Epilepsy & Seizures in Dogs and Cats
Understanding Neurological Events, Diagnosis, and Long-Term Care at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Epilepsy and seizures are neurological events caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can affect both dogs and cats and may stem from genetic, metabolic, infectious, or unknown causes. Diagnosis typically includes bloodwork, neurological exams, and imaging when needed—though most cases can be diagnosed without MRI. Treatment often involves lifelong anti-seizure medications, monitoring, and addressing underlying health issues. Early evaluation by a trained veterinarian like Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM is essential to improve outcomes and ensure a pet’s comfort and safety.
Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)
A seizure happens when the brain’s “electrical wires” misfire all at once.
Imagine all the lights in a house blinking rapidly and uncontrollably.
Your pet can’t control what its body does during a seizure—its legs may shake, it may fall down, or it may stare into space.
Epilepsy means these “electric storms” in the brain keep happening over time.
A veterinarian helps calm the brain with medicine, checks for health problems, and keeps your pet safe so they can live a normal and happy life.
Introduction
Epilepsy and seizures are among the most common neurological disorders seen in both dogs and cats. These events can be alarming for any pet owner, often appearing suddenly and without warning. While seizures may be short, they can indicate underlying metabolic issues, toxin exposure, infectious disease, traumatic injury, structural abnormalities of the brain, or a chronic neurological disorder such as epilepsy.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital in Tuckerton, NJ, Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, provides thorough and compassionate neurological evaluations for pets experiencing seizures. Using a combination of clinical assessment, in-house diagnostics, advanced laboratory tools, and evidence-based medicine, Dr. Pascetta determines the most likely cause of seizures and develops individualized treatment plans.
Most seizure cases do not require MRI, and the majority can be accurately diagnosed using physical and neurological examinations, detailed history, bloodwork, and practical diagnostic tools available in general veterinary practice.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of epilepsy and seizures in dogs and cats, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, timelines, and supportive options.
Key Takeaways (Bullet-Point Summary)
- A seizure is caused by sudden electrical disturbances in the brain.
- Epilepsy refers to repeated seizure episodes over time.
- Dogs and cats can experience seizures for different reasons, though some causes overlap.
- Diagnosing seizures involves bloodwork, neurological exams, urinalysis, toxin screening, blood pressure evaluation, and sometimes imaging.
- MRI is not required for most cases; many neurological conditions can be diagnosed without it.
- Treatment typically involves anti-seizure medication, supportive care, and monitoring.
- Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve a pet’s long-term outcome.
- Dr. Pascetta uses practical, step-by-step diagnostic methods tailored to each patient.
- Seizure disorders can be managed effectively, allowing many pets to live long and comfortable lives.
Section 1: Understanding Seizures in Dogs and Cats
A seizure is defined as an uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes physical, behavioral, or sensory symptoms. Seizures vary widely in appearance—from full-body convulsions to subtle facial twitching or episodes of disorientation.
Types of Seizures
1. Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures
- Full-body convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Paddling limbs, drooling, urination, or defecation
2. Focal (Partial) Seizures
- Affect one area of the brain
- Facial twitching, limb jerking, unusual behaviors
- May progress to generalized seizures
3. Cluster Seizures
- Multiple seizures within 24 hours
- Requires urgent veterinary care
4. Status Epilepticus
- A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without recovery
- Life-threatening emergency
Section 2: Epilepsy vs. Other Seizure Causes
Epilepsy is diagnosed when a pet experiences two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart, with no identifiable underlying disease.
It is often:
- Genetic (in dogs)
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Functional rather than structural
Other causes of seizures include:
- Low blood sugar
- Liver disease
- Kidney dysfunction
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Toxicities (xylitol, marijuana, rodenticide, etc.)
- Head trauma
- Infectious disease
- Brain tumors (more common in older pets)
- High blood pressure (especially in cats)
Section 3: Canine Epilepsy & Seizures
Dogs are more likely than cats to have idiopathic epilepsy, particularly in young to middle-aged dogs.
Common Signs in Dogs
- Collapsing or falling over
- Body stiffening
- Paddling limbs
- Excessive drooling or foaming
- Temporary blindness after the event
- Disorientation or pacing
- Crying out before a seizure
Common Causes in Dogs
- Idiopathic epilepsy (genetic)
- Low blood sugar in young/small dogs
- Liver disease/portosystemic shunt
- Kidney disease
- Toxins
- Brain inflammation or infection
- Brain tumors in older dogs
Section 4: Feline Epilepsy & Seizures
Cats experience seizures less frequently than dogs, and feline seizures often appear differently—more subtle or behavioral in nature.
