If you have ever seen an animal or a human seizuring, you know how distressing it can be. Epileptic seizures seldom last more than five minutes, but if you are not used to observing them, they can seem to last much longer. If your pet is epileptic and is in the middle of a seizure, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind:

1. Handling of your pet should be done very carefully if at all. It is very easy to get bitten when your pet is thrashing around. Remember that when your pet is seizuring, it doesn't recognize you and may accidentally bite or scratch you. Sometimes it is a good idea to place a blanket or a coat on top of the seizuring pet to try and limit the chance that the pet will injure itself while convulsing. Take the blanket off right away when then seizure is over because convulsing usually increases the body temperature quite a bit.

2.Be patient and don't panic. Remember, the seizure won't last very long, and there is not a whole lot that you can do but let the pet ride out the seizure. Just talk lovingly to the pet and be there for them.

Most seizures occur in three distinct phases. The first phase is called the aura and is the period before a seizure during which the affected animal seems overly anxious. It may scramble from behind a piece of furniture, jump down from a chair with its eyes widely dilated, stair up at the ceiling; some behavior that is out of the ordinary for that particular pet. This phase usually lasts around one to three minutes.

The second phase is the seizure itself. Each attack may be different and can range from mild muscle spasms to a severe convulsion lasting five or ten minutes. Growling or loud moans or meowing are common during this time as are urinating or defecating. Loss of consciousness may or may not occur. Status epilepticus is a constant seizure state where each seizure seems to stimulate another resulting in one continuous seizure. This condition can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. This is a case when we cannot just "ride it out." Call your veterinarian immediately!

The third phase immediately after the seizure is called the postictal stage. This stage is characterized by weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, and possible total exhaustion. Temporary blindness is not uncommon during this phase The severity and duration of the phase depends on the severity of the seizure episode and the individual pet.

Epilepsy is relatively common in dogs, but much less common in cats. There are many different causes of seizures ranging from viral diseases, toxins, trauma, and inherited conditions. There are several metabolic problems that can cause seizures and of course, brain tumors have to be on the list as well. It will be up to your veterinarian to rule out the most obvious possible causes depending on your particular pet. When no obvious cause can be found, then the seizuring pet's condition is known as "idiopathic epilepsy." Idiopathic just means that the cause is unknown. This is very common. About 80% of all cases of epilepsy are idiopathic. About 50% of the feline cases are idiopathic. Idiopathic epilepsy usually becomes apparent between 6 months old and 5 years. All breeds can be affected, but we seem to see an awful lot of Cocker spaniels, Dalmatians, Beagles, and Huskies.

Normally, nerve cells in the brain function by transmitting electrical impulses in an orderly manner. What happens in the epileptic pet is that a sudden rapid discharge of electrical energy occurs in groups of brain cells at the same time. We don't know why this happens, but we do know that the result is a seizure or convulsion.

If your pet is epileptic, the first thing that your veterinarian will do is a very careful neurologic examination. They will discuss with you the symptoms that your pet has been exhibiting and a general history of the pet. Your ve terinarian will also probably draw blood for lab tests, which can rule out many causes of epilepsy. There are many other test that your vet may or may not recommend depending on the particulars of your pet's condition. But a thorough examination is definitely the first step in the diagnostic process.

Many pets that have an isolated seizure never have another one. Therefore, your veterinarian will probably not immediately put your pet on medication after just one seizure. Normally the diagnostic work-up will include a period without medical therapy to determine if the pet is in fact epileptic.

Once it is determined that medical therapy is indicated, it is very important to keep the medication up. Many epileptic pets become much worse if left untreated. Skipping or discontinuing treatments may cause seizures to start again.

Important Points in Treatment:
- Treating the pet with medication does not mean that the pet will no longer seizure. Even well controlled epileptic pets may have occasional seizures. The main objectives of treatment are to limit the amount and severity of seizure activity and increase the time interval between seizure episodes.

- Medication may have to be given for several days before it is effective and determining the correct dosage for your pet may take weeks or months. Medication is very often given multiple times a day for the remainder of your pet's life. Many times, it is necessary to administer more than one drug in order to effectively control seizure activity.

Your veterinarian will have to take regular blood samples to check for any unwanted side effects of the medication and to make sure your pet's medication is being administered at an appropriate level. This is important for the safety of your pet.

Caring for an epileptic pet calls for good communication between you and your veterinarian. But with a little love and patience at home and regular check-ups, most epileptics live relatively normal, happy lives.

Dr.Anderson is a graduate of Auburn University. He owns and practices at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic near the Kendall campus of Miami Dade Community College, in the Shoppes of Sabal Chase, at 10710 S.W. 113th Place, Miami, Fl33176. He does volunteer work with Animal Care and Education, and Adopt-A-Pet, and is a member of the South Florida and American Veterinary Medical Association. He can be reached at: 305 595 1450.