What causes seizures in older Maltese dogs?
In dogs less than a year old, the most commonly-found causes of seizures are degenerative diseases, developmental issues, toxic (poisoning), infectious diseases (such as distemper), metabolic disorders, nutritional issues, or traumatic injury. 7. What are the causes of epilepsy in dogs?
What would cause a Maltese to have a seizure?
Maltese Dogs and Seizures Maltese are slightly more prone to seizures, as a breed, than some other types of dog. A hypoglycemic seizure is caused by low blood sugar levels — Maltese have little muscle mass to process and regulate glucose, which makes them more likely to have low blood sugar.
When does your Maltese ( dog ) get old?
Fortunately for Maltese owners, the Maltese being a smaller breed tend to have longer lives than the larger breed of dog. In general elderly means over eight years old for dogs. When your Maltese gets older, their organs may become less efficient, and they may be less able to resist infections and other diseases.
Is there anything I can do for my Maltese?
If you see these behaviors in your Maltese, tell your veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CDS, but there is increasing hope. There is a prescription drug available to treat dogs with CDS in the US (two are available in Europe). It works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the dog’s brain.
What to watch for in an elderly Maltese?
There are also a number of specific health problems which you should watch for with your elderly Maltese such as arthritis, which may develop in his joints. Be careful about the amounts of exercise he gets – too much could easily make arthritis worse.
Why are Maltese dogs at risk for epilepsy?
Epilepsy — a recurring pattern of seizures — can be hereditary, meaning it is passed from parent dog to puppy through genetic material. Because Maltese dogs have a relatively low body weight, they can be at greater risk of hypoglycemic seizures.
Fortunately for Maltese owners, the Maltese being a smaller breed tend to have longer lives than the larger breed of dog. In general elderly means over eight years old for dogs. When your Maltese gets older, their organs may become less efficient, and they may be less able to resist infections and other diseases.
What to do if your Maltese has health problems?
Keep your Maltese’s teeth clean by daily brushing and regular dental check-ups. Also avoid snacks rich in starch and sugar. Hypoglycemia, which is a state of abnormally low blood sugar, is one of the most common Maltese health problems. This can cause problems to the nervous system, resulting in seizures and even coma.
Epilepsy — a recurring pattern of seizures — can be hereditary, meaning it is passed from parent dog to puppy through genetic material. Because Maltese dogs have a relatively low body weight, they can be at greater risk of hypoglycemic seizures.
Can a Maltese have a seizure without losing consciousness?
Seizures can occur with or without a loss of consciousness — a partial seizure in which the dog remains conscious may not be noticeable to you, as your Maltese may not have a way to communicate symptoms such as auras or hallucinations.