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Seizures

Are they having a seizure?

Common causes
  • Epilepsy
  • Toxins
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood sugar - these cases benefit from jam/honey being rubbed onto gums
  • Lung worm
  • Brain tumours
  • Head trauma
  • High body temperature
  • Many other diseases
Signs
  • Twitching and paddling
  • Eyes rolling or moving side to side
  • Jerking movements
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Collapsed and not able to respond to you (unconscious)
  • Weeing/pooing without realising

if they are

What to do
Cat
  1. Stay calm.
  2. Remove children and other pets from the area.
  3. Don't try to retrain/move your pet unless they're in danger.
Make the area safe
Dog
  1. Put a blanket down on a hard floor.
  2. Move furniture with sharp edges.
Reduce stimulation
Stethoscope
  1. Turn off lights and the TV.
  2. Avoid talking.
  3. Keep your pet cool.
    1. Activate the ice pack by shaking it, then wrap it in a towel.
    2. Place it firmly in the middle of your pet’s back.
Other advice
Call Your Vet
  1. If your pet has insulin injections for diabetes, rub a little jam or honey onto their gums.
  2. Make a note of the time the seizure started.
  3. Video the seizure if you can (this will be useful for your vet).
  4. Call your vet after the seizure or if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
  5. After the seizure there is an increased chance they may bite, so keep children and other animals away until they are fully recovered. Move slowly and speak softly.