Common Signs in Cats
- Facial twitching
- Repetitive chewing motions
- Sudden episodes of running or hiding
- Fly-biting behavior
- Collapsing or convulsing
- Vocalization
- Drooling
Common Causes in Cats
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Ingested toxins
- Hyperthyroidism
- Infectious disease (FIP, toxoplasmosis)
- Head trauma
- Brain tumors (especially in older cats)
Feline epilepsy is less common but does occur.
Section 5: Timeline of Seizure Stages
All seizures follow three general phases:
1. Prodrome (Minutes to Hours Before)
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Mild pacing
2. Ictus (The Seizure Event)
- Lasts seconds to minutes
- Physical convulsions or focal movements
3. Post-Ictal Phase (Minutes to Hours After)
- Disorientation
- Temporary blindness
- Excessive hunger or thirst
- Unsteady walking
Post-ictal behavior is often the most noticeable stage for owners.
Section 6: Diagnosis at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
Most neurological conditions, including epilepsy, can be diagnosed without MRI.
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital uses a structured diagnostic approach under the guidance of Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, who evaluates:
1. Complete Medical History
- Age of onset
- Pattern of seizures
- Frequency and triggers
- Recent diet, medications, or toxin exposure
- Behavioral changes
2. Full Physical and Neurological Examination
Helps determine whether the seizure is:
- Primary (epilepsy)
- Secondary to systemic illness
- Caused by structural brain disease
3. Laboratory Testing (In-House Tools Used)
- Complete blood count
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Electrolyte analysis
- Thyroid testing
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure measurement
4. Additional Diagnostics If Needed
- Bile acid testing for liver disease
- Toxin panel
- Infectious disease testing
- Referral for MRI if structural disease is strongly suspected
MRI is not performed in-house due to cost, but Dr. Pascetta coordinates referral imaging when appropriate.
Section 7: Treatment and Long-Term Management
Treatment is based on seizure type, frequency, and underlying cause.
Anti-Seizure Medications (Dogs and Cats)
- Phenobarbital
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)
- Zonisamide
- Potassium bromide (dogs only)
- Gabapentin (adjunct)
When to Start Medication
Veterinarians typically recommend treatment when:
- Seizures occur more than once every 6–8 weeks
- Cluster seizures occur
- Status epilepticus occurs
- Seizures are increasing in severity
Supportive Care
- Maintaining hydration
- Controlling underlying disease
- Weight management
- Low-stress environment
Monitoring
Dr. Pascetta structures follow-up care with:
- Regular bloodwork to monitor medication levels
- Dose adjustments as needed
- Tracking seizure frequency
- Evaluating for side effects
Section 8: What-If Scenarios
What if my dog or cat has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes?
This is an emergency. Seek immediate veterinary attention.
What if seizures only happen once every few months?
Chronic epilepsy may still be present; a consultation is strongly recommended.
What if medication doesn’t work?
Dosages may need adjustment, or a second medication may be added.
What if my pet has a seizure at night?
Record the timing and behavior, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What if my pet is old—does that mean it’s a brain tumor?
Not always. Older pets have higher risk of structural disease, but metabolic or cardiovascular issues are also common causes.
Section 9: Example Case
A 4-year-old Labrador collapses, paddles his limbs, and recovers confused. Bloodwork and neurological exam are normal. No toxins or metabolic issues identified.
Diagnosis: Idiopathic epilepsy
Treatment: Levetiracetam, seizure log, and environmental safety measures
Outcome: Seizures decrease in frequency, dog lives a normal life
Section 10: Summary
Epilepsy and seizures can be frightening, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, most dogs and cats live full and fulfilling lives. Whether the cause is genetic, metabolic, or unknown, early evaluation significantly improves long-term outcomes. Southern Ocean Animal Hospital provides comprehensive diagnostic support, in-house laboratory testing, neurological assessments, and individualized care guided by Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM.
Schedule an Appointment
If your pet has experienced a seizure—or you suspect unusual neurological events—contact Southern Ocean Animal Hospital in Tuckerton, NJ during business hours. Early diagnosis and consistent management are essential for protecting your pet’s comfort, safety, and long-term health.
Glossary
Epilepsy – Repeated, unprovoked seizures over time.
Seizure – A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Idiopathic – Unknown cause; often genetic.
Post-ictal phase – Recovery period after a seizure.
Status epilepticus – A dangerous seizure lasting more than 5 minutes.
Cluster seizures – Multiple seizures in 24 hours.
Neurological exam – Tests of reflexes, behavior, and coordination.
Anticonvulsant – Medication used to prevent seizures.
Focal seizure – A seizure affecting only one part of the brain.
Generalized seizure – A seizure involving the entire brain.