The Symptoms of a Pet Seizure Can Be Alarming to Its Owner
Dog seizures can take on varying degrees of symptoms; ranging from a mild 10 second blank staring dog to 30 minutes and even result in multiple (or cluster) seizures. It’s important for a dog owner to be aware of the symptoms of dog seizures and to understand that like humans, dog experience no pain during the seizure.
Prior to a seizure you may find your dog restless, nervous, whining, trembling, salivating, wandering, hysterically running, and apprehensive. During the dog seizure these are some behaviors to watch for in a Generalized Seizure:
o Animal falls, loses consciousness, limbs rigidly extend.
o Paddling of limbs, dilation of pupils, salivation
o Urination and defecation.
o Briefly stops breathing.
Petit mal dog seizures are very rare but nonetheless may occur. Their symptoms include:
o Upward rotation of the eyes,
o Blank staring
o Brief moments of unconsciousness
A dog seizure may or may not be an indicator of an underlying condition.
The cause of dog seizures can be deduced to one of several factors:
? Brain tumor or head injury
? Lyme disease
? Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
? Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
? Environmental toxins
? Epilepsy
? Hypo and hyper conditions including: Hypoxia, Liver disease, Kidney disease, Hypoglycemia, Hypocalcaemia, Gastrointestinal disease (a.k.a. “garbage poisoning), Tick bites, Toxo (plasmosis).
Cat seizures, like dog seizures, are one of the most frequently seen neurology problems. As alarming as the symptoms may be the cat feels no pain but does exhibit symptoms similar to dogs.
What to watch for in cat seizures:
o Prior to a cat may appear nervous, hide, shake, salivate.
o During the seizure the cat may appear paralyzed while shaking.
o Cat may throw head back
o Involuntary urination and defecation may occur.
Following the seizure the cat may experience confusion, restlessness and may pace and or experience temporary blindness.
When should I consult my pet’s veterinarian?
It is essential to seek medical care for your pet if he/she has more than one seizure per month, shows a change of behavior in between the seizures (Excluding the behaviors immediately following the seizure) or becomes generally lethargic, has difficulty in walking or refuses to eat.
Written by Lynn Altierineed
