What causes fatal seizures in cats?
There are numerous conditions that can lead to seizures in cats. Most originate in the brain itself, with possible causes including: Brain tumors. Infectious diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis, feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and cryptococcosis.
Why does my cat keep jolting?
A sore back, tail, or anal glands can result in muscle twitching on your cat’s back. Skin conditions that are itchy such as allergies or parasite infestations, can also cause muscle twitching. There is a syndrome known as “Feline hyperaesthesia” which results in muscle twitching due to excessively sensitive skin.
What kind of seizures can a cat have?
Cat seizures can take many forms. Generalized or grand mal seizures can include convulsions, limb rigidity or paddling, loss of consciousness, abnormal vocalization and loss of urinary or bowel control. Grand mal seizures can occur alone or in clusters and typically last a minute or two.
Can a cat be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy?
In cats with idiopathic epilepsy, no abnormality will be detected in these tests: this is known as a “diagnosis of exclusion” for this reason. An accurate diagnosis of the cause of seizures is essential when deciding on treatment. Most affected cats will show most of these six signs during a seizure.
Can a cat be on medication for epilepsy?
If your cat is on long-term medication, he will need regular checkups and blood tests to ensure the medications are not causing other health problems. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent your cat from developing epilepsy. And even if your cat has been diagnosed with epilepsy and is on medication, that may not completely eliminate seizures.
How are focal seizures different from generalized seizures?
In focal seizures, a smaller localized area within the cerebral cortex causes the seizure to occur. Focal seizures are also sometimes referred to as partial seizures since they are isolated to specific parts of the body. Focal seizures in cats produce symptoms that are different from generalized feline seizures.
What do you call a cat that has a seizure?
Seizures will vary in intensity and are usually described using three terms: petit mal, grand mal, and status epilepticus. Petit mal seizures are the mildest form. The cat may simply develop a blank stare, shake one leg, or cry out in pain. Petite mal seizures usually last less than one minute.
In cats with idiopathic epilepsy, no abnormality will be detected in these tests: this is known as a “diagnosis of exclusion” for this reason. An accurate diagnosis of the cause of seizures is essential when deciding on treatment. Most affected cats will show most of these six signs during a seizure.
Can a cat be put on long term medication for seizures?
In most cases, if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually. However, not every cat that has recurring seizures will be put on long-term medication. Because of the stress on the liver that long term anticonvulsant use can cause, the medicine is usually not given to cats whose seizures are more than two months apart.
Can a flea and tick spray give a cat a seizure?
If a cat is exposed to toxins such as antifreeze (ethylene glycol), the result is often seizures. Additionally, certain flea and tick medications that are intended for dogs can lead to seizures if they are administered to a cat. Such flea and tick medications, along with shampoos, sprays, and dips, contain an ingredient called pyrethrin.