Our veterinary neurologist at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG) in Ventura diagnoses and treats cats that are experiencing seizures. Today, we look at epilepsy in cats; some of the different types of seizures, and their most common symptoms.
Can cats have epilepsy?
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures. While rare, cats, like humans, can have seizures and be diagnosed with epilepsy.
Idiopathic epilepsy is a relatively common inherited condition in dogs, but inherited seizures are not typically seen in cats. Idiopathic epilepsy is a diagnosis sometimes given for cats when there is no apparent structural cause for the pet's seizures.
What causes seizures in cats?
Seizures in cats are much less common than seizures in dogs, and rather than being caused by an inherited condition, seizures in cats are typically caused by disease or injury to the cat's brain, or external factors such as toxins. Epileptic seizures in cats can be caused by intracranial or extracranial issues, and can be classified into several types.
Intracranial Causes - Within The Brain
Intracranial causes of seizures in cats can be structural diseases such as tumors, brain inflammation, infections (encephalitis), brain malformation, head trauma, or stroke, or functional issues within the brain (primary epilepsy). Circling, restlessness, and lethargy are all symptoms of intracranial seizures in cats.
Primary Epilepsy
If your cat is diagnosed with primary epilepsy, it means that his seizures are caused by functional problems in the brain rather than structural issues. This indicates that there is a chemical imbalance in your cat's brain between excitatory and inhibitory signals. Cats with primary epilepsy frequently develop seizures in their early adulthood.
Extra-Cranial Causes - Outside of The Brain
If your cat's seizures are diagnosed as the result of an extra-cranial condition, they are caused by something other than the brain. Toxins, poisons, and metabolic diseases like diabetes are the most common causes of extracranial seizures in cats.Seizures in cats can be caused by infectious central nervous system diseases like FIP, toxoplasmosis, FeLV, cryptococcus, and FIV.
Reactive Epileptic Seizures
If your cat's brain is healthy, seizures can be caused by a reaction to poisons and toxins, as well as changes in blood composition caused by metabolic conditions like diabetes or liver and kidney disease. If your cat's seizure is caused by toxin exposure, he or she will usually have only one.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy in cats?
Cat seizures typically last a few minutes, but in some cases, animals can have cluster seizures, which occur over the course of a few hours or days. If your cat is having a seizure, the symptoms will vary depending on whether it is generalized or partial.
Partial Seizures
- Signs of a partial seizure include uncharacteristic behavior, abnormal posture, unusual vocalizations, drooling or twitching.
Generalized Seizures
- Generalized seizures in cats often (but not always) begin with behavioral changes quickly followed by symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, chewing, twitching, salivating, defecation or urination.
How is epilepsy in cats diagnosed?
Seizures in cats require a diagnosis due to the numerous possible causes. Blood tests, urinalysis, spinal fluid analysis, x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all examples of diagnostic tests.
The purpose of testing and diagnosis is to determine the underlying cause of your cat's seizures in order to provide the best possible treatment.
How is epilepsy in cats treated?
If your cat is experiencing seizures, treatment is essential since recurrent seizures can lead to further brain damage, more severe seizures or other health complications. When treating cats with epilepsy the primary focus is on the underlying cause of the condition. In cases where there is no treatment available for the underlying cause, or the cause remains unknown, anti-convulsant medication may be prescribed by your vet.
When starting treatment for epilepsy in cats, patience is essential! It may take some time to determine the best medication for controlling your cat's seizures and the appropriate dosage for your cat.
The goal of successful epilepsy treatment is to reduce the number and severity of seizures, rather than to eliminate them entirely. Total seizure prevention is rarely possible. However, even if your cat has occasional seizures, he or she can live a healthy life.
Important Epilepsy Treatment Notes for Pet Parents!
If your cat is diagnosed with epilepsy, they will need to take medication for the rest of their lives, and you must follow a few key rules:
- Always follow dosage and timing instructions on your cat's medications. The timing of seizure medication is an important element in the successful treatment of seizures in cats.
- Do not run out of medication. The sudden withdrawal of these medications could lead your cat to experience uncontrollable seizures.
- Keep these medications in a safe place where children and other animals cannot reach!
- Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any other medications or supplements in order to avoid any possible drug interactions.
At Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG), our veterinary neurologist can diagnose and treat seizures in cats. If your cat is experiencing seizures and requires immediate care, visit our veterinary hospital right away.
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