Many of us have observed such a frightening phenomenon as convulsions in a dog, and almost every adult knows what it is. But, unlike a dog, he can help himself or help another person. But when an involuntary muscle contraction suddenly begins in a pet, many are lost and do not know how to behave in such a situation. Can you help your dog on your own? What could be the causes of seizures? How to provide first aid? What is the treatment? Let's try to figure it out.

Most owners panic at the sight of their pets convulsing, which is not surprising: the animal falls, twitches convulsively, saliva flows from the mouth, and foam may even come out. A spectacle like from horror films, not for the faint of heart. And every person immediately flashes the thought: what happened, what is the reason? Here it should be clarified that convulsions are not a specific disease, but signs of a specific disease. Let's highlight five of them.

1. Infection. Involuntary muscle contraction can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The most dangerous form of the disease is rabies, when a dog has convulsions and foam at the mouth, infection occurs through contact with a sick dog.
2. Intoxication. It can occur as a result of a substance of chemical origin entering the dog's body (for example, arsenic, which poisoned rodents), as a result, poisoning occurs. An inflammatory process begins in the body, diarrhea and vomiting open, then muscle spasm occurs, which can result in paralysis.
3. Hypoglycemia. This disease occurs when the body of the animal experiences an acute deficiency of glucose in the blood. As a result, metabolism is disturbed, which primarily affects the kidneys and liver, and convulsions begin. This disease is most often manifested in young animals, small breeds, and can also be inherited.
4. Eclampsia, in which the dog's calcium levels plummet. Pregnant females, newborn litters and dwarf breeds are especially susceptible to this disease. Calcium deficiency also provokes seizures in pets.
5. Epilepsy. This is the most common cause of convulsions in animals. This disease affects the brain. It can result from a head injury, inflammation, tumor process, or be inherited. Large breed dogs are most susceptible to epilepsy.

Varieties of seizures

Involuntary muscle contractions are divided into four types, and each owner needs to know the symptoms that accompany one or another variety. This is important in order to accurately describe to the veterinarian the nature of the seizures, duration and frequency. This information will help diagnose and prescribe treatment. There are specific differences between the types of muscle contractions, consider each type.

1. Convulsive - are weak twitches that are periodically repeated. After short jerky contractions, the animal may even stand up and respond to the owner's commands, after which convulsive convulsions are repeated.
2. Tonic. This variety is not particularly dangerous, convulsive contractions do not last long. Muscles shudder periodically, the dog is conscious all the time, but feels aching pain, is nervous and whines. Convulsions can occur in any part of the animal's body, they do not cause strong pain, but they scare the pet.
3. Clonic. With this type of convulsions, the state of the animal alternates, the muscles contract and relax at a frequency of half a minute to a minute. For example, if the paw is reduced and convulsions occur in the dog, then it does not lose consciousness, and during periods of muscle relaxation the animal calms down. Then the contractions start again.
4. Epileptic. Such a state is the most terrible and dangerous, the dog looks frightening, as if in death convulsions. Muscles contract almost without intervals, and this continues until the animal passes out from pain. Epileptic seizures can be incurable for an affected dog.

Epileptic convulsions in a boxer

First aid

If suddenly your pet has started involuntary muscle contractions, then the main thing is not to be scared and try to alleviate the condition of the dog as much as possible. Unfortunately, it is impossible to help your pet in this situation, since convulsive twitching is a very serious symptom. So what should you do if your dog is having seizures? The first action is to immediately call the veterinarian or, if possible, take the pet to the clinic. Do not panic, especially since it is possible to help your pet, albeit insignificant.

Provide peace and quiet, darken the windows, then carefully (during periods of relaxation) transfer the dog to a bed or a firm mattress (but not to the bed). Do not carry out any manipulations with the pet and do not try to hold it or otherwise bring it to life, this is absolutely impossible to do. The necessary medical assistance to the animal can only be provided by a qualified specialist. The only thing you can do yourself (if you do not dare to carry a pet) is to lightly hold the dog so that he does not hit his head on foreign objects.

