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Last Fact Check: 09/13/2020 02:01pm

If your pet just had a seizure..

IMPORTANT:
  • If pet is actively seizing for more than 5 minutes, transport immediately to the Closest Animal Hospital (click for google maps)
  • If pet is actively seizing for less than 5 minutes - jump to Ictal Phase now - you can finish reading this later.
  • If your pet has just come out of a seizure - jump to Post-Ictal Phase now - you can finish reading this later. 
​
​
First, take some deep breaths and do your best to calm yourself down. Try to remind yourself that a seizure is scarier for you than it is for your pet.  Also remember, your pet is not conscious during a seizure, even if they appear to be, they are not aware of whats happening, and are not experiencing pain or fear. We've assembled the most comprehensive guide to navigating seizures in your beloved pet. Below is a Quick Directory to find exactly what you're looking for. 
 
DIRECTIONS TO MY CLOSEST VET Hospital

Index
Phases of a Seizure
  • Pre-Ictal (Before)
  • Ictal (During)
  • Post-Ictal (After)

Types of Seizures​
  • Generalized Seizure (Grand Mal)
  • Focal Seizure (Partial)
  • Petit Mal Seizure
  • Cluster Seizures
  • Status Epilepticus

​About Seizures
  • What is a Seizure?
  • Toxic Causes of Seizures in Dogs
  • Toxic Causes of Seizures in Cats
  • Medical Causes of Seizures
  • Potential Environmental Seizure Triggers
  • Life Expectancy ​
Getting Veterinary Care
  • Before Seeing The Vet
  • What To Expect at the Vet
  • Anti-Epileptic Drugs
  • At-Home Cluster Seizure Rescue Therapy (Dogs) 

At-Home Care & Mitigation
  • CBD (Cannabidiol)​
  • Seizure Tech - Collar-Mounted Trackers
  • Recommended Lifestyle Changes (Pending Fact Check)
  • Seizure Diary (Coming Soon)
  • Emotional Support Resources (Coming Soon)
    ​
Making Humane Decisions
  • Quality-of-Life Scale
If this Seizure Guide has helped you and your pet, please consider making a donation to The Opal Fund.

 

Pre-Ictal Phase - Before the seizure

The Pre-Ictal Phase is often referred to as Aura. While not obvious in every pet, the Pre-Ictal phase is a period of altered behavior several minutes to hours before a seizure. An otherwise social or needy pet may go off to be by themselves or vice versa, an otherwise independent pet may suddenly nervous and seek attention or comfort. Some pets may display symptoms of anxiety such as; shaking, crying, yawning, licking, salivating, and general restlessness.

Since each pet is different, these cues are usually picked up by owners after experiencing many seizures. Don't beat yourself up over not noticing them, even after almost 30 seizures we never identified Opal's Pre-Ictal cues.
Return to the Quick Directory

 

Ictal Phase - During the seizure 

  • Keep your hands clear from their mouth, you can easily be seriously bitten.
  • Keep your pet safe from bodily injury by carefully moving them away from stairs or carefully sliding pillows between their head and the ground / walls / furniture. 
  • DO NOT place anything in their mouth. 
  • Begin timing the seizure as soon as you can. Most will last 1 minute, some may be more. Record the date and time as well.
  • Your pet may begin to foam at the mouth, this is normal during a seizure.
  • Your pet may empty their bladder or bowels due to involuntary muscle contractions.
  • Try to film the seizure to show your Veterinarian to identify the type of seizure. If you can't, take note of what your pet's body is doing. 
  • If actively seizing for more than 3 minutes, prepare some cold wet towels. 
  • If actively seizing for more than 5 minutes immediately transport them to the Closest Animal Hospital (click for google maps).
  • Once convulsions stop, you may begin to comfort them speaking softly and petting them but use caution.
  • Once conscious, your pet will be very confused and may try to bite or escape. This is known as the Post-Ictal Phase.
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Post-ictal Phase - After the seizure.

