Epilepsy in cats: causes, symptoms, treatment at home, how to stop seizures, food for epileptic cats

What is epilepsy and how often does it develop in cats?

Epilepsy (from ancient Greek - seized, caught) is a neurological disease that occurs as a result of disruption of the normal functioning of the pet’s brain. The disease can manifest itself as convulsive twitching of individual parts of the animal’s body, loss of consciousness with convulsions, or loss of orientation in space.

The disease rarely affects cats, the prevalence of the pathology is only 0.5–1%. There is an opinion that epilepsy develops more often in purebred animals, but there is no scientific confirmation of this fact. According to statistics, the pathology affects male animals to a greater extent, cats suffer less often. The disease is not related to the age of the pet and can appear at any period of life.

What an owner should do during a pet seizure

When the owner witnesses an epileptic seizure , he must be prepared for this and be aware of how to behave at this time:

1You should not touch the cat during a seizure; it can scratch or cling with its teeth; it is almost impossible to release such a grip before the seizure ends. 2 Any strong smell or noise can prolong the duration of the attack, since the animal’s psyche is tense to the limit. 3If a seizure occurs in the room where it occurs, it is recommended to turn off the lights or close the curtains, but it is better to leave the room yourself. 4It is necessary to place something soft around the cat, for example, pillows, in order to avoid injury; it would be good, upon noticing the approach of a seizure, to immediately place the sick pet on the floor, covering it with soft objects. 5The misconception is that during an attack you need to fix your tongue. If the animal lies on its side, then suffocation cannot occur.

In order to understand and study all the nuances of handling a cat during an epileptic seizure, you need to listen to advice and instructions from a veterinarian, read relevant literature, and best of all, watch a video on this topic, which will clearly show the correct position of the pet’s body during an attack.

Even if the cat feels well, it should not be left alone outside and its exposure to nature should be limited. For safety reasons, it is recommended to keep a pet with epileptic problems in an apartment or house under supervision. If the unexpected happens, you can contact our veterinary emergency center and order an urgent call at any time of the day; a veterinarian will arrive within 40 minutes.

What is the danger of the disease

The greatest danger of this disease is the development of status epilepticus in the animal. The condition manifests itself in a series of seizures that continue continuously without the pet regaining consciousness.

If timely qualified assistance is not provided, status epilepticus can lead to death.

In animals, an epileptic attack develops suddenly; this may cause trauma. If a seizure is accompanied by loss of consciousness, the cat may fall and be seriously injured.

Frequent seizures have a negative impact on the functioning of the animal’s nervous system, which can manifest itself as a change in its behavior. The cat becomes lethargic, apathetic, sleeps most of the time and reacts aggressively to any irritants.

The danger of an epileptic attack lies in the fact that the animal at this moment is in an unconscious state and can cause harm to itself: falling from a height, injuring itself on foreign objects, etc. Regular and severe seizures lead to oxygen starvation of the brain and heart, which can cause death if status epilepticus develops.
Lyubov Ilyina, veterinarian
https://zootvet.ru/epilepsiya-u-koshek/#i-2

Treatment

Treatment for epilepsy depends on its form. For primary epilepsy, special anti-epileptic drugs are prescribed, which are often intended for lifelong use. Secondary epilepsy involves recognizing the disease that causes seizure activity and then combating it. For example, in case of liver pathologies, the veterinarian treats the liver; in case of problems with blood vessels, the veterinarian focuses on the blood vessels.

Primary

Before treating true epilepsy, the pet owner must understand that this pathology cannot be completely cured. In the primary form of epilepsy, only maintenance therapy is possible, maximally relieving symptoms and shortening periods of convulsive activity.

For primary epilepsy, the cat is prescribed anticonvulsant medications.

Medicines

The drug options that veterinarians prescribe for most animals with epilepsy are listed in the table.

Table 1. Anti-epileptic drugs for cats

A drug	Description
Phenobarbital	The medication is the most popular remedy in the fight against epilepsy. Effective in reducing the frequency of seizures. Among the negative aspects of the drug, one can note a pronounced sedative effect and a negative effect on the general emotional state of the pet. Some owners have noted an increase in irritability in their cats with periodic use of Phenobarbital. This drug also sometimes helps increase appetite.
Libromide	The medication is used to combat the most severe attacks of epilepsy in animals. The drug is non-toxic and does not inhibit liver function. Among the side effects can be identified drying of the skin, most clearly manifested in the appearance of cracks on the cat’s nose and paw pads. Used in both combination and mono therapy
Gabaletin	The medication is aimed at reducing the production of neurotransmitters, which leads to a significant reduction in “extra” signals sent by the animal’s nervous system, leading to seizures. The exact dosage of the medication should be obtained from your veterinarian. On average, per kilogram of animal weight there are from 5 to 10 milligrams of the substance, given to the pet once every half day. Side effects are rare and include poor coordination and constant drowsiness.
Zonisamide	An anticonvulsant medication that reduces the number of seizures by reducing the severity of synchronized neural excitation. Used by both animals and people. Designed for a long period of treatment with a gradual reduction in dosage

Features of therapy

Since complete relief from seizures is impossible, the result that is considered positive is one that reduces the number of seizures by fifty percent or more. Also, the effectiveness of treatment will be manifested in a reduction in the severity of symptoms, a reduction in the phases preceding the immediate attack and the phases following it.

Properly selected therapy helps to increase the interval between attacks

In cases where long-term treatment does not give a satisfactory result, the veterinarian reviews the selected drug support regimen. The main reasons for the failure of therapy are the following:

incorrect diagnosis;
incorrect dosage of a particular drug;
incompatibility of medications selected for combination therapy;
premature addiction to the drug or intolerance to it.

The owner of an animal with epilepsy must clearly understand that making adjustments to the medications prescribed by the veterinarian and their dosage is strictly prohibited. Such actions can lead to a sharp deterioration in the animal’s condition and other unpredictable consequences.

During treatment, it is important to adhere to precise dosages of drugs

Reducing the prescribed dose is possible, as a rule, only after a year of successful treatment with stable positive results. Further, if your cat looks healthy and feels well, it is strictly prohibited to decide on your own to stop taking medications.

Forecast

The results of treating animals with epilepsy depend on the factors that led the pet to this disease:

with primary epilepsy, the prognosis is positive, but cautious, since much depends on correctly selected therapy and its compliance by the owner;
with secondary epilepsy caused by treatable diseases, the prognosis is positive. As a rule, when the disease that provokes epilepsy is cured, the attacks themselves disappear;
with secondary epilepsy caused by pathologies that themselves pose a serious threat to the life of the cat, the prognosis is often unfavorable. Such pathologies include malignant tumors of the brain, severe systemic diseases (such as Addison's disease) and developmental abnormalities of the brain.

Prognosis for epilepsy depends on its course

Forms of epilepsy

Epilepsy is of two types:

congenital (true, idiopathic, primary);
acquired (symptomatic, secondary).

The congenital form of the disease usually manifests itself in kittens and young animals (from one month to 6 years). If epilepsy develops in a pet before 6 years of age, but it has a concomitant disease that led to seizures, the pathology is classified as an acquired form.

According to statistics, the congenital form of epilepsy accounts for up to 30% of cases; in other situations, the disease is caused by the influence of secondary factors.

Do cats suffer from epilepsy?

Unfortunately, this disease affects not only people, but also our little brothers.
It is worth noting that epilepsy is not as common in cats as, for example, in dogs, but still cat owners turn to veterinarians with complaints about such attacks in their four-legged pets.

It is difficult to clearly identify which breeds are more susceptible to epilepsy, but according to statistics, exotic animals most often suffer from this disease. If we talk about predisposition by gender, then cats get sick much more often than cats. The first attack may appear in a kitten after five months.

Reasons for the development of pathology

The formation of congenital epilepsy can lead to:

infectious diseases suffered by the kitten's mother during pregnancy;
intrauterine exposure to toxic substances;
complicated heredity (if one of the pet’s parents suffered from epilepsy);
closely related crossings of pets;
trauma during childbirth.

Reasons for the development of the acquired form of the disease:

traumatic brain injuries (falls from heights, bruises, concussions);
tumor processes in the brain;
viral and bacterial infections (rabies, toxoplasmosis, meningitis);
metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency);
heart and vascular diseases (high blood pressure);
liver and kidney diseases (liver cirrhosis, renal failure);
poisoning (medicines, chemicals, etc.);
severe stress;
insufficient intake of B vitamins, vitamin D, as well as calcium and magnesium into the animal’s body (these substances are largely responsible for the normal development and functioning of the pet’s nervous system).

