First, before we take a deep understanding of how epilepsy can affect pets, here are some common terms you will come across in this article about epilepsy and seizures in pets, and their definitions:

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Common Terms - Epilepsy in Pets

  • Automatisms - Involuntary or unconscious movements
  • Atonic Seizure - Type of seizure that is characterised by a loss of muscle tone
  • Cluster Seizures - Two or more seizures in a 24-hour period usually occurring with a shorter than normal interval
  • Focal/Partial Seizure - Only one part of the brain is affected by the disruption to electrical impulses therefore only one part of the body is affected
  • Generalised Seizure - Both sides (hemispheres) of the brain are affected
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy - Idiopathic means unknown cause, so this description is usually attributed to seizures where the cause isn't structural and they are assumed to be genetic
  • Interictal Period - The time between seizures
  • Myoclonic Seizure - Sudden shock-like jerking of a single muscle or groups of muscles
  • Postical Period - The time immediately after a seizure (can last seconds, minutes, hours, days) when it is believed the brain is recovering from the seizure
  • Refractory Epilepsy - Medicine isn't effective at controlling these types of seizures
  • Status Epilepticus - A medical emergency where the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or seizures closely follow one another without a break in between
  • Tonic Seizure - Sudden stiffening or tensing of muscles that can last several minutes
  • Tonic-Clonic Seizure - A combination of both tonic and clonic seizure symptoms where the body goes stiff and then the limbs begin to jerk about (previously called grand mal seizures)

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What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder found in dogs and cats and can affect between 0.5-6% of dogs and around 1-3% of cats. Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, but not all types of seizures are caused by epilepsy. The cause of seizures in both pets and humans is a dysfunction of the electrical activity in the brain, though the specific mechanisms that cause seizures are not fully understood. Different types of seizures have different types of treatment and your pet's veterinarian will recommend a treatment based on your pet's symptoms.

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My Pet is Having Seizures

There are a number of things you should attempt to observe that will help your pet's vet with a diagnosis if you think your pet is having seizures. It is often handy to create a spreadsheet or other document to keep an accurate record of the circumstances and other details relating to your pet's seizures. Important data to record may include:

  • The date and time of day the seizure occurred.
  • Try to time how long the seizure lasts.
  • Make a note of what your pet was doing just before having the seizure. Were they acting restless or agitated, or were there any other changes in their behaviour in the days, hours or minutes before the seizure?
  • Take note of any behavioural changes after the seizure.

All of this information is crucial in assisting your vet to be able to accurately diagnose and treat your pet's seizures.

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Different Types of Seizures In Pets

There are two types of seizure in pets - focal and generalized.

Focal or also known as partial seizures, only affects one part of the brain, meaning only one side or part of the body is affected by the seizure. This is unlike generalised seizures, which affect both sides or hemispheres of the brain resulting in both sides of the body showing symptoms.

Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Seizures that are triggered by the presence of a toxin or by metabolic imbalances are called reactive seizures and are not considered to be a form of epilepsy.

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Four Stages of a Seizure

  • Prodrome - This stage may precede the seizure by hours or even days. In humans, they can experience symptoms such as insomnia, headaches or mood changes during this stage. It is not known if pets experience this stage but they can experience some behavioural changes during time.
  • Aura - This is the start of the seizure. Signs your pet is in the aura stage include hiding, whining, salivation, trembling, affection-seeking, restlessness, nervousness, wandering, apprehension or hysterical running.
  • Ictus - This is the actual seizure. Your pet will experience a sudden increase in tone of all muscle groups. The ictus can be either tonic or tonic-clonic and usually lasts around 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Postictal - Immediately after a seizure your pet may be disoriented, confused, restless, wander, be unresponsive or may experience transient blindness. Your pet will be conscious, but not functional. Sometimes this is only the sign your pet has had a seizure as seizures often occur at night or in the early hours of the morning.

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Types of Seizures Caused By Epilepsy

Seizures caused by epilepsy can generally be classified into three categories :

  • Idiopathic Epilepsy - Idiopathic means "cause unknown", therefore idiopathic epilepsy means that there is no obvious structural cause, no abnormal neurological symptoms and no known exposure to toxins that could explain the epilepsy. This type of epilepsy is usually assumed to be inherited as certain breeds can carry genetic defects that cause seizures.
  • Structural Epilepsy - Structural epilepsy is the diagnosis for seizures that occur after an animal has suffered head trauma, stroke, had an inflammatory disease of the brain or a brain tumour is found. Brain abnormalities can often be seen on an MRI or detected in an analysis of your pet's cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Epilepsy of Unknown Cause - Where a structural cause is suspected, but cannot be identified, a diagnosis of epilepsy of unknown cause is made.

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Things To Do If Your Pet is Having a Seizure.

  • Do not attempt to restrain your pet if they are having a seizure.
  • Remove any items around them that may injure your pet such as tables, chairs etc.
  • Turn off the lights, television or any music that is playing to reduce environmental stimulation.
  • Try to record the event during the seizure and make a note of how long the seizure lasts.
  • Never put your hands in or near your pet's mouth. Even if they have stopped moving, they may not be able to control their movement and may accidentally bite.
  • Immediately contact your pet's vet if the seizure lasts for more than two minutes or if your pet has more than two seizures in a 24 hour period or if they are still twitching or suffering from tremors after the seizure has finished.

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Medications to Treat Epilepsy

The information provided below is general advice provided for information purposes only and does not replace the advice of your pet's veterinarian. Never give your pet any prescription medications unless advised by your veterinarian.

There are some medications available that can help manage your pet's epilepsy. Treatment for epilepsy is not usually recommended in pets that have had a single, isolated seizure. Often, medication for the control of seizures is not considered unless your pet has either suffered multiple seizures within a 24-hour period, had more than two seizures in six months, or if your pet exhibits severe or unusual symptoms during the postictal period. Find out more from PetScripts about commonly prescribed medications for epilepsy below.

Phenomav is a prescription medication for animals that are diagnosed with neurological conditions like seizures, convulsions and epilepsy. Click here to find out more about Phenomav.

Pexion is another prescription medication that is commonly prescribed for idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Click here to find out more about Pexion.