Have you ever witnessed your pet have a seizure? The situation can make you lose control and feel helpless. Unfortunately, seizures can occur anytime, and as a pet owner, you should be more aware of the condition. We at Valley Animal Rehabilitation have prepared everything you need to know about pet seizures. The information will also help you know how to respond and when to seek professional medical attention for your pet.
Causes of Pet Seizures
Different things trigger seizures. For example, if your pet gets into your household cleaners or eats a toxic plant, it could get seizures. The common causes of pet seizures include:
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is the most common cause of pet seizures. It's a disorder that causes your pet's brain's electrical impulses to work incorrectly.
- Chronic condition: Conditions like liver, brain, and kidney disease may lead to seizures.
- Head injury: A head injury could also result in seizures due to damage and bleeding of the brain
Other causes include:
- Birth disorders
- Tumors
- Inflammation
- Infectious diseases
Symptoms of Pet Seizures
As a pet owner, it's crucial to understand the symptoms that show your pet has a seizure. It will help you seek emergency vet services in Montclair. Some of these symptoms include:
- Sudden collapse
- Jerking and twitching motions
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable defecation or urination
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Running in circles
- Body stiffening and muscle twitching
- Tongue chewing
What to Do During a Pet Seizure
Knowing how to help your pet, even if it has seizures, is crucial to avoid further injury and save its life. Here are some things you could do before you call your vet.
- Keep yourself calm
- Contact a veterinarian as soon as possible
- Sit near your pet
- Time your pet's seizures if you can
- Move your pet to a safer place carefully
- Talk in a comforting tone
- Try to lower your pet's body temperature as seizures may cause higher temperatures
- Wrap and comfort your pet
- Feed your pet if hungry or thirsty
Treatment
Since there are different causes of pet seizures, treatment varies. Your vet will advise on the best treatment option for your pet after diagnosis. Some of the potential treatment options include:
- Monitoring: Your vet may not necessarily prescribe medication. Your animal doctor may recommend monitoring pet seizures first.
- Emergency treatment: If your pet's seizures last longer, emergency treatment may be recommended, like IV medication.
- Medication: There are seizure medications available, which your pet may be prescribed.
- Animal rehabilitation: Animal rehabilitation could also be a good idea, especially if the seizures are several in a row.
Animal Rehabilitation Services in Montclair
When you welcome a pet into your home, you are responsible for its overall health. We at Valley Animal Rehabilitation in Montclair are here to help you make the right choices for your pet's health. We provide essential services for your pets, including rehab for pets, treatments, and pet diets. Book an appointment today!