Seizures in Yorkies are extremely scary for their owners, but they can be easily handled. There are several causes, including idiopathic epilepsy, Hypoglycemia, Portosystemic shunt, and Hydrocephalus. Read on to learn about the different ways to treat your Yorkie‘s seizures and learn how to keep them healthy. You can also find information on how to handle a seizure, including which foods are best to feed your dog.
idiopathic epilepsy
It is possible to suspect idiopathic epilepsy in a Yorkie if you notice several seizures in one day. Seizures in dogs are generally classified as focal or psychomotor in nature. The dog will tremble, move around, and drool during these seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy in dogs and is hereditary, although it can affect puppies as well as adults.
The diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy in a Yorkie should begin with excluding other diseases. Blood panels, biochemical analysis, and urinalysis are useful for excluding systemic diseases. These tests ensure the animal is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Imaging tests, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, can confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
The frequency and severity of seizures should be monitored with anticonvulsant medications. If your Yorkie has two or more seizures within six months, or has seizures lasting longer than five minutes, he or she may need medication. It may be necessary to undergo several trials before finding the right medication for your pet. You should consult with a veterinary neurologist before altering the dosage of medications or giving your pet anticonvulsants. If seizures continue to persist even after the treatment is discontinued, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests.
The most important thing to remember when caring for a Yorkie with seizures is to make sure it is safe and comfortable for the dog. Seizures can damage the brain and cause muscle impairments. It is imperative to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your dog is having a seizure. If you suspect your Yorkie is experiencing seizures, you should immediately move him to a safe place and take the appropriate measures to prevent him from hurting himself further. Do not put medications in his mouth, as this may aggravate the seizures. Another important thing to remember is to try to cool down his body temperature, which is important for his safety.
Hypoglycemia
A yorkie can suffer from hypoglycemia in the bloodstream. This condition is often associated with drooling and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Seizures in Yorkies are an indication of a more serious condition, and should be investigated by a veterinarian. Yorkies often cannot eat large amounts of food, and have trouble storing glucose. If you suspect your puppy is suffering from hypoglycemia, visit your veterinarian right away.
Initial signs of hypoglycemia in dogs include listlessness, depression, and trembling. Sugar-rich foods can be given to your Yorkie to improve his condition. He or she may also suffer from chomping his jaws. If these symptoms persist, your veterinarian will likely recommend further testing. If your Yorkie develops a diabetes condition, he or she may require medication.
While most cases of hypoglycemia in Yorkies can be resolved with a glucose-lowering medication, prompt emergency management is essential to prevent a neurological deficit from developing. Prolonged hypoglycemia in dogs is dangerous because it can lead to irreversible brain damage and neurological deficits. To avoid long-term damage, give your Yorkie a high-calorie meal before seeking medical treatment.
While there are many signs of hypoglycemia in dogs, many times the condition starts with low energy levels and quickly progress to dangerous symptoms. Hypoglycemia in dogs can be the result of an underlying condition, exposure to certain substances, or even fasting. In either case, a dog’s blood sugar level should be at least 3 mmol/L. If it falls below this level, the dog may become unconscious and even die.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia in Yorkies are not as obvious as in humans. Because Yorkies are incapable of chewing food, hypoglycemia in Yorkies can be deadly if the dog is untreated. Severe cases may result in brain damage and death. A dog’s blood glucose levels are extremely low during the first few weeks of life, and the dog’s body temperature is significantly reduced as a result.
Portosystemic shunt
There are a few reasons why Portosystemic Shunts (PSS) are associated with seizures in Yorkies. Most cases are treatable medically, but in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery involves cutting a blood vessel that leads to the liver, which performs processing and filtering functions. Typically, this procedure is done in young animals, but older dogs may be more reluctant to undergo surgery.
Other causes of seizures in Yorkies include liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatic shunts. These causes can occur because of an accumulation of ammonia and toxins in the blood. Patients with a shunt often exhibit delayed recovery from anesthesia, a lack of growth, or a small size in comparison to littermates. In addition, complete blood counts can be done to determine the amount of red, white, and platelet cells in the blood.
Although this condition is less common in larger breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is still a candidate for surgery. If your Yorkie has an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, it is more likely to develop cryptorchidism. The procedure will help remove excess ammonia from the dog’s blood, which can lead to abnormalities in the central nervous system. Surgery is the most common option for this problem, but it can be difficult to perform because the abnormal blood vessels are hard to identify and clamp.
While congenital portosystemic shunts are the most common causes of seizures in Yorkies, there is also an acquired type. This type of shunt is usually the result of a long-standing liver disease. It can lead to seizures in older Yorkies as well. The liver also suffers from the accumulation of neurotoxins. The condition is also associated with a reduced liver size.
Hydrocephalus
If you have noticed your Yorkie is having seizures, he may have hydrocephalus. While some dogs with hydrocephalus will eventually pass away, others will live until they’re old enough to have surgery. Your vet can make the diagnosis and treat your dog accordingly. Until then, make your Yorkie comfortable and stay in close contact with your veterinarian. If your Yorkie is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above, he should see a veterinarian.
If you suspect your Yorkie may have hydrocephalus, he should have a full physical exam. Your veterinarian may order tests to confirm hydrocephalus. CT scanning, MRI, and ultrasound are all recommended to diagnose hydrocephalus. A veterinarian may also use anti-epileptic drugs to reduce cerebrospinal fluid production. Treatment may include monitoring your Yorkie’s seizures to make sure they’re not related to the hydrocephalus.
If your Yorkie continues to have seizures and no other medical treatments have been effective, you may consider surgical treatment. Surgical procedure involves implanting a drainage tube in the brain, which allows excess spinal fluid to drain into the abdominal cavity. While successful surgery can prolong a dog’s life and relieve some symptoms, it is not a permanent solution. To determine whether surgery is the right option for your Yorkie, consult your veterinarian.
A brain tumor is the most common cause of hydrocephalus. Although some dogs may not exhibit any symptoms, if left untreated, it can cause severe pain and even death. Your Yorkie may have a head that is enlarged due to an unfused skull. Hydrocephalus in Yorkie seizures can either be congenital or acquired. For congenital hydrocephalus, the condition is present at birth, or it can develop later in life. Genetics play a role. Other causes of hydrocephalus include difficult labor, exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, and an infection during prenatal life.
Other diseases can cause seizures in a Yorkie
While epilepsy is relatively rare, it does affect two to three percent of dogs. A vet can control seizures caused by this disease. Other diseases that can cause seizures in a Yorkie include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Seizures in Yorkies can also result from brain trauma, such as an injury or tumor. Also, hypoglycemia can cause seizures in older dogs.
Surgical or nonsurgical procedures are often necessary to treat a seizure. The veterinarian will first take a thorough history and perform a physical examination to rule out other diseases. Blood tests, urine tests, and electrocardiograms are also performed. Blood tests are used to rule out diseases of the heart, kidney, or liver. A heartworm test is also performed if the dog has not been on a monthly heartworm prevention program.
A Yorkshire terrier can have a seizure if the blood contains poison. Seizures in Yorkshire Terriers can occur within minutes. Viral encephalitis is another possibility. This type of disease causes an inflammation in the brain and can cause seizures. Seizures in Yorkies can also be caused by an electrolyte imbalance. Anemia is also another factor. Seizures can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and medications. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
During a seizure, the dog may foam at the mouth or chomp on their feet. They may also urinate or defecate. Some dogs may walk in circles, drool excessively, and bleed. The severity of the seizures will depend on the cause. If the dog bites itself during the seizure, the veterinarian can prescribe a medication that will suppress these symptoms.
