Table of Contents
- 1 What triggers seizures in cats?
- 2 What is the life expectancy of a cat with epilepsy?
- 3 How do I know if my cat has epilepsy?
- 4 Do seizures in cats cause brain damage?
- 5 Can cats have seizures from stress?
- 6 Can a cat have a seizure for no reason?
- 7 When to give anticonvulsant medication to a cat with status epilepticus?
What triggers seizures in cats?
One-time occurrences of a seizure in your cat may be caused by a metabolic disturbance, head trauma, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), severe fever, or toxin ingestion, while repeated seizures can be an indication of epilepsy or other serious illnesses.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with epilepsy?
This means that there was a 12\% increase in the risk of death per time period for each increase of one year from the onset of seizures. For the 76 cats, the median survival time was 4.9 years (Fig 1).
Can seizures in cats be cured?
Given that primary epilepsy is a condition that cannot be cured, it is very likely that the cat will have to stay on treatment for the rest of its life. Antiepileptic drugs should never be stopped abruptly as ‘withdrawal seizures’ may occur.
How bad are seizures for cats?
Seeing a cat having seizures is scary for any pet parent. Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, seizures can cause concerning behaviors, including thrashing, drooling and teeth chomping. But thankfully, even though they look frightening, they’re not always a medical emergency.
How do I know if my cat has epilepsy?
Typically, the symptoms include:
- Initially, changes in behaviour (the Pre-Ictal stage, not shown by all cats)
- Collapse and loss of consciousness.
- Violent shaking or convulsions.
- Chewing or twitching of the facial muscles.
- Salivating.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.
Do seizures in cats cause brain damage?
It is important that a cat having regular seizures (more than one every six to eight weeks) receives treatment even if the cause is not understood. This is because each seizure can lead to further brain damage and increase the likelihood of more severe seizures and complications.
Can worms cause seizures in cats?
A cat with tapeworms may present with some, all, or none of these signs. Cats with small infection levels may not show any symptoms at all, while cats with larger loads may have rarer and more serious symptoms, like seizures, intestinal blockages, and drastically decreased body conditions.
Can cat food cause seizures in cats?
Ingesting impacted product may cause nausea with excessive salivation, diarrhea or vomiting to more severe symptoms including difficulty walking, seizures and, in extreme situations, death. Pet parents are encouraged to contact their cat’s veterinarian immediately if their cat is displaying any of these symptoms.
Can cats have seizures from stress?
During times of stress, the body produces hormones that may lead to a seizure. Typical symptoms of a cat’s seizure include a sudden collapse, loss of awareness, violent shaking of all four limbs, chewing and/or twitching of the face, and often salivation, urination and defecation.
Can a cat have a seizure for no reason?
Most cats will never experience a seizure in their lives. Some seizures occur randomly with no identifiable cause, however they can also be caused from previous brain damage even if the cat has no symptoms. If your cat has experienced a seizure, it could be due to one of the following reasons: Stroke.
Can nutrition help prevent seizures in cats?
If your cat is suffering from a disease elsewhere in the body that can cause seizures, such as liver disease or kidney disease, proper nutrition can help reduce the effects these diseases have on the brain.
What are the signs of petit mal seizures in cats?
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
When to give anticonvulsant medication to a cat with status epilepticus?
Anticonvulsant therapy is usually recommended after the second or third seizure, after a cluster of severe seizures over a short space of time (e.g. days), or if a cat has status epilepticus. Your DVM will help you assess the severity of the seizures and the need for medication.