Diagnosing why your pet is experiencing seizures is half the battle when it comes to this problem. Not all forms of seizures are related to epilepsy as many of us believe. In fact, seizures in dogs are related to other diseases contracted by our pets or by exposure to a household chemical.
Epilepsy is the main reason the problem appears in canines and humans. It is a neurological disorder that is related to abnormal nervous brain tissue. This brain tissue receives an incorrect impulse which then affects the voluntary muscles of the body causing them to contract and convulse.
It has been researched and found that genetics can play an important role with the probability of development of the problem. Certain breeds are much more likely than others to develop the disorder. Some breeds that have been included in the list to consider are Beagle, Collie, Golden Retriever, Poodle, German Shepherd and Dachshund.
A brain tumor is another problem that may be responsible for the disorder and may be related to specific types of seizures. It is quite possible for a tumor to put pressure on specific points in a canine’s brain. Pressure applied to specific brain tissue can result in particular types of this disorder that cause loss of coordination and may even cause some vision loss.
Accidents that result in canine head injuries can also be the cause of this type of disorder. An accident that causes serious injury to the skull or brain tissue is likely to cause a seizure. Episodes may continue after the pet’s recovery.
Products in the environment can also be dangerous to canines and can end up causing the disorder. Many products used for cleaning, painting, and other everyday tasks can be extremely harmful. Also, certain foods like chocolate are extremely dangerous for many canines, especially those that are prone to the disorder.
Diseases and parasites can also be responsible for causing diseases in canines that will result in damage causing this disorder. Canine distemper is a very serious virus that is highly contagious and once your pet contracts it, it attacks the nervous system. This disorder may be present throughout the disease, or only during the early stages.
Lyme disease can be the result of a tick bite on your pet, and although there are several symptoms, including arthritis, it is also possible to suffer from this disorder. Treating your pet with flea and tick medication every month is the best way to keep them safe from these types of problems. A prescription for the drug can be obtained from your veterinarian and discounted products can be found online.
While we can’t protect our dogs from every problem they may face in their lives, it is possible to prevent some of the more serious ones. Be sure to properly vaccinate and treat your pet against serious illnesses, and avoid products that can cause the disorder for breeds that are more susceptible. There is no reason to expect anything less than a long and happy life with the proper treatment for seizures in dogs.