Dog seizures, also known as epilepsy, can be caused by various factors. The most common causes of seizures in dogs include:
- Idiopathic epilepsy : This is an inherited disorder, and its exact cause is unknown. It is the most common cause of seizures in dogs and usually occurs in dogs between 6 months and 6 years old, with certain breeds like border collies, Australian shepherds, Labrador retrievers, beagles, Belgian Tervurens, collies, and German shepherds being more susceptible
- Liver disease : Liver problems can lead to seizures in dogs
- Kidney failure : Kidney issues can also cause seizures
- Brain tumors : Tumors in the brain can lead to seizures
- Brain trauma : Injuries to the brain can result in seizures
- Toxins : Ingestion of poisonous substances, such as caffeine or chocolate, can cause seizures in dogs
- Low or high blood sugar : Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can lead to seizures
- Electrolyte problems : Imbalances in electrolytes can cause seizures
- Anemia : Low red blood cell count can lead to seizures
- Head injury : Trauma to the head can result in seizures
- Encephalitis : Inflammation of the brain can cause seizures
- Strokes : Blood clots or other vascular issues in the brain can lead to seizures
- Brain cancer : Tumors or other abnormalities in the brain can cause seizures
Seizures can be classified into two types: extracranial and intracranial. Extracranial causes of seizures originate elsewhere in the body but still affect the dog, while intracranial causes of seizures are diseases that cause either structural or functional changes in the brain
