Understanding Shih Tzu Seizure Symptoms and Care

Shih Tzus are prone to seizures, a condition that can be distressing for both dogs and their owners. Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain tumors, and infections.

Seizure symptoms in Shih Tzus can be subtle at first, but they often worsen over time. As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of seizures in your Shih Tzu.

Common seizure symptoms in Shih Tzus include twitching, shaking, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms can be alarming, but knowing what to look for can help you provide the best care for your dog.

If you suspect your Shih Tzu is having a seizure, stay calm and provide a safe environment for them to recover.

If this caught your attention, see: Types of Dog Seizures

A Shih Tzu seizure is a complex event caused by improper electrical activity inside the dog's brain. This aberrant activity can result in involuntary movements and fainting.

Seizures in Shih Tzus can be characterized by shaking, twitching, and convulsions. These symptoms can be distressing to witness.

The electrical signals that cause a seizure in a Shih Tzu begin in one part of the brain and spread to the other parts. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including shaking and convulsions.

In most cases, a Shih Tzu seizure doesn't have an external cause, such as toxicity or head wounds. These cases are referred to as primary (idiopathic) epilepsy in dogs.

If you notice signs of a seizure in your Shih Tzu, don't wait - visit a veterinary hospital near you as soon as possible.

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Seizures in Shih Tzus can be caused by a range of factors, including eating toxic foods like chocolate, caffeine, or raw bread dough.

Stress is a major trigger for seizures in dogs, and it can be caused by loud noises, separation, travel, or moving to a new location.

Some common causes of seizures in dogs include liver disease, liver shunts, low or high blood sugar, kidney disease, infectious diseases like rabies and distemper, anemia, head injury, encephalitis, strokes, and certain drugs.

Here are some specific foods and substances that can trigger seizures in Shih Tzus:

It's worth noting that epilepsy can be inherited in some dogs, but the exact cause of epilepsy is still unknown.

Stress is a major trigger for epilepsy in dogs, with loud noises, separation, travel, and moving to a new location being common culprits.

Stress can be a significant factor in inducing seizures in dogs, and it's essential to discuss this with your veterinarian if you suspect stress-induced seizures.

Seizures in dogs are often a symptom rather than a condition, and they can be caused by a wide range of factors, including low blood sugar, a head injury, and liver disease.

Some common causes of seizures in dogs include eating something toxic, such as chocolate or antifreeze, and infectious diseases like rabies and distemper.

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In some cases, seizures can be caused by a head injury, encephalitis, or strokes.

Certain foods and beverages can also trigger seizures in dogs, including chocolate, caffeine, and raw bread dough.

Here are some common foods and substances that can cause seizures in dogs:

It's worth noting that the exact cause of epilepsy in dogs is often unknown, and a veterinarian can only conclusively diagnose epilepsy after ruling out all known causes of seizures.

Lowering your dog's body temperature after a seizure can be a lifesaving step. Seizures cause a rapid increase in body temperature, which can be detrimental to your dog's health.

Gently placing cool washcloths over your dog's feet after the seizure has ended can be helpful. This simple action can make a big difference in your dog's recovery.

A unique perspective: Dog Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus may exhibit various symptoms during a seizure, including running in circles, falling to the floor, twitching, stiff muscles, and going completely unconscious.

Some common signs of a seizure in a Shih Tzu include unusual barking, a dazed look, staring into space, and drooling. They may also exhibit paddling motions with their legs, foaming at the mouth, and uncontrollable peeing or pooping.

The symptoms of seizures in Shih Tzus can be unpredictable and may not be easy to identify. However, knowing the common signs can help you recognize when your dog is having a seizure and seek veterinary attention if necessary.

Seizure Phases

During a seizure, a Shih Tzu may go through three distinct phases: pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal.

Pre-ictal Phase

In the pre-ictal phase, a Shih Tzu may seem nervous or restless, whine, shake, or drool. This phase can last from a few seconds to several hours.

Ictal Phase

The ictal phase is the seizure itself, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes. During this phase, the Shih Tzu may lose consciousness, fall over, and exhibit abnormal body movements.

Post-ictal Phase

The post-ictal phase is the time immediately following a seizure, during which the Shih Tzu may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind.

Diagnosing Seizures

To diagnose seizures in Shih Tzus, veterinarians will perform a thorough physical examination, take a complete medical history, and conduct diagnostic tests such as blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs.

Seizures in dogs can be unpredictable and may manifest in various ways. A seizure can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and if it exceeds five minutes, it's considered a prolonged seizure, which is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Some common symptoms of seizures in dogs include running in circles, falling to the floor instead of laying down, twitching, stiff muscles, and going completely unconscious. Your dog may also display unusual behavior, such as staring blankly or remaining standing, and may even drool or bite.

During a seizure, a dog may lose consciousness or appear to be absent, and may experience a full-blown seizure, known as grand mal, which can cause it to fall over and move its body and legs erratically. It's also possible for a dog to urinate, defecate, vomit, or salivate during a seizure.

Some dogs may exhibit pre-ictal symptoms, such as being nervous or restless, whining, or shaking, before a seizure occurs. After a seizure, your dog may be disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind, and may walk in circles and bump into things.

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Here are some possible symptoms of seizures in dogs:

It's essential to be aware of these symptoms and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog is experiencing a seizure.

Diagnosing seizures in dogs can be a complex process, but it starts with a complete medical history. Your veterinarian will want to know about any events involving head trauma or exposure to poisons or hallucinogenic substances.

A thorough physical exam is also crucial, which may include blood and urine tests and an electrocardiogram or ECG. These tests help rule out medical issues with the dog's liver, kidneys, heart, electrolyte, and blood sugar levels.

