Seizures or fitting is a very scary thing to observe in your pet and fortunately, this problem is not common! A seizure is the manifestation of the gross over-excitement and spontaneous discharge of neurons within the brain. In simple terms, the brain is overstimulated resulting in either generalised or focal involuntary movements, a dazed or hallucinating effect. They can occur as a single event, in episodes or as a focal event. Most of them last for just a few seconds, however, they can last minutes. There are a large number of possible underlying causes for seizures, making diagnoses difficult in some cases. Clinical history and patient presentation are helpful in narrowing down the list. Some common causes include infections, epilepsy, electrolyte imbalances, liver disease, low blood glucose, malformations of the skull, parasites, cancer, toxins (lead, chocolate, ethylene glycol, 1080, snail bait, salt toxicity) and trauma. The patient tends to be affected before and after the seizures. The treatment of seizures is dependent on the cause but includes seizure suppression, decontamination, correction of any acid/base or electrolyte balances, treatment of any infections or removal of a mass. Some breeds are known for their difficulty in seizure control and therefore medication tends to be started early. If your animal suffers from a seizure at home, clear the space around them to prevent them from causing themselves more harm until the seizure passes. If the seizure lasts more than three minutes, this is called a status epilepticus and your pet requires emergency veterinary attention. Never endanger yourself by putting your hand in their mouth. Dr Alice Edwards, Petfocus Vetcare
Seizures or fitting is a very scary thing to observe in your pet and fortunately, this problem is not common!
A seizure is the manifestation of the gross over-excitement and spontaneous discharge of neurons within the brain. In simple terms, the brain is overstimulated resulting in either generalised or focal involuntary movements, a dazed or hallucinating effect. They can occur as a single event, in episodes or as a focal event. Most of them last for just a few seconds, however, they can last minutes.
There are a large number of possible underlying causes for seizures, making diagnoses difficult in some cases. Clinical history and patient presentation are helpful in narrowing down the list. Some common causes include infections, epilepsy, electrolyte imbalances, liver disease, low blood glucose, malformations of the skull, parasites, cancer, toxins (lead, chocolate, ethylene glycol, 1080, snail bait, salt toxicity) and trauma. The patient tends to be affected before and after the seizures.
The treatment of seizures is dependent on the cause but includes seizure suppression, decontamination, correction of any acid/base or electrolyte balances, treatment of any infections or removal of a mass.
Some breeds are known for their difficulty in seizure control and therefore medication tends to be started early.
If your animal suffers from a seizure at home, clear the space around them to prevent them from causing themselves more harm until the seizure passes. If the seizure lasts more than three minutes, this is called a status epilepticus and your pet requires emergency veterinary attention. Never endanger yourself by putting your hand in their mouth.
