Emergency Approach to Acute Seizures in Dogs and Cats.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Small Animal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Seizures are a frequent emergency presentation in veterinary practice.
• Effective management requires prompt triage, stabilization, and treatment.
• Differentiating seizure causes (intracranial vs. extracranial) is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematic diagnostic and treatment strategy for seizures in dogs and cats.
• To emphasize the importance of ruling out metabolic and extracranial causes early.
• To guide veterinary professionals in managing single seizures, cluster seizures, and status epilepticus.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
• Emphasis on point-of-care diagnostics for extracranial causes.
• Integration of history, physical examination, and diagnostic findings.

Main Results:

• A structured approach facilitates efficient diagnosis and treatment.
• Extracranial causes are often identifiable with readily available tests.
• First-line anticonvulsant drugs, such as benzodiazepines, are critical interventions.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach improves seizure management outcomes in small animals.
• Early identification and treatment of underlying causes are essential.
• This review provides a practical framework for veterinary practitioners facing seizure emergencies.