Feline Epilepsy – Basics and Therapy

What is a Cat Seizure or epileptic fit?

Any involuntary or uncontrolled muscular contractions in cats may represent a seizure. Feline Seizures are classified into several categories. About 1% of cats will seizure at least once in their lifetime.

Causes of FELINE epilepsy

More brain tumours in older cats

FIP virus – in younger cats

Melabolic causes esp porto systemic shunts – copper coloured eys.

T4 in older cats, biochemistry, concentrate on Diagnosis of nerulogical FIP.

After middle ear infections

Generalized dog Seizures are the most common – Siezures usually occurs from rest –and is usually a diagnosis of Ideopathic epilepsy- which I think is is a presumed genetic disease!

• The entire body is involved in stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/clonic action).
• The animal usually loses consciousness, vocalizes, falls over, and may urinate or defecate.
• Paddling movements and possibly chewing, salivating
• Unresponsive

Diagnostics –for feline epilepsy.

Full blood panel (CBC, Biochem and glucose, Bile acids(for liver fn) t4 in older)– and wait for the next Seizure – single seizure does not equal epileptic!!

Clinical exam after recovery– of eyes, vision, menace, facial stimulation etc , nerves, from a distance, fore brain , placing and cp in all legs.

(Metabolic causes – insulinoma –hypocalcaemia= toxicity etc more easy to diagnose on bloods)

MRI helps in 2.2% of the time. Seizures do induce changes also!

Antiepileptic Drugs & Their Use in Cats

Diazepam – lasts for 12 hours can be a maintaince drug

Phenobarbital is great most commonly used drug !

Never with KBR

IN the emergency situation treating the fitting feline/canine .

• Intravenous propofol works well
• Intravenous Kepra is brilliant
• Lactulose enema

Phil is a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne faculty of Veterinary Science and is accredited by AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) to prepare animals for export.