Labradors and Seizures: Understanding the Risks and Prevention

Labradors are a popular breed, but they can be prone to seizures. This is because they are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy, which can cause seizures.

According to statistics, about 1 in 100 Labradors will develop epilepsy. This is a relatively high risk compared to other breeds.

Labradors can start showing signs of seizures as early as 6 months old, but they often don't develop epilepsy until they're a bit older.

Labradors and seizures can be a concerning issue for many dog owners. Certain foods and substances can trigger seizures in dogs, including chocolate, caffeine, and raw bread dough. These foods are safe for humans but can be toxic to dogs.

Some common causes of seizures in Labradors include epilepsy, which affects between 2% and 5% of dogs, and idiopathic epilepsy, which means the underlying cause is unknown. Genetics are thought to play a role in idiopathic epilepsy.

Labradors are also at risk for other health issues that can lead to seizures, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and head trauma. Some breeds are at a higher-than-average risk for developing primary epilepsy, including Labradors, Schnauzers, and Basset Hounds.

Here are some common causes of seizures in Labradors:

Seizures in dogs are often a symptom rather than a condition, and many things can cause them. Idiopathic epilepsy, where the cause is unknown, is the most common cause of seizures in dogs and is thought to be hereditary.

Some common causes of seizures include eating something toxic to dogs, such as chocolate or antifreeze, liver disease, and low or high blood sugar. Infections like rabies and distemper can also cause seizures.

Extracranial causes of seizures originate elsewhere in the body but can still affect the brain. These include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperthermia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, and ingested poisons like caffeine and chocolate.

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

Some health problems that can lead to dog seizures include infection or inflammation of the brain, cancer affecting the brain, head trauma, hypoglycemia, liver disease, and kidney failure.

Here are some common causes of seizures in dogs, grouped by life stage:

Dogs with primary epilepsy usually first develop seizures when they are 1 to 4 years old. Genetics are likely involved, as some breeds have a higher risk of developing primary epilepsy, including Schnauzers, Basset Hounds, Collies, and German Shepherds.

Some foods can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, but it's not just about common allergens like peanuts or dairy. Raw bread dough can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, leading to seizures and other symptoms.

Chocolate is a well-known allergen for dogs, but did you know that the artificial sweetener xylitol is also a common culprit? It's found in many sugar-free products, including toothpaste, gummy vitamins, and candies.

Too much salt can also be toxic to dogs, and it's not just table salt that's a problem. Seawater and modeling clay can contain high levels of salt, making them hazardous for your furry friend.

Here's a list of common foods that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs:

Seizures can be unpredictable, but knowing the types and symptoms can help you identify what's happening with your Labrador.

A generalized seizure is the most common type, where a dog loses consciousness and experiences involuntary contractions of the muscles. This can cause the dog to collapse, paddle, drool, urinate, or defecate.

During a generalized seizure, dogs can experience different phases: pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal. The pre-ictal phase, or aura, can cause symptoms like unusual sights, smells, or sensations. The ictal phase is the seizure itself, with symptoms like tonic-clonic seizures and muscle contractions. The post-ictal phase can leave dogs dull, lethargic, restless, or temporarily blind.

Some common symptoms of seizures in dogs include:

Seizures in dogs can be tricky to recognize, but understanding the symptoms can help you identify when your furry friend is having a seizure.

Mild facial tics to whole-body shaking are possible symptoms of seizures in dogs. Unusual barking, a dazed look, and staring into space can be early warning signs.

Some dogs may seem nervous and restless before a seizure, whining, shaking, or drooling. Afterward, they may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind.

Seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. If your dog's seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, get them to a vet right away.

There are different types of seizures, including partial or focal seizures, which only affect one side of the brain. Symptoms of focal seizures can include hallucinations that lead the dog to snarl at nothing or bite at the air.

Generalized seizures, on the other hand, affect both sides of the brain and can cause muscle contractions, jerking, or a sudden collapse and loss of consciousness.

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Here are some common symptoms of seizures in dogs:

It's essential to pay attention to your dog's behaviors and symptoms, especially if they're experiencing seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, try to think back to what your dog was doing right before the seizure began and notify your vet.

Types of seizures in dogs are divided into several categories, including generalized seizures, which can cause a dog to lose consciousness and convulse. These seizures usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Focal seizures occur in only part of the brain, causing unusual movements in one limb or one side of the body. Sometimes they last only a couple of seconds.

Psychomotor seizures involve strange behavior that only lasts a couple of minutes, such as attacking an imaginary object or chasing their tail. It can be tricky to tell psychomotor seizures from odd behavior.

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs, also known as temporal lobe seizures, usually affects dogs between 6 months and 6 years of age. It's more common in certain breeds, including border collies, Australian shepherds, Labrador retrievers, beagles, Belgian Tervurens, collies, and German shepherds.

A generalized seizure causes a dog to lose consciousness and collapse if they're standing, with symptoms including stiffness, paddling, drooling, urinating, or defecating.

For your interest: Epilepsy in German Shepherds

Seizures are not painful for dogs, but they can feel confused and might panic during an episode.

Despite their dramatic appearance, seizures are not typically a cause for concern, unless they occur in clusters or last for an extended period of time.

A single seizure is rarely dangerous to a dog, but multiple seizures within a short period can lead to complications.

