How to cope with a Westie having an epileptic fit or seizure
I hope that you never have to go through the heartache of watching your precious Westie have a fit but if the unthinkable happens would you know what to do? Canine epilepsy in Westies is actually quite rare with higher instances in other breeds, but what should you do if the worst happens?
What to do
First and foremost is safety, both yours and your pets. Dogs are not in control when fitting and the jaw often locks. Our vet told me early on to avoid touching our dogs mouth when he is having a fit. Unknowingly he could bite.
Types of fit/seizure
Some fits are passive – when the dog will not lose consciousness. This type of fit is silent when the dog may twitch and appear to gaze into the distance. Our dog often gazes and appears to be catching flies gulping towards the sky. They last for a few moments and then pass. These are often referred to as focal seizures. There are other behaviours, chasing their tail, pawing or attacking an unseen object. This can be a psychomotor fit.
In a generalised or grand mal seizure the dog will usually fall to the floor. The legs will paddle violently and the body shake. If it is safe leave the dog where it is. If not gently move the dog from danger by the hind legs. I tend to pull Riley very gently holding his chest and back to move him away from danger, particularly if he is banging his head on a wall or door. Riley often goes to a corner or a door when he is starting to fit. There have been instances where he has climbed under the table. He often sleeps almost ‘wrapped’ around a table leg so I think he feels safe there. Despite loving his bed he has only once had a fit there. He always moves around unsettled in the moments before.
During the fit the dogs will often froth at the mouth. Dogs cannot swallow their tongue so no matter how violent the fit you should never try to open a dogs mouth.
Dogs will often lose control of their bladder and bowels during a fit so be prepared to clean them after. Whilst this is really upsetting to watch it is believed that the dog is not aware of what is happening during the fit.
What to do during the fit
I talk to our dog throughout the fit, reassuring him so that as soon as he gains understanding he knows he is safe.
Fits can last from a few seconds to minutes. Fits that last longer than two minutes can cause the dogs temperature to raise, so use a fan or cool water on the paw pads to lower the temperature.
What happens after the fit
When the fit passes your dog will be confused, distressed and may pace. Vision is often disturbed. We tend to avoid letting our dog out until he is steady on his feet and his vision is clear. In the immediate aftermath he often walk into objects, walls etc. He may also have saliva around his face and be wet if he has urinated during the fit. We leave him a few minutes before cleaning him up and at first only give him a quick rub with a towel. We tend to leave him for a few hours before attempting a more thorough clean up.
Be prepared for a second fit. Sometimes fits come in clusters so a second fit can follow a few minutes or hours after the first.
If this is your dog’s first fit ring your vet straight away. The vet will then examine your dog and carry out urgent tests. A common cause of fits is poisoning so the quicker your vet sees the dog the quicker treatment can begin.
In rare instances the fit is caused by idiopathic epilepsy which can be a lifelong condition. Other illnesses can cause epilepsy.
How to live with an epileptic dog – from my experience
Be prepared. Find out what helps your dog. If they are diagnosed with epilepsy they will probably be started on a course of medication, which can be changed and increased over time until the epilepsy is well controlled. In rare cases epilepsy is difficult to control so work with your vet to find ways to stop clusters. We use rectal Diazepam, sedatives and Gabapentin in the wake of a fit and Epiphen, Potassium Bromide and Kepra to prevent fits. All of these medications have to be controlled and monitored. Too little and the dog will continue to have fits – too much and the dog can become lethargic. Work with your vet to arrive at a course of action that works for you and your pet. Each dog is different.
You can live with epilepsy in your dog
Some reassurance – epilepsy is an awful illness, it is absolutely heartbreaking to watch your pet suffer but, and this is a big but, we wouldn’t be without our little lad. In between fits he is the most loving, loyal and happy dog we have ever had. If we have to cope with the epilepsy to enjoy him then we will!
Find out more about epilepsy in dogs