  • Your pet may be very confused.
  • Depending on the type of seizure they experienced, your pet may be extremely uncoordinated.
  • Some pets may become vocal as they regain consciousness. 
  • A generalized seizure is like running a marathon in under a minute. You can offer your dog some vanilla ice cream (free of artificial sweeteners) to restore blood sugar and bring down body temperature. Watch your fingers.
  • If you prepared cold wet towels, they can be applied to the armpits, groin, paws, or head to help bring their body temperature down.
  • Begin a seizure log; detail the Date, Time, Duration, Type of seizure, What your pet was doing last.
  • Phone your primary Veterinarian to let them know what happened. If after hours, you may call your local Animal Hospital. Typically, a seizure that ends within 5 minutes, and is not part of a cluster, is not an emergency. 
  • If your pet experiences a second seizure within 24 hours, they require immediate Veterinary attention. See; Cluster Seizures
  • Try to identify the type of Seizure your pet experienced.
Return to the Quick Directory

 

Types of Seizures


 

Generalized Seizures - Grand Mal

A Generalized (Grand Mal) seizure is what most people will picture when they hear the word "Seizure". This type of seizure affects the entire body, due to misfires in both hemispheres of the brain.

Pets experiencing a Generalized seizure typically present with one or more of the following;
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Falling over.
  • Respirations stop (apnea) before convulsions.
  • Involuntary convulsions.
  • Rigid, extended limbs.
  • Leg paddling.
  • Loss of bladder / bowels.
  • Chomping of jaw.
  • Salivate or Foam from the mouth.
  • Vocalization - whining, screaming, barking.
  • Pupils may dilate (become large).

Video below is of a Generalized seizure. 

Picture
Generalized Seizures affect the entire brain.
*WARNING: VIEWERS MAY FIND THIS VIDEO DISTURBING*
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Focal Seizure - Partial

A focal seizure affects a small area, or lobe, of the brain. Symptoms and level of consciousness depend on which area of the brain is being affected. Pet's will typically remain consciousness, however consciousness may alter leading to confusion or strange behavior.

A Focal seizure will present with only a few, or as little as just 1 of the following;
  • Twitching or jerking one side of the body or face.
  • Repetitive turning of the head to one side.
  • Repetitive moving of one limb.
  • Curving of the trunk and turning back as if being scratched.
  • Dilated pupils.
  • Vocalization.
  • Difficulty balancing.
  • Sudden change in hearing, vision, or taste (observed as lip licking and drooling).

Complex Partial / Focal Seizures: are another form of a Focal Seizure and are typically the most challenging for pet owners and veterinarians to recognize. Complex Partial / Focal seizures manifest as behavioral abnormalities including;
  • Spinning
  • Tail or Fly Chasing
  • Excessive Licking
  • Vocalization
  • Rage, Fear, or Confusion
  • Other Inexplainable Behavior

These originate from the limbic system or temporal lobe of the cerebrum
​



Video below is of a focal seizure, note the dog appears to be consciousness and aware that something strange is happening.
Picture
Focal Seizures affect one area of the brain.
*WARNING: VIEWERS MAY FIND THIS VIDEO DISTURBING*
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Petit-Mal Seizure

Petit Mal seizures, sometimes called absence seizures, can be easily mistaken for Focal seizures - and vice versa. Petit-Mal seizures typically present as an altered mental state. Your pet may stare off into space, or appear to see something you can not see. Petit-Mal seizures are notably brief, lasting less than 1 minute.

​A pet suffering from a Petit-Mal seizure may present with some of the following;
  • Staring into space.
  • Rapid blinking.
  • Lip licking.
  • Shaking head back and forth.
  • Whole body trembles.
  • Appearing to see something you do not.

​Video is of a Petit-Mal seizure, note the dog appears to be seeing or experiencing something that isn't there.
​
*WARNING: VIEWERS MAY FIND THIS VIDEO DISTURBING*
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Cluster Seizures

The term Cluster Seizures describes two or more seizures (of any type) that occur within 24 hours of each other. Seizures can occur within just seconds of each other, or as long as 23 hours apart, so long as the seizures are within 24 hours of each other it is considered a Cluster Seizure episode.

​Cluster seizures are a true medical emergency, and your pet should be taken to your local Animal Hospital as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY - DIRECTIONS TO MY CLOSEST VET Hospital
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Status Epilepticus

When a pet experiences a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, they are in Status Epilepticus. Status Epilepticus is a extremely dangerous and can quickly result in death. The prolonged seizure activity can overheat the body, and the combination of seizure activity and increased body temperature causes brain damage rapidly. Medication such as Intravenous Diazepam is usually required to get the patient our of Status Epilepticus. 