If your dog isn't taking a monthly heartworm preventive, a heartworm test is likely to be conducted. This is a standard practice to ensure the dog's overall health.

If all test results are normal and don't indicate exposure to poison or trauma, further tests may be recommended. These can include a spinal fluid analysis, a CT scan, or an MRI, which are non-invasive diagnostic tools that produce images of the brain and other internal tissues.

The frequency and severity of seizures can also influence the diagnostic process. If seizures occur less than once every four to six weeks, your vet might not be as concerned and may not recommend the more invasive or costly tests unless the seizures become more frequent, more severe, or both.

Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose seizures in dogs:

Keep in mind that each dog is different, and the diagnostic process may vary depending on your dog's specific needs and circumstances.

During a seizure, it's crucial to stay calm and act quickly to ensure your Shih Tzu's safety. If the seizure lasts more than a couple of minutes, your dog is at risk of overheating.

Turn a fan on your dog to cool them down, and gently put cold water on their paws to help regulate their body temperature. Avoid touching your dog, as they may unknowingly bite.

If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your dog has several seizures in a row while unconscious, take them to a vet as soon as possible. This is because the longer a seizure goes on, the higher a dog's body temperature can rise, and they may have problems breathing.

If the seizure lasts more than a couple of minutes, your dog is at risk of overheating. Turn a fan on your dog and put cold water on their paws to cool them down.

Talk to your dog softly to reassure them. Avoid touching them, as they may unknowingly bite.

If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or has several in a row while your dog is unconscious, take them to a vet as soon as possible. The longer a seizure goes on, the higher a dog's body temperature can rise, and they may have problems breathing.

Your vet may give your dog IV diazepam (Valium) or a similar drug to stop the seizure. This can help prevent brain damage.

If your dog is having a seizure near stairs or the edge of the bed, carefully push them to a safer location.

Dogs may become panicked before or after a seizure and may run around without thinking or looking at where they’re going.

You can prevent your dog from falling by placing something in front of them that will stop them from going further.

Dogs may not always be able to control their movements and could potentially seize so hard they fall.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu Hypoallergenic Dogs

An ictal seizure can be a frightening experience for both you and your dog. It's essential to know that an ictal seizure typically lasts only 1 to 2 minutes.

Some seizures can be even shorter, lasting less than 1 minute. However, if your dog's seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.

If your dog experiences multiple seizures in one day, it's crucial to take them to an emergency veterinary clinic near you for proper evaluation and care.

After a seizure, your dog will likely be very disoriented. They might be confused, scared or even aggressive.

During this time, it's essential to leave your dog alone unless they're showing severe signs of distress. They might need 10 minutes to 1 hour to become normal.

Treatment for shih tzu seizures typically starts once your dog has had more than one seizure in a period of several months, or if they experience severe, prolonged, or clustered seizures. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and run tests to help determine if there is an underlying cause for the seizures.

Sharing information about the frequency and length of episodes will help your veterinarian with the diagnosis and treatment. Testing may include blood and urine tests, chest x-rays, and possibly a brain MRI to gain a more complete picture of what's happening in your pet's brain. Keep in mind that pets need to go under general anesthesia to have an MRI, since we cannot tell them to stay still.

If an underlying cause is found, treatment will address that condition. In many cases, once addressed, seizures will decrease in frequency and severity. Your veterinarian may prescribe traditional medication that controls seizures, or supplements such as CBD oil for dogs along with anti-epileptic medicines for reducing the intensity and frequency of seizures.

Here are some common anti-seizure drugs your vet may prescribe:

Once your dog starts anti-seizure drugs, they'll need to take them for the rest of their life. Stopping the medication may trigger seizures.

Treatment and care for pets with seizures is a long-term commitment that requires patience, understanding, and the right approach. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and run tests to determine the underlying cause of the seizures.

Seizures typically start once a pet has had more than one seizure in a period of several months, if there is an underlying brain disease, or if they experience severe, prolonged, or clustered seizures. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause.

If your pet is diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, there is no cure, but daily medications can decrease the frequency and severity of seizures. Your pet will remain on medication for the rest of their life with a focus on providing the best quality of life possible.

Treatment for epilepsy in dogs can be lifelong, and the goal is not to cure the condition but to reduce the frequency of seizures. Control is achieved when the number of seizures are reduced to fewer than 1 every 3 months.

The treatment typically starts with an anticonvulsant medication such as phenobarbital or leviteracitam (Keppra). Your veterinarian will want to know about any seizure history and may recommend traditional medication, supplements like CBD oil, or a combination of anti-epileptic medications and nerve-support supplements.

Some dogs may need more than one medication, and it's essential to follow your vet's instructions for when and how to give the medicine to your dog. Stopping the medication may trigger seizures, so it's crucial to continue treatment for the rest of your dog's life.

Your veterinarian may also recommend alternative treatments such as vagal nerve stimulation, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, or prescription food. However, always check with your vet before using any alternative treatment on your dog.

Here are some common anti-seizure medications prescribed by veterinarians:

Remember to keep track of your dog's seizure history and store it with their medical records. This information will help your veterinarian develop an effective treatment plan.

Timing is crucial when it comes to your dog's seizures. If you're able to do so, use a stopwatch to accurately time each seizure.

A seizure lasting less than two minutes is usually okay, but it's still a good idea to keep an eye on your dog.

Seizures lasting two to five minutes put your dog in a warning zone, so take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Any seizure lasting over five minutes needs immediate vet attention.

If your dog has multiple seizures in a short span without waking up in between, seek vet help right away.