By Gemma Chriss
Most pet parents would agree that there’s nothing worse than seeing one’s four-legged friend in distress. Canine seizures can be particularly alarming to owners as dogs can suffer from involuntary muscle contractions, drooling, urination, and more. When such an event occurs, it’s important for individuals to keep a clear head and schedule an appointment at the nearest vet clinic. Establishments like Uniontown Veterinary Clinic near Greentown, Ohio offer pet blood screening, so they’re able to pinpoint the cause of the seizures. Plus, pet health testing makes it easier to determine an appropriate seizure treatment for each dog as well. Residents throughout the New Franklin, Ohio and Mogadore, Ohio areas are advised to learn as much about this area of canine vet care as possible, especially if their furry friends have experienced an episode recently.
The professionals at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic encourage pet parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of canine seizures. The “pre-ictal phase” is the period of time immediately before an episode. Dogs may appear nervous or restless. It’s also at this point that one’s pet may begin to shake, whine, or salivate. The “ictal phase” refers to the seizure itself. These episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. In some cases, dogs just experience a change in mental awareness. In others, they may experience a full-blown attack in which convulsions, defecation, and/or salivation may occur. Once the actual seizure has come to an end, the animal enters the “post-ictal phase.” Dogs may experience disorientation, restlessness, and even temporary blindness immediately after an episode.
It’s worth noting that there are a number of potential causes of canine seizures, which is why pet blood screenings are so important. Those brought on by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, can be prevented. Others, however, aren’t quite as easy to deal with. For instance, genetic epilepsy is common among certain breeds including beagles, Irish wolfhounds, and English springer spaniels. In such cases, Uniontown Veterinary Clinic may recommend an anticonvulsant in order to lessen the frequency and severity of the seizures. If the underlying cause of the seizures is illness-related, pet health testing at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic will reveal the disease responsible. This local vet clinic near Greentown typically performs blood testing, urinalysis, and liver function tests to determine the right seizure treatment for dogs. If an MRI or a spinal tap is required, pet owners throughout the Mogadore and New Franklin areas can feel confident that their furry family member will be in good hands with the canine vet care specialists at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic.
Additional information about pet health testing and identifying the causes of canine seizures in particular can be found on Uniontown Veterinary Clinic’s website at www.uniontownvet.com. This local vet clinic near Greentown, Ohio acts as an excellent resource for those in need of canine vet care. Residents throughout the New Franklin, Ohio and Mogadore, Ohio areas are also encouraged to schedule an appointment for pet blood screening at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic if their dog(s) have exhibited signs of a seizure-related condition. The highly trained professionals at Uniontown Veterinary Clinic will be able to make a diagnosis and come up with a seizure treatment for the dog in a quick and efficient manner.
Uniontown Vet Clinic
3435 Grovemont St NW
Uniontown, Ohio 44685
Ph: 330.699.9937
www.uniontownvet.com