Your Dog Had A Seizure. Bloodwork Was Normal...Now What?
A comprehensive neurological exam can help determine whether your dog's seizures may be caused by a problem inside the brain.
Watching your dog experience a seizure can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next.
The good news is that a seizure does not automatically mean your dog has a brain tumor or another serious neurological disease. Many dogs develop idiopathic epilepsy, meaning seizures occur without an identifiable structural abnormality in the brain.
But seizures can also be caused by:
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inflammation
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infection
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a congenital abnormality
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a stroke-like event
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a tumor, or another condition affecting the brain.
The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF), recommends a structured diagnostic approach that uses the dog’s history, physical and neurological examinations, laboratory findings, age at seizure onset, and seizure pattern to determine whether advanced testing - such as MRI - is appropriate.
Normal bloodwork is reassuring, but it cannot show whether there is a structural change inside your dog’s brain.
Once metabolic causes such as low blood sugar, liver dysfunction, electrolyte abnormalities, or certain toxic exposures have been considered, a comprehensive neurological examination is often the next practical step.
During the examination, our Medical Director, Dr. Mark Soderstrom, evaluates how your dog’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, balance system, reflexes, vision, and coordination are functioning.
The purpose of the exam is not to push every dog toward an MRI. It is to help owners and treating vets make a more informed decision regarding your dog's treatment.
What Happens During The Examination?
Each $150 neuro exam includes:
A Detailed Seizure History
We review what happened before, during, and after the episode, along with your dog’s age, medical history, medications, seizure frequency, and any recent changes in behavior or movement.
A Comprehensive Neurological Examination
The veterinarian evaluates your dog’s:
- Mental awareness and behavior
- Walking and coordination
- Balance and head position
- Cranial nerve function
- Vision and pupil responses
- Limb placement
- Reflexes
- Neck and spinal comfort
A Clear Recommendation
After the examination, we explain whether the findings appear normal or abnormal and discuss the most appropriate next step.
That may include continued management with your regular veterinarian, additional laboratory testing, an MRI of the brain, or further neurological evaluation.
When Is A Brain MRI Likely To Be Recommended?
Advanced imaging may be considered when a dog:
- Has an abnormal neurological examination
- Experiences cluster seizures
- Has prolonged or unusually severe seizures
- Develops focal seizures affecting one area of the body
- Begins having seizures at less than 6 months old or older than 6 years
- Shows personality, vision, balance, or coordination changes
- Continues to worsen despite seizure medication
- Has increasingly frequent or progressive episodes
What If The Neurological Exam Is Normal?
A normal examination is reassuring, but it does not rule out every possible brain condition.
The veterinarian will consider the examination together with:
- Your dog’s age
- The type of seizure
- How frequently seizures are occurring
- Whether seizures happen in clusters
- How your dog behaves between episodes
- Response to seizure medication
- Your dog’s overall medical history