Carefully monitor the condition of the animal, the pauses between attacks, the behavior of the dog in general. All your observations will need to be told to the doctor for proper diagnosis and the most effective treatment. Another action that veterinarians recommend as a first aid if the dog has cramps throughout the body is to carefully put a few drops of corvalol or valocordin on the pet's tongue. These drugs will calm your pet a little and reduce the excitability of the nervous system.

Survey

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of seizures in a dog after taking the necessary tests. The list of necessary procedures includes: ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, general and biochemical blood tests, computed tomography and MRI, ECG of the heart and radiography of the chest cavity. Before these examinations, the diagnosis cannot be made, unless one assumes why the convulsions occurred. In dogs up to a year, muscle contractions appear as a result of inflammation and congenital pathologies. In animals older than a year, similar alarming symptoms already speak of epilepsy. If your dog has crossed the age mark of 5 years, then seizures may indicate cancer.

Prevention

There are no specific tips that are difficult to follow in the prevention of seizures in dogs. You need to pay attention to the nutrition of your pet, add variety to the diet and choose food enriched with vitamins, minerals and trace elements. On walks, make sure that your pet does not come into contact with homeless and, moreover, aggressive animals, from which it can become infected with a dangerous disease. And, of course, at least twice a year, undergo a routine examination at the veterinarian to exclude the presence of any diseases that can cause convulsive muscle contractions.

Treatment

Before diagnosing the causes, the specialist will begin the treatment of convulsions in a dog with injections of magnesium sulfate intramuscularly. This is an antihistamine drug that will stop spasms and eliminate attacks of involuntary muscle contractions. Then the doctor will examine the symptoms, send the animal for examination, and only after that, based on the results, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. You only need to strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor until the pet is fully recovered.

The main mistake made by many dog ​​owners is the unauthorized termination of treatment when they believe that the pet has already recovered, and that there is no need to “poison” him with medicines once again. This cannot be done, the animal must undergo a full course of treatment, which can be completed only with the permission of the doctor. And it depends only on the owner of the dog whether his four-legged friend will recover completely. After all, pet treatment often takes place at home, and if you do not give a damn about the recommendations of a specialist, then the health and even life of your pet will be in jeopardy.

What breeds are at risk

Basically, these are purebred dogs, such as collies, huskies, poodles, Labradors and dachshunds. The sex of the animal also plays a role, since males are more prone to epilepsy than females. But the latter can transmit the disease by inheritance during the period of gestation.

However, small breeds of dogs are also not safe, they can also be overtaken by convulsions, but as a consequence of another disease, hypoglycemia. Most often, this disease occurs in Chihuahuas, Miniature Spitz and Yorkshire Terriers. And it can begin at an early age, there can be several reasons for a lack of glucose in the blood: premature birth, poor feeding, a sharp change in the usual environment, and even stressful situations (do not forget that miniature dogs are very shy).

You can also ask a question to our website staff veterinarian, who will answer them as soon as possible in the comments box below.

Faced with such a frightening phenomenon in a pet as convulsions, it is easy to get confused. Muscle contractions can be caused by a variety of reasons - from epilepsy to pet poisoning with toxic substances. It is important to competently provide first aid to the animal and immediately deliver it to a veterinary facility for diagnosis and qualified treatment.

Read in this article

Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Convulsions in pets are not considered a separate pathology. This phenomenon, as a rule, is alarming and signals serious health problems. Veterinary experts note the following reasons that lead to convulsions in four-legged pets:

• Infectious diseases. Bacteria and viruses, rickettsia and fungi secrete biological toxins that have a negative reaction to neuromuscular conduction. Infections accompanied by inflammation of the brain and its membranes most often lead to convulsions in the dog.

Especially dangerous, which is a deadly disease for animals and humans. The dog has seizures, salivation, inability to take water due to the muscles of the pharynx.

