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Seizures
and Epilepsy
What is a seizure?
A seizure is an abnormal electrical
pattern in the brain. Seizures vary in length, intensity, and frequency.
Seizures cause a variety of signs including collapse, muscle spasms, loss
of consciousness, shaking, and loss of the ability to control the bladder
and bowels.
What causes seizures?
Seizures can be caused by many things
including:
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congenital defects
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blood glucose (sugar) levels which are
too high or too low
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low oxygen in the blood which could
be caused by anemia, heart problems or difficulties with breathing
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kidney disorders
-
liver disorders
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infections
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tumors
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toxins like antifreeze, lead, or chocolate
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fevers and hyperthermia
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brain damage resulting from trauma or
poor blood flow to the brain
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certain medications
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low calcium in females that are nursing
young
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primary or idiopathic epilepsy
You can see there are many causes of
seizures. We need a lot of information to help us determine what
may have caused a seizure in your pet.
What information can I provide?
Your veterinarian will need answers
to the following questions:
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What does your pet look like when it
has seizures?
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What is the duration of the seizures
and how often do they occur?
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Are there signs that only appear on
one side of your pet (is one side worse than the other)?
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Has your pet had a high fever?
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Has your pet been exposed to any toxins?
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Has your pet experienced any trauma
either recently or even years ago?
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Is your pet current on vaccinations?
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Has your pet recently been boarded or
with other dogs?
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Has your pet had any other signs of
illness?
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What and when does your pet eat?
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Does your pet roam?
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Has your pet had any behavior changes?
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Do the seizures occur in a pattern related
to exercise, time of day, eating, sleeping or certain activities?
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Does your pet show different signs right
before or right after the seizures?
What are the different types
of seizures?
Partial seizures affect only a small
part or one side of the body. These are often caused by a brain lesion.
Generalized seizures affect the whole
body and can be divided into two types: Grand-mal seizures are the
most common. The animal has uncontrollable muscle activity and loses
conciousness. Petit mal seizures do not result in convulsions
but the animal loses conciousness. It may look like the animal just
collapsed.
Are there phases to a seizure?
Yes. If observed carefully,
you may notice three stages to a seizure. |
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