Seizures, caused by bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells, can be frightening to pet owners and often cause anxiety, as they affect the pet's movement, behavior, sensations, and state of consciousness. there is.
To help pet owners better understand these symptoms in their companion animals, Dr. Kristin Rutter, clinical associate professor of emergency medicine in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shares the symptoms, potential triggers, and care plan highlights. Provides insight into. If your pet has a seizure.
Range of symptoms
Rutter says it can be difficult to predict what a seizure will look like because the underlying cause of the seizure is not always known.
“Some seizures are what we imagine to be a pet lying down, drooling and shaking, but there are many different types of seizures,” Rutter explained. “Seizures can include biting flies, facial twitching, staring into space and not responding to names, and a few more subtle symptoms.”
However, it is essential for owners to recognize the common signs to accurately detect seizures and determine whether prompt veterinary attention is needed.
“Pets that have a seizure are likely to drool excessively and urinate or defecate on themselves or in the area where the seizure is occurring,” Rutter says. “Changes in mental status or mental function are also common in pets that have seizures. These can occur before, during, or after the seizure event and last from minutes to hours. Pets may become clingy, obsessive, They may appear frightened, aggressive, unresponsive to vocal interactions, or appear lost during an altered mental state.
potential triggers
Determining the cause of a pet's seizures often requires cooperation between the veterinarian and the owner. Depending on the cause, such as metabolic status or changes in the brain, tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
“There are many reasons why pets can have seizures, but pets without an underlying cause for seizures are often diagnosed with epilepsy,” Rutter says. “In this case, it is important to have your veterinarian perform blood tests to rule out underlying metabolic diseases such as hypoglycemia, renal failure, or electrolyte abnormalities.
“Some pets may also need to be seen by a neurologist and undergo advanced imaging (MRI) for further testing,” she says. “Veterinarians can help determine whether your pet needs to be seen by a neurologist, but examples of cases that may require a higher workup include frequent seizures, This may include pets that have particularly severe seizures or persistent behavioral or neurological changes.”
However, there are other triggers that owners can monitor more closely.
“Pets are more likely to have seizures at night or during sleep, and some dogs may have seizures when stressed or overexcited,” Rutter explained. “Toxins can also cause seizures for a variety of reasons. Common toxins that can cause seizures include antidepressants, muscle relaxants, some pesticides, stimulants, training supplements, and learning aids. These include foods, chocolate, decongestants, recreational drugs, and sugar-free products containing xylitol and birch sugar.”
Establishment of care
Considering the various symptoms and triggers, creating a care plan can help owners manage the unpredictable nature of seizures and ensure that their pet is cared for throughout the seizure.
First, Rutter advises pet owners not to restrain or move their pets during a seizure.
“Owners should not attempt to touch the face or mouth of a captured animal. It is best to observe a pet that is having a seizure from a close distance and not touch it until it appears normal,” Rutter said. explained. “Children should never be allowed to handle a pet they have recently caught. Some animals may become fearful or aggressive before or after a seizure, meaning pets that normally would never bite. But there is a risk of being bitten.”
Instead, owners should ensure that the space around the captured animal is free of objects or hazards that could cause accidental injury, such as toys or shelves.
“The goal is to prevent harm to both owner and pet, so the best thing for owners to do is to provide the animal with a safe, calm environment to avoid falls and overstimulation. “It's about putting it there,” Rutter said.
Because certain seizures may require immediate veterinary intervention and medication, Rutter urges pet owners to track seizure details, especially duration, frequency, and sequelae, so they can seek veterinary treatment early. We advise you to decide whether you need it or not.
Owners should proceed with caution if their pet's seizures last longer than 3 to 4 minutes, occur more than once within 24 hours, or do not return to normal behavior within 1 to 2 hours of the seizure. . Wrap the animal in a blanket and transport it to the nearest veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital for treatment,” Rutter said.
If a pet's seizures do not require immediate attention, owners can consider seeing a non-emergency veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and address the symptoms.
By staying informed about seizures, owners can create a safe environment for their pets, minimize potential triggers, and ensure that their pets receive timely and appropriate care if a seizure occurs. can do.
