Seizure
Maximize the comfort of your pet by getting expert guidance from home. Our vets with 30+ years of experience can help treat seizures and reduce the frequency of the episodes. Seizures in dogs and cats are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain, leading to various physical symptoms such as convulsions, muscle rigidity, and altered behavior. Seizures are generally more common in dogs than in cats.
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Common Questions For Dogs
How can I tell if my dog is having a seizure?
Seizures in dogs can manifest in various ways, from mild symptoms like a vacant stare or twitching in one part of the face, to severe episodes where your dog may fall over, lose consciousness, and move its legs erratically. During a seizure, your dog may also urinate, defecate, or salivate excessively.
What causes seizures in dogs?
Seizures can be caused by a range of factors including idiopathic epilepsy (where the exact cause is unknown), toxins (like certain household chemicals or foods), brain tumors, liver disease, or infections.
What should I do if my dog has a seizure?
First, try to stay calm. Clear the area of any objects that could injure your dog, and avoid putting anything in their mouth. Time the seizure and note any unusual behavior before or after. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if your dog has multiple seizures in a short period, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Are there different types of seizures in dogs?
Yes, seizures in dogs can vary in severity and type. Common types include grand mal seizures, which involve loss of consciousness and convulsions, and partial seizures, where only part of the body is affected. There are also cluster seizures and status epilepticus, both of which are serious and require urgent veterinary attention.
Can seizures be treated?
Seizures can often be managed with anticonvulsant medications like phenobarbital or levetiracetam. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, improving your dog’s quality of life. However, treatment plans are individualized, and ongoing monitoring is essential.
Common Questions For Cats
What are the signs that my cat is having a seizure?
Seizures in cats can vary in intensity and appearance. Common signs include sudden behavioral changes such as confusion or aggression, loss of muscle control (e.g., twitching, convulsions), and involuntary actions like drooling, urination, or defecation. In milder cases, your cat might simply stare into space and be unresponsive to your calls.
Causes of seizures in cats
Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors. Intracranial causes include issues within the brain, such as tumors, infections, or epilepsy. Extracranial causes might involve toxins (e.g., certain plants, household cleaners), metabolic disorders, or even head trauma.
What should I do if my cat has a seizure?
If your cat has a seizure, the first step is to ensure its safety by clearing the area of any objects that could cause injury. Avoid touching your cat directly during the seizure, especially near the mouth, as they may unintentionally bite. Stay calm and monitor the seizure’s duration. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or there are repeated seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the seizures. Your vet may prescribe anticonvulsant medications if the cause is unknown or untreatable. In cases where seizures are linked to a specific condition, such as a tumor or toxin exposure, addressing that issue directly can help manage the seizures. It's essential to follow your vet’s guidance on medication and lifestyle changes to prevent future episodes​
Can I prevent seizures in my cat?
While not all seizures can be prevented, you can reduce the risk by minimizing your cat's exposure to potential triggers. This includes avoiding toxic plants, carefully selecting pet-safe cleaning products, and monitoring your cat’s health closely. Keeping a seizure log to track frequency, duration, and potential triggers can also help your vet make informed treatment decisions.
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Diagnostics and medications can be added as needed. We offer in-home testing by our experienced veterinary nurse team and ship medications to your home, or you can pick them up from your local pharmacy.