Drooling as a sign of rabies

• Epilepsy. The disease affects the brain, develops, as a rule, as a result of injuries and neoplasms of the brain, and is inherited. Representatives of breeds such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, beagles, collies are more likely than others to have epileptic seizures.
• Chronic pathologies of internal organs. Diseases of the digestive system and kidneys are accompanied by the production of toxic substances that irritate a group of neurons in the brain, which is accompanied by a convulsive syndrome.
• Often leads to convulsions problems with the cardiovascular system accompanied by a decrease in the level of oxygen in the brain. Violation of metabolic processes in the nervous tissue leads to a powerful synchronized electrical discharge, which provokes muscle shaking in the pet.
• low or high blood sugar. As a result of metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia develops in the blood. A high level of sugary substances negatively affects the function of the kidneys, liver, brain, causing convulsions.

The same phenomenon is observed with low blood glucose due to insulin overdose. Hormonal pathology often has a hereditary predisposition and is observed in young pets.

hypoglycemia

• Neoplasms in the brain, spine, internal organs. Malignant tumors produce the production of toxic substances that irritate the neurons of the central nervous system.
• , spinal column, electric shock to a pet, heat stroke are often accompanied by the development of convulsions.
• Intoxication. Poisoning with pesticides, household poisons, heavy metals, bites of poisonous insects, snakes are accompanied by severe irritation of neurons, which leads to convulsive syndrome in dogs.

The cause of convulsions in four-legged friends may be low calcium in blood. Hypocalcemia is typical for pregnant females and in the first days after birth. Convulsions associated with a lack of calcium in the blood are also observed in newborn puppies.

Why did convulsions and vomiting occur?

The owner may be faced with a situation where, along with a convulsive syndrome, the pet has vomiting. Such signs may indicate the development of an infectious process, such as canine distemper. The cause of convulsions and vomiting in animals can be poisoning, both food and toxic substances (barbiturates, strychnine, isoniazid). Brain injury, heat stroke, and electric shock can also cause similar symptoms.

Why do small breeds have more

Representatives of small and dwarf breeds (toy terriers, chihuahuas, pinschers) due to increased nervous excitability often have conditions similar to convulsive syndrome. The animal's legs twitch and shake, ears and facial muscles twitch. This phenomenon does not require specific medical treatment. The owner should caress and calm the pet.

Kinds

Under the term convulsions, veterinary specialists understand, as a rule, the following types of muscle contractions: convulsive, clonic, tonic and epileptic seizures.

Convulsions throughout the body

Periodic muscle shaking with constant twitching of individual muscle groups is convulsions. Animals with these types of seizures are conscious, respond to the voice of the owner.

tonic

If a pet has short, but constant muscle contractions, then we are talking, as a rule, about tonic convulsions. The owner notes muscle twitching at regular intervals. The animal is conscious. Severe muscle spasms are accompanied by pain. The pet is worried, whines, squeals. Tonic convulsions according to the tonic mechanism, as a rule, are not associated with a danger to the health and life of the dog.

clonic

Muscle shaking in the clonic variety of seizures is characterized by alternating contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles. The interval between contractile movements and the absence of muscle tone reaches from 30 to 120 seconds. Due to uncontrolled movements, the animal falls. The condition is dangerous because the pet can injure itself, get under a car, fall from a height, etc.

epileptic seizures

Paroxysmal muscle contractions, accompanied by loss of consciousness in a pet, are the most dangerous. Muscle contraction occurs without intervals. The pain syndrome is so strong that it leads to a deep fainting. The dog's eyes may be open during such seizures.

epileptic seizure in a dog

Symptoms of the onset of seizures

The most common and dangerous for an animal is an epileptic seizure. That is why the owner of a pet with epilepsy should know the main symptoms of the onset of this unpleasant phenomenon and the seizure phase:

During this stage, there is often a strong salivation with foam at the mouth, involuntary urination, defecation.

