jdf's critter seizure info-repost by request

[critters]

on seizures and epilepsy::::

SEIZURE FIRST AID

Obviously the first thing to do is call your vet or an emergency clinic. (It is a good idea to keep an emergency number on your refrigerator regardless of
your dog's health ... you never know when you may need it.)

Don't be surprised if your vet says to wait about 10 minutes and then call back if the seizure is still in progress. The reason for this is that most seizures will
be over within approximately 10 minutes.

In the meantime, throw a heavy blanket over the patient and, if possible, hold him in a position to avoid self-inflicted damage. Do not try to kiss or hug the
dog; there is a chance the dog may snap and bite, especially children. Dogs do not do this intentionally.

You may push gently on the eyeballs (on the lids, of course) to help stimulate the vagus nerve, possibly slowing the seizure.

Above all, don't panic because a great percentage of dogs will pull out of a seizure and be none the worse for wear.

For dogs that are seizure-prone, try to avoid stimulation such as flashing television pictures, flashing lights, excessive and strange noises (such as sirens or
kids' toys). You can't avoid thunder, but you can take the dog into a closet or any place where you can administer TLC.

During a storm, create happy distractions by playing soft music, adopting a happy tone of voice during stressful situations, closing the curtains,
and turning on lights to minimize the effects of lightning.

If a dog is seizure-prone, avoid sudden arousal from a deep sleep or too much excitement.

Above all, assuming the seizure passes, keep a diary as to how often the seizures occur and the motions and movements the dog makes.

It should never be necessary to put a block in a dog's mouth during a seizure but if you feel you have to do it, use a rolled-up cloth because the
dog can chomp so hard he could break a tooth or even his jaw. You should not have to hold a dog so tight as to break a bone. Use a heavy blanket or
pillows to hold him down.

Finally, once out of the seizure, it may take the dog anywhere from five minutes to one hour to completely recover as he has hallucinated (it is
thought) and expended a lot of energy.

STAY CALM BECAUSE YOUR DOG CAN'T.

What is epilepsy?
The word epilepsy describes a series of frequent seizures or convulsions. It does not identify a disease but rather describes a clinical sign. The word epilepsy may be interchanged with seizures, convulsions, attacks, and fits to aid in client education. There are many different diseases and organisms known to cause seizures in animals. Anything capable of changing the nerve function within the
brain may produce a seizure. The veterinarian determines the cause of the seizures through a complete physical examination and diagnostic testing. Most forms of epilepsy have no apparent cause, in which cases the epilepsy is considered idiopathic. Known causes of seizures include infectious
diseases (distemper), metabolic disorders (hypoglycemia), toxic substances, and certain bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms.

How can the owner know when a seizure is likely to occur?
Most seizures occur in three stages, each characterized by specific clinical signs. To the inexperienced owner, the first part of a seizure, called the aura, often goes unnoticed. However, owners who have dealt with seizures in their epileptic pets are often well aware of certain changes in their pets'
behavior signaling an impending seizure. The animal often shows signs of apprehension, restlessness, nervousness, and salivation. No one knows for sure how long this period may last, as it could last from a few seconds to a few days. The aura is followed by the actual seizure, called the ictus. Although it seldom lasts for more than one minute, it can be a very disturbing event to the owner so that the duration seems much longer. During the seizure, the animal usually collapses onto its side and experiances a series of violent muscle contractions associated with paddling of the feet and rigidity of the body. Loss of consciousness, excessive salivation, and involuntary urination and defecation may also occur in more severe seizures.

The period immediately following the seizure is known as the postictal phase. It usually lasts less than one hour but may last as long as one or two days. The animal may show signs of confusion, disorientation, restlessness, and temporary blindness.

What can the owner do when a seizure occurs?
Pet owners are frightened and confused about what to do when their pets have seizures, particularly if it is for the first time. Owners should take certain steps during a seizure to prevent injury not only to themselves but also to their pets, as follows:

1. Ensure that the animal is on the floor away from any objects. Do not allow it to fall off furniture or down stairs. Use mild restraint with a blanket to place it on the floor.
2. To prevent choking, ensure that collars or leashes do not get caught on protruding objects.
3. Keep your hands away from the mouth. The animal is not aggressive during a seizure, but it has no control of its jaw muscles and may bite anything put into its mouth.
4. Dogs cannot swallow their tongues. Therefore, do not attempt to muzzle the animal, give it any medication, or manually restrain the tongue during
a seizure.
5. The animal may pass stool and urine; these actions are involuntary.

6. Most seizures last less than one minute and are not life threatening. If the animal has repeated seizures for more than five minutes and fails to regain
consciousness between seizures, it is in status epilepticus. This condition is an emergency and your veterinarian should be notified immediately. The
effects of these seizures may result in death, so it is important to treat the animal as soon as possible.

Can the owner of an epileptic animal expect a cure?
There is no cure for idiopathic epilepsy. Seizures can be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs. There is no standard protocol for treating epilepsy. The
purpose of the treatment is to decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of the seizure. Treatment is individualized for each animal based on its
history and physical examination. No single drug is always effective; several drugs or a combination of drugs may have to be tried before a successful
treatment is found.
It could take several weeks to establish a therapeutic dosage that works for the pet. The owner should not become discouraged if the pet has seizures
during therapy. This may indicate a need to change medication or alter the dose. It might be necessary to medicate the pet several times daily for the
rest of its life. The medication schedule must be closely followed. Variance from the schedule may potentiate a seizure or series of sezures. The owner
must be willing to make a commitment to help ensure the success of the therapy.
by Cindy Intravartolo, RVT

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html
http://www.savethedals.org/links-epilepsy.htm
http://www.schips-r-it.com/canepi.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_main.html
http://petsurgery.com/seizuredisorders.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Rese ... ropage.htm
http://www.escape.ca/~rcamken/bmd_healt ... m#EPILEPSY
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-ang ... ntents.htm
http://www.pawcare.com/rclemmons/index.htm
http://www.vetmedcenter.com/Consumer/di ... X.xml&dt=A