Epilepsy in dogs and cats: causes, symptoms and treatment

Seizures are one of the most common neurological symptoms in dogs and cats and can affect animals of all ages. Such attacks are often frightening for pet owners, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, the quality of life of the affected animals can be significantly improved in many cases. Read this post to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for epilepsy.

How do I know that my dog or cat has epilepsy?

A pet with epilepsy often shows sudden, uncontrolled seizures, during which it can lose consciousness or tremble severely. Other signs include disorientation, increased drooling, or unusual behavior following a seizure. If something like this occurs multiple times, a veterinary be visited to clarify the cause.

Causes of epilepsy in cats and dogs

Seizures are not a separate disease, but a clinical symptom that can be triggered by various causes. Identifying the underlying cause is critical for effective treatment. Veterinarians can do this diagnostic procedures How to use blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and urine analyses. Basically, a distinction is made between reactive and epileptic seizures:

Reactive seizures

Reactive seizures are usually metabolic or toxic in nature.

• Metabolic causes: These include liver or kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and hypoglycaemia.‍
• Toxic causes: This includes poisoning caused by substances such as certain medicines, coffee, chocolate, lead, mycotoxins or pesticides.

epileptic seizures

Epilepsy is defined as the occurrence of at least two unprovoked epileptic seizures more than 24 hours apart. The distinction between structural and idiopathic epilepsy is important for the choice of therapy of great importance.

• Structural epilepsy: Caused by abnormalities or lesions in the brain, such as tumors, inflammatory diseases (immune-related, infectious, idiopathic, etc.), traumatic injuries or vascular events (e.g. strokes).
• idiopathic epilepsy: According to the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF), it is divided into three groups:
  
  • Confirmed genetic epilepsy (evidence of a genetic mutation)
  • Suspected genetic epilepsy (incidence in certain breeds)
  • Epilepsy of unknown cause (commonly known as idiopathic epilepsy) — when no structural, genetic or metabolic causes are found. This is an exclusion diagnosis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Epilepsy

An epileptic seizure in dogs or cats typically takes place in several phases:

1. prodromal phase: Can occur hours to days before the seizure and is manifested by subtle behavioral changes such as restlessness or increased attachment.
2. Ictal phase (seizure): This phase usually lasts a few seconds to minutes. A distinction is made between focal and generalized seizures. Focal seizures start in a specific brain region and therefore cause unilateral or localized symptoms, such as twitching on one side of the body or changes in behavior. Generalized seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain and are characterized by loss of consciousness and muscle cramps throughout the body. Rowing movements of the limbs, saliva and uncontrolled urinary and fecal discharge are often observed. However, a focal seizure can also turn into a generalized seizure.‍
3. Postictal phase (recovery phase): After the attack, many animals are disoriented, show behavioral changes, fatigue or temporary blindness. This phase can last from minutes to days.

Seizures can affect various body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and respiratory system. They should therefore always be taken seriously and clarified. Absolute emergencies include status epilepticus (seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes) and cluster seizures (more than two seizures within 24 hours), which must be presented to the vet immediately at any hour.

What helps against epilepsy in dogs or cats?

The treatment of epilepsy depends on the underlying cause. In the case of identifiable triggers such as metabolic disorders or poisoning, the therapy aims to address these specific problems. Epilepsy often requires long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Phenobarbital is usually started, but depending on the severity and frequency of the seizure, combination therapy with a second or third antiepileptic drug may also be required.

Regular visits to the vet are essential to monitor and, if necessary, adjust the therapy. The blood level of the drugs can be checked and the blood tested for abnormalities in order to ensure an optimal dosage and identify side effects at an early stage.

Expert tip

Keep a journal of seizures, recording the date, time, duration, and description of each seizure. Such detailed records help the vet to optimally adjust treatment and to better understand the course of the disease.

Conclusion on epilepsy in dogs and cats

Epilepsy in dogs and cats is a serious challenge. However, with careful diagnosis and individualized therapy, a good quality of life can often be achieved for the affected animals. If seizures occur, a vet should always be consulted to ensure the best possible care.

Do you have any questions about this topic? Please contact us!

sources:

• De Risio L, Platt S. Canine and Feline Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Management. 1st ed. CABI; 2014.
• Plumbs: Seizures; Seizures in Cats; Seizures in Dogs; 2025
• International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force Consensus Reports 1-7; 2015

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