Help! My Pet is Having a Seizure!

What causes seizures and what can you do if your pet has seizures

               A seizure can be a very scary thing to witness.  Many dogs and cats have seizures, though the underlying causes can vary.  So, what is a seizure anyway, and what should you do if your pet is having a seizure?

               A seizure is essentially a random misfiring of abnormal neurons in the brain. A classic seizure usually causes the pet to fall on her side with legs paddling, to lose bladder and bowel control and may cause foaming at the mouth.  Most pets are not really aware of their surroundings during a seizure.  There are other types of seizures where only part of the body shakes, such as the head, there are “fly-biting” or “chewing gum” seizures where only the pet’s jaw moves rhythmically and there are rare seizures called “absence seizures” where the pet may just appear to “space out” for a few moments.  Most pets are also somewhat disoriented or anxious for a time after a seizure known as the post-ictal period.

               Seizures may be caused by a number of problems such as extremely high or extremely low blood sugar or liver problems.  Infection (meningitis) or inflammation of the brain, head trauma, brain tumors or exposure to some toxins may also cause seizures.  Most young animals who have seizures and for which other causes have been reasonably ruled out are usually diagnosed as having epilepsy—seizures of unknown cause.  . 

               Occasionally, other medical conditions such as fainting due to heart arrhythmias or narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) may mimic seizures, so it is always best to see your veterinarian if your pet experiences something that resembles a seizure so we can determine if it is indeed a true seizure and to try to rule out underlying causes.  Blood tests are usually done to try to rule out as many problems as possible.  In some cases, a spinal tap may be recommended to rule out infection, though we do not perform this test at Patton Veterinary Hospital.  MRI or CT scans at a specialty center may also help to identify the cause of seizures.

               If an underlying reason for the seizure is found, correction of the primary problem should stop the seizures from occurring.  If no underlying cause is found, anti-seizure drugs may be recommended if the seizures are frequent, last for a long time (more than 5 minutes), or if the pet has a very prolonged post-ictal phase.  There are several drugs that can be used to help reduce or prevent seizure activity.  If a pet has very infrequent, brief seizures, we may decide not to treat with medication as the side effects of medications may be more undesirable than having a few seizures a year. 

               What should you do if your pet is having a seizure at home?  If it is the first time it has happened, try to stay calm.  Your pet may not be aware of his surrounding so be careful he does not snap at you.  Try to prevent your pet from hurting himself by covering him with a blanket and making sure he cannot fall down stairs or fall off of any furniture.  Seizures can seem to last forever when you are upset, but most are short lasting 30 seconds to 4 or 5 minutes.  If your pet has a seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes or if he recovers from a seizure but has another within short period of time (more than 3 seizures in a 24 hour period), this is considered an emergency and your pet should be examined immediately.  If it is not an emergency, have your pet examined within 24 hours of having a seizure for the first time. 

               Seizures are always a little scary, but most are short and do not cause serious harm to your pet.  Most seizures can be controlled with medication allowing your pet to live a fairly normal life.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.  Comments and discussion welcome on our website or Facebook page.