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Epilepsy | Dictionary of Terms
What is a seizure?
Seizures come in many forms. The most common seizure is a full seizure that includes: - convulsions (uncontrolled shaking & tremors),
- salivation
- stools and urine,
- and loss of consciousness.
Some seizures are milder and resemble behavior changes and confusion.
What causes a seizure?
There are many possible causes. The most common cause is epilepsy, a genetic disease of unknown cause. There are other reason for seizures that include: - metabolic diseases (low blood sugar),
- infection,
- tumors in the brain,
- and other diseases.
What tests are done?
If your pet has a seizure, we will need to run a few tests to discover why it happened.
A full blood panel (chemistry and CBC), a thorough physical exam and occasionally other blood tests may be done. Rarely a CSF-tap will be done. This test is a collection of spinal fluid to test for various diseases.
What do I do if my pet seizures?
If your dog has a seizure, the most important thing is to keep him from injuring himself on nearby objects. Move furniture away so they won't strike their legs on it. If they're having the seizure on a hard surface, - such as hard floors or outside on concrete, - slip a towel or pillow between their head and the surface to help prevent head trauma.
Do not put your hand in or near your dog's mouth. They will not swallow their tongue, and they may accidentally bite you.
Time the seizure: if it lasts longer than 3 minutes call your veterinarian. Seizures that last longer than 30 minutes can become life threatening, so immediate veterinary attention may be needed.
Shivering afterwards is common and does not mean that the animal is cold. They will demonstrate some confusion as they come out of the seizure. If you put them outside, keep an eye on them for a little while - in case another seizure should happen. If your pet has repeated seizures within a 24 hour period, it may be life-threatening. Call your veterinarian!
Will my dog need medications?
Medications will depend on the cause of the seizure. If epilepsy is the diagnosis,
anti-seizure medications may be used. (see our handout on Epilepsy).
Can seizuring kill my dog?
Death is rare from seizing. Generally, seizures are short and recovery (if there is no
severe underlying disease) is complete.
In rare circumstances, status epilepticus can occur. This is a seizure that lasts longer than 30 minutes, or a cluster of seizures over 30 minutes that are incomplete. If untreated, status is fatal. Contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance.
Because each patient is different, which medication is best for your pet will be decided individually with the help of your veterinarian. We will be happy to explain all of the options for your pet. If you have any questions, please call
685-4707
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