Hello everyone, CEO Olivia here. I live with idiopathic canine epilepsy which causes me to have seizures. Sometimes a seizure can be caused by something other than epilepsy. Today I will give some examples.
The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood. When it starts to malfunction, toxicity can build & spread to other organs, including the brain. This can lead to what is called hepatic encephalopathy, which is the result of too much ammonia in the body. Some of the symptoms to look out for include being confused after meals, disorientation, head pressing, sudden aggression, lethargy, dark urine, vomiting, diarrhea, & yes, seizures.
Kidney disease or failure can also lead to seizures. Kidney failure can be caused by disease, urinary blockage, diabetes, lymphoma, genetics, & even some medications. Along with seizures, there may be weight loss, depression, diarrhea & vomiting, blindness, blood in the urine, & increased thirst.
Seizures can also be a symptom of a thyroid imbalance. Thyroid issues in dogs is often caused by a low functioning thyroid gland. ( Hypothyroidism). An exception would be in thyroid cancer which may, but not always, produce signs of Hyperthyroidism.
Being poisoned might also cause a seizure. It’s important to dog proof your home. Substances such as antidepressants, tobacco, aspirin, alcohol, marijuana, drain cleaners, gasoline, insecticides, & furniture polish can induce seizures when ingested.
Dogs do require some amount of sugar in their blood, in order to maintain the functions of the brain. Chronic low blood sugar – known as hypoglycemia – can be treated once diagnosed. The brain has a very limited ability to store glucose, & will be affected when blood sugar levels becomes too low. When this happens, a dog might experience a seizure.
Seizures may also be caused by a brain or spinal injury, a tumor or a disease like Encephalitis or Meningitis.
Finally, there is one cause of seizures that is preventable & that’s heat stroke. Never leave your good dog alone in the car on warm days. Nor should a dog be left outside on warm days without adequate shade & access to water. Heat stroke can occur quickly & can be fatal.
CEO Olivia ❤