​Status Epilepticus is a true medical emergency
, and your pet should be taken to your local Animal Hospital immediately.
EMERGENCY - DIRECTIONS TO MY CLOSEST VET Hospital
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About Seizures


 

What is a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. If you have two or more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures, the patient may be diagnosed with epilepsy. There are many types of seizures, which range in severity. Seizure types vary by where and how they begin in the brain. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes is a medical emergency.(1.) (See; Status Epilepticus)


References:
(1.) Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seizure/symptoms-causes/syc-20365711 
​Accessed: 03/05/2020
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Toxic Causes of Seizures in Dogs

Dogs can suffer from seizures as a result of poisoning or accidentally consuming toxic chemicals. Its important to rule out toxicity as the cause for your dog's seizure.
Toxic medications to consider;
  • Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream​ (Topical chemotherapy)
  • ​Ivermectin (Heart worm preventative, if overdosed)
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
  • Isoniazid
  • Lamotrigine (Human anti-epileptic drug)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Metronidazole - (Antibiotic, over theraputic range)
  • Phenylbutazone (Anti-Inflamatory, over theraputic range)
  • Vilazodone (Antidepressant - Viibryd)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Phenylpropanolamine
  • Procaine Penicillin G
  • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
  • Medications with potential to cause hypoglycemia (such as sulfonylureas)
Some toxic plants to consider;
  • Mushrooms
  • Brunfelsia (Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow)
  • Sago palm

Toxic controlled substances;
  • Cannabis (Not including CBD aka Cannabidiol)
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Synthetic cannabinoids 

Some toxic chemicals found in food;
  • Xylitol (Sugar-Free Gum)
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol / Ethanol
  • ​Dark chocolate
Rodenticides, Pesticides and Insecticides;
  • Metaldehyde (Snail & Slug Poison)
  • Bifenthrin (Insecticide)
  • Strychnine (Pesticide)
  • Zinc phosphide (Rat Poison)
  • 4-Aminopyridine (Bird Poison)

​It's important to note, this is not a complete list, rather the most common toxic causes of seizures in dogs.

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Toxic Causes of Seizures in Cats

Cats can suffer from seizures as a result of poisoning or accidentally consuming toxic chemicals. Its important to rule out toxicity as the cause for your cat's seizure.
Toxic medications to consider;​
  • Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics (When overdosed)
  • Diphehydramine (Benadryl)
  • Amitriptyline (used to treat behavioral problems, can cause seizures if over theraputic dose)
  • Mirtazapine (used as Appetite Stimulant - Toxic in cats with underlying renal or hepatic disease)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Minodixil (Human Vasodilator & Topical Hair Growth Promoter)
  • Acetominophen (Tylenol)(Especially in cats with methemoglobinemia)
  • Ivermectin & Moxidectin (Heart worm preventative - if overdosed)
  • Baclofen (Human Muscle Relaxer / Antispasmodic)
Some toxic chemicals found in food;
  • Chocolate
  • Caffeine
Rodenticides, Pesticides and Insecticides;
  • Metaldehyde (Snail & Slug Poison)
  • Bifenthrin (Insecticide)
  • Strychnine (Pesticide)
  • Zinc phosphide (Rat Poison)
  • 4-Aminopyridine (Bird Poison)
  • Bromethalin (Rodentacide)
Misc. Toxins
  • Permethrin (K9 Flea & Tick often accidentally applied or licked off a dog)
  • Tea Tree Oil (When applied or ingested)
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid (Found in human supplements)
  • Pyrethrin (Flea & Tick Shampoo)

It's important to note, this is not a complete list, rather the most common toxic causes of seizures in cats.