First aid

If your pet is diagnosed with this illness, you need to be ready to help your pet at any time. If the owner sees a cat having a seizure for the first time, he may well be confused or scared. However, in this case, the cat can only receive help from the owner.

When an attack approaches, you need to ensure that the cat is in a warm room, where she will have soft bedding or several pillows that can prevent the cat from hitting hard surfaces or objects. It is undesirable for the room to be brightly lit, this will aggravate the attack; it is better to shade it slightly.
The owner can put the animal on its side and sit next to it. You cannot press the cat to the floor while holding back the convulsions. This can lead to even more injury.
You can place your palm or a low pillow under the cat’s head to prevent convulsive blows to the floor.
Under no circumstances should you put your fingers into a cat’s mouth during an attack; during convulsions, it can seriously injure the owner. If the animal is lying on its side, then it is unlikely that its tongue can stick into its larynx, but you can help your pet avoid biting its lips or cheeks by carefully inserting the edge of a spoon between its teeth.
It is advisable to keep a kind of diary where you record all the details of each attack. This is necessary so that in the future the doctor has the most complete picture of the disease and its manifestations, and therefore can effectively help the animal cope with the disease.

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After the attack ends, the cat may be very thirsty; some beauties experience an unbearable feeling of hunger and eat a lot. After satisfying its needs, the cat can sleep for quite a long time.

In fact, the life of a pet with epilepsy differs from the life of a healthy cat only in the amount of attention it requires from the owner. First of all, this concerns, of course, taking medications. Every day, at the same time, the cat must be given the tablets and medications prescribed by the doctor.

It is extremely undesirable to let a cat with such an illness go outside. After all, an attack can happen so suddenly that the animal itself is unlikely to react to its approach, much less be able to protect itself from injury. If suddenly an epileptic seizure catches your pet in a tree, she will certainly fall from it, because she will not be able to concentrate and hold on; if she falls, a cat with convulsions will not be able to group herself, so there is a possibility of receiving very serious injuries.

An important point for the sick beauty is the atmosphere in her home. Scandals, quarrels, screams, sharp sounds can provoke attacks, so it is very important to protect your pet from any stressful situations. Very often, cats suffering from this disease quickly develop a convulsive attack due to exposure to light.

A flickering TV screen in a completely dark room, color music, flashing flashlights or alarm lights, even New Year's garlands can trigger a seizure. Therefore, it is recommended to prevent your pet from being exposed to such external factors in order to reduce the risk of an attack.

A cat with epilepsy should be examined regularly by a doctor. If the number of attacks or their duration increases, you should urgently take your pet to the doctor, because adjustments to the treatment regimen may be required.

Many people are concerned about the question of what to do if an attack begins? If a furry pet has a seizure, owners should follow these recommendations in order to provide first aid to the animal and not harm it:

turn the cat's head to the side to prevent tongue swallowing;
hide all piercing and sharp objects to prevent injury;
free up space around;
you shouldn’t panic, you shouldn’t press the cat to the floor, trying to stop the seizure, it won’t be possible to stop the convulsions this way;
if attacks occur regularly, you should consult your doctor about what medications you need to have as an “ambulance.”

Attention!

It is strictly forbidden to insert fingers or any objects into the animal’s mouth to fix the tongue!

As soon as you notice signs of impending seizures, protect your animal by:

remove from the window, stairs (so that the cat does not fall from a height);
Place in a space free of objects that could cause injury.

During the attack itself, you should not interfere (the cat may scratch). There is no need to try to pull out its tongue: contrary to popular belief, the animal will not be able to choke itself with it during a seizure. It is advisable to film the course of the seizures - this is useful information for the attending physician. After the attack, provide the pet with peace, eliminate irritants (bright light, noise).

Symptoms of epilepsy in cats

The main manifestation of the disease is seizures. They can be:

focal;
generalized.

During focal seizures, the animal experiences convulsive twitching of one part of the body (this could be a paw, facial muscles, etc.); the attack usually occurs without loss of consciousness.

Generalized seizures occur in several phases with their successive changes. There are four phases:

Prodromal.
Precursors of a seizure.
Convulsive.
Recovery.

Prodromal phase

During this period, it is very difficult to notice the symptoms because they are pronounced. But with careful observation of the pet’s behavior, specific manifestations can be noted. The phase occurs individually in each animal. The behavior becomes unusual, the cat can behave aggressively or, on the contrary, becomes timid and hides. The duration of the period can range from several hours to several days (2–3 days).

Warning signs of a seizure (aura)

The phase is characterized by an increase in the symptoms of the prodromal phase. There is a lack of coordination of movements, twitching of individual muscle groups and deviation of the head to the side. The duration of this phase is short, usually up to several minutes.

Period of convulsions

The animal loses the ability to move, falls to the side, arching its spine, while the movements of its paws resemble running, and the muscles of the lower jaw contract. The fur stands on end. Breathing during this period becomes heavy and intermittent, may be accompanied by groans or wheezing, and foam is released from the mouth. Control over physiological processes is lost, as a result of which an act of defecation or involuntary urination may occur. The pupils dilate and do not respond to light. The duration of the convulsive phase can range from several seconds to five minutes.

In some cases, the seizure may be partial. It differs in that the animal does not lose consciousness. There is twitching of individual muscle groups, involuntary twitching of the head, and frequent meowing. The cat's pupils become dilated and darting.

Video: generalized seizures in a cat

Recovery period

It can last from several hours to four days. The pet regains consciousness, but appears weakened, confused and frightened. Usually after an attack of seizures the animal sleeps a lot. A characteristic sign of the recovery period is increased appetite.

It is important to remember that the change in periods can be erased and almost imperceptible to the owner, so it is very important to constantly carefully monitor the pet.

Types of epilepsy

Depending on the reasons that caused the pathology, epilepsy in a cat is divided into:

Congenital (idiopathic). The causes of the congenital form of the disease are difficult to diagnose. The disease accompanies the animal throughout its life. Over time, without proper treatment, the severity and duration of attacks may increase. The cat requires lifelong monitoring and supportive care.
Acquired (symptomatic). Seizures in cats are a consequence of head injuries or a complication of other diseases. If the root cause is identified and treated adequately, the animal has a high chance of recovery.

Diagnosis of epilepsy in cats

The most important stage of diagnosis is to establish the cause of the disease. If epilepsy is secondary and formed against the background of chronic diseases (for example, diabetes), treatment of the underlying disease will lead to the cessation of epileptic seizures. Therefore, the examination must be comprehensive.

The main examination methods include:

detailed medical history;
thorough examination of the animal;
general blood and urine analysis (nonspecific examination aimed at identifying inflammatory reactions in the body, anemia, and kidney problems);
biochemical blood test (aimed at diagnosing abnormalities in the liver and kidneys, detecting toxins);
blood sugar test;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, heart and brain (carried out to detect problems in the functioning of the main organs and systems of the animal - liver, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, heart and brain);
chest x-ray (diagnosis of lung diseases);
electroencephalogram (the method registers the presence of pathological foci of activity in the animal’s brain, which can cause the development of seizures);
if necessary, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (must be prescribed in cases where the animal has had an injury, and can also be prescribed for a more in-depth study of vital organs).

History taking

The veterinarian finds out when the owner noticed the first attack, how often they recur, and at what period of the day they occur. It is important that the pet owner can answer the following questions:

whether there was a change in the animal’s environment, severe stress or injury on the eve of the attack;
how the seizure began;
whether unusual behavior of the animal was noted on the eve of seizures;
convulsions affected all parts of the body or only one part twitched (paw, muzzle);
how long the attack lasted.

Examination of the animal

The specialist measures body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, listens to the lungs, palpates the abdomen, and examines the pet’s skin.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods

To perform an EEG and obtain more accurate results, the animal is usually immersed in anesthesia

All examinations are aimed at finding the cause of the development of seizures in a cat. If none of the diagnostic methods revealed a pathology that could lead to the formation of convulsive attacks, a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is made.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosing the condition of cats with the development of epilepsy is by no means simple. If seizures similar to epileptic ones occur, it is necessary to show the animal to a veterinarian.

It is best to provide the doctor with all possible information: how the attack occurred and how long it lasted, what led to it (medication, nutrition, weather changes).

