Heartbroken Dog Mom Captures Pitbull’s Terrifying Seizure—Emotional TikTok Goes Viral
A viral TikTok video shows a dog having epileptic seizures causing emotional distress for his pet parent as well as for the viewers online. The video is heartbreaking as the dog mom is helplessly witnessing her furry friend, a Pit Bull, going through a violent seizure. (Watch TikTok below)
The dog was sitting on his bed when the seizure hit him. He fell backward on the floor, knocking over his food bowl. His entire body starts twitching and shaking violently. It is extremely painful to watch because the dog is clearly in a terrible state.
Dog Loses Control Over His Body
The Pit Bull seemed to have lost control over his body as he kept on convulsing and also drooling excessively. After a while, he is able to stand and tries to regain control, but he can hardly walk straight. The seizure lasted an entire minute.
@copsactive The Mother Heartbroken Seeing PitBull Dog Seizure Strong Painful Dangerous 🥹 #seizuredog #epileptic #pitbull #poordog #fyp #emotional #dangerous #painful #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Cops Active
Garnering a lot of attention on TikTok, the video showing epilepsy in dogs has garnered over 813K likes and more than 45K comments. A user, @catawwater, commented, “WOW that was a super long seizure! You need to hold him and speak soothingly to him. So sad!!”
Another user poses the question, “Is there anything she could have given him that might be in the house?”
Let’s explore this question further. But first, let’s understand what epilepsy is.
Seizures in Dogs
As per veterinarians, Dr. Malcolm Weir and Dr. Ernest Ward, “A seizure may also be called a convulsion or fit, referring to a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity.” It is a common neurological condition among dogs.
What Causes Seizures in Dogs?
Dr. Weir and Dr. Ward provide the following common causes of seizures:
- Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs: The most common cause, an inherited disorder with an unknown exact cause
- Medical Conditions: Liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma
- Toxins: Poisoning or exposure to harmful substances
- Changing Activity in the Brain: Times of high excitement, feeding, falling asleep, or waking up
It’s important to note that affected dogs can appear completely normal between seizures, making it essential for pet owners to be aware of the signs and seek veterinary care if they suspect their dog is experiencing seizures.
Epilepsy in Dogs
“Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures without a known cause or abnormal brain lesion (brain injury or disease),” says Dr. Ryan Llera and Dr. Ernest Ward.
What Causes Epilepsy in Dogs?
While the exact cause of epilepsy remains unclear, research suggests a genetic link in many breeds. Certain breeds are more prone to epilepsy, including:
- Beagles
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Border Collies
- Boxer Dogs
- Cocker Spaniels
- Collies
- Dachshunds
- Golden Retrievers
- Irish Setters
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Keeshonds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Poodles
- St. Bernards
- Shepherds
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Siberian Huskies
- English Springer Spaniels
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis
- Wire-Haired Fox Terriers
Epilepsy is relatively common in dogs but rare in cats.
Types of Epilepsy in Dogs
According to veterinarian Dr. Veronica Higgs, epilepsy in dogs can manifest differently, making diagnosis challenging. It’s crucial to distinguish seizures from fainting spells.
Seizure Phases
A seizure typically consists of three phases:
- Aura (Pre-Seizure): The dog may exhibit anxiety, fear, or attention-seeking behavior, indicating an impending seizure. Recognizing this phase can be difficult.
- Ictal (Seizure): Lasting 1-2 minutes, seizures require immediate medical attention if they exceed 5 minutes.
- Post-Ictal (Post-Seizure): Disorientation follows, potentially lasting minutes or hours. Dogs may appear blind.
Types of Seizures
Understanding the seizure type helps veterinarians diagnose and treat epilepsy effectively.
- Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures in Dogs
These are the most common seizures among dogs and they are characterized by:
- Collapse and loss of consciousness
- Stiff limbs and convulsions
- Uncontrolled urination or defecation
- Chewing motions and drooling
Not all grand mal seizures indicate epilepsy
- Partial (Focal) Seizures in Dogs
Partial seizures, also known as focal epilepsy in dogs, are characterized by abnormal movements limited to a specific body part, such as:
- Facial twitching or contortions
- Limb tremors or jerking
- Localized muscle contractions
These focal seizures in dogs often spread to become generalized seizures. They are typically acquired, indicating a hidden cause. In addition, they are mostly not associated with primary epilepsy.
A major example is the “chewing gum” seizure, in which the pet remains conscious and exhibits involuntary, rhythmic mouth movements mimicking chewing gum.
