Labradoodles and Seizures: Causes Prevention and Treatment

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Woman Looking Afar While Sitting Beside Her White and Brown Labradoodle Dog
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Labradoodles and seizures can be a worrying combination for many owners. According to research, Labradoodles are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy than other breeds due to their complex genetic makeup.

Some Labradoodles may be more prone to seizures due to their Poodle heritage, which is known to increase the risk of inherited disorders.

Labradoodles can suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, which is a common cause of seizures in dogs. This means that the underlying cause of the seizures is unknown.

Genetic testing can help identify potential risks in Labradoodles, but it's not a guarantee against seizures.

Here's an interesting read: Can Allergies Cause Seizures in Dogs?

What You Need to Know

Labradoodles are prone to seizures due to their genetic makeup, specifically the inheritance of the PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) gene from their parent breeds, which can increase the risk of epilepsy.

Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and their mixed breed status can make it difficult to predict their seizure risk.

Credit: youtube.com, What you need to know about seizures in dogs

A seizure can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, fever, or certain medications, and can range from mild to severe in severity.

Labradoodles with a family history of seizures are more likely to experience them themselves, as the genetic predisposition can be passed down through generations.

In some cases, seizures in Labradoodles can be caused by a condition called idiopathic epilepsy, which means the underlying cause is unknown.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential seizure triggers and provide early treatment to manage the condition.

The frequency and severity of seizures in Labradoodles can vary greatly, with some experiencing occasional seizures and others having more frequent episodes.

Labradoodles and Seizures

Labradoodles, being a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, can be prone to seizures due to their genetic makeup. This is especially true if they inherit the tendency from their Labrador Retriever parent.

Certain breeds, including Labradors, are more likely to suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, which can lead to cluster seizures. In fact, research shows that cluster seizures occur in 38-77% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Seizures! What Next with Dr. Dan

If your Labradoodle has idiopathic epilepsy, it's essential to monitor them closely for cluster seizures, which can be life-threatening. A cluster seizure is defined as two or more seizures within a 24-hour period.

Labradoodles with idiopathic epilepsy may also be more likely to have multiple seizures in a short time period, often without warning signs or triggers.

Dogs

Seizures in dogs can be a frightening experience for both the dog and its owner. Seizures are not painful, although your dog may feel confused and might panic. It's essential to keep your dog from falling or hurting herself by knocking objects onto herself.

During a seizure, your dog's body temperature may rise, and if left unchecked, can lead to hyperthermia. This can cause another set of problems to be addressed. If your dog has multiple seizures within a short period of time, or if a seizure continues for longer than a few minutes, the body temperature begins to rise.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Treat Seizures in Dogs Naturally

Some dog breeds are more prone to seizures, including large herding and retriever dogs, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Breeds with short, flat noses, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs, are also at risk.

Here are some breeds that are more at risk of experiencing seizures:

  • Large herding and retriever dogs: German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers
  • Breeds with short, flat noses: Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs
  • Bull Terriers can have an inherited form of epilepsy

It's essential to pay attention to your dog's behaviors and symptoms, and if your dog begins to show signs of a seizure, try to think back to what the pet was doing right before the seizure began and notify your vet.

Dogs Prone to Seizures

Some dog breeds are more prone to seizures, and as a Labradoodle owner, it's essential to know if your furry friend is at risk.

Labradoodles are not specifically mentioned as a breed prone to seizures, but their parent breeds, Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, can be at risk.

According to research, breeds with a high predisposition for idiopathic epilepsy, such as Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Border Collies, Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to suffer from cluster seizures.

Credit: youtube.com, Seizures in Dogs - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment | Southeast Veterinary Neurology

Labradoodles can also inherit genetic traits from their Poodle side, which may increase their risk of seizures. However, this is not a guarantee, and many Labradoodles live long, healthy lives without experiencing seizures.

Some breeds, such as Bull Terriers, can have an inherited form of epilepsy that triggers behaviors like tail chasing, irrational fear, and unprovoked aggression.

The following breeds are at higher risk of experiencing seizures:

  • Large herding and retriever dogs, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers
  • Breeds with short, flat noses, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs
  • Bull Terriers, due to an inherited form of epilepsy

Understanding Seizures

Seizures can be a scary and confusing experience for both dog owners and their pets. Seizures in Labradoodles can occur at any age and are not necessarily painful, although they can be distressing to watch.

