Last Updated on February 20, 2022 by Griselda M.
English bulldog seizures are a serious health problem that can threaten the life of your pet and regular episodes can develop into a disorder. The most typical form of seizure to develop and manifest is called a grand mal seizure.
First-time experiencing a seizure in your dog can be very frightening. A sense of helplessness comes into play at this point, but there are ways to prepare and help your dog recover. Regularly experiencing seizures may require professional veterinary care and recommendation.
English Bulldog Seizures – How Do I Know If My Dog Is Having Seizures?
Recognizing what a seizure looks like is the first thing one must learn to distinguish. A seizure usually comes in a series of involuntary spasms or convulsions that impair muscle control. This loss of muscle control is a result of a disruption of normal brain function.
Some seizures end with a loss of consciousness but that is a far more rare occurrence than one may think. Many causes can be at the root of seizures, even if in some cases it’s hard to diagnose with accuracy.
What Causes Seizures In Dogs?
There can be many likely causes for English bulldog seizures, and the most widespread cause is idiopathic epilepsy. It’s unknown exactly where idiopathic epilepsy comes from, but it’s most probably a genetic inheritance. Knowing dogs’ breeding practices, bulldogs’ in particular, it’s no wonder this occurs.
On the opposite side of the coin, causes not pointing to genetic legacy can include a number of other conditions. Kidney and liver disease are a proponent of seizures, as well as encephalitis, head injury, and even poisoning.
These other conditions can evidently show that not just genetics has a role in seizures. Thus a perfectly healthy dog can develop seizures purely due to circumstance or as a result of other health problems.
There have even been reported cases of seizures caused by anxiety. Certain dogs experience a higher level of stress or anxiety as changes come into their life. Among these changes can include a new environment such as moving homes, thunderstorms, or riding in the car.
English Bulldog Seizures Symptoms
Symptoms of dog seizure can vary in severity and length, as not all seizures are the same. There can be milder seizures that don’t last very long, while more severe ones impair muscle control and last longer.
Sometimes a dog having a seizure can be confused with fainting. There are a few different reactions that show it to be a seizure. Before a dog faints a dazed look or gaze will appear on its face. A fainting spell usually goes away fairly quickly and a dog won’t defecate as this is happening.
In opposition to fainting, having a seizure comes with many other symptoms that accompany an episode such as this. For one, shuddering muscles and spasms are maybe the most evident symptoms to attest to a seizure. Not only that, but stiffness and collapse soon follow, along with maybe the scariest symptom, that or foaming mouth.
Some dogs may display vocalization, drooling defecation or urination, and even chewing their tongue. After a seizure passes some dogs may stare into nothingness, walk around in circles in a disoriented state or hide. In general, a grand mal seizure lasts somewhere between a few seconds to several minutes.
What To Do When A Dog Has A Seizure?
When an episode of seizure strikes, it is vital to keep your calm and assure your dog’s safety. As jerking can occur it’s important to keep them away from furniture or other objects that can bump them. This will imply gently moving them away from risk areas.
Check the time it started and keep track of how long it lasts. Depending on how long it takes to pass, other symptoms can appear and cause trouble, such as overheating.
Dogs don’t choke on their own tongue, so there is no need to try holding their tongue during the seizure. Also trying to do this can result in bitting or even further injury. Thus it is highly recommended not to hold their head or tongue, but cushioning their heads is advisable.
If it’s one of the longer-lasting seizures, some cold water on the dog’s paws will help them avoid overheating. At this point, the only viable thing to do is wait it out until the seizure stops, while speaking reassuringly to your dog.
Treatment For English Bulldog Seizures
Seeking immediate veterinary care after the seizure stops is the next step to take. To stop a seizure that takes too long, a vet might administer Valium to your dog. It isn’t a good idea to try this as a home remedy, as dosage requirements are something a vet can prescribe.
A vet would be able to determine the root cause of the seizure before recommending a treatment option. For idiopathic epilepsy, treatment will most likely include anti-epileptic medication like potassium bromide or phenobarbital.
Seizure treatment medications can cause your dog to gain weight. As a result dietary changes might be a necessary implementation along with the medication. Some activities that your dog would have engaged in before, like swimming, should be avoided from that point on. This is mostly to prevent drowning should an epileptic episode happen in the water.
Preventing Seizures
It’s not feasible to actually prevent seizures but some preventative measures might have a positive impact. First of all, paying close attention to genetics will at least give an indicator of potential risks in this regard. Having access to information about the health of your dog’s parents will provide a better image of what to expect.
Read more about Bulldog Tail Pocket Infection Symptoms And Treatment.
Conclusion
English bulldog seizures are not a condition to treat lightly, but with veterinary care and assistance, treatment is possible. Causes of seizures are diverse and can range from genetic inheritance, head injuries, and even other health problems.
Some foresight on what owners can do to assure their dog’s comfort is important. This includes knowing the first signs and symptoms of seizures and how to deal with them as it happens.
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