Seizures in cats and dogs

Your pet has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. Witnessing an epileptic seizure in your pet can be distressing at first. Understanding the cause of these seizures can help.

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

This may be due to:

  • A problem where the brain is normal but is reacting to something abnormal in the blood like metabolic disease, a toxin or an abnormal heart rhythm.

  • A structural problem in the brain such as a brain tumour, head trauma, or inflammation around the brain, or

  • An unknown cause (idiopathic); this is the most common form of seizures in cats and dogs.

Idiopathic Epilepsy:

  • These animals are born with an abnormal “wiring” in the brain which makes them more prone to having epileptic fits.

  • Seizures normally start between 6 months and 6 years of age and will require treatment for the rest of their life.

  • This form of epilepsy seldom results in death.

  • The seizure only lasts a few minutes. It usually involves sudden collapse with loss of awareness, violent shaking of all four limbs, face twitching, salivation, urination and defecation. Before the seizure, pets may show changes in behaviour, salivation, growling, agitation or pacing. For a few hours afterwards, pets may appear disorientated, blind and wobbly.

  • In cats, it may just be a partial seizure, which can be harder to recognise. Drooling, facial twitching, excessive vocalisation, growling and abnormal movements may occur.

 

Diagnosis:

Your veterinarian will make the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy by ruling out other causes of seizures by:

  • Asking you specific questions and performing a full clinical exam.

  • Running blood tests to rule out metabolic causes.

  • Sometimes using advanced tests such as MRI scan and analysis of the fluid around the brain.

Treatment:

Seizures are treated with anti-epileptic medication with the aim of:

  • Controlling the seizures by reducing their frequency and intensity to an acceptable level.

  • Having minimal side effects from the medication.

Treatment Side Effects:

Mild side effects are common, especially when your pet is first started on the medication. These effects often reduce after the first week or two and can include:

  • an increased thirst and urination

  • increased hunger

  • a wobbly gait or sedation

More severe side effects can occur. If your pet develops any signs that concern you, please notify your vet.

Other information:

  • Medications take time to work; sometimes up to 2 weeks.

  • Epilepsy is controlled, not “cured”. Some seizure activity may still be seen.

  • Keep a record of all seizure activity and possible drug side effects.

  • Your vet will use blood tests to ensure the dosage given is correct for your pet. Blood tests start 2 weeks after the first dose and will be repeated regularly.

  • It is best if these tests are done at the same of time of the day each time; preferably just before their next dose is due to be given.

  • Your vet may need to adjust the dose; increasing doses are often required in the first 2 years. Sometimes, adding a second medication is needed to adequately control the seizure activity.

  • Do not alter or stop the medication without consulting your vet.

Cluster seizures:

Occasionally, an animal will have another seizure before it has recovered from the first, or soon after. These are called Cluster Seizures and a separate medication is used to help control these.

What do you do if your pet is having a seizure?

  • Stay calm.

  • Place a towel under the back end in case bladder or bowel control is lost.

  • Avoid being inadvertently bitten.

  • Take note of the time, seek vet attention if the convulsions last over 5 minutes.

Remember, your pet is completely normal between fits, so continue to treat them and enjoy them as usual.

There is no need to stop walks or cuddles!

 

SEIZURES IN CATS AND DOGS