• Postictal phase occurs after the cessation of the convulsive syndrome. An animal may have a poor orientation in space for a long time, not respond to changes in the environment, and not recognize the owner.

Veterinarians distinguish between a small and a generalized attack. With a moderate convulsive syndrome, the animal is conscious, there is a deviation of the head, weak salivation. The dog retains the ability to move.

In the case of a generalized seizure, the pet has severe salivation with an admixture of blood, retraction of the eyeballs, and frequent and heavy breathing. Chewing movements of the jaws may be noted. The movement of the limbs resembles the running of a pet. The head is usually tilted to the side.

If the dog has the slightest suspicion of the onset of an epileptic seizure, the owner must be ready to provide first aid.

First aid

First of all, it is important not to get confused. If a convulsive syndrome is detected, you should immediately call a veterinarian at home or take the dog to a specialized institution on your own. Before providing qualified assistance, the owner must take care of the safety of the animal, which is not able to control its actions.

To do this, it is necessary to remove foreign things and objects so that the dog does not accidentally get hurt. In the room where the animal is located, you should turn off the lights, hang the windows with curtains. If the seizure is caught on the street, you must carefully move the pet to a safe place and be inseparable from him. In order for the dog to breathe comfortably, it is better to turn it on its right side.

With severe convulsions, do not open the dog's jaws to avoid injury. If salivation is profuse, then measures should be taken to eliminate saliva from the mouth. This should be done by wrapping your hand in a towel. During transportation or waiting for the arrival of the veterinarian, the dog should be covered with a warm blanket, a light blanket.

Seizure treatment

Therapy of pathology depends on the cause leading to the convulsive syndrome, and consists in its elimination. In veterinary practice, injections of magnesium sulfate, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants are used to relieve muscle shaking in dogs. Effective drugs such as Phenobarbital, Diazepam, Sibazon, Primidon, Hexamidin. With kidney dysfunction, the dog is prescribed sodium bromide.

Seizures in four-legged pets indicate disorders in the central nervous system and can be due to many reasons. Epileptic seizures are the most common in dogs. The owner should know the symptoms of the pathology and competently provide the animal with first aid.

Useful video

Learn about the causes and treatment of seizures in dogs in this video.:

Some dog owners experience seizures. Sometimes involuntary muscle contractions are accompanied by foaming or vomiting. Only a qualified veterinarian can treat an animal.

Major Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Muscle contractions are based on the hyperactivity of neurons responsible for the motor control system.

There are the following types of seizures in dogs:

1. Convulsions.
2. Tonic convulsions.
3. Clonic convulsions.

Convulsions are jerky contractions. With tonic convulsions, they are quite long and slow. With clonic convulsions, the muscles are constantly contracting and relaxing.

The greatest danger is epileptic seizures. The pet loses consciousness, his health is gradually deteriorating.

During an epileptic seizure, the dog loses consciousness.

Common provoking factors

The most common causes of seizures include:

• disruption of the heart;
• intoxication;
• tumor growth;
• development of infection;
• metabolic disorders.

Disturbed work of the heart can provoke convulsions.

Metabolic disorders include kidneys, an increase in potassium levels in the blood, and a decrease in the concentration of glucose and calcium.

Risk group: small and large breeds

Seizures in a German Shepherd may indicate congenital epilepsy.

In small breed animals, hypoglycemia is the most common cause of muscle contractions.

German and East European Shepherds, Beagles and Belgian Tervurens seizures indicate the development of congenital or acquired epilepsy.

The German Shepherd is at risk.

Animal age

If the pet is not yet 12 months, then muscle contractions signal either the presence of a hereditary disease, or the course of an inflammatory process. Sometimes this symptom indicates lead poisoning.

If a puppy has seizures, it may be due to heredity.

If convulsions appear in an animal aged 1–5 years, this is often indicative of primary epilepsy.

Seizures in a dog 5–7 years talking about the presence of a cancerous tumor.

