Seizures are a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They are often distressing to witness and can indicate a wide range of underlying health conditions in pets. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences seizures so the underlying cause of the condition can be diagnosed and treated.
Causes of Seizures
There are many potential causes of seizures in pets. These include epilepsy, trauma, genetic brain defects, brain tumors, exposure to toxins, and liver disease. Seizures can also be idiopathic, this means that their underlying cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Seizures
Symptoms of seizures can vary, depending on their severity. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of seizures in pets.
- Uncontrollable muscle spasms
- Confusion and fear
- Collapse
- Stiffness
- Urination
- Defecation
- Vocalization
- Excessive salivation
Diagnosis of Seizures
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history, ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination.
Routine tests such as a urinalysis, blood chemistry profile, and complete blood count test will usually be carried out to check for potential causes of your pet’s symptoms. Other diagnostic tests including MRI or CT scans, an electrocardiogram, and liver function tests can also be useful for identifying the underlying cause of seizures.
Treatment of Seizures
Treatment will depend on the severity of seizures, and other factors including the existence of underlying health conditions.
If seizures are mild and infrequent, close monitoring will often be recommended before proceeding with treatment. In this case, make sure to keep a record of your pet’s seizures and schedule regular follow up appointments with your veterinarian.
If your pet is experiencing frequent or severe seizures, your veterinarian may prescribe anticonvulsant drugs to minimize symptoms. Other medications may also be prescribed to address the underlying causes of your pet’s seizures. In some cases, surgical procedures such as tumor removal will be recommended to help eliminate seizures in pets.
Please follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely and administer all medications as instructed to aid your pet’s recovery.
Prevention of Seizures
There are many underlying causes of seizures, some of which are not fully understood. For this reason, there is no single reliable way to prevent seizures in pets. The best way to reduce the risk of your pet developing seizures is by avoiding exposure to toxins and minimizing the risk of trauma. It’s also important to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health