After the doctor has collected all the necessary medical history, the diagnosis itself begins. It includes: blood test, abdominal ultrasound, EEG, brain tomography, examination by a neurologist.

Only after the specialist receives all the necessary information about the cat’s condition will he be able to make a diagnosis and select effective treatment.

Forecast and consequences

Usually, when treating an acquired disease, the prognosis is the most favorable. Problems may arise if the disease develops due to physical injuries or tumors.

Congenital epilepsy in cats does not guarantee a 100% cure. Pet care will be required throughout the cat's life.

The most dangerous consequences can be: degeneration of nerve endings, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, which can become chronic. All this can happen due to late or improper treatment.

Treatment of the disease

If an animal is diagnosed with epilepsy, it is necessary to approach the treatment of the disease with all seriousness. The first thing the owner needs to know is how to behave during a seizure. It is also necessary to change the animal’s diet and eliminate the consumption of gluten. Create comfortable living conditions for your pet and provide comprehensive care for it.

If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe anticonvulsants, which will need to be given to the cat constantly.

It is extremely important not to neglect the advice and prescriptions of a specialist, and not to try to treat a sick animal yourself, as this will only harm the pet and aggravate the course of the disease.

What to do during a seizure

During convulsions, it is very important for the owner not to lose control of himself; he must act calmly in order to provide adequate assistance to the suffering animal.

The first thing to do is to lay the pet sideways on the floor in a free, safe space, preferably soft (blanket, bedding). There should be no sharp or wounding objects around. This will help prevent your pet from being injured during seizures. Eliminate all external irritants that can provoke a recurrent attack (loud sounds, bright light, cold). Open the window slightly to allow fresh air into the room.

It is forbidden:

putting fingers or other objects into the animal's mouth;
press your pet to the floor, trying to stop the seizures.

In some sources, I came across information that during an attack, in order to prevent the cat’s tongue from sticking, it is necessary to put an object (spoon, rag, fingers) in its mouth. As a person with a medical education, I can say: under no circumstances should you do this. At the moment of convulsions, the cat does not control the force of closing the jaw; when putting fingers into the animal’s mouth, a person injures himself. If you use a spoon or hard objects, the animal may break its teeth. Cramps are uncontrolled muscle contractions, and the tongue is one of the muscles of the body. It also contracts during an attack, which is why foam is formed. The origin of foam is saliva whipped up by the tongue. The tongue can only stick if the animal is in a relaxed state; it will not stick during convulsive contractions.

If this is not the first time a seizure has occurred and the animal is receiving anticonvulsant therapy, you can ask the veterinarian to put together an “alarm” first aid kit of drugs that can be administered to the pet during seizures to more quickly stop the seizures.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

You should seek help from a veterinarian if:

the attack occurred for the first time;
the duration of the attack is more than 6 minutes;
there is a series of convulsive seizures (more than two), which follow each other without restoration of consciousness in the animal;
During the attack, the animal was injured.

Drug therapy

If an underlying disease has led to the development of epileptic seizures, then the underlying pathology is treated. During treatment of the underlying disease, attacks may stop without the use of specialized therapy.

If the animal is diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy or treatment of the underlying disease is difficult (brain tumors, consequences of traumatic brain injuries, cirrhosis), it is necessary to prescribe specialized anticonvulsant medications - anticonvulsants.

The question of prescribing therapy should only be decided by an experienced veterinarian; under no circumstances should you treat a sick pet yourself!

The main anticonvulsants prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in cats are:

Diazepam;
Phenobarbital;
Pregabalin;
Gabapentin.

The drugs have an inhibitory effect on the animal’s central nervous system, as a result of which a stronger impulse is needed to cause seizures. Due to this effect on the nervous system, the frequency of seizures in your pet is reduced. When starting to take anticonvulsants, your cat may become drowsy and lethargic, but after a few days, her body will adapt to the effects and she will return to her normal lifestyle.

Medicines are available in the form of tablets, drops and suppositories. Each owner decides how it is more convenient for him to give the drug. The veterinarian prescribes the dosage of the medication and tells you how often the drug should be used. If your doctor has prescribed a daily medication, it is important to give it at the same time of day every day.

You can use anticonvulsants in the form of tablets - the drug must be placed on the root of the tongue, you can also crush the tablet, dilute it with a small amount of water and inject it with a syringe

This group of medications has negative side effects, so you cannot increase or decrease the dosage on your own, and you should also not give your cat medication if you suspect that seizures are developing.

With long-term therapy with anticonvulsants and a favorable course of the disease (decreased frequency of attacks), the veterinarian may recommend gradually reducing the dosage of the drug.

If seizures subside within 6 to 12 months, careful dosage reduction may be attempted.
Richard A. LeCouteur, BVSc, PhD, Dip ACVIM, Dip ECVN, University of California
https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sudorogi-i-epilepsiya-u-koshek-i-sobak

With a mild course of the disease and rare convulsive seizures, the veterinarian may refuse to prescribe anticonvulsants. In this case, he prescribes sedatives, for example, Corvalol or valerian. The choice of a sedative and its dosage should be prescribed only by an experienced specialist; these medications should not be used without consulting a doctor.

Gluten-free diet

There is an opinion that an unhealthy diet high in gluten can contribute to the development of seizures in cats. Gluten is a protein found in cereal plants (wheat, barley, rye, etc.). The cat's body does not contain enzymes that can break down this protein into digestible substances.

The theory that gluten contributes to seizures is unsubstantiated in the medical literature. However, I re-read the reviews of the owners of sick animals about the gluten-free diet. Opinions are divided in half: 50% of owners say that when switching to a diet, the animal experienced a decrease in the frequency of convulsive seizures.

A gluten-free diet includes:

reduction in fish diet;
high content of protein products;
sufficient content of vitamins (especially vitamin D and group B);
minimizing the consumption of carbohydrates and grains.

Veterinary stores offer a wide selection of cat foods that do not contain gluten.

My cat has epilepsy. They picked up an injured woman on the street, missing an eye, crippled. They had an operation. she survived. But the problems started about 4 years ago, and now she is about 10 years old. At first they were scared and couldn’t understand anything, then they figured it out. The attacks occurred 2 times a month, mostly at night. During this time, I adapted, kept a towel ready, placed it under my head, and then wiped it soothingly. But one day, the veterinarian advised me to give me a valerian tablet 2 times a day, morning and evening. Also limit boiled fish once a week to food only (Pro-plan). Fermented milk is better than chicken. The attacks became once every 3 months. Take the pills for 1 month, break for 20 days and drink again. If the frequency decreases, repeat after a month and gradually reduce the intake as it improves. Maybe my advice will be useful to your pet. Of course, you need patience and love for him here.
Lyubov Ivanovna, owner of a sick pet
https://vashipitomcy.ru/publ/zdorove/bolezni/ehpilepsija_u_koshek_prichiny_simptomy_i_lechenie/15–1-0–196

Urgent actions

To prevent the cat from injuring itself during convulsions, when the first symptoms of an epileptic attack appear, it should be laid on its side, making sure that there are no sharp or hard objects around that it could injure itself on, remove bright lights and exclude loud sounds.

Attention! You should not restrain the animal by pressing it to the floor; this will not alleviate its condition. There is no need to be afraid that the cat’s tongue will stick out during a seizure and block the airways; this will not happen if the body is positioned sideways.

After the attack is over, it is recommended to provide the animal with a calm environment to give it the opportunity to recover. Some cats experience increased appetite and thirst during this period, so the owner must ensure that the pet’s feeder and water bowl are not empty.

Caring for a sick animal

The life of a sick cat is different only in that it requires more attention from its owner. It is very important to properly organize the space for your pet:

keep the cat away from high furniture;
close access to the unglazed balcony;
remove all traumatic objects that may be accessible to the cat.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to have a floor house for your cat.

Also, under no circumstances should you let your pet go outside, since a seizure occurs suddenly; it can fall from a height, get hit by a car, or become a target for yard dogs.

Limit exposure to provoking external factors: loud sounds (screams, music), flashing bright lights (flashlights, New Year's garlands).

I do not recommend abruptly changing your place of residence or your diet; these factors can also trigger an attack.

Proper balanced nutrition, quality care and timely medication will ensure your cat has a long and active life.

