What is a Seizure?

Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified into several categories.
Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures- This is the most common form of seizure in small animals. The entire body is involved in stiffness and possibly stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/clonic action). The animal loses consciousness and may urinate or defecate.
Partial Seizures- This form of seizure originates from some specific area in the brain and thus involves the activity of a specific region of the body. Partial seizures may generalize to involve the whole body.
Psychomotor Seizures- This type of seizure is predominantly behavioral with the animal involuntarily howling, snapping, circling, etc. The abnormal behavior may be followed by a generalized seizure.

Seizures (neurological events) are often difficult to differentiate from fainting spells (cardiovascular events). Classically, true seizures are preceded by an aura, or special feeling associated with a coming seizure. As animals cannot speak, we usually don’t notice any changes associated with the aura. The seizure is typically followed by a post-ictal period during which the animal appears disoriented, even blind. This period may last only a few minutes or may last several hours. Fainting animals are usually up and normal within seconds after the spell.

Seizures resulting from metabolic problems or toxicity (when the brain itself is normal) are called reactive seizures.
Seizures resulting from an identifiable brain abnormality are called secondary seizures.
Seizures for which neither of the above problems apply (when no cause can be found) are called primary seizures.
If you believe that your pet has had a seizure bring them into your veterinarian within 24 hours for bloodwork and a physical exam.

If a Seizure occurs. What to do:

• Protect the pet from injuring itself during or after the seizure. Keep him from falling from a height and especially keep him away from water.
• Remove other pets from the area.
• Record the time the seizure begins and ends.
• If the seizure or convulsion lasts over 5 minutes, wrap the pet in a cool, wet towel and seek veterinary attention at once.
• If the pet loses consciousness and is not breathing, begin CPR.
What NOT to do:
• Do not place your hands near the pet’s mouth. (They do not swallow their tounges. You are at risk of being bitten.
• Do not slap, throw water on, or otherwise try to startle your pet out of a seizure. The seizure will end when it ends, and you cannot affect it by slapping, yelling, or any other action.

Seizures at Home (When is it an Emergency?

It is a lucky pet the never has another seizure after beginning medications; but an occasional breakthrough seizure (as disturbing as it may be to watch) is rarely of serious concern. It is important not to put yourself in danger around a seizing pet. You may get bitten during involuntary jaw snapping, and in the period of post-ictal disorientation the pet may not recognize you and may snap. There are, however, some emergency situations:
• Seizure activity non-stop for 5 minutes or more
• More than 3 seizures in a 24-Hour period