Seizures in Pets
Seizures are one of the most frequently seen neurologic problems in pets. There is a wide spectrum of symptoms that can be seen during a seizure, but signs most often include:
Seizures consist of three components:
Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, seizures are not generally considered painful but can be very confusing for your pet. Contrary to popular belief, pets do not swallow their tongues. If you put your fingers into the mouth to grasp the tongue, you will do no benefit to your pet and run a high risk of being bitten badly. The important thing is to keep your pet from falling or hurting him or herself during a seizure.
If seizures are short or mild, most pets recover well. Do not attempt to move your pet, unless necessary, until you feel they are fully aware of you. Some pets still in the post-ictal phase are uncoordinated and confused- they might injure you or themselves accidentally. During the seizure and afterward, the less stimulus a pet receives, the better. Try dimming the lights and keeping loud noises to a minimum.
If the seizure is lasting more than ten minutes or if the seizures are occurring back-to-back without a recovery period in between - this can be life threatening. You should contact your veterinarian (694-0505) or Tri County Animal ER (672-1565) immediately.
Causes for Seizures
There are many, many causes of seizures. Epilepsy is the most common in young pets*. Other potential causes include: brain tumors, toxin exposure, heat stroke, blood sugar abnormalities, infections, head trauma, congenital defects, or internal organ diseases.
When a seizure occurs, we begin by taking a detailed history concentrating on possible exposure to poisonous substances or instances of head trauma. We also perform a physical examination and bloodwork to evaluate the overall health of the pet. These tests rule out disorders of the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, blood sugar, etc.
If tests are normal and there is no exposure to poison or recent trauma, further diagnostics may be performed depending on the severity and frequency of seizures. If epilepsy is suspected, seizure medications may be recommended at this time. Occasional seizures are of less concern than when seizures are becoming more severe and frequent. In this instance, referral to a neurologist for a spinal fluid tap or MRI may be advised.
*Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures without an actual lesion in the brain (the brain is structurally normal but not functionally normal). These pets are typically young (6 months to 5 years of age most commonly). Any breed can be affected but some dog breeds are more common: Beagles, shepherds, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Shelties to name a few. Epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion - bloodwork, urine sample, and x-rays are normal.
Seizure Prevention
Depending on the frequency and severity of seizures, your veterinarian may make several recommendations. For pets that require seizure medications, these are given lifelong. Your veterinarian will discuss medication options and potential side effects to be aware of.
For pets that have brief, mild, or rare seizures- no medications may be advised due to possible side effects. Prescription diet therapy such as Purina ProPlan Neurocare may be an option. If the seizures are predictable, sedatives may be used.
Regardless of recommended treatment, you should try to keep a log of your pet's seizures including: the date of occurrence, length of time until seizure ended, and symptoms seen. Not all seizures occur while you are home, so watch for signs that a seizure may have happened - these may include unusual indoor potty accidents, saliva puddles on the floor, or odd behavior - include these episodes in your log. This log helps us to form a pattern of seizure and will help us to tailor a treatment plan.
- loss or derangement of consciousness
- contractions of all the muscles in the body (convulsions, paddling, tremors, or other repetitive movements)
- changes in mental awareness ranging from non-responsiveness to hallucinations
- involuntary urination, bowel movements, or drooling
- behavioral changes, including non-recognition of owner, viciousness, pacing, or running in circles
Seizures consist of three components:
- The pre-ictal phase, or "aura", is a period on altered behavior that may be witnessed before the actual seizure occurs. Some pre-ictal phases are very brief (lasting a few seconds) or mild and may go unnoticed. Some pets have long pre-ictal phases that may last a few hours. During the pre-ictal phase, your pet may hide, appear nervous, or may follow you seeking comfort. Some pets may whine, tremble, or drool more than normal.
- The ictal phase is the seizure itself and usually lasts from a few seconds to about five minutes. If possible, try to time the length of the seizures as this may help determine treatment. During this period, the muscle of the body contract strongly. The pet usually falls to the side and seems paralyzed while shaking. The head will sometimes be drawn backward. Urination, bowel movements, and drooling often occur. If this phase does not end within five to ten minutes, the pet is said to be in status epilepticus or prolonged seizure and you should seek immediate medical help.
- During the post-ictal phase (the period after the convulsions have stopped), there is confusion, disorientation, drooling, pacing, restlessness, and possibly temporary blindness. There is no direct correlation between the severity of the seizure and the duration of the post-ictal phase. This phase may last a few minutes to a few hours.
Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, seizures are not generally considered painful but can be very confusing for your pet. Contrary to popular belief, pets do not swallow their tongues. If you put your fingers into the mouth to grasp the tongue, you will do no benefit to your pet and run a high risk of being bitten badly. The important thing is to keep your pet from falling or hurting him or herself during a seizure.
If seizures are short or mild, most pets recover well. Do not attempt to move your pet, unless necessary, until you feel they are fully aware of you. Some pets still in the post-ictal phase are uncoordinated and confused- they might injure you or themselves accidentally. During the seizure and afterward, the less stimulus a pet receives, the better. Try dimming the lights and keeping loud noises to a minimum.
If the seizure is lasting more than ten minutes or if the seizures are occurring back-to-back without a recovery period in between - this can be life threatening. You should contact your veterinarian (694-0505) or Tri County Animal ER (672-1565) immediately.
Causes for Seizures
There are many, many causes of seizures. Epilepsy is the most common in young pets*. Other potential causes include: brain tumors, toxin exposure, heat stroke, blood sugar abnormalities, infections, head trauma, congenital defects, or internal organ diseases.
When a seizure occurs, we begin by taking a detailed history concentrating on possible exposure to poisonous substances or instances of head trauma. We also perform a physical examination and bloodwork to evaluate the overall health of the pet. These tests rule out disorders of the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, blood sugar, etc.
If tests are normal and there is no exposure to poison or recent trauma, further diagnostics may be performed depending on the severity and frequency of seizures. If epilepsy is suspected, seizure medications may be recommended at this time. Occasional seizures are of less concern than when seizures are becoming more severe and frequent. In this instance, referral to a neurologist for a spinal fluid tap or MRI may be advised.
*Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures without an actual lesion in the brain (the brain is structurally normal but not functionally normal). These pets are typically young (6 months to 5 years of age most commonly). Any breed can be affected but some dog breeds are more common: Beagles, shepherds, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Shelties to name a few. Epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion - bloodwork, urine sample, and x-rays are normal.
Seizure Prevention
Depending on the frequency and severity of seizures, your veterinarian may make several recommendations. For pets that require seizure medications, these are given lifelong. Your veterinarian will discuss medication options and potential side effects to be aware of.
For pets that have brief, mild, or rare seizures- no medications may be advised due to possible side effects. Prescription diet therapy such as Purina ProPlan Neurocare may be an option. If the seizures are predictable, sedatives may be used.
Regardless of recommended treatment, you should try to keep a log of your pet's seizures including: the date of occurrence, length of time until seizure ended, and symptoms seen. Not all seizures occur while you are home, so watch for signs that a seizure may have happened - these may include unusual indoor potty accidents, saliva puddles on the floor, or odd behavior - include these episodes in your log. This log helps us to form a pattern of seizure and will help us to tailor a treatment plan.