What kind of seizures does a cat have?
Epilepsy is a syndrome that describes the situation where a cat has recurrent seizures (also known as convulsions or fits) at intervals that may be days, hours, or months apart. Epilepsy can affect small animals (cats and dogs) just as it can affect humans.
How often do cats get epilepsy of unknown origin?
Often, primary epilepsy develops for reasons that cannot be understood. Epilepsy of unknown origin occurs in 30-60% of cats with seizures and around 26% of the cats diagnosed with seizures at less than one year of age Secondary (also known as acquired ) epilepsy.
How can you tell if your cat has epilepsy?
Epilepsy of unknown origin occurs in 30-60% of cats with seizures and around 26% of the cats diagnosed with seizures at less than one year of age Secondary (also known as acquired ) epilepsy. In this type, an underlying physical abnormality can be identified by the history, blood tests or diagnostic imaging.
How is medication used to treat epilepsy in cats?
Medication such as intravenous anaesthetics or diazepam will be given to stop the immediate seizure, with further medication given as needed. It is critically important to stop seizures that have not halted spontaneously within a few minutes: if this is not done, brain damage can result.
What happens to a cat after it has a seizure?
After the seizure (post-ictal), your cat will be disoriented, may show temporary paralysis in one or more legs, seem blind, vomit, or show other behavior changes. These changes are usually short-lived, although it may take several days before your cat seems completely “normal” again.
How to help Cat during seizures?
- Move any objects that your cat could knock against while seizing.
- Avoid touching the cat while he is seizing. A seizuring cat is not conscious of what goes on around him.
- Eliminate any outside stimulation. Get everyone else to leave the room.
- Move the cat to a safe location if he is in danger of falling.
- Contact your vet following the seizure.
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.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy in cats?
Symptoms of epilepsy in cats. If you think your cat may be suffering from epilepsy, consider the following symptoms to determine if it really is suffering from this disease: Spontaneous seizures. Muscle stiffness. Loss of balance. Difficulty in eating and drinking. Difficulty in walking. Hyperactivity.
Seizures in cats can be broken into two categories: focal and generalized. Focal seizure: Cats commonly exhibit this type of seizure, which originate in a small, concentrated area within the cerebral cortex. Focal seizures are sometimes referred to as partial seizures, since they are isolated to specific parts of the body. Symptoms include:
Is it possible for a cat to have epilepsy?
A cat having a single epileptic seizure does not have epilepsy, as the seizures are not recurrent. If the epileptic seizures occur because of a problem elsewhere in the body, for example a low sugar level in the blood which will starve the brain cells of essential fuel, this is not epilepsy.
Can a petit mal seizure cause a cat to collapse?
Petit mal seizures are less dramatic and may be so subtle that you don’t realize one has occurred. They do not cause convulsions, but can result in the cat suddenly collapsing. Other possible signs include: Strange behavior, as if chewing imaginary gum or swatting at invisible flies
How long does a post ictal seizure last in a cat?
The post-ictal phase can last for 24-48 hours in the cat. Generalized seizures Also called grand mal seizure, this is characterized by jerking movements, rigid limbs, paddling/running movements, loss of fecal and urinary control.
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.
The post-ictal phase can last for 24-48 hours in the cat. Generalized seizures Also called grand mal seizure, this is characterized by jerking movements, rigid limbs, paddling/running movements, loss of fecal and urinary control.
How can you tell if a cat has epilepsy?
Diagnosis of an extracranial cause of epileptic seizures is based on a known exposure to a toxin by the owner and on blood test. The latter is important to eliminate the possibility of kidney, liver and other organ malfunction.
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.