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Pet
Seizure
Hub
Understanding Pet Seizures
On this page
Extracranial Factors
Intracranial Factors
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Why Veterinary Investigation Is Essential
Key Takeaways
Seizures are a symptom, not a disease itself
Seizures can be caused by problems inside or outside the brain
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs
Veterinary investigation is important to identify underlying cause and to guide treatment
Seizures happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Many different conditions can trigger this abnormal activity. In pets, seizures are generally classified by their underlying cause into three broad categories: 1) Extracranial causes, 2) Intracranial causes & 3) Idiopathic epilepsy.
Extracranial Causes
Extracranial causes are conditions outside of the brain that can cause seizures. These causes can be caused by organ-related, metabolic disease or toxins. Examples include:
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Low blood sugar
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Kidney disease
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Toxin exposure (e.g. metaldehyde, organophosphates, chocolates, lead)
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Liver disease
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Endocrine diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism)
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Electrolyte imbalances (e.g. hypocalcemia)
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Portosystemic shunt
Intracranial Causes
Intracranial causes are problems within the brain that can lead to seizures. Examples include:
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Brain tumors
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Inflammation of the brain
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Trauma or head injury
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Congenital abnormality
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Strokes
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Infection
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Degenerative disease
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Idiopathic Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when no underlying cause for the seizures can be identified despite thorough veterinary investigation, which may include blood tests, advanced imaging such as MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid (spinal tap) analysis.
It is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in dogs and is believed to have a genetic basis in many breeds.
Idiopathic epilepsy most commonly develops between 6 months and 6 years of age, with severity and seizure frequency varying between individuals.
Many dogs with idiopathic epilepsy are otherwise neurologically normal between seizure episodes and can continue to live happy, fulfilling lives with appropriate long-term management and veterinary care.
Why Veterinary Investigation is Essential
Because seizures can be caused by many different conditions (some treatable and some more serious), it is essential that your veterinarian perform a thorough examination and diagnostic testing.
Identifying the underlying cause is critical to ensure your pet receives most effective treatment.
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