizure, followed by a thorough analysis to try to determine the underlying cause of it. These can differ but can include restlessness, weakness, disorientation, panting, hyperactivity, fatigue, and even unprovoked aggression. Chewing motions, salivation, disorientation, unresponsiveness, aggression, barking, and excessive biting or licking at the air (fly biting) can also occur.Īfter the seizure ends, dogs often experience post-seizure signs. In some cases, the only sign may be repetitive blinking of one or both of your dog’s eyes or staring vacantly into space. The head might turn to one side, for example, or a single leg could jerk and twitch. In a partial seizure, the symptoms may be limited to a single limb or part of body. Despite this activity, dogs are often unconscious and unresponsive during seizures. These dogs may also jerk or paddle their limbs as if they are running, as well as perform chewing motions, salivate, and in some cases urinate or defecate. The legs will appear stiff, and the heads may arch back.

#Signs of head trauma in puppies full#

In a grand mal seizure, dogs typically present with full body rigidity. The seizure itself can affect the entire body or just one area of the body depending on the type. This will help your doctor with the diagnosis.

However, if the seizures recur, try to keep track of any changes in behavior immediately before and after the seizures. You may not notice the pre-seizure state symptoms the first few times your dog has one. Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Snapping at the air (sometimes referred to as “biting at flies”)Ītaxia (staggering or uncoordinated gait) The symptoms of seizures in dogs are divided into three states: pre-seizure, seizure, and post-seizure. The signs and symptoms of seizures in dogs may vary depending the type of seizure, but most seizures tend to cause dogs distress. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options will help you better understand and manage your dog’s condition. Regardless of the type, seizures usually cause alarm for dogs and owners alike. Although any breed of dog can have a seizure, there are a few breeds that are susceptible to idiopathic epilepsy. This typically happens to dogs between the ages of six months to six years. This is when the cause of a dog’s seizures is unknown. Lastly, dogs may experience a type of seizure known as idiopathic epilepsy. The main difference between a psychomotor seizure and just odd behavior is that a psychomotor seizure results in the same behavior every time. This can range from your dog chasing their tail to attacking an imaginary object. It is possible for a focal seizure to last for a couple of seconds and then transition into a generalized seizure.Īnother type of seizure is the psychomotor seizure, which causes strange behavior that lasts a couple of minutes. This results in only one limb or half of the dog’s body having unusual movements. A dog affected by a general seizure may lose consciousness and convulse anywhere from a couple of seconds to a few minutes.Ī focal seizure, or partial seizure, affects only part of the brain. The most common type of seizure in dogs is the generalized seizure, also known as a grand mal seizure, which affects the entire body.