Another dangerous cause of muscle contractions in an adult animal is.

postpartum seizures in dogs

The main reason for the appearance of muscle contractions is a sharp decrease in calcium levels in the blood. There is no loss of consciousness during the seizure. But the animal does not react to the owner. This state is very dangerous. Seizures usually recur. This can lead to the death of the animal.

With postpartum seizures, the consciousness of the dog is not lost.

Cramping and foaming at the mouth

If muscle contractions are accompanied by foam, this may indicate:

• animal injury;
• the presence of worms;

If salivation appears after a sedative medication, this may be a reaction of the dog's body to the transferred one. In a healthy animal, this phenomenon is of a single nature. But if the attacks are repeated, then the pathology can be determined by the smell, consistency and shade of the foam.

If opaque saliva has a brownish-yellow color, is distinguished by viscosity and an unpleasant "aroma", it is usually about or. Sometimes this symptom indicates inflammation of the salivary glands.

If the dog's saliva has an unpleasant odor, then this may be the cause of periodontal disease.

If convulsions are combined with vomiting, this most often signals the progression of cancer.

When not to worry!

In small puppies and animals of small, excitable breeds, during sleep there are conditions that look like convulsions from the outside. The dog starts whimpering and yapping, shaking its paws. The facial muscles twitch, sometimes the animal can clang its fangs.

Do not worry if the puppy starts to flinch in his sleep.

If you calm the pet, he calms down and stops shaking. This is a completely normal condition that does not require medical intervention. According to cynologists, at such moments, animals see bad dreams.

Over time, the symptoms of "puppy shaking" disappear. In order to strengthen the nervous system, easily excitable pets are recommended to walk in unfamiliar places.

anxiety symptoms

1. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of damage, the nature and area of ​​the NS. In some dogs, only muscle trembling is observed, when only one of the paws twitches. Other animals have frightening seizures.
2. The pet suddenly falls, twitches all over. Foam comes out of the mouth. Muscle contraction is voluntary. Sometimes there is separation of urine.
3. The duration of the seizure is 20 seconds-5 minutes. It stops as suddenly as it starts. The animal rises to its feet, shaking its ears. At the same time, coordination of movements is disturbed, the look becomes cloudy.
4. Some dogs attack water or food after an attack. Other animals sit or lie and look at one point.
5. With eclampsia, seizures are accompanied by an increase in pressure, an increase in temperature. The dog breathes shallowly and frequently. In between bouts of eclampsia, the animal may feel normal.

Some dogs experience extreme thirst after an attack.

But you should not be deceived by the satisfactory condition of the pet.

Diagnosis

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian directs for the passage of:

1. Computed tomography.
2. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.
3. Echocardiography of the heart.
4. X-ray of the chest.

Computed tomography is assigned to the dog to clarify the diagnosis.

In addition, the veterinarian directs for the delivery of both blood. If necessary, a comprehensive examination is prescribed. Sometimes a dog needs a consultation with a neurologist.

At the appointment with the veterinarian, the owner of the dog should describe the seizure in detail.

It is important to know exactly what and when the animal was sick before. You also need to remember what injuries the pet received. Specific signs may appear against the background of a blow to the lower back, back or head.

How can you help your dog with a seizure?

Treatment is prescribed only after the diagnosis is clarified.

In most cases, the dog is prescribed medication. But if the primary cause of seizures is a tumor, then the veterinarian makes a decision regarding surgical intervention.

If the tumor has caused seizures, then surgical intervention is prescribed.

Features of first aid

First of all, you need to provide a sick animal complete rest . It is necessary to curtain the windows, turn off the TV and move the pet to a thick cloth. You don't need to put your dog on the bed.

After seizures, the dog should be kept calm.

Then you need to carefully turn the pet on its right side. This will make it easier for him to breathe. It is important to ensure that the foam flows out of the mouth, otherwise the dog will choke. In order to minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, a dense cushion should be placed under the animal's head.

