Seizure Disorders

Seizures in Dogs and Cats

Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions, can be a frightening experience for pet owners. They occur when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can vary in intensity and presentation. At Pittwater Animal Hospital, our team is experienced in diagnosing and managing seizures in both dogs and cats, helping you navigate these episodes with confidence and care.

What Does a Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can look different depending on the animal and the type of seizure. Classic signs include:

• Sudden collapse

• Paddling limbs

• Muscle twitching or jerking

• Loss of consciousness

• Urination or defecation

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Vocalisation or yelping

Some seizures are more subtle and may involve:

• Staring into space

• Unusual behaviour (e.g., sudden fear or aggression)

• Repetitive facial movements or chewing

• Disorientation or wobbliness

Seizures generally last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. After a seizure, animals often go through a postictal phase where they may seem disoriented, tired, or hungry.

What Causes Seizures?

There are many possible causes of seizures in pets, and determining the underlying reason is crucial to long-term management. Broadly, causes are classified into three categories:

1. Extracranial Causes (originating outside the brain)

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

• Liver disease (including portosystemic shunt)

• Kidney disease

• Toxins (e.g., snail bait, chocolate, human medications)

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Severe infections

These causes are often discovered through blood tests and urine analysis.

2. Intracranial Causes (originating in the brain)

• Brain tumours

• Inflammatory brain disease (meningoencephalitis)

• Head trauma

• Strokes

• Congenital brain abnormalities

Diagnosis may require advanced imaging like MRI or CT scan, and in some cases, referral to a veterinary neurologist.

3. Idiopathic Epilepsy

This is the most common cause of recurrent seizures in young to middle-aged dogs, especially certain breeds such as Border Collies, Retrievers, Beagles, and Australian Shepherds. In idiopathic epilepsy, no structural or metabolic cause can be found — it’s a diagnosis of exclusion. Cats are much less commonly diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy than dogs.

What Should I Do If My Pet Has a Seizure?

• Stay calm. Most seizures are short and self-limiting.

• Keep your pet safe. Clear the area of furniture or hazards. Be careful if holding or restraining your pet.

• Do not put anything in their mouth. They will not swallow their tongue, and you risk being bitten.

• Film and time the seizure. If it lasts more than 2–3 minutes or repeats in a short time, this is an emergency.

• Call us. We recommend booking a veterinary appointment for a full assessment.

When is a Seizure an Emergency?

Seek urgent veterinary attention if:

• The seizure lasts more than 3 minutes

• There are multiple seizures close together (cluster seizures)

• Your pet does not return to normal in the postictal phase – this disorientation phase often last for 30-60 minutes.

• It’s the first time your pet has had a seizure

• Your pet is young, very old, or has other medical conditions

Diagnosing the Cause of Seizures

At Pittwater Animal Hospital, our diagnostic process typically begins with:

• Full history and physical examination

• Blood and urine testing

• Assessment for toxin exposure

Further testing may include:

• Bile acid stimulation test (for liver function)

• Referral to a veterinary neurologist for

  • Advanced imaging (MRI or CT scan)

  • Spinal fluid tap and analysis

Treatment and Long-Term Management

If seizures are infrequent and mild, we may choose to monitor rather than start medication immediately. However, treatment is usually recommended if:

• Seizures occur more than once a month

• Seizures occur in clusters

• Seizures are prolonged or increasing in severity

Common medications include:

• Phenobarbitone: Effective, affordable, and widely used. Requires blood monitoring.

• Potassium bromide: Often used in combination with phenobarbitone.

• Levetiracetam (Keppra): Short half-life, often well-tolerated. May need frequent dosing.

Cats are more sensitive to medications, and drug choice and monitoring may differ from dogs.

We will tailor your pet’s medication regime to balance seizure control with minimal side effects. Long-term follow-up with regular blood tests is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Living with a Seizure-Prone Pet

With proper management, many pets with epilepsy or other seizure causes can live long and happy lives. Here are some tips for living with a seizure-prone pet:

• Maintain a regular routine to reduce stress.

• Give medication consistently, at the same time each day.

• Avoid known triggers, such as flashing lights or loud noises (if relevant).

• Track seizures with a calendar or app to help with monitoring.

• Have a seizure plan in place for emergencies, including after-hours options like NEVS.

Final Thoughts

Watching your pet have a seizure can be distressing, but with accurate diagnosis and consistent care, the outlook is often very good. If your pet has had a seizure or you’re concerned about unusual behaviour, we’re here to help.

FAQ on seizures in Dogs

📞 Call us on 9913 7979
📧 Or email reception@pittvets.au
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Some examples of seizures are below. Beware the images are disturbing.

Below: Dog having a seizure with very calm owner – disturbing but very well managed.

Below: Cat having a seizure. Less than 2 minutes but very disturbing.

Below: Dog collapsing from heart failure – not a true seizure. The tongue goes quite blue.