Canine Seizures in Biewer Terriers

Educational Information for Biewer Terrier Owners

Introduction

Seizures in Biewer Terriers are episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause sudden changes in awareness, movement, or behavior. Because this breed is small, seizure-like signs may also be caused by other medical issues such as low blood sugar, toxin exposure, or liver disease, so a veterinary exam is important after any first event.

Dogs can experience several types of seizures. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain where a dog suddenly falls over with violent, jerking spasms affecting all four limbs, paddling, frothing at the mouth, possible loss of bladder and bowel control, and loss of consciousness.  Focal (partial) seizures affect one area of the brain and may cause facial twitching, abnormal limb movements, staring,  or unusual behavior while the dog remains conscious. Idiopathic epilepsy refers to recurrent seizures for which no underlying cause can be identified after appropriate diagnostic testing.

What a seizure may look like

A seizure may be brief and subtle, or it may involve collapse, stiffening, paddling, drooling, or loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures may involve urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Dogs may seem confused or tired afterward, and repeated episodes or clusters should be treated as urgent.

Not every seizure looks dramatic. Some dogs stare blankly, tremble, wobble, seem disoriented, or stop responding for a short time, while others fall over, paddle their legs, chew, drool, urinate, defecate, or vocalize.

Afterward, many dogs enter a post-seizure period in which they appear confused, sleepy, restless, hungry, or unsteady. The details of what happens before, during, and after the episode are useful for diagnosis.

Common causes to consider

In dogs, primary seizures may be idiopathic epilepsy or due to structural brain disease. Secondary causes of isolated seizures may be reactions to environmental toxins, medications, or metabolic problems like low blood sugar.  In toy breeds like the Biewer Terrier, blood sugar issues are common and  worth ruling out. Low glucose can trigger weakness, tremors, and seizures.

Other possible causes include liver problems, electrolyte imbalances, head trauma, poison exposure, and inflammatory or congenital neurologic disease. A seizure is a sign, not a diagnosis. Treatment is based on finding the underlying cause.

Why this matters in small breeds

Small dogs can be more vulnerable to low blood sugar when they miss meals, become stressed, or are ill. That is one reason seizure-like episodes in a Biewer Terrier should not be assumed to be epilepsy without evaluation.

Some movement disorders can also resemble seizures. A video of the event can help your veterinarian tell the difference between a true seizure and another neurologic problem.

What owners should do during a seizure

Keep your dog safe by moving objects away and avoiding restraint. Do not put anything in the mouth, and do not try to stop the movements.

If you can, time the episode and record a video once it is safe to do so. Emergency care is especially important if the seizure lasts more than a few minutes, repeats in clusters, or the dog does not recover normally.

How veterinarians diagnose the cause

Veterinarians usually begin with a history, physical exam, and routine blood and urine testing. Depending on the case, they may also recommend special blood work like thyroid levels or bile acids. A complete blood count may help rule out an underlying infection. A referral to a neurologist may be recommended.  Imaging, such as an MRI, or other specialized testing may be required to look for structural or metabolic causes.

This workup helps separate idiopathic epilepsy from treatable problems such as liver disease, toxins, or endocrine issues. In many cases, epilepsy is considered only after other causes have been ruled out.

Treatment and management

Treatment depends on the cause. If low blood sugar is the problem, feeding management and fast response to early signs may help prevent future episodes. An infection may require antibiotics. If a toxin is found to be the cause, like lawn chemicals, avoidance is the answer.

If epilepsy is diagnosed, anti-seizure medication may be recommended, and treatment is often long term. Common medications used in dogs include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, and levetiracetam.

When to seek help

Seek veterinary help immediately if this is a first seizure, if the episode lasts longer than a few minutes, or if your dog has several seizures close together. Seizures and/or staggering are listed by AVMA as emergencies that require prompt veterinary attention.

Even if your dog seems normal after the episode, repeated events should not be ignored. Early diagnosis is especially important for your Biewer Terrier.

*This educational handout compiles public veterinary literature and does not represent original research, official policy, or guidance from the Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA). This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Owners of dogs showing new or unusual symptoms should consult a licensed veterinarian immediately. The BTCA Health Committee encourages members to consult qualified veterinary professionals for all canine health decisions.

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