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My bulldog had a seizure and high fever. Is it epilepsy or stress?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 10 days old | 41 lbs

Our 7. mo Englis Bulldog had an unwitnessed Gran mal seizure. She was also hyperthermic upon arrival to ER, temp 106. I am perplexed about which came first the seizure or the hyperthermia. Is it possible that she became so stressed out that we were leaving that she got herself in such a state where she became hyperthermic? Or is it true epilepsy:? She is on keppra and phenobarb indefinitely. I don’t want her to be on these if this was a one time thing. Please help with your expertise, Pam

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 13th, 2018

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this with Stella. Unfortunately, epilepsy is common in English Bulldogs and can develop as early as 6 months of age. I have attached more information on seizures below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=560 We certainly see hyperthermia in English Bulldogs, but see it from them being in a car or outside in hot/humid weather. Stress induced hyperthermia has not been documented in English Bulldogs (only Greyhounds). So, I suspect that Stella was hyperthermic from her seizure. I certainly understand not wanting her on medication for the rest of her life, but it sounds like her seizure was severe enough that she will be at risk for a life-threatening seizure without medication. You could consider consulting a veterinary neurologist for a second opinion. You can find one near you at this website. http://find.vetspecialists.com/ I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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