Seizures are caused by an abnormal electrical activity of the brain.

This abnormal electrical activity may be confined to a single part of the brain and produce a partial seizure.

If primary idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed, i.e. no underlying cause is found, then anticonvulsant therapy is prescribed – this may mean a single drug or combination of drugs for the rest of your pet’s life.

The prognosis depends on whether an underlying disorder is diagnosed, and is best discussed at the time of diagnosis.

What is a seizure?

• A seizure is an episode of patterned behavior changes. Epilepsy is a term used to describe disorders involving multiple seizures.

Causes

• Seizures are caused by an abnormal electrical activity of the brain. This abnormal electrical activity may be confined to a single part of the brain and produce a partial seizure.
• Generalized seizures are produced by abnormal electrical activity of the entire brain.
  
• Any disorder affecting the brain can cause abnormal electrical activity, including:
  
• Metabolic- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, common in very young animals), liver or kidney disease, hypothyroidism
  
• Toxic- lead, arsenic, etc.
  
• Infectious- viruses, bacteria, fungi         
  
• Developmental- such as congenital hydrocephalus
  
• Traumatic- head injury
  
• Neoplasia- cancer
  
• Idiopathic- no cause found

Clinical Signs

• Loss or change in consciousness
  
• Change in muscle tone or movement (rhythmic leg motions)
  
• Changes in sensation (temporary blindness)
  
• Changes in mood (temporary aggression, disorientation)
  
• Changes in body functions (salivation, defecation, urination)

Diagnostics

• Tests to investigate seizures include:
  
  • Neurological examination
    
  • EEG (electroencephalogram) – to look for abnormal patterns in brain waves
    
  • Spinal tap – to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is tested for abnormal protein levels, and centrifuged and examined under a microscope to look for cells and microorganisms
    
  • Blood tests – to rule out metabolic diseases, parasites or viruses
    
  • CT scan or MRI of the brain – to look for structural abnormalities

Treatment

• Treatment is the appropriate therapy for any underlying disorder that is found.
• If primary idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed, i.e. no underlying cause is found, then anticonvulsant therapy is prescribed – this may mean a single drug or combination of drugs for the rest of your pet’s life.
• Anticonvulsant therapy helps to decrease the frequency and severity of seizures, as well as to prolong the inter-seizure period.
  
• Treatment is necessary because repeated and/or prolonged seizures may result in an increased chance of another seizure, brain damage, and metabolic disturbances.

What if your pet has a seizure?

• *NEVER put your hands near your pet’s face.
  
• Make sure that he/she is safe during the seizure  (away from stairs and off of furniture)
  
• Call your veterinarian
  
• Write down the time and length of the seizure
  
• Record what happened before, during, and after the seizure.
• Note exposure to any toxins, e.g. pesticides, paints, cleaning products, or car fluids
  
• *If a seizure lasts more than 5 min. take your pet to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Prognosis

• This depends on whether an underlying disorder is diagnosed, and is best discussed at the time of diagnosis.