There are many causes of odd behaviour in dogs – and most are just that: odd behaviour, with a behavioural or psychological cause. However, occasionally there’s something else going on… in this article, vet blogger Cari Wilson looks into the strange world of “psychomotor seizures”.
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Psychomotor seizures (also known as “complex partial seizures”) appear as as recurring odd behavioural episodes. They are different from classic epileptic seizures where the dog often loses consciousness, falls to the side and has muscle spasms. Psychomotor seizures are often difficult to distinguish from abnormal behaviours.
What behaviour can be associated with psychomotor seizures?
Complex partial seizures are generally known to originate in the frontotemporal region of the brain; which, among other functions, is responsible for regulating emotions and personality. The behaviour shown depends on the exact location of the dysfunction in the brain. While your dog is experiencing a psychomotor seizure they will often have an altered state of consciousness. This means that they may appear ‘spaced out’ or like they are hallucinating.
Common examples of psychomotor seizure behaviours are tail chasing and ‘fly-catching’, where the dog snaps at the air as if they were trying to catch a bug. They may also become aggressive, show manic behaviour or may just appear to have ‘vacant’ episodes. There are some reports of repeated swallowing, gulping, lip licking or chewing behaviours.
How do I tell if this is just behavioural or if it is neurological?
If your dog is having psychomotor seizures they will show the same behaviour repeatedly and it may seem extreme and unprovoked. If it is just a behaviour that your dog is showing they will not have any form of altered consciousness and you will normally be able to get their attention.
Psychomotor seizures are more common in breeds predisposed to epilepsy; such as Beagles, border collies, boxers, cocker and English springer spaniels, labradors and poodles amongst others. Signs usually start before the age of two but can occur at any age.
The episodes will normally only last for a few minutes but you may notice pre-ictal (before seizure) or post-ictal (after seizure) behaviour changes. These changes can include pacing, seeming depressed, irritable or aggressive. There may also be involuntary physical signs like urinating, emptying anal glands (you may notice a fishy smell) or excessive salivation.
If you own a cocker spaniel you may have heard of ‘cocker rage syndrome’. This is caused by complex partial seizures. This is a misnomer as it can affect any breed and not just spaniels. It is characterised by sudden, unprovoked extreme aggression. Many owners can tell it is about to happen as their dog does show some pre-ictal signs.
What to do if you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour?
If your dog is showing recurrent episodes of any odd behaviour try to film the episodes with your mobile phone. You will then be able to show your veterinarian .This may help to distinguish if it is behavioural or neurological in origin.
Your vet may run some blood tests to check for any underlying metabolic causes or they may refer you to a neurology specialist for further investigation. This could include advanced imaging of the brain with a CT or MRI scan. Some referral centres may perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) which monitors brain activity but availability is limited.
Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of episodes. Options include typical anti-epileptic medication such as phenobarbital or levetiracetam. If your dog’s behaviour is aggressive it is important to keep yourself and other people who interact with your dog safe. Do not approach them when they are having an episode and keep your distance if they are showing any pre-ictal signs. If your vet deems the episodes as a behaviour problem they may refer you to a qualified behaviourist.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour or health please get in contact with your own vet.
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