Seizures

dog laying on floor looking sick

Seizures are common in dogs, but more unusual in cats. Seizures are just symptoms which can occur with many kinds of diseases. They can happen because of diseases outside the brain or inside the brain. Low blood sugar that can happen with an overdose of insulin or with a tumor of the pancreas can cause seizures. They can happen with diseases of the liver or kidneys. Ingestion of toxins such as snail bait can cause seizures. Lesions of the brain such as tumors, abscesses, granulomas, infections, or inflammatory diseases can cause seizures. Epilepsy may cause seizures.

Seizures most commonly last for a few seconds to a couple minutes. Grand mal seizures cause the head to go back and the legs stiffen with rhythmic jerking. The pet is usually unconscious. Smaller partial seizures may be more difficult to recognize, but you should be suspicious of any repetitive rhythmic movements. After the seizure, the pet usually enters the post ictal phase where it is dazed, lethargic, and not able to walk normally. This phase may last for minutes, hours, or days. A pet may have one seizure, and never have another, but most commonly they do recur.

Testing should be done to try to determine the cause of the seizures. Blood testing, urinalysis, and liver function tests are commonly done. An MRI of the brain or a spinal tap may also be needed.

Intravenous medication can be given by a veterinarian to stop a seizure. If the seizures become too frequent, usually any more than every four to six weeks, anti- convulsant medication can be given to try to reduce future seizures. Anti-convulsant medicine does not guarantee a pet will never have another seizure, but it tends to make the seizures shorter in duration and less frequent. Phenobarbitol is the most common anti-convulsant medicine prescribed. When a dog first starts on this medicine, it will act like it is drunk for the first week or so, until it becomes accustomed to the drug. Phenobarbitol is given twice daily, and once it is started, it is usually given for the life of the pet.

Potassium bromide is the second most common anti-convulsant prescribed. It is available only at special compounding pharmacies. It is usually formulated into a liquid. It can be administered to the dog by squirting it onto a piece of bread that is fed to the dog once daily. Potassium bromide can be toxic to people, therefore, it is advised to wear gloves when handling this drug.

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Chocowinity Office

Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

For After Hours Emergencies 252-321-1521

Pet Emergency Clinic of Pitt County

3210 S. Evans St. Greenville, NC 27834

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Highly recommend Chocowinity Vet if you want excellent care for your pets and an extremely friendly and helpful staff! They were able to get us in immediately today (Saturday) when one of our dogs had an infected hot spot that needed treatment. Within 20 minutes of my phone call to them I was walking in the front door and straight into an exam room! Thank you so much!"
    Stacy McClary
  • "I wish I could give this place 10 stars, I have never been more pleased with a group of vets and vet techs! Everyone was so caring and inviting. Becky and all the others took great care of my Ozzy before, during, and after his surgery, all while not draining your bank account. I highly recommend"
    Demi Makajla Justesen
  • "Thank you again! You all are amazing ..I always recomed you and always will.I appreciate the care and treatment of my dogs .the staff and vets are amazing"
    Lisa Uptown Henderson
  • "Very friendly and helpful staff. I love it when General is lounging on the counter, waiting to be pet."
    Teresa Pless White
  • "Swift Creek Doodles love Chocowinity Veterinary Hospital! The caring team there makes it a welcoming and friendly environment. Always looks and smells very clean inside which is something I look at every time I walk in. Doctors are very understanding with issues and explain everything in detail. After the switch from a vet hospital in New Bern, I can really tell a difference in care. Thank you for taking care of our doodles!"
    Will Grant