SEIZURES IN PETS

Dr. Stephanie Waters

What to do if you pet has a seizure:

Some of the common signs that your animal is having a seizure include twitching of the eyelids/lips/body, abnormal leg movements (often can be stiff but can be flaccid), chatter of the teeth and decreased consciousness. Other common signs may include your pet may defecate, urinate, salivate (drooling), vomit or have diarrhea. Seizures may feel like they last forever, but in reality they commonly last a few second to minutes. If your pet is having a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, they should immediately be taken to the veterinary emergency clinic for further care and treatment.

What to do during a seizure?

Make sure you stay calm. Seizures can be very scary for both owners and their loving pets. This is not a time to panic but instead be proactive by making sure your pet is in a safe place. You can use towels or pillows to protect or move your pets’ head and also to keep him/her steady without falling off the couch or stairs. During a seizure, owners can lower the lights or cover your pets eyes with a small towel or blanket. The decrease in stimulation can be calming to your pet as they come out of the seizure. If possible, record a video to show your veterinarian.

What NOT to do during a seizure?

While in a disoriented and confused state, your pet can accidentally act aggressively and bite. It is important to not pick up or put your hands/face, other family pets or young children near your pet while they are have a seizure. Safety for everyone is the main goal of getting through a seizure successfully.

What to do after a seizure?

After a seizure it is important to continue to monitor your pet. They may have a post seizure phase that can involve them being very sleepy, confused and/or show signs that lead into another seizure. Another task would be to think back and record any triggers or clinical signs that may have occurred before your pet had the seizure. It is also a good idea to record; the date, time, clinical signs, how long the seizure lasted and how many seizures occurred. Lastly, please contact your veterinarian to discuss details/questions and schedule a vet visit. It is important to discuss these details with a medical professional in order to help figure out the cause of the seizure and ultimately to avoid any future seizures. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing to try to find a cause for the seizure and medication to help prevent future seizures.