Understanding the Lifespan of a Dog with Seizures

Living with a dog that has seizures can be a challenging and unpredictable experience. The lifespan of a dog with seizures is often shorter than that of a healthy dog, with some studies showing that dogs with epilepsy can live up to 10 years or more with proper treatment and care.

Dogs with severe seizure disorders may have a shorter lifespan, often ranging from 5-7 years, due to the cumulative effects of medication and the increased risk of secondary health issues. With regular veterinary check-ups and a consistent treatment plan, many dogs with seizures can lead happy and healthy lives.

A dog's breed and size can also impact their lifespan with seizures, with smaller breeds like the Maltese and Poodle often living longer than larger breeds like the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever.

Take a look at this: Different Types of Dog Seizures

Seizures in dogs can be caused by a wide range of factors, including idiopathic epilepsy, which is the most common cause of seizures in dogs between six months and six years old. This type of epilepsy is often genetic, passed down from parent to puppies in certain breeds.

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Toxins such as caffeine, chocolate, rat poison, and slug bait can also trigger seizures in dogs. These toxins can build up in the body and cause a range of symptoms, including seizures.

Low blood sugar can cause seizures in dogs, especially in diabetic dogs or young puppies that have gone without food for a long time. This is a rare condition, but it's essential to keep an eye on your dog's blood sugar levels.

Brain tumours are a rare but possible cause of seizures in dogs. If your dog is under six years old, a brain tumour is unlikely to be the cause of their seizures. However, if your dog is older or has other symptoms, it's essential to investigate further.

Here are some possible causes of seizures in dogs:

It's essential to work with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's seizures and develop a treatment plan to manage their condition.

Diagnosis of seizures in dogs is crucial to determine the best course of treatment. Your veterinarian may want to do an MRI or CT Scan to check for lesions or tumors in the brain.

Tracking seizure length, frequency, and behavior is essential in diagnosing cluster seizures in dogs. Your vet may also check your dog's glucose level and check for poison ingestion if they have just had a seizure or cluster seizure.

If your dog has only had a single seizure, it may not be necessary to start treatment right away. However, if their seizures are affecting their quality of life, your vet may suggest starting some treatment to control them.

Here are some common medications used to treat epilepsy in dogs: MedicationExampleLevetiracetam (Keppra)One of the four most prescribed medications for epilepsy in dogsPhenobarbitalAnother commonly prescribed medicationPotassium bromideUsed to treat epilepsy in dogsZonisamideThe fourth most prescribed medication for epilepsy in dogs

The goal of treatment is to decrease the number of seizures, and control is achieved if the dog is having less than one seizure every 3 months.

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Diagnosing epilepsy in dogs requires a thorough approach, starting with confirming that a seizure has occurred. It's extremely helpful if you can video the episode and keep a log of any evidence of aura, a description of the seizure, and the length of the post-ictal phase.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough history, physical examination, and full neurologic examination. They may also recommend a complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis to rule out other causes.

If the tests are negative, your veterinarian may be suspicious of epilepsy and recommend referral to a veterinary neurologist. They may also suggest more advanced diagnostics such as bile acids, MRI, or cerebrospinal fluid testing.

Tracking seizure length, frequency, and behavior is crucial for diagnosing cluster seizures in dogs. This information will help your vet determine the best course of action.

Your vet may want to do an MRI or CT Scan to check for lesions or tumors in the brain. They may also check your dog's glucose level and check for poison ingestion if the seizure or cluster seizure occurred recently.

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If your dog has only had a single seizure, it's not necessary to start any treatment right away because they might never have another.

If your dog is having regular seizures that are affecting their quality of life, your vet may suggest starting some treatment to control them. This could include treating the cause if one has been found, or using anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures.

Some dogs stop having seizures completely while taking AEDs, but most continue to have the occasional seizure while taking them. These medications can cause side effects if given over a long period, so should only be started if a dog's seizures start affecting their quality of life.

A specialist diet enriched with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) can also help dogs suffering with seizures caused by idiopathic epilepsy.

If you know of anything that triggers your dog's seizures, such as loud noises, bright lights, or busy/stressful environments, then you should avoid these wherever possible.

The four most prescribed medications for treating epilepsy in dogs include:

The goal of treatment is to decrease the number of seizures. Control is achieved if the dog is having less than one seizure every 3 months.

If your dog is having a seizure right now, follow the first aid advice provided. Don't try to transport your dog during a seizure unless your vet specifically tells you to.

Contact your vet once your dog has started to come round, or if the seizure lasts for longer than two minutes. This is crucial for proper care and treatment.

If your dog is on anti-epileptic drugs but still having regular seizures, keep a seizure diary to track the frequency and duration of the seizures. This will help your vet provide better advice and treatment.

Consider insuring your dog as soon as you get them, before any signs of illness start. This will ensure you have all the support you need to care for them.

Treatment for seizures can become very expensive, especially if your dog needs to be hospitalised and/or requires ongoing medication.

Your vet may be able to offer alternative treatment options if one isn't possible due to cost constraints.

