Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in pets, and can be very upsetting to see your pet experience. A seizure is a short change in normal brain activity that typically results in uncontrollable muscle activity. Seizures are not a disease, but rather a sign or symptom of a disease or medical condition. There are several types of seizures, and knowing more about them can help you assist your veterinarian in diagnosing the cause.
What Causes Seizures in Pets?
Seizures are often triggered by something abnormal in the brain, but certain medical conditions can also cause them. Here are the main causes of seizures:
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumor
- Infection of the central nervous system (CNS)
- Inflammation of the CNS
- Liver or kidney disease
- Cancer
- Very low blood sugar or calcium levels
- Toxins
- Trauma
- Systemic infections in the body
- Defects in the CNS that are present from birth (congenital)
Some types of seizures have no identifiable cause. This is common with epilepsy, a condition in which a pet suffers from repeated episodes of seizures. Epilepsy may be inherited (genetic).
Seizures and epilepsy are more common in dogs than cats.
What Do Seizures Look Like in Pets?
Classic symptoms of seizures are twitching, tremors, shaking, and spasms. Seizures usually happen when brain activity is shifting, so they’re more likely when a pet is waking up, falling asleep, or when the pet is excited or eating.
Seizures are often unpredictable, occurring randomly and infrequently, but they can also happen at regular intervals.
There are 3 phases to seizures:
- Before a seizure—Pets may first show a change in behavior, such as hiding or seeking out their owner, whining, salivating, pacing, or shaking. This behavior may last a few seconds to several days.
- During the seizure—Pets may have mild changes, including looking confused or dazed, shaking, staring into space, or licking their lips, to more severe changes, such as loss of consciousness or body function (causing salivation as well as uncontrolled urination and bowel movements). In some cases, the pet will appear to be paralyzed and fall on his side, as all the muscles spasm. This phase usually lasts a few seconds to several minutes, although it can last longer.
- After the seizure—Pets generally seem confused and disoriented, often pacing and salivating, for several minutes or longer, until the brain resumes normal activity.
A single, short seizure is unlikely to cause permanent problems in a dog or cat. However, it’s still wise to try to determine the cause and to make sure your pet has recovered. If your pet is having a seizure, contact your veterinarian.
If your pet has a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes or has several seizures in a short time (less than 24 hours), this is a serious, potentially life-threatening situation. Call us right away! Your pet needs immediate medical care.
Do Seizures Hurt Pets?
Although seizures often appear violent, they aren’t painful to pets. They can cause confusion or panic in pets, however.
What Should I Do if My Pet is Having a Seizure?
You can help keep your pet safe by preventing falls or injury:
- Make sure your pet is on the floor or ground, away from stairs and any bookshelves or other furniture that has objects your pet might accidentally knock over during the seizure.
- Do not put your fingers into your pet’s mouth. Doing so will not help your pet and may result in your getting bitten.
- Record your pet. Once your pet is safe, use your smartphone to capture the seizure. It can help your vet rule out any other issue and diagnose the cause.
Despite a popular belief, pets don’t swallow their tongues during a seizure.
For more advice on what to do during a seizure, contact us. You can also read this article by the American Kennel Club.
How Do Veterinarians Determine the Cause of Seizures?
Your Jacksonville vet will work with you to figure out what’s causing your pet’s seizures. Typically, that involves:
- Examining your pet
- Talking with you about your pet’s history
- Running blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry
- Doing a urinalysis
- Performing other screening tests
Sometimes, more advanced testing may be needed, such as:
- X-rays
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Ultrasound
- Neurological testing
How are Seizures in Pets Treated?
Treatment of seizures depends on the cause and how often the seizures occur. After we’ve diagnosed the cause of your pet’s seizures, we’ll discuss personalized treatment for your individual pet. Call us to learn more.
