Seizures in Pets

Seizures are when our pets convulse or fit. They can be disturbing and cause anxiety in those around. Try and remain calm. Gather information and consider seeing a vet to ascertain the reason for their development

Tips for managing a seizure in your pet

1. Do not try to prevent your pet from swallowing their tongue as this does not occur in dogs or cats
2. Stay clear. While it is disturbing to watch you do not want to be bitten
3. Help by removing sharp or dangerous objects from nearly
4. Make sure unsafe areas like stairs, access to outside are shut off to reduce the likelihood of preventable injury
5. Time the length and frequency of the seizure. This information is valuable to record for your vet.
6. Let your pet rest until it recovers from post seizure signs.

There are 3 main categories of seizures

1. Those brought on as a result of toxin
2. Those brought on by what can be best described as a problem outside the brain. This can include low blood glucose, calcium levels and kidney or liver failure
3. Those generated by a problem within the brain which can include epilepsy, inflammatory diseases and cancer

The 3 types of seizures in pets

1. Generalised seizures. Your pet will typically lie on their side and be unresponsive to people during this type of fit. It is common for their legs to move as if they are running. They will often slobber, urinate or pass faeces during this type of seizure
2. Partial seizures. These start in a particular part of the body and often change in the way that your pet responds to you
3. Mild partial seizures. Most times these involve compulsive snapping of the jaw and obsessive chasing of either the tail or chewing

When you attend a vet hospital the first step is often medication. This is to try and stop the seizures and to reduce the possibility of physical harm, injury and possible internal damage.

While caution is sensible, research indicates that early medical intervention is important. Early intervention goes some way to prevent the development of a condition called status epilepticus where the seizures continue indefinitely and they become less responsive to medications.

During your pets visit to the vet they will be clinically examined and diagnostic testing offered  to help diagnose the reason for the seizures. When it comes to treatments available, the success rate is often dependent on understanding what is causing the seizures.