References:
The Veterinary Journal: Reactive Seizures in Cats: A Retrospective Study
Accessed: 05/12/2020

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Potential Medical Causes For Seizures

Seizures are a symptom, not a diagnosis. After ruling out chemical toxicity, its time to explore some potential medical causes for seizures. Your Veterinarian will need to rule out all possible causes before confirming an Idiopathic Epilepsy diagnosis. We'll split these medical conditions into two categories;

Intracranial, conditions inside of or directly on the brain.
Extracranial, conditions originating outside of the brain.
Intracranial Causes of Seizures
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy
  • Brain Trauma / Injury
  • Brain Tumor
  • Granulomatous Encephalitis
  • Stroke
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Structural Abnormality / Lesion
  • Distemper Virus
  • Rabies Virus
  • Infections that cross the Blood Brain Barrier
Extracranial Causes of Seizures
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production)
  • Liver Disease (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)
  • Electrolyte Imbalance
  • Thiamine Deficiency
Return to the Quick Directory

 

Potential Environmental Seizure Triggers

​Seizures of unknown origin, Idiopathic Epilepsy, can have certain environmental triggers. Be ready to discuss potential triggers with your Veterinarian. Below are some common environmental triggers - consider any recent changes in your home.
Environmental triggers to consider;
  • Car rides (stress).
  • Separation Anxiety.
  • Thunderstorms.
  • Change in routine.
  • Flashing lights.
  • Fatigue.
  • Hunger.
  • Overstimulation.
  • Changes in Barometric Pressure.
  • Changes in lunar cycle.
Continued..
  • Other stressful situations (Grooming, training, etc.).
  • Changes in diet.
  • Perfume.
  • Scented candles.
  • Essential Oil diffusers.
  • Loud Sounds.
  • Paint Fumes.
  • Deck Stains.


References:
​American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine: 
Seizure-precipitating factors in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Accessed 05/11/2020
Return to the Quick Directory

Getting Veterinary Care


 

Before Seeing Your Vet

If your pet has not suffered a Cluster Seizure episode or Status Epilepticus, you can pass on an Emergency visit to the hospital, but you should make an appointment with your primary Veterinarian as soon as possible. Its important to come prepared to this Vet visit, so you can quickly make progress towards a diagnosis.
Try to bring the following to your Veterinarian;
  • Seizure Log (Date - Time - Duration - Seizure Type)
  • Video of seizure. Tip: Could the seizure have been caught on interior security cameras?
  • If no video available, provide a detailed description of the seizure.
  • Document any recent changes in your home. 
  • Consider any potential instances of chemical toxicity.
  • Photograph the labels of any Food, Treats, or supplements your pet is consuming.
Return to the Quick Directory

 

What To Expect At Your Vet Visit

The time between your pet's seizure and their first visit with their Vet can feel like an eternity. Stress levels are high and your mind is full of "What Ifs?". Try to remind yourself that the cause of seizures - and neurological disorders in general - are not solved or treated in one day. If you go into this appointment expecting to leave with a diagnosis and a full regiment of medications, you will be very disappointed. This is why it's so important to do your due diligence and prepare to answer many lifestyle questions. 

Your Veterinarian will spend most of this visit talking with you about the seizure. This is why its so important to make sure you have everything you need before seeing your Vet. This is where your seizure log and video (or detailed description) will come in handy. Your Vet needs to make sure what your pet experienced was truly a seizure, and If so, they need to first rule out Poisoning and Medical Causes. Your Vet should run a diagnostic blood test to verify blood levels of Calcium, Blood Sugar, Thyroid Hormone. They will also check for signs of infection, and Electrolyte imbalance. Depending on the technology available, results from this test may take several days. Your Vet will hold off on prescribing Anti-Epileptic Drugs until your pet experiences more seizures, and blood tests return normal. Once a pet starts Anti-Epileptic Drugs, they're on them for life.

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Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AED)

If your pet begins to experience more seizures, your Vet may decide to start on a regiment of Anti-Epileptic Drugs after receiving normal lab results. 
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital should only be given under the direct advisement of a licensed Veterinarian.

Phenobarbital is the most common Anti-Epileptic Drug (AED) used to treat seizures in cats and dogs. Its popularity is due in part to it's low cost and high seizure control success rate. It is easily combined with KBr without heavily taxing the patient's body.

After starting Phenobarbital, Phenobarbital Blood levels should be checked by your vet at regular intervals. The normal therapeutic range is around 15 to 30 mcg/mL. If your pet's blood level is too high your vet may lower the dose. If too low, your vet may slowly increase the dose. Levels should be checked routinely, especially if your pet is still growing, or has gained weight since starting Phenobarbital.

Common Side Effects
  • Weight Gain due to Increased Appetite
  • Increased Thirst 
  • Increased Urine Output
  • Lethargy / Sedation

Recommended Dosing 
1mg - 1.8mg/lb every 12 Hours
Picture

Potassium Bromide (KBr)
Potassium Bromide should only be given under the direct advisement of a licensed Veterinarian.
KBr is a traditional Anti-Epileptic Drug (AED) used in cats and dogs. It is frequently used together with Phenobarbital to control seizures. 

Typically, KBr is started with a "loading dose" that is significantly higher than the maintenance dose. This "loading phase" is given over a 1 - 5 day period. After loading, a daily maintenance dose is all that's needed.

After starting KBr, Blood Bromide levels should be monitored by your vet at regular intervals. It is also recommended to test Potassium levels and liver enzymes while on KBr as well.
​

Common Side Effects
  • Increased Thirst
  • Increased Urine Output
  • Weight Gain due to Increased Appetite
  • Lethargy / Sedation

Recommended Dosing​ - Loading Phase
52mg - 57mg/lb Daily

Recommended Dosing - Maintenance Phase
12.5mg - 16mg/lb Daily

Dosing Chart
Picture

Diazepam (Valium)
Diazepam should only be given under the direct advisement of a licensed Veterinarian.

Diazepam, commonly referred to as Valium is a benxodiazepine drug that provides a sedative effect on the brain and central nervous system. Diazepam is often used as a rescue drug, used to control Status Epilepticus or to stop a Cluster Seizure episode.

Diazepam can be administered in several ways, from quickest absorbing to slowest; Intravenously as a liquid, intrarectally as a liquid, intrarectally as a suppository, or orally as a pill. To be effective as a rescue drug, it should be administered intravenously or intrarectally.


Common Side Effects
  • Significant Sedation
  • Loss of Coordination
  • Changes in Behavior
  • Increased Appetite
  • Slow heart rate or respirations
  • GI Upset
    ​
Recommded Dosage
0.23mg - 0.9mg/lb rectally when in Status Epilepticus or after the second seizure in a cluster.
Picture
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At-Home Rescue Therapy For Cluster Seizures (Dogs)

Veterinary Use Only

The following information is provided as education resources only.
Medications should only be administered under the direction of your Veterinarian. You may use this information to discuss at-home rescue therapy options with your Vet, but never take it upon yourself to administer medication to your pet in any way other than how it was prescribed.

Oral Rescue AED selection & dose recommendation for home treatment of Cluster Seizures in dogs.

Picture

Non-intravenous benzodiazepine treatment for at home cluster seizures in dogs.

Picture
Picture
References:
MedVet: Home Rescue Therapy for Cluster Seizures in Dogs
Accessed: 03/06/2020

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Vol 9, No 2: The Use of Diazepam Per Rectum at Home for the Acute Management of Cluster Seizures in Dogs
Accessed: 05/11/2020
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Life Expectancy

For many pet owners, one of the first questions that come to mind is "how will these seizures affect my pet's life expectancy".

Idiopathic Epilepsy
  • In general, seizures that are caused by Idiopathic Epilepsy, and are successfully controlled, have little to no affect on life expectancy.
  • Pets suffering from Idiopathic Epilepsy with episodes of Status Epilepticus or Cluster Seizures (40%-60% of cases), typically experience a 30% reduction in lifespan. The median age at death is approx. 7.0 years.
  • Seizures that are caused by Idiopathic Epilepsy, and are not successfully controlled, can have a devastating affect on life expectancy, with elective humane euthanasia driving down the mean lifespan.

The diagnosis of epilepsy implies an increased risk of premature death. The prognosis for dogs with epilepsy is dependent on a combination of veterinary expertise, therapeutic success, and the owner's motivation.
​
Other Causes
  • Seizures that are caused by toxin exposure generally have no affect on lifespan should the pet avoid repeat exposure to the toxin.
  • Seizures caused by other Neurological Disorders have varying affect on lifespan. Efficacy of treatment should influence prognosis.
References:
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Premature death, risk factors, and life patterns in dogs with epilepsy. 

Accessed: 05/12/2020
​

University of Missouri, Veterinary Health Center: Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy
​
Accessed: 05/11/2020


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CBD (Cannabidiol)

Colorado State University - Veterinary Teaching School is leading the way with extensive research on CBD and its potential as a treatment for Seizure Control in dogs. Having made substantial findings in previous clinical trials, they are moving forward with a larger Clinical Trial. Enrollment information can be found here: Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

"Cannabidiol has recently been making headway for its potential medicinal use. At the present time, there is limited scientific evidence on its efficacy and safety along with its toxicological parameters. In human medicine, it has been documented that the use of CBD oil has increased serum levels of commonly used AEDs. In the dog, we know that cannabis (THC) can have toxic effects. For this reason, there are ongoing studies in dogs with epilepsy at Colorado State University that hope to shed light on future use, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol in the veterinary patient." - MedVet
Clinical Trial Results

Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy.
  • Plasma CBD concentrations were correlated with reduction in seizure frequency. Dogs in the CBD group had a significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity. No adverse behavioral effects were reported by owners.
  • Given the correlation between plasma CBD concentration and seizure frequency, additional research is warranted to determine whether a higher dosage of CBD would be effective in reducing seizure activity by ≥ 50%.

​
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Seizure Tech

Wearable tech for your pet is a rapidly growing industry, and the spotlight is now on managing epilepsy with collar mounted trackers. The Whistle Activity Monitor is one of these wearable activity trackers with the potential to identify movement patterns associated with seizures.

A newly published study (04/15/2020) indicates the Whistle Activity Monitor can correctly detect seizures. Work is being done to turn that detection into a prediction. Seizure detection / prediction is not currently a feature available on the Whistle. This technology coming from a company as reputable as Whistle is a promising thought for anxious pet owners.

There is currently a wearable monitor on the market that claims to accurately predict seizures in pets, the PetPace Health Monitor. Unfortunately, PetPace has received poor reviews and negative feedback on nearly all it's social media channels. Additionally, the company does not appear to be responding to support tickets, so we can not recommend the PetPace at this time.

Seizure prediction could offer true relief to anxious pet owners, but we recommend waiting for a reliable and highly researched product to be released before making such a large investment. 
References:
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Evaluation of a collar-mounted accelerometer for detecting seizure activity in dogs.
​
Accessed: 05/12/2020

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Quality-of-Life Scale

Score patients using a scale of: 0 to 10 (10 being ideal).
Score
Criterion
0-10
​HURT – Adequate pain control & breathing ability is of top concern. Trouble breathing outweighs all concerns. Is the pet’s pain well managed? Can the pet breathe properly? Is oxygen supplementation necessary?
0-10
HUNGER – Is the pet eating enough? Does hand feeding help? Does the pet need a feeding tube?
​0-10
HYDRATION – Is the pet dehydrated? For patients not drinking enough water, use subcutaneous fluids daily or twice daily to supplement fluid intake.
​0-10
​HYGIENE – The pet should be brushed and cleaned, particularly after eliminations. Avoid pressure sores with soft bedding and keep all wounds clean.
​0-10
HAPPINESS – Does the pet express joy and interest? Is the pet responsive to family, toys, etc.? Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Can the pet’s bed be moved to be close to family activities?
​0-10
​MOBILITY – Can the pet get up without assistance? Does the pet need human or mechanical help (e.g., a cart)? Does the pet feel like going for a walk? Is the pet having seizures or stumbling? (Some caregivers feel euthanasia is preferable to amputation, but an animal with limited mobility yet still alert, happy and responsive can have a good quality of life as long as caregivers are committed to helping their pet.)
​0-10
​MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD – When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life might be too compromised. When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware that the end is near. The decision for euthanasia needs to be made if the pet is suffering. If death comes peacefully and painlessly at home, that is okay.
Total
A total over 35 points represents acceptable life quality to continue with treatment or pet hospice.
Source;
​Original concept, Oncology Outlook, by Dr. Alice Villalobos, Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call, VPN, 09/2004; scale format created for author’s book, Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond, Blackwell Publishing, 2007. Revised for the International Veterinary Association of Pain Management (IVAPM) 2011 Palliative Care and Hospice Guidelines. Reprinted with permission from Dr. Alice Villalobos & Wiley-Blackwell.
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