Focal seizures in dogs can present with a variety of symptoms, including fur standing up, dilated pupils, growling, barking, or moaning, and involuntary movements such as paddling of a limb, snapping at the air, or staring into space. Additionally, a dog may become restless or clingy, or exhibit behavior such as fear or attention-seeking. In some cases, a dog may experience hallucinations and may bark, moan, or growl at nothing. It is important to note that a dog may not always display all of these symptoms, and the severity and type of symptoms can vary from dog to dog.
What triggers focal seizures in dogs?
Focal seizures in dogs can be triggered by a number of factors, including cancer affecting the brain, head trauma, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver disease, hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), infection, or structural abnormalities in the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy, which is a type of seizure disorder with no known cause, is also a common cause of focal seizures in dogs. Additionally, some medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause focal seizures in dogs.
What does a focal seizure look like?
A focal seizure can manifest in a variety of ways. Common symptoms include blank staring, dazed or confused behavior, and impaired awareness. During a focal seizure, a person may also experience unusual sensations like pins and needles, tingling, or crawling sensations. Additionally, they may also experience a ‘rising’ feeling in the stomach, like a fairground ride. They may also seem unaware of their surroundings and have difficulty responding to questions.
How long should a focal seizure last in a dog?
A focal seizure in a dog typically lasts from seconds to one to two minutes, although it is possible for a seizure to last longer than two minutes. Prolonged seizures should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.
What do mild dog seizures look like?
Mild dog seizures may look like involuntary muscle twitching or spasms, jerking movements, or a “staring off” into space. Sometimes, dogs will also salivate, chomp their jaws, urinate, or defecate during a seizure. Other signs may include trembling and paddling with their legs, or they may become temporarily unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings.