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

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 and downloaded here:
Book #3 Stages of a Seizure

As pawmised, we will continue to mew about anti-seizure medications, how inflammation is an epilepsy warrior’s enemy, CBD, cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and canines—plus 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, and supports you and your Canine Epilepsy Warrior.

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.