Seizures

Seizures are the result of an electrical abnormality in the brain. Seizure activity can be caused by diseases such as distemper, epilepsy, brain infection, liver disease, hydrocephalus and meningitis, and many other problems such as low blood sugar or calcium, antifreeze toxicity, or chocolate toxicity.

Animals may exhibit a variety of signs before, during and after a seizure. Before an episode, an animal may pace, walk or run in circles. They may also seem anxious, disoriented, or blind. During a mild, or petit mal, seizure, they may appear to be chewing or hallucinating, or have mild repetitive twitching. More serious seizures may include some or all of the following: muscle stiffening, urination, loss of bowel control, salivation, intermittent trembling or shaking, paddling, or even loss of consciousness. In grand mal seizures, the entire body stiffens and/or arches backward and the animal shakes violently. Afterwards, they may seem dazed or confused. Recovery can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.

Typical seizures may last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. If it is obvious that a seizure has lasted longer than that, or that they are frequently repetitive, veterinary help should be sought immediately. The constant muscle activity quickly raises the body temperature, often to such a high degree that, if not corrected, may cause brain damage. An injection will be needed to stop the seizing and normalize the temperature.

Seizures are controlled on a emergency basis with sedation, usually an injection of a drug such as diazepam (Valium) or pentobarbital. In the most serious cases, a constant drop of a sedative such as Propofol may be necessary to break the seizure cycle. In such cases, hospitalization and IV fluids are also needed, since the animal cannot drink or eat while sedated. Other treatments may also be warranted, depending on the case.

Epilepsy is one common cause of seizures in young animals, especially dogs. Epilepsy is defined as a state of occasional, intermittent seizure. The diagnosis of epilepsy can be made only be elimination. Laboratory work is needed to rule out possible causes of the seizure activity.

Any breed of dog may have epilepsy. May epileptic dogs never require any treatment at all; they simply endure an occasional seizure and are fine afterwards. Many others are controlled with regular anticonvulsant medications, such as Phenobarbital or potassium bomide. Your primary veterinarian will work with you to determine what approach will be best for your dog.

If your pet seizes:

Protect the animal from injury by making sure it is on the floor away from objects, and that its head is protected from bumping on anything hard. Use mild restraint by confining it with a blanket until the seizure is over, but be sure to keep your hands away from the mouth.

If possible, remove the collar so it does not get caught on any protruding objects.

You do not need to put anything in its mouth to ‘bite on’. Dogs cannon swallow their tongues. Do not attempt to muzzle the animal, give it medication or try to restrain the tongue during a seizure.

Most seizures that last from one to three minutes are not life-threatening. However, if your pet’s seizure lasts longer or is having repetitive seizures, call your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic and tell them you are bringing your pet in. Do not wrap it up in blankets during transporting; its temperature may already be high.

Keep track of the length and frequency of the seizures; your veterinarian will want to know.

Some general terms your veterinarian may use:

Grand Mal or (haut mal): A full-blown type of seizure where the whole body stiffens, the back may arch, and violent convulsions and salivating occur.

Petit Mal: A less severe seizure with only mild stiffening and/or trembling

Clusters: Generally defined as two or more seizures occurring in a 24-hour period.

Idiopathic: Simply means “disease of an unknown cause”.

Chronic: Any condition which has been occurring for some time; the opposite of acute, which means a short or sudden condition.

Traumatic or Post-traumatic seizures are those that occur because of brain injury, such as being hit by a car.

Ictal or Ictus: Of or pertaining to seizures (ex: post-ictal means period after a seizure)