Dogs with seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, often appear perfectly normal until they fall down unconscious and begin thrashing uncontrollably. This behavior can throw owners into a panic if they are unaware of what is happening or what they should do. When their dog is diagnosed and placed on seizure control medication (typically phenobarbitol), caretakers should openly dialog with their veterinarian concerning home treatment and watch for oncoming seizures. Owners need to be aware of the particular signals their animals exhibit in the "pre-ictal" stage prior to seizure activity.
Instructions
1. Notice if your animal suddenly becomes unresponsive to you, with a glazed, unseeing expression in his eyes. A common precursor to seizures, catatonia often leads to temporary paralysis and convulsions.
2. Watch to see if your dog becomes restless or agitated, begins pacing or walking around in circles.
3. Listen for your pet to start vocalizing inappropriately. Some dogs commence whining, howling or whimpering prior to seizure activity.
4. Observe your dog for atypical biting behavior, such as snapping the air or gnawing her own tail or limbs.
Tags: prior seizure, prior seizure activity, seizure activity