During a seizure, your dog may exhibit a range of symptoms, from mild changes in mental awareness to a complete loss of consciousness. The ictal phase, which is the period of seizure activity, can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

A cluster seizure is a series of seizures that occur within a short time period, usually 24 hours. This can be a life-threatening situation, and it's essential to get your dog to the vet or emergency vet as soon as possible.

Credit: youtube.com, Seizures in Dogs - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment | Southeast Veterinary Neurology

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, which is an inherited condition, are more likely to experience cluster seizures. Certain breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Beagles, and German Shepherds, are more prone to this condition.

Some common causes of seizures in dogs include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperthermia, and ingested poisons. It's essential to identify the underlying cause of your dog's seizures to provide the best possible treatment.

Here are some key statistics about cluster seizures in dogs:

To help your dog recover from a seizure, it's essential to keep them safe and comfortable. This may involve blocking off access to stairs and other hazards, using a portable fan to cool them, or holding a cloth soaked in cold water to their paws.

Managing Seizures

Cluster seizures in Labradoodles can be life-threatening, so it's essential to get your dog to the vet or emergency vet as soon as possible if you suspect a cluster seizure.

A cluster seizure is defined as two to three or more seizures within a 24-hour period.

Credit: youtube.com, Seizures in Pets: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

You may not notice any warning signs or triggers before a cluster seizure, and your dog may not fully recover between seizures, making the effect cumulative.

Track the seizure activity to monitor the frequency and severity of the seizures.

During a cluster seizure, your dog may have one seizure, seem to recover, but then have another within a few hours, which can repeat several times.

Seizure Diagnosis and Treatment

Seizure diagnosis in labradoodles often depends on the information you provide your vet. This is why tracking seizure length, frequency, and behavior is so crucial.

If your dog has just had a seizure or cluster seizure when you get to the clinic, your vet may do some additional diagnostic tests, such as checking your dog's glucose level and checking for poison ingestion.

If your vet suspects a brain lesion or tumor, they may recommend an MRI or CT Scan. Diagnosing cluster seizures in dogs can be complex, but with the right information and tests, your vet can get to the bottom of it.

Medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide are commonly used to treat seizures in dogs. Research is ongoing into other anticonvulsants, and newer medications like zonisamide and levetiracetam are becoming more popular.

You might like: Dog Seizure Medications

Prevention and Treatment

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If your dog has a seizure, it's essential to know how to treat and prevent them. The two most commonly used medications to treat seizures in dogs are phenobarbital and potassium bromide.

Research is ongoing to find new anticonvulsants, and newer medications like zonisamide and levetiracetam are becoming more popular. Combination therapy is often used for dogs that respond poorly to standard treatments.

Anticonvulsant medication must be given for life, and discontinuing it can lead to more severe seizures in the future. Even healthy dogs without a history of seizures may be induced into seizures if placed on anticonvulsant medication and then abruptly withdrawn from it.

Seizures can be distressing to watch, but your dog isn't in pain. It's crucial to remain calm and ensure your dog's safety during a seizure.

Here are some essential steps to take during a seizure:

  • Don't place your hands in your dog's mouth or near his face.
  • Try to remain calm and remember that most seizures only last a couple of minutes.
  • Your dog won't be aware of his surroundings during a seizure, so make sure there's nothing around that can hurt him.
  • Block off access to stairs and other hazards.
  • Seizures can cause your dog to overheat, so use a portable fan to cool him or hold a cloth soaked in cold water to his paws.

To better understand and manage your dog's seizures, it's helpful to record information about each seizure, including:

  • Time of day
  • How your dog was acting beforehand
  • How the seizure presented (e.g., full body vs localized)
  • The length of each seizure and time between seizures

If your dog experiences cluster seizures or status epilepticus, rescue therapy may be necessary. This can include additional or different medications, administered orally or parenterally, to control the seizures.

In some cases, oral rescue therapy may be appropriate if time to the next seizure is an hour or greater, allowing for gastrointestinal absorption and development of useful serum concentration.

How Are Diagnosed?

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Diagnosing cluster seizures in dogs often depends on the information you provide to your vet, which is why tracking seizure length, frequency, and behavior is so important.

Your vet may want to do an MRI or CT Scan to check for lesions or tumors in the brain.

If your dog has just had a seizure or cluster seizure when you get to the clinic, your vet may do some additional diagnostic tests.