- Complex Partial Seizures in Dogs
Complex partial seizures, also known as psychomotor or behavioral seizures, are a subset of focal seizures characterized by:
- Abnormal behavior, rather than tremors or convulsions
- Consciousness is maintained, but the dog’s behavior is altered
- Episodes may resemble hysteria, rage, or hallucinations
A notable example of complex partial seizures is the “fly-biting” seizure, where a dog suddenly appears to chase and snap at an invisible target, often in mid-air, as if pursuing a fly.
Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs
Epilepsy symptoms in dogs can manifest through various physical and behavioral changes. Epileptic dogs can show these symptoms:
- Sudden stiffening of the body and legs
- Loss of balance and collapsing to one side
- Involuntary chewing motions
- Excessive drooling
- Paddling or thrashing of the legs
- Uncontrolled urination or defecation
- Vocalizations, such as barking or whimpering
- Violent shaking, trembling, or convulsing
If you witness any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs
“Epilepsy is a life-long condition which cannot be cured, but it can be managed. In most cases it will require daily medications for life,” states Dr. Higgs.
Dr. Andrew Jones, a veterinarian, details three holistic remedies on TikTok for pet parents to try if their dogs struggle with epileptic seizures:
- MCT Oil
MCT oil is an oil isolated from coconut oil. For a long time, this oil acted as a successful remedy to control seizures for people. Now it is also used in dog food specifically formulated for helping dogs with seizures. What you can do is give some amount of oil in the dog’s diet.
Dosage: You can give your dog one teaspoon of MCT oil for 10 lbs of body weight every day. It can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs, so, begin with half a teaspoon for 10 lbs of body weight daily.
- Magnesium
A magnesium deficiency in dogs can mean increased chances of seizure disorder. Thus, magnesium supplements can work well for some humans and animals.
Dosage: Give your dog 10 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
- Cannabidiol
One of the best herbal remedies for epilepsy in dogs, cannabidiol can help reduce seizures.
Dosage: At a minimum, you can give your dog 3 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice daily. You can increase this dosage amount to up to three times.
Dr. Jones advises consulting your veterinarian before trying any of these remedies. It’s also important to introduce only one remedy at a time and give it at least a month to assess its effectiveness. If you notice improvement, continue with that remedy. If not, move on to another option from the list.
According to Dr. Llera and Dr. Ward, “anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications) are the treatment of choice for epilepsy.” Once started, treatment typically continues for life.
Anticonvulsants are usually prescribed if your dog experiences:
- More than one seizure per month (requires seizure diary to track date, time, length, and severity)
- Cluster epilepsy in dogs (multiple seizures in a short period, risking status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition)
- Grand mal or severe seizures (prolonged or violent episodes)
Consistent dosing is crucial for managing epilepsy in pets. Irregularities, such as starting and stopping medication or missing doses, can cause fluctuating blood levels, leading to more frequent or severe seizures. To minimize risks, adhere strictly to the prescribed dosing schedule and administer medication on time.
Common Anticonvulsant Medications
- Phenobarbital (most commonly used)
- Potassium bromide (KBr)
- Zonisamide
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)
- Combination therapy (multiple drugs) may be necessary
In some cases, gabapentin and clonazepam may be added. Moreover, regular blood tests (every few weeks to months) are crucial for phenobarbital and potassium bromide dosage adjustment as well as organ function monitoring (to mitigate potential side effects).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can trigger a seizure in a dog?
Dr. Jennifer Coates asserts that most dogs that suffer from epilepsy have idiopathic epilepsy, meaning the underlying cause of their seizures remains unknown. Despite this uncertainty, research has shown that various factors can trigger seizures including physical factors such as toxin exposure, cancer, infections, and trauma. Additionally, environmental and emotional stimuli can also play a role.
What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?
The common seizure-causing toxins, according to Southeast Veterinary Neurology, are alcohol, carbon monoxide poisoning, animal compounds, foods, heavy metals, plants, illicit drugs, pesticides, and medications.
How to stop seizures in dogs immediately?
Dr. Vanesa Farmer claims that your vet may prescribe diazepam (Valium) or midazolam to stop seizures, given rectally or nasally. Without medication, it’s impossible to stop a dog’s seizure on your own.
How to prevent epilepsy in dogs?
According to Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, “There is no way to prevent epilepsy from developing in dogs.” One potential preventative measure against epilepsy is protecting your dog from head injuries, as brain trauma is a common underlying cause of the condition.
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