Epilepsy in Cats

    The diagnosis of epilepsy is given to cats who have had more than one seizure.  During a seizure, a cat may exhibit a variety of clinical signs from twitching and staring off into space to a complete loss of consciousness with uncontrollable movement of the legs, urination, defecation and loud meows.  Before a seizure, some cats will hide while others seek attention from their human family.  After the seizure, the cat may act drunk or like it is blind during the recovery phase. 

    The many causes of seizures include brain abnormalities, liver disease, low blood sugar, low blood levels of calcium, tumors, valley fever, FIP, FIV, toxoplasmosis, lead, ethylene glycol and even rabies.   But the goal of therapy is always the same, stop the seizures first and then treat the underlying disease causing it.  So what should you do if your cat is seizuring?  First, do not put your fingers in their mouths or you may be bitten.  Cats do not swallow their tongues and suffocate.  Instead, keep them away from dangerous situations like pools and stairs.  Time the seizure.  If it lasts longer than 2 minutes, start cooling therapy.  Spray the cat with cool water or wrap a wet towel around them and bring them into the veterinarian right away.  Third, start a seizure log.  Record when, where, time of day, length of seizure and anything out of normal that will help your veterinarian diagnose the condition.

See Dr. Nelson present this information in person at http://www.ehow.com/video_12300354_epilepsy-cat.html.

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.