These include checking your dog's glucose level and checking for poison ingestion.

Causes and Prevention

Seizures in labradoodles can be caused by extracranial factors such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperthermia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or ingested poisons like caffeine and chocolate.

Some common intracranial causes of seizures in labradoodles include genetic epilepsy, trauma to the brain, tumors, nutritional imbalances, autoimmune disease, or infectious diseases like canine distemper virus and rabies.

Labradoodles may also experience seizures due to infections, toxins, flea and tick medications, heartworm medications, liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, or brain or spinal trauma.

Credit: youtube.com, What Causes Seizures in Dogs (top 5 causes of dog seizures)

If your labradoodle is experiencing seizures, it's essential to work with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Some breeds may be more prone to cluster seizures, and it's crucial to identify any potential triggers to prevent future episodes.

To prevent seizures in labradoodles, it's essential to keep an eye out for potential triggers, such as flea and tick medications containing isoxazoline, which can lead to neurological adverse events like seizures.

What Causes in Dogs

Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Extracranial causes, which originate outside the brain, include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperthermia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, and ingested poisons like caffeine and chocolate.

Some common extracranial causes of seizures in dogs include hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, and hypocalcemia, which is a condition where calcium levels in the blood are too low.

Intracranial causes, on the other hand, involve diseases that affect the brain itself, such as genetic epilepsy, trauma to the brain, tumors, nutritional imbalances, autoimmune disease, and infectious diseases like canine distemper virus (CDV) and rabies.

Credit: youtube.com, HEARTWORMS DEEP DIVE! Treatment & Prevention Options

Genetic epilepsy is a common intracranial cause of seizures in dogs, and some breeds may be more prone to it than others.

Some other potential causes of seizures in dogs include infections, toxins, flea and tick medications, heartworm medications, liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, and brain or spinal trauma.

Here are some common extracranial causes of seizures in dogs:

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)
  • Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
  • Liver disease
  • Ingested poisons like caffeine and chocolate

Dog Breeds Prone to

Some dog breeds are more prone to seizures than others. Large herding and retriever dogs, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Labrador, and Golden Retrievers, are more at risk.

Breeds with short, flat noses, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs, are also more susceptible to seizures.

Bull Terriers can have an inherited form of epilepsy that triggers unusual behaviors like tail chasing, irrational fear, and unprovoked aggression.

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, which is an inherited condition, are more likely to suffer from cluster seizures. Certain breeds, such as Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Border Collies, Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers, are more prone to this condition.

  1. Australian Shepherds
  2. Beagles
  3. Belgian Tervurens
  4. Border Collies
  5. Collies
  6. German Shepherds
  7. Labrador Retrievers

Spay/neuter status may also play a role, as intact males are twice as likely as neutered dogs to have cluster seizures, and intact females have more frequent cluster seizures than neutered dogs.

What Causes?

Woman Looking Afar While Sitting Beside Her White and Brown Labradoodle Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Looking Afar While Sitting Beside Her White and Brown Labradoodle Dog

Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Infections, toxins, flea and tick medications, heartworm medications, liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, and brain or spinal trauma are all potential causes.

Some common extracranial causes of seizures include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperthermia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, and ingested poisons such as caffeine and chocolate. These conditions can affect the brain and cause seizure activity.

Intracranial causes of seizures are diseases that cause structural or functional changes inside the brain. These can include genetic epilepsy, trauma to the brain, tumors, nutritional imbalances, autoimmune disease, or infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus (CDV) and rabies.

Some medications, such as flea and tick medications containing isoxazoline, can also cause seizures in dogs. These medications affect GABA receptors in the brain and can lead to tremors, seizures, and even death.

Here are some common causes of seizures in dogs:

  • Infections
  • Toxins
  • Flea and tick medications*
  • Heartworm medications
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Brain tumors
  • Brain or spinal trauma

*Flea & tick medications are so commonly linked to neurological adverse events (like seizures) that the FDA issued a warning about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it common for labradors to have seizures?

Labradors are prone to a specific type of seizure disorder, but it's not a typical seizure. Instead, it's an episodic movement disorder that can be mistaken for a seizure, but has its own unique characteristics.

Jeremy Hegmann

Lead Assigning Editor

Jeremy Hegmann is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of reader interests, Jeremy has successfully guided numerous articles to publication across various categories. Jeremy's expertise spans a range of topics, including the fascinating world of country music.

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