Seizures in Dogs and Cats

If you have ever witnessed any animal or person having a seizure, it can be very frightening. This article will briefly outline the types of seizures that can affect dogs and cats and how we typically approach diagnosis and treatment.  

Seizures are caused by excessive electrical activity in the cerebral cortex of the brain. This can result in widespread or focal effects. Generalized seizures involve the entire body. Pets generally will fall over, lose consciousness, and stiffen/contract their bodies. They may also paddle or kick their legs. Focal seizures typically involve only one body part. Pets often don’t lose consciousness, but they will have an involuntary behavior (i.e. chewing or holding up a leg). The key here is involuntary – they cannot stop it and owners cannot coax them out of it. Psychomotor seizures result in abnormal behavior (vs. an abnormal movement). The pet could just stare blankly or have an episode of rage where it does not recognize anyone.

It is important to note that seizures can be difficult to tell from cardiovascular events/fainting. In both, animals can involuntarily fall to the ground, stiffen, and urinate/defecate. Often, seizures will be preceded by an aura (a feeling associated with an impending seizure) and followed by a post-seizure period where the pet is disoriented or even blind. With fainting, they are usually up and normal quite quickly. However, there can be exceptions to both events, so it is not always clear.

Seizures can be caused by genetic predisposition, congenital defects, infections, toxins, tumors, and trauma. The age that a pet first has a seizure can clue us into the possible cause. In pets less than 6 months of age, infection (canine distemper, toxoplasma, neospora) and congenital problems (liver shunts) will fall into this category.  Very young pets can have trouble regulating their blood sugar, and low sugar can cause seizures as well. If the pet’s age is between 6 months and 6 years, the diagnosis is often primary epilepsy. In pets older than 6 years, tumors of the skull or brain would be the most common cause.

If your pet has a seizure, be sure they are in an area that they cannot hurt themselves – away from stairs or a cliff, away from sharp furniture. Do not try to pet them as you could be injured. If you must move them, use a blanket to protect yourself and avoid their face. The next best thing you can do during an event is video record them. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your pet has multiple seizures in one day, it is best to take them directly to your veterinarian as some seizures will not stop without medical intervention. Prolonged seizure activity can cause the body temperature to rise dangerously.

Lab work is often performed to try to rule out metabolic and infectious causes of seizures. If infection is suspected, additional specific tests may be performed. The pet’s history, age and breed can also help narrow down possible causes. Ultimately, an MRI and spinal tap may be indicated to determine the cause.

Treatment is focused on addressing the underlying cause, if one can be found. Anti-convulsant therapies may be indicated depending on how often seizures are occurring, how long they last, and how violent they are. There are a few different medications and supplements that may help – your veterinarian can discuss each to determine which is best for your pet. Diets with medium chain fatty acids as the fat source will have anti-seizure effects as well, so that should be a component of your pet’s treatment.

Observing a pet having a seizure can be frightening. If this occurs, your veterinarian can help by providing diagnostic and treatment options.