What causes cat seizures?
Intracranial causes of seizures can arise from structural diseases within the cat’s brain such as a tumor, inflammation of the brain, an infection (encephalitis), brain malformation, head trauma, or stroke, or from functional issues within the brain (primary epilepsy).
What are the symptoms of a cat seizure?
The signs of a cat seizure will vary depending on the cause and type of episode. General seizures typically have a sudden onset and last up to three minutes. They can be alarming to watch as you might see symptoms such as shaking, losing consciousness, twitching or urinating.
What causes seizures in cats with liver failure?
Trauma or injury to the brain. This may be the result of being hit by a car or falling. End-stage liver failure results in the buildup of toxins that can affect the brain. End-stage kidney failure in cats can also result in seizures.
What kind of seizures does Toby the cat have?
Toby has grand maul seizures (violent convulsions) that have been lasting ~50 seconds with about 3 minutes of disorientation afterwards. My vet said that the longer the duration and the disorientation afterwards and the higher the frequency, the worse the effects.
When to give anticonvulsant drugs to cats with seizures?
The goal of therapy is to stabilize the nerves and membranes within the brain, but not to a point where the cat appears or acts sedated. Generally, anticonvulsant drugs are not given unless the cat has more than one seizure per month or the seizures last more than half an hour.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy in cats?
Symptoms of epilepsy in cats. If you think your cat may be suffering from epilepsy, consider the following symptoms to determine if it really is suffering from this disease: Spontaneous seizures. Muscle stiffness. Loss of balance. Difficulty in eating and drinking. Difficulty in walking. Hyperactivity.
What to do if your cat is having a seizure?
If your cat is still seizing when you bring him in, your vet will give your cat injectable diazepam (valium), or phenobarbital, to stop the seizure before performing the examination. In these cases, your veterinarian will be able to directly observe the seizure, which can help make a better diagnosis.
Why does my cat have seizures?
When exposed to pyrethroids , cats may initially have muscle tremors, stumble, and start seizing. Other chemical exposures may also affect a cat’s nervous system and cause a seizure. Another reason why a cat may have a seizure is due to head trauma.
Can cats die from seizures?
Seizures can cause death, but most end quickly after they start and can be controlled with proper veterinary care. If your cat has a seizure, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Seizures should never go untreated. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.