Sudden spasms in a dog can catch her master off guard at any time. To help the animal, it is better to prepare in advance and find out all the necessary information. In this article, we will look at the causes of seizures in dogs and their treatment, and also tell what needs to be done before the vet's visit.
Cramps in Dogs: Causes
Veterinarians distinguish several types of such seizures:
- convulsions (with abrupt contractions observed);
- tonic convulsions (the dog has slow and prolonged contractions);
- Clonic convulsions (muscles at first often contract, then relax);
- epileptic seizure (an attack, as a rule, results in loss of consciousness).
The origin of such sudden abbreviations is somewhat. Let's consider the main reasons why the dog began to have seizures:
- Epilepsy. A terrible congenital disease. Better, if before buying a puppy you will properly find out the symptoms and signs of this disease.
- Metabolic disorders. To convulsions in dogs can result in low blood glucose, a decrease in the level of calcium (this is especially important after childbirth), liver and kidney disease.
- Infectious origin. Rabies, toxoplasmosis, fungal and bacterial diseases - all this can lead to seizures.
- Violation of the heart.
- Infectious inflammation or intoxication.
Cramps in an old dog
In the case when the pet does not yet have a year, and you observe convulsions, you can talk about congenital pathologies. Primary epilepsy can provoke cramps in a dog aged between one and five years. But in an older dog older than five years, seizures can begin as a sign of cancer or metabolic disorders. Such consequences are observed in dogs with hepatic or renal insufficiency.
Cramps in dogs: treatment
To determine the cause of the appearance of seizures in the dog and their subsequent treatment should only the vet. The specialist must inspect the animal, take all necessary tests and conduct the necessary procedures. If the seizures occur less than two or three times a year, treatment may not be required at all. With cramps in the dog, the veterinarian prescribes the following prescriptions:
- diet. With such attacks, the animal is often disturbed by swallowing, so that it is even useful for the dog to starve a little. What exactly can be offered to the animal, the doctor will tell, depending on the causes of seizures;
- at group attacks the dog is prescribed intravenously diazepam or phenobarbital. If reactions and advances are not visible, the doctor may increase the dose or replace the drug with pentobarbital;
- if a dog has liver problems, then anticonvulsants are required , a reduction in the dose of phenobarbital ;
- If the dog has frequent seizures, the veterinarian will offer to put her on inpatient treatment . It is better not to refuse, as it may be necessary to change the dose of the drug or replace it;
- to remove the swelling of the brain, the dog is prescribed corticosteroids , as well as rehydration, oxygen, glucose (often for dogs of small breeds);
- As for the owner of the dog, he can only strictly follow the directions of the veterinarian. All prescribed doses of drugs
independently can not be canceled or changed, even if the animal has gone on the amendment.
Cramps in the dog: what to do?
Unfortunately, during an attack of seizures in dogs, their owners can do very little. To begin with, a few drops of Corvalolum or Valocordinum should be dripped into the tongue. Then you need to measure the temperature. It is better if you immediately go to a veterinary clinic or invite a specialist to the house. It should be remembered that cramps can become a very serious threat to the life of the pet, so it is not worthwhile to postpone it with a call to the hospital.