If your dog is having a seizure, it's essential to keep her from falling or hurting herself by knocking objects onto herself.

If your dog is on the ground, there's little chance of harm occurring, but it's still crucial to provide a safe environment.

Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, can develop secondary to a seizure, which requires immediate attention.

If your Labrador has a seizure, it's essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible. A thorough health history, physical exam, and neurological exam will be performed to determine the underlying cause of the seizure.

Your vet may also recommend blood work, a urinalysis, and a fecal exam to rule out any underlying health problems. In some cases, they may take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis or perform an MRI or CT scan to help diagnose the cause of the seizure.

If your vet determines that your Labrador has idiopathic epilepsy, they may prescribe anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam (Keppra). These medications are usually given orally and can help control seizures, but they may not be effective for all dogs.

Here are some common anti-seizure medications prescribed for Labradors:

It's essential to follow your vet's instructions for administering these medications and to monitor your dog's response to treatment.

A dog's first seizure is a serious matter and needs to be taken to a veterinarian right away. This is because the doctor needs to look for any underlying health problems that could have caused the seizure.

The diagnostic process for seizures starts with a thorough health history, a physical exam, and a neurological exam. This is usually followed by blood work, a urinalysis, and a fecal exam.

A detailed description of what happened during and after the seizure is crucial in helping the veterinarian diagnose the cause of the seizure. If possible, take a short video of your dog seizing to provide more information.

Blood tests are often performed to determine if a metabolic disorder is causing the seizures. A bile acid test may also be done where the dog is fasted, given food, and has their blood tested two hours later.

A thorough physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing a seizure. The veterinarian will ask about your dog's health, including any recent injuries or unusual eating or drinking habits.

Diagnostic imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be recommended to help detect brain lesions. In some cases, a sample of the fluid surrounding the dog's brain and spinal cord may be taken to look for any abnormalities.

If a toxic substance or other medical condition is found to have caused the seizure, treatment will focus on addressing that issue. If the seizure is caused by idiopathic epilepsy, medication may be prescribed to control the seizures.

Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are two relatively inexpensive first-line treatments for dogs with seizures.

Veterinarians may prescribe other anti-seizure medications if those are ineffective, such as zonisamide, levetiracetam, gabapentin, and pregabalin (Lyrica).

Typically, a vet will start with a high dose of one medication and adjust based on how a dog responds.

If a dog has severe seizures, their vet may prescribe diazepam or similar medications to be given on an emergency basis.

Combination therapy is often used for dogs that respond poorly to standard treatments.

If a vet prescribes anti-seizure medication, it must be given for life, as discontinuing it may trigger more severe seizures in the future.

Here are some common anti-seizure medications:

Your vet may prescribe more than one medication, and it's essential to follow their instructions for when and how to give the medicine to your dog.

Labradors with epilepsy or seizures may need to take anti-seizure medications for the rest of their lives. Your veterinarian will regularly monitor your dog's drug levels and bloodwork to ensure treatment is safe and effective.

If your Labrador is experiencing more than one seizure per month, clusters of seizures, or grand mal seizures, medication is likely necessary. The two most commonly used medications are phenobarbital and potassium bromide.

Combination therapy is often used for dogs that respond poorly to standard treatments. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how to switch or discontinue medication if needed, as abruptly stopping anticonvulsant medication can increase the risk of more severe seizures.

Some medications, like phenobarbital, are inexpensive and well-tolerated by dogs. However, others, like levetiracetam (Keppra), may be more popular but have potential liver harm.

Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication like Valium to shorten the length of a seizure, but it's essential to administer it correctly to be effective.

Managing seizures in dogs requires a thoughtful approach to treatment and prevention.

The two most commonly used medications to treat seizures in dogs are phenobarbital and potassium bromide. These medications are usually prescribed for dogs that have more than one seizure per month, clusters of seizures, or grand mal seizures that are severe or prolonged.

Veterinarians will often prescribe medications to control seizures when dogs have seizures more frequently than every four to six weeks or seizures that last longer than five minutes. If those medications are ineffective, veterinarians can prescribe other anti-seizure medications.

Preventing seizures in dogs requires a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccines and preventing traumatic injuries can reduce the risk of seizures.

Here are some common medications used to treat seizures in dogs:

These medications can be used alone or in combination to control seizures. Your veterinarian will work with you to find the right medication and dosage for your dog.

Managing seizures in dogs requires a long-term approach, and medication is often necessary for the rest of a dog's life. Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy will have their symptoms controlled with medication.

Your veterinarian will need to regularly monitor your dog's drug levels and bloodwork to ensure treatment is as safe and effective as possible. This is crucial to prevent medication side effects like sedation or increased thirst and urination.

Humane euthanasia may be recommended if seizures can't be controlled, especially if they're caused by a specific issue like a brain tumor. This is often considered when other symptoms develop or medications aren't able to control the seizures.

Pet parents may find it helpful to put a bell on their dog's collar so they can more easily hear a seizure when it occurs, allowing for easier intervention.

Seizures can be a serious health concern, and even short ones can cause brain damage.

It's crucial to contact your vet if your dog shows signs of having a seizure.

Seizures are usually short, lasting only a few minutes, but prompt veterinary care can help prevent potential complications.

If your vet recommends it, an examination may be necessary after a seizure, especially if it's severe.