Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats
This article is written by our veterinarian,
Epilepsy is a condition where there are repeated seizure events. Seizures occur due to electrical over-activity in the brain.
Contents:
Symptoms of epilepsy
What causes epilepsy?
Who is affected by epilepsy?
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
How is epilepsy treated?
My pet has started epilepsy medication, now what?
What to do if your pet is having a seizure?
Prognosis
Symptoms of epilepsy
Most people are familiar with what is referred to as a generalised or grand mal seizure.
Grand mal seizures typically cause the pet to:
⢠Collapse
⢠Lose consciousness
⢠Have muscle rigidity
⢠Paddle their limbs
⢠Salivate
⢠Sometimes void their bladder and bowels
Seizures can come in other forms such as repeated, involuntary behaviours (referred to as psychomotor) or repeated movements of a particular part of the body (focal seizures).
- Pre-ictal phase: The change in behaviour that occurs before the seizure event (ie pacing, nervousness, hyperactivity, attention seeking)
- Ictal phase: The seizure event itself
- Post-ictal: A period after the seizure event where there is display of abnormal behaviours such as lethargy, confusion or a voracious appetite. The length of the post-ictal phase can vary from minutes to hours.
What causes epilepsy in dogs and cats?
There are numerous causes of seizures and can include:
⢠Brain trauma
⢠Structural changes in the brain ie a tumour
⢠Toxins
⢠Underlying disease ie kidney or metabolic disease
⢠Genetics
⢠Unknown cause which is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy
Which pets are affected by epilepsy?
Idiopathic epilepsy can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in young and middle aged pets and tends to occur more regularly in males than females.
Breeds commonly affected by epilepsy are Border Collies, Labradors, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Hungarian Vizslas, Golden retrievers, German Shepherds and Poodles.
A breed or genetic association has not been as strongly proven in cats as it has in dogs.
Diagnosis of epilepsy
Because there are numerous causes of seizures often multiple tests are needed to determine the cause of epilepsy. Investigation usually includes blood tests and urine tests to check for problems outside the brain and imaging such as CTs or MRIs to check for structural changes in the brain. Referral to a veterinary neurologist is sometimes recommended.
If all the tests come back normal then this is when the epilepsy is referred to as idiopathic.
Treatment of Epilepsy
Currently there is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy so treatment is aimed at management. Depending on how frequent and severe the seizures are your veterinarian may prescribe anti-seizure medication. The aim of treatment is to reduce the seizures enough to ensure a good quality of life. If the seizures are caused by another issue such as a tumour or metabolic disease then treatment is aimed at controlling or treating these primary causes.
Some recent studies have also shown that dietary change may help some patients with epilepsy management.
My pet has started epilepsy medication, now what?
1. Continue medications as recommended by your vet. Do not stop or adjust doses without first consulting your veterinarian.
2. Ensure recommended revisits and checks are followed as these are often needed to ensure the correct dosing of medication.
3. Keep a calendar or journal of your pets seizures and what is happening before, during and after the seizure occurs. This information may be important for preventing or predicting future episodes.
4. Always have a good supply of medication on hand and do not let medication run out as this will affect seizure control.
5. Ensure potentially hazardous areas like swimming pools are inaccessible to your pet to prevent serious injury should a seizure occurs in these areas.
What to do if your pet is having a seizure
- Move away objects or furniture from your pet to avoid them injuring themselves
- Keep other animals or children away from the pet
- Keep your hands away from their mouth to avoid being accidentally bitten
- Try to time how long the seizure goes for. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or having multiple seizures within a short period of time can be an emergency and your pet should be checked by a vet asap
- Keep your pet in a safe, calm and dimly lit environment after a seizure until he/she recovers from the post-ictal phase
Prognosis for Epilepsy in Pets
Once diagnosed epilepsy is a chronic disease that usually requires lifelong medication and management. As most animals are normal between seizures those with well managed epilepsy are able to live a good quality of life.
Further Reading
Want to know more?
First Aid Tips for Pets
Toxic plants: Is Your Pet Safe?
Cushings Disease in Dogs
Heart Disease in Dogs
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert Vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
References:
Bow Wow Insurance - https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-care/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/
Vet Voice - https://www.vetvoice.com.au/ec/pet-ownership/epilepsy-in-animals/#:~:text=Pets%20that%20experience%20epilepsy%20frequently,to%20twelve%20months%20are%20recommended
Veterinary Partner - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951440
VCA Animal Hospitals - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-and-epilepsy-in-cats
National Library of Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398089/
Todays Veterinary Practice - https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/nutritional-management-of-idiopathic-epilepsy-in-dogs/