Signs & Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

Effects

• Signs and symptoms of seizures in epileptic dogs generally follow a specific pattern. Dogs, therefore, will develop different symptoms during the prodrome phase, the aura phase, the ictus phase and the post-ictal phase.
  
  

Prodrome Phase

• Epileptic dogs during this phase may exhibit behavior changes and mood swings signaling an impending seizure. This may take place hours or days prior to the seizure.
  
  

Aura Phase

• During this phase, the dog may exhibit more significant signs and symptoms. The dog may appear uncomfortable, often whining, pacing, appearing restless, hiding and sometimes even drooling, vomiting and losing bladder control.
  
  

Ictus Phase

• This ictus phase is literally the seizure. The dog will lose consciousness while exhibiting violent muscle contractions with other accompanying symptoms such as stiffening and collapsing to the ground, drooling, teeth gnashing, thrashing of head and legs, vocalizations, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
  
  

Post Ictal Phase

• This phase develops after the seizure takes place. Affected dogs resume consciousness but may appear confused, thirsty, sleepy, disoriented and sometimes may have temporary loss of sight and hearing.
  
  

Considerations

• One thing to consider is that dogs may be affected by different types of seizures. In partial seizures, the dog remains conscious and the seizure generally involves only one body part, whereas in psychomotor seizures, the dog may undergo behavioral changes or may snap at imaginary flies.