Convulsion

A convulsion is a violent, involuntary contraction of the muscles, usually a visible sign of a seizure caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

In dogs and cats, a generalized convulsion typically involves collapse, rigid or paddling limbs, jaw movements, drooling and loss of bladder control, often followed by a period of disorientation. Causes include idiopathic epilepsy, low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, brain tumors, head trauma and poisoning. Ingestion of cannabis products is among the toxic exposures reported in pets, and the FDA lists convulsions among the possible adverse signs after animals ingest such products.

A seizing animal should be kept away from stairs and hard edges, timed, and not restrained by the mouth; any first seizure, a seizure lasting more than a few minutes or repeated seizures in a day is a veterinary emergency. Veterinarians investigate with a physical and neurological examination, bloodwork and sometimes imaging. If a toxic exposure is suspected, contacting a veterinarian or an animal poison control line promptly matters.