Cluster Seizures

Cluster seizures is a serious neurological condition where a dog experiences two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, often without fully recovering between them. This condition is considered an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. 

During cluster seizures, the dog’s brain experiences repeated bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity, causing convulsions, collapse, drooling, loss of consciousness, and sometimes loss of bladder or bowel control. The most common causes include idiopathic epilepsy (a genetic or unknown cause), brain tumours, head trauma, infections such as distemper or meningitis, metabolic disorders like low blood sugar or liver disease, and exposure to toxins. 

Symptoms usually include repeated seizures, confusion, temporary blindness, drooling, weakness, and lethargy between episodes. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, MRI or CT scans,

 cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neurological examinations to find the underlying cause. Treatment focuses first on controlling the seizures with emergency medications such as diazepam or midazolam and hospitalisation if needed. 

For long-term management, anticonvulsant drugs like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, or zonisamide are used under veterinary supervision. Dog owners should maintain a strict medication schedule, avoid seizure triggers, and keep a seizure diary.

 During a seizure, the dog should be kept safe by moving sharp objects away and never attempting to hold the mouth shut. With proper medical management, many dogs with cluster seizures can live long and happy lives, though untreated cases may lead to severe complications such as brain damage or status epilepticus, which can be fatal.