| Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Animal health | | | | your cat or dog's mouth, as he or she may bite you |
| care is so vast and complex, and the central nervous | | | | accidentally. Try to move your animal away from |
| system in particular is still largely uncertain territory. | | | | hazards. If electricity is involved, use a stick or some |
| Diseases of the nervous system are rare, but sadly | | | | other non conducting material. It may help to put a soft |
| often severe. | | | | cushion or blanket under its head. If the fit lasts more |
| The commonest neurological problems in cats and | | | | than 6 minutes, take the animal to the vet immediately. |
| dogs are due to road accidents and other forms of | | | | Animals can die during prolonged seizures. |
| head injuries, chemical poisoning, and infections such as | | | | After a fit an animal may be sleepy but also anxious |
| rabies. Any of these can induce fits (seizures). | | | | and confused. Comfort it; Rescue Remedy, healing |
| Seizures (fits) tend to be seen as uncontrolled shaking, | | | | and massage may be helpful here. If this is your |
| although other sorts of fits with the dog going vacant | | | | animal's first fit, take it to the vet anyway to try to find |
| can also occur. | | | | the cause. Also see you vet if you have any |
| It is important to try to find the reason for the fit. There | | | | concerns, or there are changes to the pattern of fitting. |
| may be signs of injury from car accident or fight. | | | | It is important that anyone who spends time looking |
| Evidence of having ingested poison may or may not | | | | after your pet for you is aware that he or she may |
| be obvious - antifreeze with ethylene glycol is | | | | have fits, and how to manage a seizure if one occurs. |
| particularly dangerous, causing seizures. | | | | Make sure that your friend has a list of actions to take, |
| Always call or take your animal to a vet. Your vet is | | | | as above, as well as the emergency phone number of |
| essential in helping you to work out what the cause of | | | | your vet, or a nearby vet if your pet is being cared for |
| the symptoms are. Neurological problems are so | | | | further from home. |
| complex that even they may not be able to find the | | | | As with most illness, being calm and prepared in a |
| cause. Be guided by your vet on management. | | | | crisis makes it easier for all concerned. |
| If your cat or dog has a seizure: Keep away from | | | | |