Seizures

Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause changes in behaviour, movement, and consciousness. They range from mild focal seizures to severe generalised (grand mal) seizures.

Types of Seizures:

• Focal seizures: Affect one area of the body (facial twitching, leg movements)
• Generalised seizures: Affect the entire body (falling, paddling, loss of consciousness)
• Cluster seizures: Multiple seizures within 24 hours
• Status epilepticus: Continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes (emergency)

Signs of a Seizure:

• Pre-ictal phase (aura): Anxiety, restlessness, seeking comfort, hiding
• Ictal phase (active seizure):
  • Collapse or loss of consciousness
  • Rigid limbs or paddling movements
  • Jaw chomping or foaming at the mouth
  • Urination or defecation
  • Vocalisation
• Post-ictal phase (recovery): Disorientation, temporary blindness, excessive thirst or hunger, restlessness

First Aid During a Seizure:

1. Stay calm and note the time the seizure started.
2. Move furniture or objects away to prevent injury.
3. Do NOT place anything in your pet's mouth.
4. Do NOT restrain your pet during a seizure.
5. If safe to do so, gently slide a cushion under their head (or ensure head is on soft surface).
6. Keep other pets away from the seizing animal.
7. Once the seizure stops, keep your pet calm and quiet.
8. If safe, gently guide them to a quiet, dimly lit area to recover.

When to Seek Emergency Care:

• First-time seizure
• Seizure lasting more than 3 minutes
• Multiple seizures within 24 hours
• Two or more seizures in a row without full recovery between
• Pet does not regain consciousness after the seizure
• Seizure in a pregnant animal
• Seizure in a diabetic animal
• Puppies/kittens under 6 months of age with seizure