While not common, seizures can occur in Pomeranians due to a variety of health issues, including liver or kidney disease, genetic predisposition, or exposure to toxins. If you suspect your Pomeranian is experiencing seizures, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Do you own a Pomeranian?
It’s important to be aware that seizures are not common in this breed of dog, but they can occur due to various health issues. In fact, it is estimated that about 5% of Pomeranians will experience seizures at some point in their lives.
Seizures can be scary for both the pet and the owner, so it’s important to understand what causes them, how they are diagnosed and treated, and how you can prevent them from occurring.
In this article we discuss all these topics and when it’s necessary to contact your veterinarian.
Causes of Seizures in Pomeranians
Have you ever wondered what might cause seizures in your beloved Pomeranian? Let’s take a look at the potential causes.
Seizures in Pomeranians can be caused by both dietary and genetic factors. Dietary factors that may contribute to seizures include poor nutrition, eating overly processed foods, and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, certain medications or toxins such as antifreeze can trigger seizures in these dogs. On the other hand, genetic factors like an inherited disorder or a neurological problem can also lead to seizures.
For instance, some Pomeranians are born with epilepsy which is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is important to note that some environmental triggers like stress or loud noises can exacerbate existing conditions and increase the likelihood of a seizure occurring.
Another factor that may contribute to seizures in Pomeranians is idiopathic epilepsy which is an inherited condition with no known cause. This type of epilepsy often first manifests during adolescence but it can occur at any age. Symptoms include loss of coordination, drooling, confusion, agitation, disorientation and muscle twitching or jerking movements before the seizure begins. Treatment for idiopathic epilepsy usually involves anti-seizure medication which must be taken over a long period of time for optimal results.
Seizures may also be caused by brain tumors or infections such as distemper virus that affect the nervous system of the dog causing inflammation and damage to the brain tissue. In addition, metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hepatic encephalopathy (liver disease) can also result in seizures in this breed. While not common in Pomeranians, it’s important to recognize these potential causes so treatment can begin quickly if needed.
The last cause of seizures we will discuss are those related to trauma due to head injuries from car accidents or falls from heights greater than 3 feet off ground level. Trauma-related seizures typically show up immediately after injury though they can sometimes manifest later on down the line as well. If you suspect trauma-induced seizures, always consult a veterinarian right away as early intervention is key for successful recovery.
Symptoms of Seizures
Convulsions in poms can be a shocker, but they’re not as frequent as one might think. In general, Pomeranians are healthy dogs, but there is a genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that can lead to seizures.
Seizures in Pomeranians may cause them to collapse and shake uncontrollably for several minutes or even longer. They may also bark or whine loudly, drool excessively from the mouth, have difficulty breathing, experience wide-eyed staring spells with no response to verbal commands or stimulation, or seem confused.
In addition to these physical symptoms, behavioral changes may occur before a seizure such as restlessness and pacing around the house. During a seizure your Pom will likely become disoriented and may have trouble standing up afterwards due to fatigue.
After the seizure has passed it’s important to remain calm while providing comfort and support – allowing your pet time to recover slowly without becoming overly excited.
It’s also important to note that other health problems may cause similar symptoms of seizures in Pomeranians which is why it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis from your vet if you suspect your pet is having convulsive episodes. Diagnostic tests such as blood work and imaging studies are needed so that any underlying medical condition causing the seizures can be identified and treated properly.
Seeking veterinary help right away when you notice any signs of seizures in your pet can help prevent more serious repercussions down the line such as brain damage or worse – death due to prolonged convulsions if left untreated. With proper medical care most cases of epilepsy in Pomeranians can be managed successfully over time allowing them to live happy lives with their families again.
Moving on from here we’ll look at how vets diagnose seizures in poms so they can receive appropriate treatment for their condition quickly and effectively.
Diagnosis of Seizures
Vets are able to make a definitive diagnosis of seizures in Pomeranians through several diagnostic measures, such as bloodwork and imaging studies, so that any underlying medical conditions can be identified and treated promptly. Early detection is essential for the successful treatment of canine epilepsy, which is why neurologic signs like trembling, pacing, confusion, or difficulty walking should be addressed immediately.
The following tests may be recommended by your vet:
- Bloodwork – A complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile (CHEM7/CHEM10) will help rule out metabolic diseases like kidney failure or liver disease.
- Imaging Studies – An MRI or CT scan helps to identify any brain abnormalities that could cause seizures in your Pomeranian.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) – This test records electrical activity in the brain and is used to help diagnose the type of seizure disorder present.
In addition to these tests, a physical examination may also be performed to assess your dog’s overall health. Your vet will examine your Pomeranian’s eyes, nose, ears, and heart for any abnormalities that could indicate neurological issues. Depending on their findings, further testing may be required before a diagnosis can be made.