Helping a cat during a seizure

Living with an animal diagnosed with epilepsy always requires a person to be on alert. It is quite difficult to predict the proximity of the next seizure, but over time, the observant owner develops a number of behavioral criteria by which he determines the approach of an attack.

Most epileptic seizures (with the exception of epileptic seizures) do not pose a direct threat to the life of the cat. However, the animal may well suffer from indirect factors, be it an unsuccessful fall, a stuck tongue followed by suffocation, and so on. Therefore, it is important to provide a sick pet with comfortable conditions in which he can cope with an attack with the least loss for himself.

The owner can significantly ease the course of an epileptic seizure for a cat

The owner can help the cat survive the seizures in the following ways:

A few hours before the expected seizure, it is important to take care of preparing a safe space in which the pet will be during the attack. Preparing such an area involves removing sharp and breakable objects, covering corners, and so on;
at the moment of an attack, you need to try to fix the animal’s body in a safe position, laying it on its side. This will prevent the cat from choking on its own saliva and choking on its tongue. It is also advisable to take care of the animal’s neck and head, placing soft tissues under them to prevent all kinds of injuries and fractures;
Before an attack begins, it is important to carefully lay the cat on its side.
To avoid unforeseen situations, it is necessary to temporarily isolate a cat with epilepsy from other pets and children. Animals may react inappropriately to their sick relatives, associating them with a threat, and children may take rash actions, not understanding what is happening to the pet. Therefore, the best option would be to temporarily place the cat in a separate room.

Is it possible to cure epilepsy in a cat?

Only secondary epilepsy can be cured. In these cases, treatment of the underlying disease leads to the elimination of seizures in the pet.

If a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is established or serious illnesses (injuries, brain tumors that cannot be treated) lead to the formation of the disease, then it is impossible to cure such a pet. In this case, therapy is aimed at reducing the frequency of seizures and improving the pet’s quality of life.

In some cases, it is possible to achieve stable remission of the disease, but there remains a high probability of recurrence of the disease.

Life of a cat with epilepsy

What is life like for pets with such a terrible diagnosis for many people as epilepsy? Fortunately for the owners of such animals, even with such a disease, cats are able to live a long, fulfilling life and remain active. Of course, all this is possible with the right treatment. The primary form will require constant use of medications, which will impose certain restrictions on the pet’s life, but they will not prevent you from having a good time with him.

Caring for a cat with epilepsy will allow it to live a long and happy life.

Features of the treatment of epilepsy in kittens

If the diagnosis of epilepsy is established before the age of 6 years, and the veterinarian has excluded pathology of other organs, the presence of a congenital disease is implied.

Treatment with anticonvulsants in kittens is prescribed only if seizures occur more often than once a month. At the same time, dosages for young animals differ from adults, so only an experienced veterinarian should select the drug and dose. If attacks occur less frequently than once a month, veterinarians recommend the use of sedatives (valerian, corvalol), vitamins (groups B and D). They carry out nutritional correction - transfer the animal to a gluten-free diet and advise the owner to eliminate the impact of provoking factors on the kitten’s body.

Risk group

It is impossible to specifically identify animals that are most susceptible to the threat of epilepsy. Veterinary medicine specialists were only able to note that exotic animals are the weakest against this disease. Regarding the age and gender of pets, some features were also noticed:

The cat often has problems with a disease such as epilepsy.
Cats are less susceptible to attacks from this scourge.
It is impossible to notice even the slightest signs of illness in kittens in the first months of life.
The first attack of epilepsy in cats occurs no earlier than five months of age.

If seizures recur more than once every 29-31 days

, treatment is necessary when using medications. Only a veterinarian can determine how and with what to treat animals.

Forms and reasons leading to the problem

Epilepsy in cats comes in two forms. Each type of disease has its own characteristics and causes.

Congenital (true) form of epilepsy
Acquired form of epilepsy

Congenital epilepsy is common , and the causes of the disease lie in heredity. With this type, abnormal development of the nervous system occurs.

Congenital epilepsy - the causes of this phenomenon are as follows:

The cats' parents were related.
Problems with infections.
The pregnant mother cat suffered from toxin poisoning.

The acquired form of epilepsy manifests itself in adult cats that have not previously been ill and seem to be completely healthy pets.

Acquired epilepsy in cats - the causes of this form lie in the following factors:

Rabies.
Injuries.
Vitamin fasting.
Poisoning by toxins, medications or chemicals.
Precursor phase.
Seizure phase
Recovery phase

There is an opinion that epilepsy in cats is diagnosed after severe stress or nervous shock suffered by the animal.

Stages and symptoms

An epileptic seizure in cats can occur in different stages. Also, attacks are not always accompanied by the same symptoms and pronounced phases. They occur at different intervals, their duration is from 3 to 40 minutes

.
The phases are as follows: 1Phase of harbingers.
The condition of all cats going through the precursor phase is almost the same. It is difficult for the owner to notice the symptoms of this phase in his pet, but they still exist: anxiety, lack of response to stimuli, muscles twitching, head tilted to the side, poor balance. Phase 2 of convulsions. A seizure is the most severe form; it is almost impossible to help an animal during such a seizure. The older the cat, the more severe the seizures. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms: excessive muscle contractions, abnormally intense motor activity of the paws, fainting, foaming at the mouth, tachycardia, wheezing, intermittent breathing, urinary and fecal incontinence. 3 Recovery phase. When the recovery phase begins, the owner can breathe easy. Motor activity and consciousness return to the cat. You need to be prepared for the fact that the pet will not orient itself in space for about 5-7 minutes and will not recognize anyone. After full recovery, the cat may experience a strong need for water and food. Of course, it becomes clear that a cured pet is happiness for its owner, but the path to healing is not easy and not always possible. If epilepsy attacks move from one to another , this can be a harbinger of death. If the cat is not treated in time, it will begin to undergo changes in the brain and oxygen starvation, which ultimately leads to death. In our veterinary emergency center, it is possible to call an emergency doctor even at night, this can help a pet in a critical situation during a seizure.

Prevention of disease development

Only the development of symptomatic (secondary) epilepsy can be prevented.

Basic measures to prevent the formation of secondary epilepsy:

timely vaccination of your pet;
avoid the entry of toxic substances into the body (household chemicals, etc.);
limit exposure to stress factors (moving, loud noises);
organize a safe space for the cat (to avoid injury);
ensure regular preventive visits to the veterinarian (at least once every six months);
Mandatory consultation with a veterinarian if the development of the disease is suspected.

Epilepsy can occur in pets of any age, so every owner should carefully monitor their pet so that if they suspect the development of the disease, they should immediately seek help from a veterinarian. If a cat has symptomatic epilepsy, there is a good chance that the disease is treatable. In case of idiopathic epilepsy, it is necessary to take care of the animal: give medications prescribed by the doctor, provide comprehensive care, and a balanced diet. Only in this case will the pet be able to continue a full, active life.

Prevention

What should be done for preventive purposes:

Vaccinate kittens against diseases that can cause epilepsy.
Protect the animal from contact with poisonous and toxic substances as much as possible. Including chemicals for cleaning the apartment.
Do not leave your pet unattended.
It is worth protecting your pet from stressful situations. For example, collisions with a dog.

All this cannot give an absolute guarantee that epilepsy will bypass the cat, but it will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Epilepsy in dogs and cats. Interview with a neurologist

December 10, 2013

Epilepsy in dogs and cats is a diagnosis with which owners quite often turn to the Biocontrol clinic. Nikolai Aleksandrovich Glazov, a veterinarian, surgeon, and neurologist at the Biocontrol clinic, talks about what kind of disease this is, how to recognize it and what to do first when a pet has an attack.

— What is epilepsy?

— Epilepsy is a brain disease characterized by attacks of disturbances in motor, sensory, autonomic or mental functions.

— How does this disease manifest itself?

- For example, an acute attack with tonic (prolonged muscle tension) and clonic (synchronous wave-like muscle contractions alternating with relaxations) convulsions and comatose stupefaction, or short-term loss of consciousness, which may be accompanied by clonic convulsions of individual muscles, while the sick animal can stand on the paws.

Owners usually describe the attack as follows: the animal strains its limbs or shakes them, spasms of individual muscles may also be observed, foam appears from the mouth, involuntary urination occurs, loss of consciousness, etc. It is also possible to change behavior: catching invisible flies, monitoring the “emptiness”.

— In which animals does this disease occur?

