Stages of A Seizure A Dot & Jerry Guide ~ Canine Epilepsy Warrior Olivia’s Legacy of Learning

Health, Canine Epilepsy Awareness

 

Meow now, it’s Dot & Jerry Underfoot, carrying on Olivia’s Legacy of Learning. Last week, we covered the various types of seizures. Today, we will mew about the four stages of a seizure.

Our fursister Olivia was not only a mighty epilepsy warrior & pawtastic fursister, she was a furbulous teacher too. Here is what she shared with us.

Stage 1 is called the prodrome, or pre-ictal phase. The prodrome may pawcede a seizure by hours or even days. It is characterized by changes in mood or behavior. In Olivia’s case, she often became sassy, hyper, & unusually playful. HuMom shared that when Olivia showed her belly, it was often a warning sign that a seizure was forthcoming.

Stage 2 is called the aura, where pre-ictal symptoms increase in intensity. Signs may include restlessness, nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, increased affection, wandering, hiding, or running. This is the point just before a seizure. With generalized seizures, the aura or pre-ictal phase may be more pawnounced & recognizable.

Stage 3 is the ictal stage.  This is when the seizure occurs. Olivia had tonic-clonic (aka grand mal) seizures, which are what most people think of when they think of epilepsy. This stage can last from a few seconds to several minutes. If it lasts more than five minutes, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures can come in clusters, which is what our fursister Olivia experienced. Fortunately, she was given a “cluster buster,” a medication that helps stop the cluster by slowing brain activity. HuMom later learned how to use it as a “prevent-an-event” medication.

Stage 4 is the post-ictal phase, which can last from several minutes to several days. During this time, a dog may be disoriented & appear drugged or drunk. They may be lethargic or pace frantically. Some dogs, like our Olivia, may become temporarily blind & bump into walls or furniture.

Recovery time varies for each dog, & we want to remind you that it can take weeks before your good dog feels like themselves again. Recently, HuMom helped a friend whose newly rescued senior dog had a seizure. She didn’t get up for over an hour. She was conscious but unable to stand. Then suddenly, she was up, hungry, thirsty, & acting like, “What are you all staring at?” Epilepsy is strange like that.

 

 

Olivia’s free ebook can be read & downloaded here:

Book #3 Stages of a Seizure

As pawmised, we will continue to mew on anti-seizure medication, how inflammation is an epilepsy warrior’s enemy, CBD, cannabinoids, endocannabinoids & canines, & so much more impawtant information for furmilies living with canine epilepsy.                                                

Remember, when one member of the furmily lives with epilepsy, everyone lives with epilepsy. You are not alone. We are a wagnificent community that shares, cares, & supports you & your Canine Epilepsy Warrior.

 

CEO Olivia in a Purple Scarf

 

Have a purrfect week!

Remember to be gnawsome, be kind & stay safe,

Dot & Jerry Underfoot😻 head boops 😻

Remembering Epilepsy Warrior Olivia & Epilepsy Ambassador Eddy forever🐾💜🐾

Discover more from Knotty Toys for Good Dogs

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

11 thoughts on “Stages of A Seizure A Dot & Jerry Guide ~ Canine Epilepsy Warrior Olivia’s Legacy of Learning”

  1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    So sorry to hear that. WP has been very troublesome lately. I was online with a Happiness Engineer for nearly 2 hrs a couple of days ago. They seem to have made some changes to the platform lately (and they’re worse than the Block Editor). I wish they’d stop ‘fixing’ things that aren’t broken. I know I’ve had a few problems leaving messages on some blogs as well. They seem to eventually show up ubt the lag time is maddening. I’ve done more than a couple soft boots to kick WP into gear. Sigh. Again, apologies.

    Like

    1. Knotty Toys for Good Dogs's avatar

      Thank you.
      Because huMom is the Wally’s Canine Epilepsy Foundation Director of Communication she nose that there is always new humans that are experiencing canine epilepsy for the first time & are searching for information.
      Keeping our fursister Olivia’s legacy alive gives us the opportunity to help others nose they are not alone.

      Dot & Jerry Underfoot 😻head boops😻

      Liked by 1 person

      3. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        So sorry to hear that. WP has been particularly vexing lately. I spent nearly 2 hours working with one of their Happiness Engineers the other day. They’ve made some changes and things are messed up. So sorry you’re having problems. I’ve had some problems commenting on some blogs as well but then eventually it posts. I’ve been soft booting my laptop and it seems to speed things up. Again, we’re so sorry.

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.