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.
