Seizure
A seizure is sudden uncontrolled body movement caused by abnormal brain activity. Seizures range from severe full-body convulsions to mild episodes affecting only part of the body.
Key Facts
- Seizures lasting >3 minutes can cause pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and dangerous hyperthermia
- Under 1 year: often birth defects (hydrocephalus, portosystemic shunt)
- Ages 1-5: typically epilepsy
- Over 5 years: often brain tumors, stroke, or metabolic disease
- 3 out of 4 epileptic dogs can be well-controlled with medications
- Common medications: phenobarbital, levetiracetam (Keppra), potassium bromide
- Seizures and epilepsy are rare in cats
- Toy breeds and diabetic pets: seizures may be from hypoglycemia; rub honey on gums
- Do not put hands near mouth; pets do not swallow their tongues
- Record seizure timing and which body part it started in
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (28)
Related Conditions
Neurological signs occur in early stages
Severe toxicity can cause seizures
Dangerously low calcium causes seizures
Epilepsy is diagnosed when seizures recur over time.
Focal seizures are a primary classification of seizure disorders.
Generalized seizures are a major classification of seizure disorders.
Prolonged seizures can cause hyperthermia
— severe neurological sign
Seizures are a common sign of hydrocephalus
CNS signs can occur with severe hyperlipidemia
Severe hypocalcemia triggers seizures
Hypoglycemia is a major cause of seizures in toy breeds
Hypoglycemia from insulinoma can trigger seizures
Lead toxicity causes seizures
Seizures are often the first sign of brain tumors
Metabolic imbalances are a primary trigger for seizure episodes.
— severe neurological sign
Many toxins cause seizures
Bromethalin causes neurological signs
Severe serotonin syndrome can cause seizures
Toxin exposure is a well-documented trigger for acute seizure episodes.
Brain tumors can cause both vestibular signs and seizures