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Epilepsy What is a
seizure?
A seizure is an abnormal electrical pattern in the brain that causes a
variety of signs including loss of consciousness, collapse, muscle
spasms, shaking, and loss of the ability to control urination and
defecation.
What causes seizures?
Toxic materials, viral or bacterial infections, parasites, injury to the
head, tumors, and changes in the level of sugar, calcium, or other
substances in the blood are some of the causes, however, most of the
time the cause of the seizure is unknown.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the condition of recurring seizures. In some cases, the
cause is unknown. For example, epilepsy may develop in a dog that
recovers from a head injury. In many cases, however, the specific cause
of the seizures is not identified. This condition is called idiopathic
(cause unknown) epilepsy. Inheritance plays a role in idiopathic
epilepsy, and certain breeds of dogs (German shepherds, poodles, and St.
Bernards, for example) are more likely to have epilepsy than other dogs.
However, idiopathic epilepsy may occur in dogs of any breed. These
epileptic dogs should not be used for breeding purposes.
What are the signs of a seizure?
If a seizure is observed carefully, three stages may be evident. In the
aura (pre-seizure) stage, the animal is restless, paces, seeks
affection, salivates, whines, hides or exhibits other behavior patterns.
These signs may be seen minutes to days before the seizure begins. The
ictus (seizure) usually lasts less than five minutes. Excitement,
vomiting, may occur in addition to the signs mentioned in the aura
stage. After the seizure, the postictal (recovery) phase can last from
hours to days. Some animals may seem disoriented and uncoordinated and
occasionally, may be temporarily blind. Others quickly return to normal.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
A detailed history, physical examination, and sometimes laboratory
screening are used to determine the cause of seizures. If a cause cannot
be identified from the history or testing, the condition is diagnosed as
idiopathic epilepsy. A single mild seizure seldom requires treatment.
However, your pet may be given medication after a single, severe seizure
or when a pattern of repetitive seizures has been established.
What is the treatment?
If a specific cause such as infection is identified, your pet will be
treated for it. No cure exists for idiopathic epilepsy. Thus, treatment
of this condition is aimed at controlling seizures. Medications are
given daily to prevent or curb abnormal electrical patterns in the
brain. If your
animal is started on medication, treatment must be continued as
directed. Failure to do so may cause seizures.
What is status epilepticus?
Status epilepticus is a state of continual seizure activity. Without
emergency care, this condition can result in coma, irreversible brain
damage, or death.
What should I do if my pet has a seizure?
1. Remain calm.
2. Do not put your hands in your pet's mouth. This is not helpful and
you may be bitten.
3. To prevent injury to your pet, remove nearby sharp objects.
4. Observe your pet closely. If a seizure does not end in five minutes,
call for emergency help. In most cases, the seizure only lasts a short
time and the animal recovers uneventfully. A single mild seizure is not
an emergency and rarely indicates the need for long term treatment.
However, you should call and discuss the occurrence with your
veterinarian. Record and date duration of seizure for reference. |