— In animals from 5 months to 7 years. Here I do not take into account acquired diseases. The disease occurs in dogs, cats and other types of domestic animals. Cane Corsos, Huskies, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels have a breed predisposition. In cats, these are most often exotic.

— Are there types of epilepsy?

— In veterinary practice, no classification of epilepsy has been developed. We can conditionally distinguish true epilepsy, epilepsy of unknown etiology (idiopathic) and acquired (symptomatic), that is, not a true disease, but just its symptom. The causes of symptomatic epilepsy can be different: metabolic disorders, diseases of the internal organs, brain and spinal cord, intoxication, infectious diseases, defects in the development of the nervous system, etc.

In cases where we cannot find the cause of the development of seizures, a diagnosis of “idiopathic epilepsy” is made.

— Owners often believe that an epileptiform seizure is a terrible convulsions with rolling eyes, is this true?

— The manifestation of an attack can be varied and have different forms of progression, ranging from changes in behavior, twitching and freezing in one place to loss of consciousness and contractions or tension of the limbs.

— By what signs can the owner identify an epileptic attack?

- The owner does not need to determine what kind of attack it is. The main thing for the owner is to remember exactly, and even better, to film (on a mobile phone) the manifestation of an epileptiform attack. With these data, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, who, based on a detailed history and additional research, will be able to more accurately name the cause. Any attack, especially if it is not the first, is a reason to consult a specialist.

— What should you tell the doctor when describing an attack?

— When the first attack (manifestation) occurred, is it related to food intake, is there a cyclicity, are the manifestations the same, how does the animal’s behavior change before (aura) and after, the frequency of attacks, etc. Again, try to record it on video. The owner is usually shocked by what he sees and has difficulty remembering what happened.

— How to provide first aid to an animal?

— It is important to prevent asphyxia and control tongue retraction. It is necessary to keep the animal on the floor to protect it from causing injury to itself in an unconscious state.

— What examinations and tests are prescribed?

— From the history and type of animal, certain problems can be assumed. Based on this, an examination is prescribed. It all starts with a neurological examination. Further, most likely, a biochemical blood test, a general clinical blood test, tests to exclude infections, ultrasound and radiography will be required. In more serious cases, an MRI or CT scan will be necessary.

It is advisable that the animal be hungry for at least 12 hours at the time of administration.

— Is epilepsy curable?

— True epilepsy does not go away completely, but its manifestations can be stopped as much as possible. Idiopathic epilepsy can be cured, if you're lucky, in one and a half to two years. In other cases, it is necessary to find the cause of the attacks and deal with them.

In any case, long-term and serious treatment is necessary. Most of the drugs that will be used are not safe for animals. The owner should understand this.

— What are the prospects for such patients?

— The prognosis for each case is very individual. It depends on the severity of the disease and how the patient’s body will respond to the prescribed treatment. It should be noted that not every case can be treated, but timely consultation with a doctor and a correct diagnosis can ease the course of the disease.

Maria (23.05.2017 at 21:53): Hello, please tell me, my dog, a dachshund breed, after an attack of epilepsy, his back legs gave out and he can’t feel his tail, we went to the veterinarian, they told him to give injections, 10 days, what is the probability that he will start walking again, we were told that this is temporary, like stress after an attack?

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Evgeniy (06/06/2017 at 21:10): this is the situation! The cat was 2.5 years old. He had a passport, all vaccinations were done. I went to the village like the last 2 summers! Then seizures began, as if I had epilepsy! The parents took him to Novgorod to the veterinarian. There they took his temperature, after which they said that he had an incurable disease! They didn’t take any tests! My parents, my elderly, were very upset and took me home 5 days later, my beloved friend died! They took him to another veterinarian but it was too late! When I found out he was gone!!!(it’s not very bad without him, but what’s more painful is that they didn’t try to do anything the first time!! but simply deceived the old people! How can you punish such a doctor! Thank you very much

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Igor (06/15/2017 at 00:34): #2700 06/14/2017 23:28:14 Good afternoon! My cat is 9 years old, weight 4.5 kg, not burned, domestic. Suddenly he began to fall on his side and squat on his hind legs, his pupils dilated. After 2 minutes everything returned to normal. We went to the doctor and discovered toxoplasmosis using the express method (antibodies to IgM and IgG), and infectious peritonitis. The doctor assessed the general blood test as normal: lymphocytes were slightly reduced, hemoglobin and monocytes were slightly increased. Biochemistry is the norm. An MRI examination of the spine and head was performed to exclude a tumor. Everything is okay. The surgeon prescribed: Clindamycin 7 mg/kg once a day for 14 days and if the episode with the body falling over on its hind legs repeats, take Kepra syrup 2 times a day at the rate of 20 mg/kg body weight. The neurologist prescribed: Dexametrzone subcutaneously - 0.2 mg 1 time per day for a course of three days, Carvalol in a tablet 1/3 per day and Capilar 1/8 tablet per day for a course of 3 months. The neurologist believes that treatment for Toxoplozosis is not necessary. Please help me figure out what course of treatment is indicated for the cat and is it possible to combine Clindamycin with a course from a neurologist? Changed:

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Aida (08/14/2017 at 21:05): Good day, doctor! I am writing to you from sunny Thailand, because I dream of finding out the competent opinion of my compatriots about our problem. My cat has epilepsy. All tests were carried out, except for the MRI, and the cat is healthy. Now she takes phenobarbital 2 times a day. We are planning to do an MRI soon, but here’s a question: what will an MRI theoretically show? Which part of the brain responds to certain stimuli? And what treatment will there be, still phenobarbital, given that the cat does not experience seizures with it? I don’t quite understand the need for this procedure, if the treatment method does not change... please tell me the answer to the question) I will be very grateful! Thank you in advance!

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Irina (09/07/2017 at 16:11): Hello. In our shepherd dog, the attack begins with the tongue retracting (it always retracts). You have to unclench your jaw and put your hand down your throat, otherwise you’ll choke. We are tied to the house, we hardly sleep. We are undergoing treatment, but we are afraid to leave the dog alone. Tell me what can be done? I heard that you can trim the bridle.

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Elena (09.29.2017 at 14:25): Hello. My cat (5 months old) started having epileptic seizures two days ago, they recur every 6-7 hours. At the clinic, they tested for the virus and prescribed medications, but the seizures are repeated, and we have to wait another 2 days for tests. They said that there could be a virus.. Please consult on this matter. Maybe I should take him to another clinic?

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Svetlana (02/23/2018 at 11:38 pm): My dog had an epileptic attack. The vet didn't really say anything. offered to euthanize him, but now they don’t keep the dog. He gets up but falls. Observes strong drooling. Appetite is good. What to do?

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Svetlana (02/23/2018 at 11:41 pm): My dog is 1.5 years old. I had an epileptic attack, a very strong one. Now they can't hold their legs up. Appetite is good. Heavy secretion of saliva. The veterinarian suggests putting him to sleep. What to do?

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Oksana (03/12/2018 at 22:48): Hello! Our cat is 7 months old, epilepsy started at 2 months old, we went to the doctor, they prescribed us some medications for epilepsy, we gave them and gave them intermittently, as recommended. Since yesterday the attacks began again and even stronger than before, today even 5 times a day, what should I do with the cat? during attacks, peeing, foaming at the mouth...

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Anton (03/22/2018 at 08:24 pm): Hello. My cat will soon be 19 years old. He recently started having epileptic seizures (a week ago) several times a day; before that, the first seizures appeared at the age of 15 and lasted 2 weeks ( They gave me the medicine, I don’t remember what it was called). Now the veterinarian prescribed liquid phenobarbital with a dose increasing to 60 drops, we started with 30, now we drop 40 so far the effect is only in terms of the duration of the attacks, they are no longer 40-50 seconds long but 20-25. Now He hardly moves, doesn’t meow, and his hind legs almost gave up because he moves only on his front legs mainly. Please tell me what to do next with this?

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Oleg (06/26/2018 at 14:05): my Yorkshire terrier dog is 4 years old and has epileptic seizures every month for 4 days, then 2 days, the dog comes to his senses and for a month everything is fine, the vet says nothing can be done about it, after the last attack they have been refusing for 6 days hind legs what to do

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Lika (06/29/2018 at 03:54): Hello. My dog is 8 years old. Yerkshair Terrier. Not long ago, strange attacks began. Out of nowhere he starts to rush around and becomes very aggressive. You can’t approach him; he starts throwing himself, biting, and starts tearing things that get in his way. He's hysterical, whining, his wild eyes seem to be covered with a veil. Doesn't react to anything. And this happens for 2-3-4 hours, then this attack passes. And they began to become more frequent. What could it be ? What does it look like?

