The word seizure, convulsion, "attack", or "fit" describes a sudden abnormal electrical event in the brain that temporarily incapacitates normal brain function.  Chaotic electrical activity replaces the normal controlled electrical signals coming from the brain cells to direct the activities of the body.

There are many different diseases known to cause seizures in animals.   Anything capable of changing the nerve function within the brain may product a seizure.  A veterinarian determines the cause of the seizures through a complete physical and neurologic examination plus diagnostic testing.  Known causes of seizures include infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms), metabolic disorders (hypoglycemia, liver failure, and others), toxic substances, congenital defects (hydrocephalus), and brain tumors.

Acquired Epilepsy
The word epilepsy describes the most common disorder in which recurrent seizures or convulsions occur.  Epilepsy can be acquired from a severe brain injury such as a blow to the head in an automobile accident, or oxygen deprivation during a difficult birth.

Idiopathic Epilepsy
Much more commonly, nerve cells in the brain periodically seem to trigger abnormal electrical (seizure) activity for unknown reasons.  In this case, when the precise cause of the nerve cell malfunction can not be found, the epilepsy is termed idiopathic. 

For this reason, the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy can only be made once all other possible causes have been eliminated by specific diagnostic tests, as there is no test for epilepsy itself.  Studies have shown idiopathic epilepsy is probably an inherited disorder in the German shepherd, Belgian Tervuren, keeshond, beagle, and dachshund.  It occurs in almost all breeds including mongrels.  It may be inherited in these cases also, although this is not proven.

How can I know when a seizure is likely to occur?

Aura
Most seizures occur in three stages, each characterized by specific clinical signs.  To the inexperienced owner, the first part of a seizure, called the aura,often goes unnoticed. Owners who have dealt with seizures in their epileptic pets are often well aware of certain changes in their pet's behavior signaling an impending seizure.   The animal often shows signs of apprehension, restlessness, nervousness, and salivation.  No one knows for sure how long this period may last.  It could last from a few seconds to a few days.

Ictus
The aura is followed by the actual seizure, called the ictus.  Although it seldom lasts for more than one minute, it can be a very disturbing event to the owner and the duration seems much longer.  During the seizure, the animal usually collapses onto its side and experiences a series of violent muscle contractions associated with paddling of feed and rigidity of the body.  Loss of consciousness, excessive salivation, and involuntary urination and defecation may also occur in more severe seizures.  A less common form of milder seizure occurs without loss of consciousness with the animal developing stiffness, uncontrolled trembling and attempting to crawl to the owner.   There is not set type of seizure, and other less common variants occur.

Postictal Phase
The period immediately following the seizure is known as the postictal phase.   It usually lasts less than one hour but may last as long as one or two days, and in rare cases, up to a week.  The animal usually is tired and only wants to sleep during this period, buy may want to eat and drink before sleeping.

Unfortunately, the opposite reaction may also occur. The animal may show signs of confusion, disorientation, restlessness, and temporary blindness.  In cases like this, with the animal vocalizing and running into objects the postictal phase may be harder for the owner to deal with than the seizure itself.

What can I do when a seizure occurs?

Pet owners are frightened and confused about what to do when their pets have seizures, particularly if it is for the first time.  Owners should take certain steps during a seizure to prevent injury not only to themselves but also to their pets as follows:

1. Ensure that the animal is on the floor away from any objects.  Do not allow it to fall of furniture or down stairs.  Use mild restraint with a blanket to place it on the floor.

2. To prevent choking, ensure that collars or leashes do not get caught on protruding objects.

3. Keep you hands away from the animals mouth.  The animal is not aggressive during a seizure, but it has no control if its jaw muscles and may bite anything put into its mouth.

4. Dogs cannot swallow their tongues.  Do not attempt to muzzle the animal, give it any medication, or manually restrain the tongue during a seizure.

5. The animal may pass stool and urine.  These actions are involuntary.

6. Most seizures last less than one minute and are not life threatening.   If the animal has repeated seizures and fails to regain consciousness between seizures, or a single seizure lasts longer than 10-15 minutes it is in status epilepticus.   This condition is an emergency, and your pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.  The effects of these seizures may result in death, so it is important to treat the animal as soon as possible.

Can the owner of an epileptic pet expect a cure?

There is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy.  Seizures can be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs in most cases.  Unfortunately, there are a small number of epileptic dogs in which seizures cannot be controlled.  There is no standard protocol for treating epilepsy.  The goal of the treatment is to decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of the seizure.  Only very rarely, can seizures be stopped entirely.   Treatment is individualized for each animal based on its history and physical examination.  No single drug is always effective; several drugs or a combination of drugs may have to be tried before a successful treatment is found.

It could take several months to establish a therapeutic dosage that works for the pet.  The owner should not become discouraged if the pet has seizures during therapy.  This may indicate a need to alter the dose or possibly change the medication.  It may be necessary to medicate the pet several times daily for the rest of its life.  The medication schedule must be closely followed.  Variance from the schedule may result in a seizure or series of seizures.  The owner must be willing to make a commitment to ensure the success of the therapy.

What type of follow up evaluations are needed?

The owner should keep a record of all known seizures the pet has on a wall calendar, and regularly update the pet's veterinarian with the number, frequency, and any special characteristics of the seizures.  Frequent phone contact is especially important early in therapy since several anticonvulsant dosage changes  are often needed.

Sometimes during early therapy, if a high dosage of medication is required, return visits to the veterinarian will be needed to measure levels of the drug in the blood, to be sure that adequate amounts of the drug are being absorbed, and to be sure that toxic drug levels are not being reached. 

Once the seizures seem to be well controlled on a stable dosage of medication it is still very important that at least once a year an examination by a veterinarian be scheduled.  During this exam the anticonvulsant blood levels can be checked and specific lever enzymes measured to be sure that the liver is not being adversely affected by the medication.  These tests are best done just before the next medication dose is given, and at least eight hours after the pet has had any type of food.    This is done because a recent meal interferes with some of the test measurements, and the lowest level of anticonvulsant drug in the blood during the day is the most indicative of the type of control to be expected.

Side Effects
Anticonvulsant medication may make your pet somewhat drowsy initially, but this should wear off in 3 to 4 weeks.  You should not change the medication dose because of this.   Some animals want to eat more, drink more an urinate more while receiving anticonvulsant medication.  The pet should be allowed to drink more if it wants to, but the food does not need to be increased. The increased appetite and thirst are generally permanent side effects (if present) unless the medication is discontinued.   Then, they will rapidly go away.  These side effects generally do not cause any problem unless they are extreme.  If the changes are dramatic, please notify your veterinarian before adjusting medication.  On very rare occasions a pet may become very hyperactive from anticonvulsant medication.  This should be reported to your veterinarian so changes in the medication can be made.

The Good News
Fortunately, after a few months of work the vast majority of seizure disorders can be controlled.  Most epileptic pets lead happy, active, normal length lives as long as they receive regular medication and periodic re-examinations by a veterinarian.