SNP Pet and Vet Release Week of April 7
Recognizing a Seizure
There are various causes for seizures including epilepsy, toxins, brain tumors,
and unregulated blood sugar.
Recognizing a seizure and knowing what to do will not only aid in helping your
pet, but will also help eliminate panic.
At Northstar Animal Care and Pet Boarding, our focus is not only
veterinary medicine, but also to provide the education necessary to make health
care decisions for your pet. A
seizure may exhibit dilated pupils, drooling, full body tremors or localized and
repetitive twitches/jerks. A
seizuring pet may fall to the floor, jerk, limbs stiffen and paddle. The jaw may chomp or there may be
bladder/bowel loss. In any event, do
not grab your pet’s tongue – they will not swallow it. Try to prevent them from injuring
themselves, comfort them and contact your veterinarian when it is over. Seizures seem like an eternity but
shouldn’t last more than three to five minutes and are typically not life
threatening.
At Northstar Animal Care, located at 1600 W. 5th Ave., we will offer
you the necessary diagnostics to determine the cause of the seizure, paired with
a comprehensive treatment for the disorder.
Seizures lasting more than five minutes, or that cluster repeatedly, are
life threatening. Small, young pets
may seizure due to low blood sugar.
If you suspect this, rub honey, karo or maple syrup on the gum line and get to
the vet. Call Northstar at
614.488.4121 for an appointment or walk in during business hours for any
emergency.
P.S. Epilepsy can be genetic and is
most prevalent in pets 6 months to 3 years old.
It is common not to give antiepileptic medication for epilepsy if seizure
frequency is less than once per month.
Many pets will remain disoriented, agitated and pant for 15-30 minutes
following a seizure.
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