Lumbosacral Disease (Aka. Cauda Equina Syndrome)
Seizures can be distressing to watch, and many owners feel helpless. At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet because we understand how frightening and overwhelming seizures can be. We offer gentle, natural, whole-body therapies aimed at supporting brain health and improving quality of life.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
What are seizures and epilepsy?
Seizures occur when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, temporarily disrupting how the brain functions. This disruption can look very different depending on the type of seizure.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined by recurrent seizures over time and it’s important to know that not every seizure means a pet has epilepsy.
Some seizures are reactive, meaning they are triggered by factors outside the brain such as metabolic imbalances, organ disease, or exposure to toxins/poisons. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is either primary/idiopathic (no known cause) or secondary (caused by a brain abnormality).
Holistic treatment
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of supportive care for pets with seizures. Research suggests that acupuncture may help regulate nervous system activity by encouraging the release of natural inhibitory neurotransmitters, which can help calm overactive brain signals.
By using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, our qualified vets aim to support seizure management, aid recovery and awareness after a seizure, and enhance overall quality of life.
TCM is often used with the aim of complementing Western medications, which may allow for lower drug doses where appropriate and help manage medication-related side effects (e.g. sedation, incoordination). It may also be considered for pets whose seizures are not fully controlled with medication alone, with the goal of supporting overall seizure management and wellbeing.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual). We aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods which may contribute to inflammation in some pets.
In some seizure cases, we may recommend a carefully formulated ketogenic (high fat, low carbohydrate), unprocessed, whole-food diet to support brain health – always alongside appropriate veterinary supervision.
Every pet is unique, however, and our goal is to tailor dietary recommendations to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall constitution. Specific guidance can be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of seizures?
There are several different types of seizures, and they don’t all look the same. Some cause obvious convulsions (e.g. collapsing, stiffening, or paddling). Others are more subtle and may appear as sudden behavioural changes (e.g. blank staring, or brief episodes of unresponsiveness).
Seizures can involve the whole brain and body (called generalised seizures) or affect only a specific area of the brain, leading to more localised signs (known as focal seizures). In more serious situations, a pet may experience multiple seizures within a 24-hour period (cluster seizures), or a single seizure lasting longer than five minutes (status epilepticus) which is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
What are common clinical signs of seizures?
It’s important to bear in mind that there are several conditions that look like seizures but are completely different, such as vestibular disease and syncope. Therefore, a thorough work-up with your conventional vet is essential for an appropriate diagnosis.
Seizures often follow a recognisable pattern, although not every pet will show all these stages.
- Prodromal Phase (prodrome): This phase can occur hours to days before a seizure and is often very subtle, so it may go unnoticed. Pets may seem “not quite themselves,” showing behavioural changes such as restlessness, clinginess, hiding, or shifts in mood.
- Pre-ictal Phase (aura): This phase happens seconds to hours before the seizure. More noticeable behavioural changes may appear, including pacing, anxiety, vocalising, or seeking reassurance from their owner
- Ictal Phase (seizure): This is the active seizure phase and usually lasts seconds to a few minutes. What it looks like physically depends on the type of seizure and may include shaking, stiffness, twitching, or altered awareness.
- Post-ictal Phase (recovery): Immediately after the seizure, pets often enter a recovery period that can last minutes to hours. During this time, they may appear confused, disoriented, unsteady, temporarily blind, or unusually tired as their brain recovers.
How are seizures typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Conventional treatment focuses on controlling seizures and reducing their impact on your pet’s quality of life.
In emergency situations—such as an ongoing seizure (status epilepticus) or when several seizures occur close together (cluster seizures)—fast-acting anti-convulsant medications and sedatives are used to stop the seizure activity and stabilise the patient.
For pets with epilepsy, long-term (often lifelong) medication is usually only recommended if seizures happen frequently (more than one within a three-month period), occur in clusters, or are particularly severe. Since epilepsy cannot always be cured—depending on the cause—the aim of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, rather than trying to eliminate them completely.
Dietary management may also play a role, especially if medication alone does not provide adequate control. A ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, provides the brain with an alternative energy source called ketones instead of glucose. This can help protect brain cells, reduce over-excitability of neurons, and may also positively influence the gut microbiome (which is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to overall brain health).
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, healing, and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