It's essential to speak openly with your vet about the cost of treatment and your finances to find a solution that's right for your dog.

Cost is a significant consideration in seizure treatment, and it's not uncommon for owners to have to make difficult decisions about their dog's care.

Recognizing and responding to seizures in dogs is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. Seizures can vary greatly in symptoms and severity, but common signs include shaking and twitching, paddling with the legs, loss of consciousness, disorientation, and possible aggressive behavior.

A cluster seizure is when your dog experiences seizures several times within 24 hours, and it's essential to keep them safe and cool during this time. Seizures can cause your dog to overheat, so using a portable fan or holding a cloth soaked in cold water to their paws can help prevent this.

If your dog is having a seizure, it's essential to remain calm and keep them safe. Don't place your hands in their mouth or near their face, and block off access to stairs and other hazards. Seizures can cause your dog to lose consciousness and be disoriented for minutes to hours afterwards, so make sure they're in a safe environment.

Here are some common signs of a seizure in dogs:

If your dog has a seizure, the first thing to do is remain calm, as most seizures only last a couple of minutes. Seizures can be distressing to watch, but your dog isn't in pain.

Dogs can't swallow their tongues, so you don't need to risk getting bitten by placing your hands in their mouth or near their face. Make sure there's nothing around that can hurt your dog, and block off access to stairs and other hazards.

Your dog won't be aware of their surroundings during a seizure and may be confused or disoriented for minutes to hours afterwards. Seizures can cause your dog to overheat, so you may need to use a portable fan to cool them, or hold a cloth soaked in cold water to their paws.

Keep a record of the length of each seizure and the time between seizures. Also, note anything that may have preceded the seizure, such as your dog's behavior and the time of day. This information can help identify triggers and patterns.

Here's a checklist to help you prepare for a seizure:

Seizure signs can be quite alarming, but knowing what to look for can help you respond quickly and effectively. A seizure can cause a dog to shake and twitch, often accompanied by paddling with the legs.

Some seizures can lead to a loss of consciousness, which can be a frightening sight. Disorientation is another common symptom, where the dog may seem confused and unsure of its surroundings.

Aggressive behavior can also occur during a seizure, so it's essential to keep your dog safe. Excessive drooling is another sign that your dog is experiencing a seizure.

Uncontrolled urination and defecation can also happen during a seizure, so be prepared to clean up quickly. Some seizures can be quite mild, causing only a twitch in the face or leg.

Here are some common signs of a seizure:

Recovery from seizures in dogs is a challenging and emotionally draining process for pet parents. All seizures carry the risk of neurological damage, and the more seizures a dog has, the higher the risk.

Cluster seizures are particularly exhausting for dogs, leaving them extremely tired for several days afterwards. Dogs who suffer from cluster seizures have a lower chance of becoming seizure-free.

Appropriate medications can allow most dogs with epilepsy to resume normal lives, but sticking to the medication schedule is crucial for successful management. Medications should be given on time, and doses should not be missed.

Periodic follow-up appointments with the veterinarian may be necessary, especially if medication adjustments are needed over time due to breakthrough seizures.

Dogs with epilepsy can resume normal lives with the right treatment and management.

Seeing your dog have a seizure is scary, but with the right care, they can thrive.

Appropriate medications can help manage epilepsy, allowing dogs to live normal lives.

Sticking to your dog's medication schedule is crucial for successful management, so make sure to give medications on time and don't miss any doses.

Periodic follow-up appointments with your veterinarian may be necessary to monitor your dog's progress and adjust their medication if needed.

Dogs who suffer from cluster seizures have a lower chance of becoming seizure-free and may have shorter survival times, so it's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a management plan.

Dogs with epilepsy live on average 3 years less than their healthy counterparts, so it's crucial to prioritize their care and management.

A thorough detox may help prevent future seizures if the underlying cause is a toxin, such as flea, tick, or heartworm medications.

Status Epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency veterinary attention. It's a seizure that lasts for more than five minutes and can cause permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs.

If your dog has been seizing for more than two minutes, it's essential to call your vet immediately. They will likely advise bringing your dog to the surgery for emergency treatment.

Emergency treatment may include a combination of anti-epileptic drugs given directly into the bloodstream to stop the seizure. If this isn't successful, your dog may need to be put under anaesthetic to control their seizure.

An overnight stay may be necessary once the seizure is controlled, so your vet can monitor your dog and stop any further seizures straight away. A fluid drip will also be given to keep them hydrated while they recover.

Some investigations may be conducted to find out what caused the seizure, unless the cause is already known.

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Keeping a diary can be a game-changer in managing your dog's seizures. It's essential to make a note of when the seizure happened.

If your dog has a history of seizures, it's crucial to document the details. This includes the duration of the seizure and any notable symptoms.

You can also note if your dog had an accident during the seizure, like weeing or pooing. This information can be helpful in understanding the severity of the seizure.

Consider videoing the seizure if you're able to, as this can provide valuable evidence for your vet.