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What causes seizures in an 11 year old cat?

What causes seizures in an 11 year old cat?

Brain tumours are a potential cause of epileptic seizures, especially in older cats. Scan A shows a large meningioma (benign tumour of the meninges, the lining of the brain) in an 11-year-old cat presented with recent onset of epileptic seizures and circling to the left side.

Can a cat have a seizure and be unconscious?

It can be very upsetting to see your cat have a seizure. Fortunately a single seizure is usually of short duration, and your cat is unconscious while convulsing.

What’s the difference between aggression between outdoor and indoor cats?

Aggression between household cats is more subtle and complex than the conflicts between two outdoor toms. It can be so subtle, in fact, that cat parents don’t notice it. The aggressor cat postures, and the recipient makes himself look smaller and may break away to avoid the aggressor.

Brain tumours are a potential cause of epileptic seizures, especially in older cats. Scan A shows a large meningioma (benign tumour of the meninges, the lining of the brain) in an 11-year-old cat presented with recent onset of epileptic seizures and circling to the left side.

When to take your cat to the vet for a seizure?

If a seizure lasts longer than five to 10 minutes then it’s called “status epilepticus,” and is a medical emergency; you should take your cat for emergency veterinary care immediately. However, you should take your cat to see your vet following any seizure just to get a full checkup and diagnosis.

Can a stroke cause a cat to have a seizure?

Strokes attack a single side of the brain and body. If your cat has a seizure from a stroke, he will only show seizure symptoms on one side of its body. Older cats, like older people, are more likely to suffer from a stroke. Head trauma can spur a “focal” seizure in cats. Focal seizures happen in a specific part of the brain.

How are focal seizures different from generalized seizures in cats?

Focal seizures in cats produce symptoms that are different from generalized feline seizures.

Is it possible for an old cat to have a seizure?

The older a home or car’s electrical system is, the more likely it is fail. The same goes for cats. As a cat ages, his likelihood of experiencing seizures grows. But that doesn’t mean every old cat will have a seizure. Most cats will never experience a seizure in their lives.

Focal seizures in cats produce symptoms that are different from generalized feline seizures.

Is it possible for a dog to have a seizure?

Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats.

Why did my cat die, with no symptoms of illness?

Milou was a 10-year-old spayed female indoor cat with no outward signs of illness; the only clue we had that something was amiss was that her appetite had been diminished for 2 days and she had started to hide in a room where she rarely, if ever, went. I found her this morning, and my husband picked her up to shroud her in a blanket.

When does treatment for epilepsy in cats not work?

When treatment is not effective (ie, the cat does not have a reduction in seizure frequency of 50%, or there is no change, or an increase in seizure frequency), the treatment plan must be re-evaluated with your veterinarian.

What to do if your cat has a seizure?

Seizures are usually not the only symptoms seen with the extracranial causes of seizures in cats. Your cat may exhibit a variety of other symptoms, depending on the condition involved. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately.

When to call the vet if your cat has a seizure?

However, you should still call your veterinarian immediately, particularly if it’s the first time your cat has had a seizure, or if your cat is very young (less than 12 months of age).

When treatment is not effective (ie, the cat does not have a reduction in seizure frequency of 50%, or there is no change, or an increase in seizure frequency), the treatment plan must be re-evaluated with your veterinarian.

How old do cats have to be to have epilepsy?

While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs. Only about 25% of cat seizures are attributed to Idiopathic Epilepsy. Most seizures in cats are caused by brain disease and brain damage.

How long does a seizure last in a cat?

After a seizure, during the post-ictal stage, a cat may seem disoriented, pacing around, vocalizing, perhaps seeming restless or dazed. This can last minutes or hours. Most seizures only last for seconds or a few minutes and no immediate treatment is needed.

What do you do if your cat is having a seizure?

To keep your cat as safe as possible during a seizure, make sure there are no objects or furniture nearby that could potentially hurt the animal. If your cat is near the stairs while he is having a seizure, carefully move him out of danger or block the path to the stairs.

Can cats die from having a seizure?

Seizures can cause death, but most end quickly after they start and can be controlled with proper veterinary care. If your cat has a seizure, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Seizures should never go untreated. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

Why does my cat have seizures?

When exposed to pyrethroids , cats may initially have muscle tremors, stumble, and start seizing. Other chemical exposures may also affect a cat’s nervous system and cause a seizure. Another reason why a cat may have a seizure is due to head trauma.

Was my cat dreaming or having a seizure?

Cats do dream , and they can be twitching in their sleep, as they dream of catching something. A seizure looks different, however. A mild seizure is sometimes barely noticeable; it may be only rapid blinking of the eyes a few times and/or the twitching or shaking of a single paw.