You can not bring the animal to life or keep it by force if it wants to leave.

You can not open your jaw and push a spoon between your teeth.

Hind leg cramps

If the dog's hind legs contract, then it should be wrapped in a blanket and taken to the hospital.

If the unconscious animal is convulsing, you must first wait until the attack ends, and then consult a doctor.

What is important to remember

The owner of a sick dog needs to have a notebook in which all attacks will be recorded. The veterinarian should obtain information regarding their:

• gravity;
• duration;
• move.

A veterinarian will need a notebook to record the dog's seizures.

Only in this way the doctor will be able to determine the effectiveness of a particular drug.

Treating seizures and salivation

If muscle contractions are accompanied by copious salivation, then the animal may be given symptomatic treatment.

1. Almagel- 40 minutes before eating and taking other medications.
2. Veracol- up to 1 week
3. No-shpa- up to 3–5 days.
4. Emprobio- up to 1–1.5 weeks.
5. Mezim- 0.25 tab. / 10 days.
6. Nux Vomica- up to 1–1.5 weeks.

The drug Almagel is intended for the treatment of seizures.

Diet

Up to 7 days, the Hills Prescription Diet is prescribed. When the condition of the dog stabilizes, it can be transferred to the usual type of food. The health of the pet must be reported 1 time per day.

In order to stop the risk of new attacks, it is necessary to give those drugs, the concentration of which will remain in the dog's body for a long time. One of the most effective medicines is Phenobarbital. The result should be expected 7 days after the start of application.

Phenobarbilate is an effective drug for the prevention of seizures.

Phenobarbital can contribute to side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and loss of appetite. If they appear, stop taking the medicine and contact your veterinarian again.

Video about a dog with seizures

​ Seizures in a dog are an unpleasant and even terrible phenomenon. At this time, the animal falls, begins to shudder all over. In addition, against the background of convulsions, foam may come out of the mouth and loss of consciousness may occur. Convulsions occur precisely at the moment when the owner is not ready for them. Then a lot of questions arise: what to do or how to help your pet?! Let's try to study this topic in detail and understand it from "A to Z".

Seizures in a dog causes, types and treatment

Convulsions are reduction muscles. In veterinary medicine, several varieties are distinguished, which depend on the nature and frequency of muscle contractions.

1. Jerky muscle contraction or convulsions.
2. Slow and prolonged are tonic convulsions.
3. The alternation of contractions and muscle relaxation are clinical convulsions. At first, the dog begins to shudder for a while, and then calms down. The total time of clinical manifestation can be from three minutes to an hour.
4. Seizures accompanied by the presence of foam from the mouth and loss of consciousness is epilepsy.

A cramp is a terrible phenomenon and indicates that your friend was struck by one of diseases, which is worth treating immediately!

What are seizures and how do they manifest?

Neurons that are responsible for motor control become hyperactive, which leads to a convulsive manifestation. The area, nature and degree of damage to the nervous system gives the result in the form of convulsions. Muscle trembling can be different and depend on the time interval. It may appear in the form twitching with one paw. But it can also be in the form of a shudder throughout the body with loss of consciousness and foam flowing from the mouth.

Muscles at this moment contract arbitrarily, and the animal loses control over the body. In many ways, veterinarians call this condition an epileptic seizure, but epilepsy is not always the main cause of seizures.

Seizures last from a few seconds to several minutes. After the attack is over, the animal shakes itself off and regains consciousness. Depending on the underlying cause of the seizure, it can behave differently. Some dogs lie down in bed for several hours. Other animals quickly come to their senses and begin to eat or run greedily. In the event that the attack happened for the first time, then it is worth taking into account that the danger to the life of the animal is minimal, but requires urgent intervention by a veterinarian.

What are seizures in dogs?

Seizures can manifest themselves in different ways, their nature will depend on what they are caused by. There are several types of seizures, between which there are certain differences.

