Seizures – convulsions/fitting

Seizures are not a disease in themselves, instead, they are a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain. Some seizures can hardly be noticed, while others can be quite violent. Recovery depends on the cause of the seizures. Seizures are commonly known as convulsions or fitting.

Seizures are caused by a disorder of the brain where the neurons fire in an uncoordinated manner. This disordered brain activity often results in uncontrolled contractions, jerking and twitching of the muscles in the body and an apparent lack of awareness or consciousness during the seizure.

Seizures vary in severity and this is due to the area of the brain that is affected. Generalized seizures usually affect the entire brain whereas partial seizures may only affect one area of the brain.

There are several types of generalized seizures. The most severe seizures are generally known as grand mal seizures and these are characterized by unconsciousness, convulsions, muscle rigidity (tonic-clonic seizure). Less severe seizures may show brief loss of consciousness (absence seizure), isolated jerking movements (myoclonic seizure), repetitive jerking movements (clonic seizure), muscle rigidity (tonic seizure), or loss of muscle tone (atonic seizure).

Minor seizures are not always obvious and may last only a few seconds. The animal may appear to go into a trance-like state, staring at an object, or appearing confused or disoriented.

In more severe seizures twitching or loss of bodily control can occur. The animal might lose control of their limbs or may pass urine/feces or salivate.

The most severe seizures will result in the animal having no control of their limbs or bodily functions. The animal will fall to the floor, lying on their side with their head, legs and body jerking in an uncontrolled manner. They may extend their limbs and head in an unusual, contracted posture and may lose control of bladder and bowels; this can go on for 1-3 minutes.

The danger of a seizure depends on the cause and the severity.

Seizures can be as short as a couple of seconds or can continue with no sign of the seizure stopping. In grand mal seizures that last for more than a couple of minutes, the animal is not conscious and may thrash around an injure themselves. They also might not breathe effectively, and this can starve the brain of oxygen which can result in permanent brain damage.

If treated by a veterinarian, prolonged and repeated seizing can usually be prevented or managed.

Grand mal seizures are the type most commonly seen in guinea pigs, the guinea pig may lie on its side paddling its legs. Its muscle tone will increase and relax alternatively.

There are many different causes for seizures. Some are related to an acute or immediate disease or toxic state in the body. Repeated seizures with no other sign of illness can be a result of epilepsy which is a condition of chronic seizing. Epilepsy is only rarely seen in guinea pigs.

Some acute conditions which may lead a guinea pig to have a seizure include:

• Heat stroke: guinea pigs who overheat may start to seizure as the temperature of the brain becomes dangerously high.
• Pregnancy toxemia: seizures are more common in the latter stages of pregnancy, especially in obese guinea pigs undergoing a period of anorexia.
• Lead toxicity: this can result from guinea pigs nibbling on lead-based paints.
• Parasitic infection: heavy lice or mite burdens can cause excessive pruritus which can lead to seizures in guinea pigs.
• Brain tumor: rare in guinea pigs, but it can occur. Seizing is a common sign of brain tumors.
• Ingestion of certain plants/pesticides: ivy and foxglove are toxic and can cause seizures if eaten as can any plants treated with pesticides.
• Encephalitis or infections of the brain: protozoa, bacterial or viral infections can cause seizures in guinea pigs as can swelling of the brain.
• Head injury: head injuries can lead to seizures in guinea pigs.

If your guinea pig has had a seizure, your veterinarian will want to know a complete history of the problem including whether your guinea pig has eaten anything which may be poisonous or if you have given your guinea pig any medications recently which could have bought on a seizure. Your veterinarian will give your guinea pig a thorough clinical examination and may recommend blood tests to rule out other problems.

A CT or MRI scan may be suggested if your veterinarian believes that there may be a tumor within the brain. These are normally priced at several hundred pounds so may be out of the financial possibilities of some owners unless the guinea pig is insured.

If no cause(s) can be found for the seizure, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your guinea pig for further seizures and if they continue, medication may be prescribed to help prevent the seizures or treat them when they occur.

During a seizure, try to remain calm as there is nothing you can do to stop it. Take note of the time to record how long the seizure lasts so you can inform your veterinarian. You can help ensure that your guinea pig doesn’t injure itself if it is thrashing around by provide padding to protect the head and eyes from injury caused by rubbing on rough surfaces. Be watchful that they maintain their airway but take care to avoid getting near their mouth as your guinea pig will have no control over their behavior and may bite down at the wrong moment. If your guinea pig doesn’t come out of the seizure after a couple of minutes then you must call your veterinarian straight away and be prepared to take them to the clinic.

After the seizure stops, your guinea pig’s brain will need to recover. Your guinea pig may appear confused and tired. It will need to be kept quiet. Dim the lights, turn off the TV/radio and make sure that there are no wires or corners of furniture that the guinea pig could hurt itself on as it struggles to regain coordination.

Call your veterinarian for advice to see if they would recommend seeing your guinea pig straight away after a seizure or if they feel that it would be better to wait until the guinea pig had recovered.

Try and keep your guinea pig’s environment as quiet and stress free as possible. Keep food and water within easy reach and keep a very close eye on them. If they have a companion do not separate them as the other guinea pig will offer comfort and help them to feel safe and secure.

Monitor the guinea pig for early signs of an impending seizure. Obviously, you won’t be able to be with your guinea pig 24 hours a day, and they may have a seizure when you aren’t around. Signs that this may have happened will include a messed-up bed, they appear confused, they may break a claw or bite their lip/tongue when seizing so there could be evidence of blood or the guinea pig may not appear themselves. If in any doubt, then call your veterinarian straight away.