
Emergency Stabilization
IV medications to stop active seizures and prevent recurrence in the critical first moments.
Complete Diagnostics
Blood tests, imaging, and neurological exams to determine what caused the seizure.
24/7 Emergency Team
Available every moment, every day—because seizures don’t wait for business hours.
What Causes Seizures in Pets?
A seizure happens when abnormal electrical activity fires in the brain, causing uncontrolled muscle movements, twitching, or loss of consciousness. It’s a symptom, not a disease.
Common causes: epilepsy, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), head trauma, brain tumors, toxin exposure, heatstroke, liver or kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, or infectious diseases like distemper.
Every seizure matters. Even a single episode warrants professional evaluation. Seizures lasting more than 3-5 minutes, cluster seizures (multiple in 24 hours), or seizures with blue lips, difficulty breathing, or severe disorientation afterward are life-threatening emergencies.
Get Help Now
If your pet is seizing, call us at (423) 581-9492 immediately. Our emergency team will guide you through what to do and prepare for your arrival. If the seizure doesn’t stop within a few minutes, this is a medical emergency—come in right away.
Expert neurological and emergency care
Fast diagnosis with in-house lab and imaging
Compassionate guidance for terrified pet families
Trusted by Pet Families in New Market and Jefferson County
When their pets have seizures, families trust Five Rivers for immediate care, clear answers about what comes next, and honest guidance on seizure management.
Got Questions?
Is a single seizure in my pet an emergency?
Yes, it warrants immediate professional evaluation. Even one seizure can indicate a serious underlying condition like epilepsy, toxin exposure, or organ dysfunction. A vet needs to examine your pet and run diagnostics to rule out life-threatening causes. Bring your pet in or call us right away if a seizure occurs.
What should I do if my pet is actively seizing?
Stay calm and keep them safe. Gently move them away from hard furniture or stairs so they don’t hurt themselves. Don’t put anything in their mouth—they won’t swallow their tongue. Call us immediately at (423) 581-9492. If the seizure lasts longer than 3-5 minutes or more than one seizure happens in 24 hours, treat it as an emergency and come in right away.
What's the difference between a single seizure and epilepsy?
A single seizure is one isolated event caused by something specific (toxin, low blood sugar, head injury, infection). Epilepsy is a chronic condition where seizures happen repeatedly without an obvious trigger. Both need different approaches to diagnosis and treatment, which is why finding the underlying cause is critical.
Are you available for seizure emergencies 24/7?
Yes. Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at (423) 581-9492 anytime—day or night—if your pet is having a seizure. Our emergency team will be ready to stabilize and care for your pet immediately.

Seizures Can Return and Get Worse. Don't Wait.
If your pet has a seizure, our emergency team is available 24/7 to stabilize, diagnose, and protect them. Call (423) 581-9492 now—we’re ready when you arrive.


