TL;DR: Convulsing and paddling are signs of a generalized seizure, which is a high-urgency medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary assessment. Capturing a safe video of the episode can help your veterinarian reach a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
Why is my dog convulsing and paddling their legs?
Your dog is likely experiencing a generalized (grand mal) seizure caused by a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During these episodes, dogs typically lose consciousness, fall on their side, and perform involuntary "paddling" movements with their legs.
When is a dog seizure considered an emergency?
While a single brief seizure is rarely fatal, it indicates a serious underlying issue. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if:
- The seizure lasts longer than three minutes.
- Your dog has more than one seizure within a 24-hour period.
- Your dog fails to regain full consciousness between episodes.
How does a video of the seizure help the veterinarian?
A video is an invaluable triage tool because your dog may stop seizing before you arrive at the clinic. If safe to perform, a video helps your vet by:
- Allowing them to see the exact nature of the episode.
- Helping them distinguish between a seizure and cardiac or other neurological events.
- Ensuring a faster and more accurate diagnostic process.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs, convulsions can manifest as severe tetanic seizures, occurring spontaneously or triggered by stimuli such as touch, sound, or bright light. These convulsions can last from seconds to a minute, potentially causing temporary cessation of respiration; intermittent relaxation periods may be observed initially but become less frequent as the condition progresses. High fever may accompany convulsions, especially in warm environments; additionally, behavioral changes like abnormal postures, head pressing, or belligerence may be noted, and vocalization is common. For persistent status epilepticus, diazepam at 0.5-1 mg/kg/hr as a constant-rate infusion may be used. If phenobarbital is contraindicated due to a preexisting hepatic condition, levetiracetam 40-60 mg/kg may be given IV, SC, or rectally.
Chapter: Toxicology, Neurology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3170)