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Tatyana (12/05/2018 at 09:00): Hello, I have a British cat. I was healthy until I was 7 years old. Suddenly, against the background of complete well-being, I began to have generalized convulsive attacks once a week with loss of consciousness, clonic-tonic manifestations, and after the attack I was disoriented for some time. (I am a doctor myself, but a human one). Vaccinated annually (Nobivak Triquet, and Rabies) Examined for all feline neuro infections - all negative, clinical and biochemistry are normal (slight lymphopenia), MRI with contrast - normal. Takes Keppra 2 times a day. The attacks stopped. Is it possible to vaccinate?

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Vasily (08.10.2019 at 09:04): Hello, the dog of the Prince Charles Spaniel breed was found to have high blood sugar, the doctor said to inject insulin twice a day, after 3 days the dog began to have epileptic seizures, the doctor began to inject anticonvulsant ueola and prescribed the drug phenobarbital tablets 15 ml .and an injection of valivic acid 0.75 ml all during an attack it all started within two weeks

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Irina (04/08/2020 at 22:26): Good evening. We have been treating the cat since November. Diagnosis of dry fip. The cat underwent three transfusions. After the third transfusion, my eye became inflamed. They tried to treat, but after three weeks of treatment they still had surgery to remove the eye. Upon removal, a post-ocular tumor was discovered. Histological examination showed that it was melonoma. Three weeks passed after the operation and we headed for radiation therapy. 4-5 radiation treatments were prescribed, but only 2 were done because the cat’s condition worsened: first there were slight disturbances in coordination, then aggression and anxiety, the cat constantly cried, did not sleep for days and did not close his eyes. Let's go to the metro station. Results: no metastasis, but there is swelling and inflammation behind the eye. The day after the MRI, the cat began to have severe convulsions and his limbs began to fail. Mannitol was instilled. We still take medications: Kepra, Gabapentin, Medrol, Unidox. For several days the cat was stable, there were no convulsions, he got up, eats, drinks, goes to the toilet, plays a little, but it’s not possible to stabilize the temperature: either 40 or 36.7. Then we knock it down, then we put a heating pad on it. Today the cramps recurred 6 times! The attacks are strong and, by our standards, last about 30 seconds. Now the cat is in the hospital, but there is no neurologist in our clinic. Tell me, is it possible to get a consultation with you online, or better yet, for our therapist to get a consultation online.

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Anya (04/09/2020 at 09:47): Hello! Cat 4-5 years old. He is not neutered, does not go outside, We cook him Hercules with fish. Weight 4-5 kg (as soon as he eats), Black long-haired, from the street there were problems with the eye (smear). Once they didn’t finish checking, he jumped out the window for a bird from the 3rd floor, they searched for 2 days, found his legs were fine, now he was having an epileptic attack, he had this 2 times that year, but they weren’t long and I didn’t quite understand what I thought I was just not waking up about a terrible nightmare. Tell me what to do, how to help him..

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Yulia Ponarenko (05.15.2020 at 22:24): Hello, recently the dog, having fallen asleep, began to twitch its paws and rolled its eyes. They tried to wake it up, at first it did not come to its senses, and later it woke up barking. After some time, this happened again. Tell me what to do.

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Natalya (05.24.2020 at 13:40): Good afternoon! Our 3-month-old puppy (miniature pinscher) has had convulsions with foam, loss of consciousness and involuntary bowel movements for 3 days, with a frequency of 40 minutes to 4 hours. There were up to 10 attacks per day. At the same time, he eats and sleeps a lot. Blood tests are good, glucose is slightly low. There is no vomiting, no diarrhea, the temperature is normal. We still don’t understand what the diagnosis is; three doctors say different things. He doesn't recognize anyone and doesn't respond to speech. Is it possible to return a dog to consciousness and will the brain even function normally after such attacks?

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Yana (06/01/2020 at 17:33): Hello! Our German Shepherd has epilepsy. It all started about half a year ago. Age 4 years, cable. It started with 1.2 attacks per day, once a month. Now very often. Once a week, 4-5 attacks per day. Yesterday it was 8. We are desperate. The dog is sloppy, there is an appetite, but the dog seems to have lost all reactions, is disoriented, does not respond to calls, and is constantly sleeping. We took anticonvulsants, kept the dog for 2 weeks, and then again. It's hard to watch. Help me please.

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Veronica (07/09/2020 at 21:38): Good afternoon! The cat is 1 year old, Scottish, sterilized. Today we noticed attacks with drooling/foaming from the mouth. After the first attack, they took me to the clinic, did an ultrasound of the heart (norm), felt it, examined me, said “healthy”, and sent me home. As soon as a more severe attack returned (the cat spins, foam flies in all directions, then quickly comes to its senses, screams, climbs into its arms), back to the clinic. They left me under observation for three hours, nothing happened again, they said there was an irritant in the house - it was an allergy. They took the cat to another apartment, a couple of hours later there was an attack (the color of the saliva turned gray), we got ready to go back to the clinic, another attack happened in the elevator. We took blood tests and there were no abnormalities. The cat has been under the supervision of a doctor for 4 hours and remains overnight; seizures do not occur in the clinic. Please tell me what to do, could this be epilepsy? Thank you!

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Andrey (08/02/2020 at 15:16): Good afternoon, Alabai (1 year 2 weeks), 2 weeks ago I had my first attack. Next one in a couple of days. We went to the veterinarian and sent him for an MRI - one hemisphere was greatly enlarged. After 9 days, two attacks in the evening (5 minutes apart) and the next day in the morning 2 more with an interval of 40 minutes. Seizures up to 1 min. Keppra 1500 mg twice daily was prescribed. Yesterday they gave it twice and this morning. I slept through the night and even went out for a walk in the morning, but I was restless. When we came home to be alone, I didn’t want someone to be in the room all the time, but he walked around. By 9 am he even lay down. At 9 am they gave him the next dose and from 11 am he began to get nervous and walk, and from 12 am he started running. He runs around the house, sometimes stops and stands in a stupor for 10-20 seconds, sometimes he starts shaking when he stops. Tell me what to do. Maybe this drug is not suitable, maybe the dosage? Now it's 15 o'clock and he's stopping more, but he doesn't recognize anyone and doesn't seem to smell anything. Help, advise!

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Daria (08/16/2020 at 02:02): Hello! I have a question for you about my beloved cat, I can even insert a video and show what is happening to her, we were prescribed stop stress, but it does not help, please tell me what can be done and how can it be cured, because she is only three years old half a month, and all this has been happening for a month, maybe a little more.

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Daria (08/16/2020 at 02:05): I can’t upload videos and photos. I wanted to show you and find out what and how I need to do.

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Svetlana (09/03/2020 at 02:22): Hello, the dog is almost 7 years old, it starts shaking at intervals of 5-10 minutes, there have already been more than 30 attacks, breed: mini toy terrier, they gave medicine and told to inject it, every hour you can (once per hour) we’ve been struggling for two days now, what can you tell us to do?

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Ekaterina (09/30/2020 at 07:19): Hello. Please tell me the dog is 7-10 years old. We don’t know for sure, since we picked up an adult. A year ago the attacks began. Lasts 5-10 minutes. The dog falls over on its side, shakes, and drools like a river. Over the past six months there have been 4 attacks. Yesterday happened while walking. The dog could not leave for half an hour. We contacted the clinic. They said that 4 attacks in six months is a lot. I injected him with magnesium and was prescribed anticonvulsants and vitamins. Only blood was taken for analysis. They didn’t say what kind of epilepsy it was. What's the prognosis? Is it really that bad? And the dog won’t last more than a year? Russian hunting spaniel breed

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Zhanna (06.11.2020 at 18:54): Is there any data on how often dogs have seizures with epilepsy? We have a dog. I had seizures twice in my life. The first time was six months ago, it was very hot, the second time was recently, after I scolded the dog. The examination showed that all organs were healthy; an MRI had not yet been done. The doctor said that it was epilepsy, but in my opinion, seizures twice in my life with a frequency of six months, and also due to the reasons, the doctor was wrong. What do you say?