Particular attention should be paid to epileptic seizures in dogs. Seizures in this case are a sign of neurological dysfunction of the brain. The primary development of this disease is due to a genetic disorder. An epileptic seizure may first appear at the age of six months. The secondary development of epilepsy may occur due to the acquisition of another disease that affects the functioning of the nervous system.

Firstly, poisoning toxins or heavy metals.

Secondly, the bite of a poisonous insect.

Thirdly, electric shock.

Fourth, the presence of worms in the dog.

Fifth, traumatic brain injury.

Sixth, malnutrition.

Seventh, liver or kidney disease.

Seventh, diabetes.

Eighth, the lack of minerals and vitamins in the body.

Ninth, metabolic factors, including arrhythmia, cirrhosis, oncological diseases.

Tenth, eclampsia - convulsions that occur in the postpartum period. Calcium deficiency can manifest itself in this way.

Eleventh, the presence of infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis, distemper or tetanus.

Seizures in dogs can be roughly divided into three stages.

The first is the period when the dog is in anxious condition. She tries to hide from strangers, whines and walks around the corners.

The second - loses consciousness, falls. At this time, the head and paws are convulsed. The dog is breathing heavily.

The third - the epileptic seizure has passed, but the animal behaves restlessly. It wanders and does not orient itself in space.

Each of the attacks lasts for five minutes. The animal cannot recover for half an hour, and sometimes longer. In this case, the answer is clear - you will need to take the dog to the clinic. A convulsively shuddering animal is best covered in a soft and warm blanket or towel. Dog breeds that are at risk are recommended to be protected from stressful situations and avoid overexcitation.

First aid for convulsions in a dog

If your dog has a seizure, the most important thing for the dog is to get him to the vet. In a hospital setting, you can take care of yourself as much as possible and diagnose the cause of seizures. But before that happens, you can help your dog relax the muscles. To do this, you should know some rules for first aid in case of involuntary contraction. muscles.

1. On the surface of the tongue, the dog needs to drip a remedy that can reduce muscle spasm and lead to relaxation. Among these, corvalol, valocordin or valocordin. With intense convulsions, it does not make sense to give medicine to the dog, since the muscles of the mouth will be tense and it will not work to open them.
2. You can take your temperature before going to the clinic. It is recommended to measure body temperature in a calm state, during the interval between convulsions.
3. In order to avoid hitting the floor during convulsions, it is better to hold the animal in your arms or put it on a soft rug. During muscle contractions, the animal can be injured at any time.
4. Convulsive animal recommended to transport covered in a blanket or blanket and hold it tightly.
5. The owner of the dog should carefully examine the condition of the animal. The veterinarian will need to be informed about the nature and duration of the contractions.

Dog Seizure Examination

In order to prescribe treatment for a dog, it is necessary to establish the cause of the seizures. Unfortunately, in this case, it will not work to do with the usual delivery of analysis. A comprehensive examination is required to determine root causes.

Depending on the definition of the primary disease, treatment is prescribed. In some cases, not only therapy in the form of tablets or drops is possible, but also surgical intervention. The latter may be required if the dog is diagnosed with tumors.

What the owner should know about seizures

Whether your dog has seizures or not. Every dog ​​owner should know and remember how attacks of involuntary muscle contraction occur and who can experience them.

Firstly, seizures in a dog up to a year old can be provoked by congenital pathology or inflammatory process. In addition, convulsions can occur as a result of poisoning or metabolic disorders.

Second, dogs under the age of five can be prone to epilepsy.

Thirdly, animals over the age of five years can have serious disorders in the liver, kidneys, endocrine system and cancer.

Fourth, decorative dogs are prone to hypoglycemia, which provokes convulsions in dogs.

Fifth, boys are more likely to get sick epilepsy than girls.

Important: a dog that falls down from convulsions is important to put on its feet, and then take it to the veterinarian. In time, by contacting a veterinary clinic, you can save your dog from a serious illness. Only a doctor, having examined the dog, will be able to put it on its feet and prescribe an effective treatment.