After the diagnosis has been made, it’s important for owners to work closely with their veterinarian to create an effective treatment plan for their pet.
Treatment of Seizures
You and your vet can work together to create a treatment plan for your Pomeranian that will help manage their seizures and keep them as comfortable as possible.
Medication options may include antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, and levetiracetam. These medications can be used alone or in combination with other AEDs, depending on the type of seizure.
Your veterinarian may also recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers that could cause seizures or adding supplements to the diet to improve brain function.
Surgery is sometimes necessary for more severe cases of seizures in Pomeranians. This includes removal of abnormal tissue or draining fluid from the brain if hydrocephalus is present. Surgery should only be done after all other treatments have failed and your veterinarian believes it’s the best option to improve your pet’s quality of life.
In some cases, alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs. However, these treatments are not well studied in veterinary medicine so they should only be used with caution and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
It’s important to note that any new form of therapy should be discussed thoroughly with your vet before beginning treatment on your pet.
It’s essential that you closely monitor your dog for any signs of seizure activity during treatment so that you can adjust their medication if needed or seek further medical advice from your vet if their condition does not improve over time.
Treatment plans vary greatly depending on individual cases but working closely with a veterinarian will ensure that you find the best solution for managing your pup’s seizures while keeping them safe and comfortable at all times.
Prevention of Seizures
Seizures can be scary, but luckily there are ways to help prevent them in your Pomeranian! To reduce the risk of seizures, it’s important to understand what could cause them and how to address those issues. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Make dietary changes: Providing your Pomeranian with a nutritionally balanced diet is the best way to support their overall health. It may also help prevent seizures by providing essential vitamins and minerals that can reduce inflammation, which has been linked to seizure activity.
- Provide mental stimulation: Mental stimulation is important for all dogs, especially those prone to seizures. Keeping your Pomeranian engaged mentally will help keep their minds sharp and alert so they’re less likely to experience episodes of seizure activity. This could include activities like agility training or interactive puzzle games.
- Monitor medical conditions: If your Pomeranian has any existing medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, make sure you monitor them closely and provide adequate treatment as needed. These illnesses can raise the risk for developing seizures if left untreated or undetected.
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Last but not least, regular vet visits are key when it comes to preventing seizures in your Pomeranian. Your vet will be able to assess their physical condition and check for any underlying health problems that might increase their risk for experiencing a seizure episode.
With proper care from both you and your veterinarian, you can ensure that your pup stays healthy and safe from harmful neurological episodes! With these preventive measures in place, you’re well on your way towards protecting your furry friend from dangerous seizure episodes – now let’s look at when it’s time contact the vet about potential symptoms of epilepsy in dogs…
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If your Pomeranian begins to show any signs of seizure activity, it’s important to contact your vet right away. Seizures in Pomeranians can be caused by a variety of health conditions, so it is best to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible. If the seizures are caused by an underlying condition, prompt diagnosis and treatment may help reduce or prevent further seizures from occurring.
Be sure to provide your vet with detailed information about anxiety triggers or other medical history that could be related to the seizures when you contact them. Your vet will likely ask you for details regarding the seizure activity itself. This includes information such as how long did the seizure last, what were the physical symptoms of the seizure (such as loss of consciousness, twitching or trembling), and if there was anything that seemed to trigger the episode (such as loud noises or bright lights).
Additionally, they may suggest having blood tests done in order to look for any underlying abnormalities that might explain why your pet is having seizures. Your veterinarian may also want to perform a physical examination on your Pomeranian in order to look for any abnormalities that could be causing their seizuring episodes. Depending on what they find during this exam, they may decide to take x-rays or ultrasounds in order to get a better picture of what’s going on inside your dog’s body.
They may also suggest doing an electroencephalogram (EEG) test which looks at brain wave patterns and can help diagnose certain types of epilepsy. It is important not only for you but also for your pet’s well-being that you contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice any signs of seizure activity in your Pomeranian. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment options available, there is hope for managing these episodes more effectively and providing a better quality of life for both you and your pup!
Conclusion
Seizures in Pomeranians may not be common, but it’s important to be mindful of your pup’s health and behavior. If you notice any symptoms that could indicate a seizure, contact your veterinarian right away.
To prevent seizures from occurring, make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations and receives regular checkups.
An example of how serious seizures can be for a dog is seen in the case of one elderly Pomeranian who had been having recurring seizures for months before being brought into the vet. After extensive testing, it was determined that the cause of her seizures was a brain tumor.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, this pup was able to live out her last days living happily with her family.
Seizures are serious business – take them seriously!