Companion Animal Epilepsy

A seizure is a transient disturbance in brain function due to abnormal electrical discharge from brain cells. Seizures most frequently manifest as involuntary jerking movements of the head, face and/or limbs. Many animals lose consciousness, and are not aware of their surroundings. Excessive drooling, along with voiding of urine or feces can be seen. Seizures start and stop abruptly, and typically last a few minutes or less. A postictal period follows the seizure, during which animals can be uncoordinated or temporarily blind, and display abnormal behavior such as confusion, disorientation, restlessness, or aggression. The postictal period can last minutes to hours.

There are numerous causes for seizures. These causes are the basis for how seizures are classified. 

• Reactive seizures result from an imbalance in a substance, originating either within the body or in the environment, that adversely affects the normal brain. This can be due to abnormal function of organs such as the liver or kidney, low blood glucose, or exposure to certain environmental toxins.
• Structural epilepsy refers to recurrent seizures that occur secondary to a structural abnormality of the brain such as an infection, stroke or tumor. 
• Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. In this disorder, no underlying cause is identified other than a presumed or proven inherited predisposition.

In the initial evaluation of an animal with seizures, labwork should be performed to identify any abnormalities that might suggest a cause. Additional tests might be recommended by your veterinarian based on age at the onset of seizures, findings of the physical and neurological examination, and results of the initial laboratory tests.

Watching a pet have a seizure can be very disturbing. The best thing to do is remain calm and note the time the seizure begins. Make sure your pet is on the floor to prevent a fall, and protect your pet from water, stairs, children and other pets. Animals are not at risk of swallowing their tongues; do not reach into your pet’s mouth, or place items in the mouth while your pet is having a seizure because you may be accidentally bitten. It is important to time the seizure; if the seizure lasts for longer than 5 minutes or there are multiple seizures in one day, contact your veterinarian or emergency care facility. Keep a seizure diary to record the date, time, seizure length and description. This information will be helpful to your veterinarian as decisions are made regarding treatment.

Treatment is directed at an underlying cause, if one is identified. In addition, treatment with antiseizure drugs is often initiated to help control seizures. It is important to realize that your pet may not become seizure free with treatment. Although this is the overall goal, this is not achievable in some cases, and the focus becomes on reducing the frequency and severity of seizures to an acceptable level. Antiseizure medications can have side effects, and treatment involves finding the right balance to maximize seizure control while minimizing drug related side effects. It is important that antiseizure drugs be administered consistently and at the prescribed dose, as sudden changes can result in seizures.  Do not alter your pet’s treatment regimen without first discussing this with your veterinarian.

Epileptic pets are typically normal between seizures and can have a good quality of life and a normal lifespan. It is important for your pet to be evaluated regularly by your veterinarian, to review seizure diaries and evaluate treatment success, screen for any side effects, and discuss any concerns that you have regarding your pet’s care.

First Aid Kit (verify adapted form with FS)

• Neurology Clinical Service
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Canine Epilepsy Resource Center
• Canine Epilepsy Network
• Toby’s Foundation
• Epi-Guardian Angels
• Five-Sibes