A seizure is a temporary electrical disturbance of the brain that results in the loss of motor control and muscle contractions.To normalize nervous system function you should start with dietary assessment. Inappropriate diet, nutrient deficiencies, presence of antinutrieets, low blood sugar (can also result from nutrient deficiencies) and nervous system disease are common factors that lead to seizures.

Seizures can be caused by: Nutrient deficiencies

Rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and other herbivores who suffer from seizures should be on a natural diet. Nutriets from unprocessed plant sources are fully available for uptake and utilization. Offer:

Various types of loose, preferably organic, grass hays (timothy, bluegrass, orchard, meadow grasses, oat, brome)

Small amount of legumes (alfalfa, red clover)

Supplement with organic herbs as they are rich in nutrients and possess medicinal properties that keep herbivores healthy.

Offer some fresh, organic veggies for rabbits and guinea pigs

Small amount of quality, fresh (rancid fats are very dangerous) pellets

Too much salt in a diet can cause seizures and lead to calcium deficiency. Avoid commercial treats and salt wheels.

Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency can cause seizures. Presence of thiaminase that breaks down animals' stored supply of thiamine can cause a deficiency. Thiaminase enzyme splits thiamine at the methylene linkage.

Caffeic acid is a heat-stable antithiamice factor. Fern is a common example (it's usullly a problem for cattle); however, caffeic acid can be formed on hydrolysis of chlorogenic acids by intestinal microflora. Sunflower seeds, blueberry/bilberry leaves, green apples, peanuts contain chlorogenic acid and should be avoided. Significant amounts of thiaminases in the diet can induce thiamine deficiency. Never give chinchillas, rabbits, guinea pigs and other pets chlorinated water as it can destroy thiamine.



Please note that often, it's not just lack of a particular vitamin or mineral in the diet that leads to a deficiency. Instead, it's a result of poor nutrient assimilation. For example, for the assimilation of thiamin, Vitamins E and C, Manganese, other B vitamins must be present. As you see, its not wise to supplement with just separate molecules.



Avoid freezing pellets as it can accelerate some undesirable reactions. Although most vitamins show no appreciable loss during freezing, there are some exceptions. Freezing can increase thiaminase activity .

Calcium deficiency. More common in chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs that get only a low quality pelleted feed and never get legumes and herbs. Can happen to females that have recently given birth as they have higher nutrient needs.



For the assimilation of Calcium vitamins C, A, D, E, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, boron, essential fatty acids, lysine must be present.