First aid for animal includes.

As soon as the animal calms down, it should be taken to the veterinarian. It is worth noting that in hot weather, decorative dogs are prone to convulsions. Manifestation in the form of muscle contractions is associated with the dog's inability to adapt to weather conditions. In this case, the dog must be taken out into the cold, for example, under an air conditioner or fan and refreshed. Thus, her convulsions will pass faster, and she will not suffer.

You already know how to provide first aid, and what to do if you find cramps too. But the main thing is that a disease detected in a timely manner provides more chances to be cured. Quite often, by self-medicating the dog and doing nothing, we gradually kill it. Convulsions are manifestations of a serious illness that needs to be cured as soon as possible. It is recommended not to hesitate, but to contact a veterinarian for help.

Have you ever seen a dog, for no reason at all, fall like a mowed down and begin to shudder all over? Agree, the phenomenon is frightening. No one is ready for such an attack, therefore, when it occurs, the owners are lost and do not know what to do. In this article, you will find a brief guide describing the symptoms of convulsions in a dog and understand how to act in cases where the first signs of convulsions appear.

Cramp spasm strife

First you need to determine what type of seizure your pet has. It could be:

1. Convulsions. Jerky sharp contractions of one or more muscles. Convulsions are usually accompanied by a sharp pain, so the animal begins to whine plaintively.
2. tonic convulsions. Caused by slow muscle contraction for a short period of time. The animal remains conscious, but appears frightened.
3. Clonic convulsions. Periodic muscle contractions alternating with prolonged relaxation. Approximate repetition time is 25-50 seconds of contraction, 60-120 seconds of relaxation. During relaxation, the dog tries to get up, but falls again when convulsions occur.
4. epileptic seizure. Muscle contraction is accompanied by loss of consciousness. The most dangerous type of seizures, as an unconscious animal can harm itself.

After the first manifestations of convulsions, it is advisable to write everything down in a notebook. This will help you get a complete picture of the disease for the veterinarian.

What is the reason?

As a rule, convulsions in animals are the result of diseases associated with brain activity or a lack of certain substances. Let us consider in more detail the causes of seizures in a dog.

1. Epilepsy. It is the most common cause of seizures. Epilepsy can result from brain injury, inflammation, or a tumor. Some breeds, for example, German and Belgian Shepherds, Beagles, Collies, Dachshunds, Boxers, Retrievers, Labradors, suffer from epileptic convulsions more often than other breeds. Bitches get sick less often than males.
2. hypoglycemia. This disease is characterized by a drop in blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia affects dogs of small breeds (, dachshunds, cocker spaniels,), as well as puppies.
3. Scotty crump. A neuromuscular disease that is inherited. Some experts believe that the disease occurs due to an excess or lack of serotonin in the animal's central nervous system. Symptoms appear during exercise or at times of nervous excitement. During an attack, the dog's facial muscles contract, the lumbar spine arches, the flexibility of the hind legs is lost, and breathing becomes difficult. It should be noted that only Scottish Terriers are susceptible to Scotty Crump.
4. Eclampsia. The disease is caused by a sharp drop in the level of calcium in the blood. This condition is typical for lactating bitches during the first month after birth. The symptoms of eclampsia are similar to those of epilepsy. After a short period of anxiety, the animal begins to twitch convulsively, the head throws back and the limbs stretch out tensely. The attack lasts 15-20 minutes. Consciousness is preserved.

In addition, the causes of sudden seizures in a dog can be tumors, metabolic disorders, phosphate / heavy metal poisoning.

First aid

Unfortunately, in the case of seizures, the owner does not have effective ways to help the pet. You can only try to drop a little valocordin or corvalol on the tongue of the animal and try to carefully measure the temperature. During an attack, try not to lose your composure and with all your appearance inspire calmness and confidence in the dog. If possible, take her to a veterinary clinic.