Seizure Scare - 5 Essential Steps to Take When Your Pet Has a Seizure
If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced the alarming sight of your beloved pet in the throes of a seizure. It's a moment that can leave even the most composed pet owner feeling helpless and frightened. In fact, it often paralyzes many a vet student the first time they see it as well! But knowledge is power, and this post aims to arm you with practical, life-saving steps to take when your pet has a seizure, ensuring you're as prepared as you can be for these unexpected emergencies!
First, let's understand what a seizure looks like in pets. It can involve convulsions, uncontrollable twitching, drooling, or even a loss of consciousness. Seizures can be triggered by various factors such as genetic-based epilepsy, brain tumors, exposure to toxins, or metabolic issues, among others. Therefore, a professional diagnosis from a vet is crucial for proper treatment and management as some causes require additional therapies. You must have a great relationship with your veterinarian because managing seizures can be frustrating. It is more of a marathon than a sprint and requires constant small tweaking, rechecks, and a long-term relationship - this is why orthopedic surgeons hate seizures (just kidding, my ortho-minded friends . . . well sort of . . . I still love ya!)
Immediate Actions During a Seizure
Stay Calm: Your pet needs you to be calm in this storm; they will pick up on your emotions! People may disagree with me on this, and they can have their opinion; it’s the wrong opinion, but they are entitled to it! Panic can cloud your judgment, so take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand.
Ensure Safety: Clear the area of hard or sharp objects that could hurt your pet. Do not try to hold them down and keep your hands away from their mouth – they are not in control and could unintentionally bite. Do not put anything in their mouth or try to grab their tongue! Again, they will bite you! They are not conscious during these generalized seizure events; thus, you should not trust them because they cannot control their body! It’s not their fault!
Time and Video the Seizure: If possible, time the seizure. This information is vital for your vet, especially as therapy is initiated and monitoring the response. Seizures lasting more than five minutes (status epilepticus) require immediate veterinary intervention. Video can be VERY HELPFUL when deciding if an event is a seizure or a similar non-seizure event!
Post-Seizure Care: After the seizure, pets usually enter a period called “the postictal phase”, characterized by confusion and disorientation. Offer them a quiet, comfortable space and speak soothingly to them. Note that many may appear blind during this, but it is often transient.
Log the seizure: Typically, we don’t have to know about each seizure, but you should log them so we can keep track of frequency. Talk with your veterinarian about the parameters for when they want to be contacted about seizures. Typically, this will be when things vary from normal duration, frequency, or characterization. Any time you are worried, you should reach out! Again, it is best to have this conversation long before you need the information - each vet is a little different on when they want to be called! This log information may be used to decide therapy changes or if other diagnostics are warranted to explore the underlying cause and discuss potential treatments, including medications. Don’t be alarmed if your vet doesn’t recommend an MRI or starting lifelong therapy after a single seizure! A seizure log can be invaluable in tracking patterns or identifying potential triggers. (FYI, some people prefer the term “diary” instead of log but I find husbands prefer to “log” seizures rather than put them in the diary). Is this a generalization that may appear sexist? – Yes. Is it accurate? – Yes.
Long-Term Management
Adhering to your pet’s prescribed treatment is vital. Managing your pet's condition involves regular vet check-ups and possibly adjustments to their diet and lifestyle.
Also, consider making your home safer to minimize injury risks for your pet during future seizures. Keep gates around the stairs, and consider a fence if you own a pool. Trust me. . . those are not phone calls I enjoy getting – literal tears - please just be aware of these potential dangers! Items that may be dangerous if they fall off a table, such as candles and knives, should only be placed on sturdy surfaces such as countertops. However, this may not be an option for cats if they climb on these surfaces!
Sometimes, you may be prescribed an emergency medication. This is often only used in difficult seizure cases or those prone to clusters. I lovingly call these protocols “Cluster Busters.”
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate veterinary care if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or if your pet experiences several seizures in a row. Know in advance how to safely transport your pet in these situations. Any time you are worried, seek veterinary care! I tell people that at 3 minutes, you should be heading to the car, and by 5 minutes, you should be on the road! Anytime anything changes or is different, your pet should be evaluated, including the post-ictal phase!
Witnessing your pet have a seizure is undoubtedly scary but being prepared can make all the difference. Remember, with proper care and regular veterinary support, your pet can continue to live a happy, fulfilling life. Keep learning, stay prepared, and always keep your vet's number handy.
I understand the fear and confusion that come with pet seizures. But with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can be the best advocate for your pet's health and well-being. Stay calm, stay informed, and remember – you're not alone in this!!