A condition in which muscles contract and relax rapidly; these convulsions are never normal in cats or dogs. Convulsions can be a sign of a seizure, which can have a great impact on your pet’s brain. Also convulsions can be caused by epilepsy. To determine the exact cause, it is advised to consult a veterinarian.
How to Recognize
Convulsions are the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles. A dog’s convulsions typically look as if they are treading water. Convulsions are a sign your pet is experiencing a seizure. Before and after a seizure, your pet’s behavior may change and he/she may become confused, angry, or subdued. During a seizure, pets, like humans, typically lose consciousness, and will gradually become more alert after the seizure is over. Both cats and dogs may chew, lose control of urination and bowel movements, clamp their jaw, experience muscle spasms, or foam at the mouth.
Diagnosis
Convulsions are never normal and you should seek emergency care for your pet immediately. Veterinarians will need to perform tests on your dog or cat to find the cause of the convulsions.
Possible Conditions
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in which your pet experiences convulsions throughout its lifetime. The frequency of convulsions in a epileptic pet can vary greatly. As seizures root from the brain, head injury, stroke or brain cancer may also be the cause. Seizures can also be a sign that your pet has kidney or liver disease.
Treatment for Convulsions
During the convulsions, move all furniture away from your pet to keep him/her from bumping into anything. Keep your distance from your pet during the convulsions because he/she may accidentally bite you if they clamp their jaws. Try to time the length of the convulsions as your veterinarian will ask for this information. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after the convulsions.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
