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Seizures in an Itchy Dog and Worries About Steroids

by A reader

Reader Question
We have a 3.5-year-old Beagle-Basset mix. About 10 days ago he had a seizure. He stayed awake but started turning his head back and forth and chattering his teeth. We could call his name and he would stop. At the same time we noticed he had chewed some hair off from itching, and pollen counts were high, so we thought the itchy skin led to the seizures. He had about 5 more over the holiday weekend. Our vet said he was in good health except for the itching, which was causing the seizures, and put him on a steroid daily for 5 days, then every other day. He had a couple of mild episodes the day after starting, none for a few days, and then 5 on the day we skipped a dose to start the every-other-day schedule. An antihistamine seemed to help at first, but the vet said the steroid would work better. We are worried about keeping him on a steroid. Is there anything else we could do for the itching? He is fine 99% of the time. Will the seizures get worse if they continue? We are thinking of getting a second opinion at a university vet clinic.


Answer from Our Team

Itching isn't a known cause of seizures in dogs, so it's worth looking for another reason. Head turning, chattering teeth and looking upward while still responsive are typical of focal seizures, which can come from epilepsy (often starting at 1 to 5 years old), low blood sugar, liver problems, toxins, or less commonly brain inflammation or a brain growth.

A second opinion at a university clinic with a neurology service is a good idea. Ask about full blood work, a bile acid test for liver function, and possibly an MRI. If he has epilepsy, anti-seizure medicine can greatly reduce the seizures. Seizures that come in clusters, like 5 in a day, are a reason to see a vet promptly.

For the itch, ask about non-steroid options like modern anti-itch medicines, medicated baths, wiping his feet and belly after walks, and allergy testing. Go to an emergency vet if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or he has several without recovering in between.

See seizures in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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