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Artem (09.11.2020 at 10:41): Hello, I found a puppy in the forest, it was tied to a tree, already skinny, I took it home, he started having an epileptic seizure in the evening, the next day the seizure is repeated again, what can be done?

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Ekaterina (12/25/2020 at 12:21 pm): Hello. I really hope that you can answer my question. I have a dog, a husky breed, 7 months old. He had his first attack at 6 months. I drank the drops for a month. Then at 7 months another happened. And then after a week there were 6 attacks a day, then 1 at night. The vet did a blood test. It didn't show anything. They gave me an anti-nausea injection and sent me to a neurologist. I was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and given medication for 1 year. In the morning and in the evening. We will do an MRI and puncture. At this point the dog has lost his head a little. He doesn’t understand where the house is, doesn’t recognize the owners, barks all the time, walks here and there, you begin to calm down a little, even the aggression shines through. Please tell me will her memory return? Thank you

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Ekaterina (01/07/2021 at 09:32): Hello. My 2.8-year-old dog had an epileptic attack, he began to vomit and then run around the house, after which he fell and his limbs began to twitch. After about 30 seconds, he calmed down and continued to lie. I wanted to pet him, but he began to growl, began to avoid us , did not respond to names and commands; if someone approached him, he began to bark. There was also urination during a seizure. could this be epilepsy? We can’t call the vet, nothing is working today. Please answer as soon as possible

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Emergency call to the veterinarian

Epilepsy is not a life-threatening condition. The danger lies in the injuries that a cat can receive during an attack, for example, falling out of a window, hitting the leg of a chair, etc. Therefore, the main goal of the owner’s actions is to prevent them.

But there is a concept of status epilepticus, which requires emergency contact with a veterinarian. This condition is characterized by several attacks in a row, between which the animal does not have time to recover. In the absence of veterinary care, each subsequent attack can cause:

changes in brain tissue that are irreversible;
asphyxia;
hypothermia (a decrease in body temperature to a level insufficient to maintain normal functioning of the body);
acidosis (increased acidity);
heart failure.

Seek veterinary help immediately if:

the duration of the attack is 5 minutes or more;
the number of seizures has increased;
the interval between attacks is too short (status epilepticus).

First aid or what to do if your cat is having a seizure

Epilepsy looks terrible, but it will not kill your pet.

Epilepsy in a cat - what to do

If the seizure began while the cat was on the sofa or chair, it should be moved to the floor, this can reduce the risk of injury. It is necessary to remove from the floor everything that could injure it. There is no need to try to push anything into his mouth, as this can damage the cat's teeth and gums.

After the attack is over and the animal is recovering, you can put a bowl of water and some food in front of it.

Next, you should contact the veterinarian and describe to him everything that is happening with the cat; most likely, you will need to visit a specialist immediately after the attack.

Progression of an epileptic attack

Forms and reasons leading to the problem

Epileptic development can be of two types:

acquired;
congenital.

Asthma in cats: symptoms and treatment

Congenital epileptic development manifests itself at a young age. Mostly in kittens.

Acquired epileptic development appears suddenly.

Congenital or idiopathic epilepsy develops in cats whose brain structure was disrupted during fetal development.

Causes:

crossing animals with related ties;
injuries to the cat's mother during pregnancy;
stress of the cat mother during pregnancy;
intoxication with harmful substances or incorrectly calculated dosage of medications.

Important! The starting point in the external development of epileptic syndrome is puberty.

Acquired epilepsy has nothing to do with genetic predisposition. Acquired epileptic syndrome is a sign of external influence on the cat.

Causes:

head injury;
pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
blood pathologies;
development of a brain tumor;
previous disease (distemper or rabies);
lack of vitamin B and D;
incorrect calculation of the dosage of the medicine.

The serial form of the disease is the most dangerous: seizures in cats follow each other, often the animal does not even have time to recover from the first seizure before the second occurs.

Symptoms of epilepsy

How to stop epilepsy attacks

The appearance of an epileptic attack in a cat is no reason for the owner to panic. We need to get together and provide first aid. The main actions of a cat owner during an attack:

Laying the animal on a hard surface in a side position. It is advisable to lay something thick and soft to prevent possible head injury during an attack.
Gently hold the animal's head with your hand, while simultaneously paying attention to changes in saliva (possible appearance of foam or blood impurities). This indicates that the animal has damaged its tongue, lip or buccal mucosa.
At home, during exacerbation of epilepsy, doctors do not recommend self-treatment with drugs. It is not advisable to try to force a cat to drink.

It is also the owner’s mistake to use force against the animal during an attack. Trying to pin a cat to the floor during an epileptic seizure in an attempt to stop the convulsions will not achieve positive results. A cat can not only bite the owner, but also receive serious injuries. Only a veterinarian after a thorough examination can completely stop attacks or reduce their manifestation to a minimum.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic disease that causes repeated attacks over and over again. Previously, it was believed that this neurological disorder occurs exclusively in dogs, but today veterinarians are not so optimistic. If you look at the results of modern research, it turns out that the presence of epilepsy is suspected in approximately 0.3-0.7% of cats in our country. Roughly speaking, every 200 cats may suffer from epilepsy or, at least, have all the prerequisites for the development of this disease.

In most cases, the pathology is lifelong and incurable . With the help of treatment, you can only achieve stable remission and absence of attacks. The seizures themselves are caused by disturbances in the electrical conductivity of certain areas of the brain. Very often this is a consequence of severe (and even not so severe) traumatic brain injuries. In humans, by the way, epilepsy is often found among combatants who received shell shock. Cats that fall from balconies, get hit by vehicles, etc. also often suffer brain contusions . Sometimes such injuries are compensated by the body’s reserves, but it also happens that after a couple of years the injured pet develops epilepsy.

Also, veterinary practice proves that there are breeds and varieties that are initially predisposed to the development of this disease. The Persians and the British are especially vulnerable. There is every reason to believe that the disease is inherited. If an animal is diagnosed with epilepsy, it should under no circumstances be allowed to reproduce. Ideally, your pet should be spayed/neutered to prevent the spread of defective genes. Unfortunately, breeders are rarely so responsible.

Epilepsy is always suspected in animals that have had at least two sudden seizures within 24 hours. This does not include cases where it is reliably known about possible poisoning, parasitic infections, cancer, etc. Of course, in a standard veterinary clinic, making an immediate diagnosis can be very difficult. Therefore, experts warmly welcome the owners, who immediately arrived with video recordings of seizures, from which one can already judge the supposed nature of the disease and its true origin.

Three main features of epileptic seizures:

Loss of “awareness” of movements with simultaneous convulsive twitching of the limbs.
Irregular attacks that begin and end very suddenly. Initially, even the most attentive owners fail to detect any “triggers” leading to their development.
Despite the suddenness of the seizures, they all follow the same scenario; not a single episode has any peculiarities.

Diagnosing epilepsy or how to identify the cause of seizures in cats

It is imperative to have a diagnosis carried out by a specialist. The disease can occur for a variety of reasons, and to identify them, the doctor will take blood tests from your pet, do an ultrasound of the internal organs, an MRI and a chest x-ray.

To restore an accurate picture of the causes of epilepsy in a four-legged friend, the doctor will have to do extensive research. It is recommended that if the cat has had an attack more than once, make a video recording and show it to the doctor to complete the clinical picture.

Diagnosing epilepsy in kittens is no different from diagnosing the disease in an adult animal.

Important! It is necessary to monitor the time course of each stage of epilepsy.

What kind of disease is this?

This disorder in the functioning of the brain is characterized by a seizure state, which can occur for any reason that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain.

How does the disease progress in cats?

There is nothing out of the ordinary in this disease that occurred in a cat. This is a fairly common occurrence in small animals.

Seizures in cats are divided into two broad categories:

1. Real 2. False

When a real one occurs, its cause is quite difficult to recognize. Therefore, in most cases it is not installed.

In most cases, this disease can be hereditary. In which convulsions are formed.

False - acquired during life and with it convulsions can occur due to another hidden illness.

When this disease can be detected and treated, the seizures usually end.

Symptoms of epilepsy in a cat

Almost always, before a seizure, you can detect unusual behavior in your pet.

1. The gaze is directed to one point into the void. 2. The pet may lose touch with reality and is in prostration.

You may not even notice these symptoms, since they only last 5-10 minutes. But the moment the owner notices these symptoms, he gives him a chance to prepare for a seizure.

For example, moving a pet from heights to the floor.

