Caring for Pets with Seizures

Seizures can be distressing for both pets and their owners. Watching your beloved companion experience an episode can be overwhelming, but understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate responses can help you manage the situation effectively.

At Ipswich Family Vet Clinic, we are dedicated to providing expert guidance and compassionate care for pets experiencing seizures. This article will cover what seizures are, their causes, how to respond, and long-term management strategies.

A seizure is an uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that leads to temporary changes in movement, behaviour, or consciousness. Seizures in pets can range from mild twitching to full-body convulsions, and they may last for a few seconds or several minutes.

There are two primary types of seizures in pets:

• Focal Seizures: These affect only a part of the brain, leading to symptoms such as facial twitching, abnormal eye movement, or involuntary leg movement.
• Generalised Seizures: These involve the entire brain and often cause full-body convulsions, stiffness, or loss of consciousness.

While some pets may experience a single seizure in their lifetime, others may have recurring episodes due to an underlying health condition such as epilepsy.

Seizures can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding the root cause is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Common causes include:

• Idiopathic Epilepsy : The most common cause of seizures in dogs, particularly in young to middle-aged pets. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics may play a role. 
• Toxins and Poisoning : Certain chemicals, poisonous plants, household cleaners, and even some human foods (such as chocolate or xylitol) can trigger seizures. 
• Liver or Kidney Disease : Organ dysfunction can lead to toxin buildup in the body, which may result in neurological symptoms like seizures. 
• Head Trauma : Pets that have suffered head injuries are at higher risk of developing seizures due to brain damage.
• Brain Tumours : In older pets, tumours or abnormal growths in the brain can interfere with normal function and lead to seizures. 
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia) : Common in small breeds, puppies, and diabetic pets, low blood sugar levels can trigger seizures. 
• Heatstroke : Excessive heat exposure can cause seizures due to overheating and brain swelling. 
• Infections and Inflammation :  Conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, or tick-borne diseases can lead to seizures in pets.

Seizures can occur suddenly and without warning. However, some pets may display pre-seizure signs, known as the aura phase, which can include:

• Restlessness or anxious behaviour
• Excessive drooling
• Whining or unusual vocalisations
• Clinginess or hiding
• Disorientation

During a seizure, pets may exhibit:

• Sudden collapse
• Stiffening or uncontrolled paddling of legs
• Foaming at the mouth
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unresponsiveness to their surroundings

Following a seizure, the postictal phase begins, where your pet may:

• Appear confused or disoriented
• Experience temporary blindness
• Have trouble walking or standing
• Be excessively thirsty or hungry

The postictal phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the seizure.

If your pet experiences a seizure, it is essential to stay calm and take the following steps to keep them safe:

• Ensure a Safe Environment - Move furniture or objects that could cause injury, but avoid restraining your pet. 
• Time the Seizure - Most seizures last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 
• Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth - Pets will not swallow their tongue, and attempting to open their mouth could result in injury. 
• Speak Softly and Stay Close - Your presence can be reassuring, but avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. 
• Monitor Their Breathing - If your pet has difficulty breathing or turns blue, seek emergency care immediately.

Once the seizure ends, offer your pet a quiet, dimly lit space to recover. Keep them comfortable and provide fresh water, but avoid feeding them until they have fully regained coordination.

While some pets may have isolated seizures, recurring episodes require a veterinary evaluation. Contact Ipswich Family Vet Clinic if: 

• This is your pet’s first seizure 
• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes 
• Your pet has multiple seizures within 24 hours 
• There are prolonged disorientation or neurological symptoms after a seizure 
• Your pet has a known medical condition that could be causing seizures

At Ipswich Family Vet Clinic, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of seizures. Diagnosis may include:

• Comprehensive Physical Examination - To evaluate overall health.
• Blood Tests - To check for infections, organ function, and metabolic issues.
• Neurological Examination - To assess brain and nerve function.
• Imaging (MRI or CT Scan) - To detect brain abnormalities like tumours or inflammation.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) - In some cases, to analyse brain activity.

Understanding the underlying cause allows us to tailor the best treatment plan for your pet’s needs.

For pets diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder, ongoing management is crucial. Treatment options may include:

• Medication - Anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital or potassium bromide can help reduce seizure frequency and severity. 
• Dietary Changes - Some pets respond well to a ketogenic or specialised diet to support brain health. 
• Regular Veterinary Monitoring - Routine check-ups ensure medications are effective and adjusted as needed. 
• Avoiding Triggers - Identifying and minimising potential triggers (e.g., stress, flashing lights, or toxins) can help reduce seizures. 
• Home Safety Measures - Keeping a soft, safe environment can prevent injuries during a seizure.

With proper management, many pets with epilepsy can live happy and fulfilling lives.

At Ipswich Family Vet Clinic, we understand how distressing seizures can be. Our team is here to support you with expert diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care.
If your pet has experienced a seizure or you have concerns about their health, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us today!