Why would my Chihuahua have a seizure?

Why would my Chihuahua have a seizure?

Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. “Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in the dog.”

What to do if your Chihuahua is having a seizure?

How to Help if Your Dog is Having a Seizure

1. Keep Yourself Calm.
2. Sit Near Your Dog.
3. Time Your Dog’s Seizures.
4. Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location.
5. Speak in Comforting Tones.
6. Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature.
7. Wrap and Comfort Your Dog.
8. Let Your Dog Sleep.

Are Chihuahuas prone to epilepsy?

What is this? Unfortunately, much to the chagrin of their owners, these spunky little dogs tend to be prone to some health problems, and recurrent seizures are one of the most concerning issues that face the Chihuahua breed today.

What can trigger epileptic seizures in dogs?

The main underlying causes of seizures in dogs can include:

• Epilepsy.
• Heat Exhaustion.
• Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Liver disease.
• Tumors.

How often do dogs with epilepsy have seizures?

Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurring seizures; these often occur unpredictably which presents a further challenge for owners. The prevalence of canine epilepsy is estimated to be between 0.5-5-7 percent. This means that as many as 1 in 20 dogs may experience a seizure in their lifetime.

How do they test for epilepsy in dogs?

Getting to a Diagnosis

1. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis.
2. Urinalysis.
3. Eye examination.
4. Chest X-rays and/or MRI.
5. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF)
6. Lab work on specific serum titers such as toxoplasmosis and neosporosis (when infectious conditions are suspected)

What does a Chihuahua having a seizure look like?

Symptoms can include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure.

Do seizures shorten a dog’s life span?

It is accepted that dogs with epilepsy may have a shorter survival time, estimated between 2.07 and 2.3 years, where poor seizure control and high initial seizure frequency are associated with shorter survival times (Packer et al., 2018).

Why is my 13 year old Chihuahua having seizures?

Senior dogs are more prone to kidney and liver disease. As either of those organs fail, toxins build up in their blood stream. When these toxins reach the brain, seizures can occur. Also, older dogs are more likely to have diabetes mellitus.

What does a seizure in a Chihuahua look like?

Symptoms can include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure. They are also not aware of their surroundings.

What foods should dogs with seizures avoid?

Things to Avoid Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.

Can a dog with epilepsy be left alone?

Postictal: Immediately following the seizure. Pets are confused, disoriented, restless, temporarily blind and want to drink a lot. Pets should not be left alone during this time and should be kept away from stairs. Can last anywhere from one hour to one to two days.

Why did my Chihuahua have a seizure?

Chihuahua seizure symptoms can occur due to hypoglycemia. Due to their small size and high energy levels, chihuahuas are at an increased risk of experiencing certain types of medical problems, such as low blood sugar, according to DogTime, a website for dog lovers.

Is it normal for Chihuahuas to have seizures?

Rate this answer: Chihuahuas are not known to be prone to seizures any more than other breeds, except, chihuahuas have a greater tendency towards ‘water on the brain’. This is often seen as wandering eyes, they don’t track with each other, they will be cross-eyed or look out the far corner of each eye.

Why do Chihuahuas have seizures?

Epilepsy is one of the better known hereditary health conditions that can be found within the Chihuahua breed, and this is perhaps the most common cause of seizures within dogs of the breed too.

Is my Chihuahua having a seizure?

Symptoms of Seizures in Chihuahuas Pre-Seizure Symptoms. Whatever the cause, all seizures have distinct symptoms that begin before the seizure even starts. During the Seizure. Once the actual seizure begins your Chihuahua may twitch and jerk about or her limbs might stiffen and appear to be paralyzed. Post-Seizure Behavior. Handling a Seizing Chihuahua.