A convulsion is the violent irregular motion of limbs or body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles. Other signs other observed include loss of consciousness, incontinence and vocalisation. Other terms that may be used are seizures or fits, with 'epilepsy' confined to disorders characterised by repeated fits of unknown origin.

Common Causes of Convulsions

• Idiopathic epilepsy - by far the most common. Of unknown origin. In most cases symptoms begin between 6 months and 3 years of age.
• Infections. e.g. distemper and tetanus.
• Poisoning. e.g. metaldehyde (slug bait) and ethylene glycol (anti-freeze).
• Head injury. e.g. following a road accident.
• Metabolic disease. e.g. low circulating levels of blood calcium in eclampsia (milk fever), low glucose levels or high levels of toxic metabolic by-products eg in liver failure.
• Pressure on the brain. e.g. cancer and blood clots.

Should your pet have a fit don't panic! It is usual for a fit to last a minute or so. Approach the animal with care. Roll him / her onto a blanket away from furniture and drag clear from harm e.g. an open fire. Do not handle your pet. It is important to remove all stimuli e.g. dim the lights, switch off the radio and keep quiet. Observe the patient as well, as your observations can be of great assistance and help your vet to make a diagnosis. It is usual for the convulsions to settle after 1 to 3 minutes and recovery is usually complete within minutes to hours. During this time there is little that you, the owner, can do to help. Telephone your vet at a suitable time for an appointment to have your pet examined should this be necessary.

Your vet will try to find an identifiable cause of the convulsions so that specific treatment can be given. However, as previously mentioned most cases do not have an identifiable cause and anti-convulsant therapy may be instituted. This may not happen straight away and will be started at the discretion of your vet.

Management of Epilepsy

• Your vet's instructions on the frequency of treatment must be followed exactly. Missing a treatment may cause a fit in a controlled case.
• Medication may have to be given for the rest of your pet's life.
• If a fit occurs ask your vet's advice. Most dogs will still have occasional fits despite anti-convulsant therapy.
• Some medication must be given over several days before it becomes effective. 
• Record the date and duration and severity of all fits since the pattern of altered behaviour is very helpful during veterinary assessment.

In conclusion it must be understood that medication for epilepsy is not given in order to cure but rather to control the disease and your pet may still continue to have fits on a regular basis. It is hoped that medication will reduce the number and severity of future fits. The first fit is always the most unnerving for the owner and once an understanding of the medical situation is gained, the pets health can be maintained very satisfactorily in most cases.