What do you do if your pet suffers from epilepsy?

Published on Saturday 29 November 2008 10:01

IT'S a frightening enough experience for humans, who can at least understand what is happening to them and how to deal with it.

But for animals who suffer epilepsy, the condition can be confusing and distressing.

For pet owners, it can be puzzling too, with many unaware that their animals can suffer from epilepsy as commonly as humans.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by disorganised nerve impulses in the brain. For animals as much as humans, a defining characteristic of the condition is seizures, or fits, during which the limbs go rigid, then shake and kick.

The most common form of the illness is primary epilepsy. Animals who are affected usually have their first fit between the ages of six months and four years, and they normally occur when they are relaxed or sleeping.

Vet Stuart McMorrow, of Edinburgh PDSA, said: "We would normally tell owners that if their pet is having a fit more than once a month, it should be treated with drugs.

"Most of the time it can be controlled through drugs, and the pet can have a normal active life.

"The most common drugs we use to combat epilepsy are phenobarbital, diazepam or potassium bromide, which each have their own side-effects. So it's important to control the dose so the dog stays free from fitting, but doesn't end up zonked by all the drugs."

However, fit-like behaviour can also be caused by other illnesses, such as heart problems or diabetes, but these can generally be ruled out by a vet.

Stuart added: "If your pet starts having a fit, the first thing you should do is take it to the vet. There's also a phenomenon known as Status Epilepticus, where the animal is constantly fitting for a sustained period of time.

"This can be very dangerous, and if the animal is fitting for more than five minutes, you should start making plans to get it to a vet immediately."

An epileptic seizure is preceded by the aura, which is when the pet may sense that a seizure is about to take place. Owners might notice a change in their pet's behaviour. It may try to hide, become "clingy" or become aggressive. After this, the seizure itself will take place.

Normally during a seizure, dogs will become unconscious and will fall on their side, often kicking their legs. Many dogs will urinate or defecate at this stage. The seizures usually last between 30 seconds and two minutes, then the animal will become confused and disorientated.

If your pet has a seizure, it is important to stay calm and first remove any furniture close by to stop it hurting itself.

Make sure your pet cannot harm itself by rolling into a heater or fire, sharp corners or anything that may obstruct its breathing.

It is important to put things in the pet's mouth, as fitting animals can bite without realising. Switch off the TV, radio and any bright lights to create a more relaxed environment. Fellow PDSA vet Sean Wensley added: "Owners should make a note of how long the seizures last and how often they occur, so they can tell their vet.

"It is also useful to watch your pet's breathing patterns, eye dilation or motion, any salivating, body twisting or muscle twitching, as they are useful things for your vet to know about.

"Once the seizure is over, you should stay close to your pet, as your presence and attention will be a comfort while it regains consciousness."

If your pet experiences a fit, it is essential you contact your vet as soon as possible and give them as much information as you can. Your vet will need this information to determine the treatment needed.

It is also vital to maintain a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine. These are things that your vet will be able to advise you on.

Q&A

Q My daughter's two-year-old hamster hasn't been well recently. His fur looks like it has been soaked but it is not wet – and he smells. He also seems to be drinking a lot more than usual but is not eating much. What is wrong with him?

A Lots of different conditions can cause hamsters to drink more than usual, including diabetes, an infection, or disease of the liver or kidneys.

A skin infection could make the fur appear to be greasy or wet-looking, even though it is dry.

You should take your daughter's hamster to be checked over by your vet. If an infection is suspected, then antibiotics might be prescribed. These are usually given using a small syringe gently directed in to the corner of the hamster's mouth or, if this is too difficult, on a small piece of food that he likes. Your vet will tell you what's best.

Q My dog has two boil-like lumps on either side of his mouth. Both are about the size of a pea but he does not seem to be in any pain and he is eating and drinking as normal. Is this normal?

A Lumps like this could be caused by infection or perhaps an allergic reaction to something. Alternatively, they could be excessive growth of the gums which can be harmless in some dogs. Skin tumours are also a possibility.

It is best to get the lumps checked out by your vet to be on the safe side. Sometimes a vet may recommend taking a sample to check that they are harmless. This can either be done with a needle and syringe (called a fine needle aspirate biopsy) or, alternatively, an "excision" biopsy may be recommended, where the lump is surgically removed and sent away for analysis.

In other cases, the likely cause can be suggested based on how they look and feel. Take your dog to your vet to find out what would be the best course of action in his case.