How does an attack occur?

When a seizure occurs, the cat falls unconscious. The front and rear legs become stretched and numb. The cat stops breathing.

This phase of the attack lasts from 10 to 30 seconds. After which the pet begins to convulse. The movement of the paws is similar to how a cat moves them while running. This is almost always accompanied by chewing movements.

While the limbs are numb and during convulsions, the pet may wet itself. It is also possible to salivate and excrete feces. The fur stands on end.

After the attack has passed, the animal may regain consciousness after a certain time, from several minutes or more. But a lethargic state is also possible. At the end of the attack, the cat appears confused and may even temporarily lose vision.

In light of recent years, it is clear that many animals may suffer from epilepsy. It can develop due to metabolic disorders, and even from electric shock and medications.

If an epileptic seizure occurs in a kitten, then this epilepsy is called congenital. In big cats it is acquired accordingly. Which can occur after an injury. A hidden disease can also cause epilepsy if it affects the brain.

What causes epilepsy in cats?

Seizures and convulsions appear under the influence of any disease that affects the central nervous system.

Main reasons:

Infectious peritonitis caused by coronavirus
Blood disease - leukemia
Ischemic encephalopathy
Exchange dysfunction
Due to bacterial meningitis
Due to poor, low-quality and improper feeding. For example, fresh raw fish
Due to long fasting
Under the influence of toxins
Subsequently head injuries

The disease may not appear immediately, but may take months or even years.

How to treat the disease?

A large-scale medical examination and a lot of tests and analyzes are carried out. If the pet is young enough and the disease appears rarely, for example, once a year, then such an animal does not need to be treated, but only kept under observation.

Therapeutic treatment is used if epileptic seizures occur more than once every 30 days.

Anticonvulsant drugs should be used strictly under the supervision of a veterinarian, as they are addictive. If you stop taking them, the seizures will resume with increased force.

Treatment also depends on proper care of your pet. This will help reduce the frequency of seizures and side effects.

Types of epilepsy

Many veterinarians believe that epilepsy is extremely rarely a primary disease in cats. Experts are confident that in most cases its occurrence is due to other pathologies. In general, today a “triple” classification has been adopted, according to which this disease is divided into three large groups :

Structural. It is considered the most common variety. Caused by lesions of small areas of deep brain structures. Why small? Because if a large number of neurons are defective, the animal simply will not survive.
Idiopathic epilepsy. Many experts suspect that such a thing simply does not exist. The word “idiopathic” itself means that the doctor was unable to determine the underlying cause. But it is always there. Simply the low level of equipment of most veterinary clinics does not allow it to be detected.
Genetically determined. Everything is clear here: if at least one of the cat’s ancestors was sick, then pathology may appear in him too.

As we have already said, in many cases of epilepsy there are so-called “triggers”. These are some factors that contribute to the development of an attack. Anything can play their role. It is important to understand that if one cat falls into an uncontrollable state, for example, from clapping its hands, then the second pet, also suffering from epilepsy, can be completely calm about this noise. But, for example, he may have a seizure at the moment when the animal smells boiled dumplings (this is not a joke, such cases really exist). Pets react especially acutely to irritating environmental factors in situations where, for some reason, they do not receive medications prescribed by a doctor. Stress in any of its manifestations is especially dangerous for animals with epilepsy . Stress factors include: changes in routine, car trips, thunderstorms, poor quality feed, etc. Other owners report that some commercial foods, sold in bulk at any stall, can themselves cause an attack. To understand what exactly is causing your cat to have a seizure, keep a daily diary.

And now we will describe not only these, but also some other types in more detail, focusing on some of their features.

Idiopathic variety

The idiopathic variety is most often detected in relatively young cats aged from six months to three years. Most likely, the disease in this case develops due to a complex combination of external and internal environmental factors. “Idiopathic” epilepsy should be considered only in situations where all other diseases that can lead to the development of a similar clinical picture have been completely excluded in the process of differential diagnosis. Diagnosis should be based on your cat's medical history, neurological examination, and laboratory tests (blood and/or urine). MRI and cerebrospinal fluid examination are strongly recommended. We remind you once again that all this is necessary to identify the true cause. If the same MRI was not performed, then calling epilepsy “idiopathic” is incorrect, but in our conditions everything depends on the paucity of the material and technical base. Most likely, about 90% of cases of “idiopathic” disease were actually caused by some kind of structural damage to the brain.

Structural epilepsy

As we just said, in most cases the underlying cause of epilepsy is structural damage to the brain . Problems with blood supply contribute to this, including vascular obstructions, as well as subarachnoid hemorrhages, meningitis and encephalitis, infections, injuries, as well as tumors and some autoimmune diseases. These pathologies can be identified through cerebrospinal fluid analysis or MRI. Note that structural epilepsy, according to some researchers, itself can also lead to the development of secondary diseases, since it contributes to further degradation of interneuron connections. There is also evidence that this disease leads to the accumulation of toxic products in the astrocytes of the brain, which also leads to severe problems with the central nervous system. In the best case, owners notice that their cat is constantly shaking, regardless of the ambient temperature and time of day.

Reactive epilepsy

A seizure does not always indicate the presence of epilepsy. There are some pathological conditions that can trigger the development of a seizure. In particular, some medications (especially when used incorrectly), as well as toxins of poisonous plants and other toxic compounds, lead to such effects. But! If these negative factors are not identified and eliminated in time, they are quite capable of causing a “full-fledged” epileptic seizure.

Group seizures

“Group” attacks are called if there were more than two of them during the day. It is believed that they are most characteristic of cats with idiopathic epilepsy (about 1/3 of them suffer from group seizures). Again, based on data obtained by veterinarians around the world, we can confidently say that group epileptic seizures for some reason mainly affect purebred cats. And they are the most dangerous, as they quickly lead to the development of severe degenerative processes in the cerebral cortex. So, in cases where epilepsy is accompanied by repeated seizures, it is necessary to urgently prescribe medications to the cat to stop them. If this is not done, the cat will either die or quickly reach a “vegetable” state, when no drugs can help her.

Moreover, animals in which epilepsy proceeds in such an undesirable scenario must be constantly under the supervision of a veterinarian (since any attack can lead to death). If anything in your pet’s behavior seems strange or abnormal to you, immediately notify your treating specialist. Perhaps these symptoms indicate severe damage to the central nervous system.

Status epilepticus

“Status epilepticus” is classified as either a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, or two seizures exactly one after the other without the cat having time to regain consciousness in between. This type of seizure is even more dangerous than group seizures, since the animal’s brain is subjected to excessive overload, which never goes away without a trace. In such pets, even with successful arrest of seizures, in the future, in more than 70% of cases, serious neurological pathologies are observed, and life expectancy is greatly reduced. If the owner managed to notice something was wrong in time and his pet was lucky enough to wait for the veterinarian, the cat is given “horse” doses of sedatives and muscle relaxants. Even if an attack does begin, it will not cause too serious consequences to the animal’s body.

We warn you once again: owners of sick animals (if possible) should always remain calm.

Cats are very sensitive creatures that perfectly capture a person’s mood. If you rush around the house in a panic, your pet will almost certainly have a seizure!

Diagnostics

When diagnosing epilepsy in cats, it is very important to determine the cause (this point applies more to an acquired disease), since treatment will largely depend on this.

For example, for some types of seizures, it is enough to cure or remove the signs of the underlying disease (uremic syndrome, etc.) in order to completely rid the cat of convulsive phenomena.

In other cases, understanding the antecedents also helps solve the problem. For example, some individuals have a dependence on the appearance of seizures from loud sounds, bright flashes of light, stressful situations, phases of the moon, giving medications, etc.

At first glance, this may seem like a lot of stupidity, but in fact there is such a dependence, and observation is required from the owner. Each attack is timed, that is, everything that is somehow connected with the attack is recorded:

first appearance;
date of;
duration;
the nature of the attack, whether it is the same or different each time;
frequency of occurrence;
feeding addiction;
weather conditions;
whether medications were given that day;
other unusual moments.

Be sure to make a video recording of the attack, so that later the veterinary specialist can see with his own eyes what he is dealing with.

From special studies, a general and biochemical analysis of blood and urine is carried out, infectious processes (toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, etc.) and non-infectious processes in the liver and kidneys are excluded. Additionally, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and MRI may be required.

Based on all the data (research results and analysis of attacks), a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.