SEIZURE DISORDER
General Information:
Seizures (sometimes called convulsions) are relatively common in dogs,
but much less common in cats. Nerve cells in the brain function by transmission
of electrical impulses. Seizure is caused by is a sudden, excessive discharge
of electrical energy in groups of brain cells.
There are a variety of causes for seizures in small animals:
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Toxins
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Metabolic disorders (accumulation of matabolism waste products in the body)
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Liver disease (liver shunt)
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Trauma (usually history of blunt trauma to the head)
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Infectious diseases (distemper, Rabies)
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Heart disease (poor heart function can lead to poor blood flow to the brain
cells)
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Unknown causes (Idiopathic Epilepsy)
Why this spontaneous discharge occurs we do not know, but in many cases
the condition is hereditary in dogs.
Treatment for seizure disorder always focuses on identifying the cause
then eliminate it if possible. Many times a cause is not identified
and the seizures must be controlled with medication. Our effort is to reduce
the frequency and/or the severity of each episode. A complete "cure" from
all seizures is not always possible.
Characteristics of Seizures:
Epileptic seizures seldom last more than 5 minutes, but to the unprepared
observer they are extremely alarming and seem to last much longer. Handling
the mouth of an animal should be avoided because you may be accidentally
bitten.
Most seizures occur in 3 distinct phases:
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The first phase is called the pre-ictal phase and is the period
before a seizure during which the affected animal seems overly anxious.
It may scramble from behind a piece of furniture or jump down from a chair,
with its eyes widely dilated. This phase generally lasts less than 1 minute.
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The second phase is the actual seizure (ictal phase). Each attack
may be different and can range from a mild muscle spasm to a severe convulsion,
with defecation and urination. Loss of consciousness may or may not occur.
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The third phase (post-ictal) occurs immediately after the
seizure and is characterized by confusion, weakness and rapid breathing.
The severity of this phase depends on the severity of the convulsion. During
a seizure the body exherts a large amount of energy. Blindness (temporary)
and total exhaustion may follow a severe episode.
Status epilepticus is a constant seizure state. Each seizure seems to stimulate
another, resulting in one seizure immediately following another. Since
this condition can be fatal, call your veterinarian's office immediately!
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency.
Treatment Information:
Two commonly used medications for the treatment of seizures are Phenobarbital
and Primidone. These drugs increase the threshold (electrical energy )
required for the seizure to occur. A third medication, potassium bromide,
is also being used in refractory patients.
Frequent blood testing for drug levels is often necessary to establish
the correct dosage of medication being administered.
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