Convulsions in Pets

A convulsion is the violent irregular motion of limbs or body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles. Other signs 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.

If your pet has 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 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 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

• You must follow your Vet's exact instructions on the frequency of treatment. 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.

It's important to understand that medication for epilepsy is given to control the disease, not to cure it.  Your pet may 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  and once the owner understands the medical situation, the pet's health can be maintained very satisfactorily in most cases.