Feline Epilepsy?

Question

I came home from doing my shopping and my 10 year old female cat was resting on large pillows in our bay window. I noticed that, as she tried to get up, she was stumbling. I went over to dislodge her claws and she wasn't stuck but she continued to stumble uncontrolably! I gently held on to her so she wouldn't fall off and hurt herself!

I have elpilepsy myslef, I've had it since I was 6 months old but I've been seizure free since 1993!

My questions are, other than hooking up my cat to an EEG machine, is there any other way to test her brain for seizure activity? Do they have medication to cope with seizures for cats? Do I have to go to a specialized vet or is this common?

Thank you for your helpful advice!

namoll's vn's

Thank you for your input. From your description of the different types of seuzures, it appears that she has ''Petit mal seizures''. This is the first time I have noticed this! I will be sure to take her to see the vet ASAP!

Answer 1

Normally, the epileptic cat will have the first seizure between two and three years of age. This time frame may vary, but rarely is epilepsy seen in the very young. Seizures will vary in intensity and are usually described using three terms: petit mal, grand mal, and status epilepticus.
Petit mal seizures are the mildest form. The cat may simply develop a blank stare, shake one leg, or cry out in pain. Petite mal seizures usually last less than one minute. Grand mal seizures are the most common. This seizure is characterized by a cat falling to one side, urinating or defecating uncontrollably, paddling the feet as if swimming, frothing at the mouth, and it may also cry out. This cat will be unaware of surrounding activities. Grand mal seizures usually last five minutes or less. Status epilepticus is the most severe form of seizure. It appears exactly like a grand mal seizure, but it may last for several hours - or as soon as the cat seems to recover, it immediately degenerates back into the seizure.In most instances, epilepsy is not life threatening unless status epilepticus develops. Anticonvulsant medications are used in chronic cases. It must be understood that drug therapy does not cure the condition, but rather controls the severity and frequency of the seizures. Anticonvulsant drugs such as Phenobarbital may be used in the cat. Phenobarbital provides a sedative action on the nerves within the brain.
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. This is a general guideline only.

if worried take the little one for a check up i could be something else.

qualified veterinary nurse UK

Answer 2

epilepsy is common is pets, but i'm not sure about cats. take her to a vet to get a good exam and bloodwork done. in the animal world epilepsy is often assumed, not diagnosed. a regular old vet can help you out with all of this. a specialist can help too but are generally very expensive and you usually need your stanard vet to actually refer you to one. usually, as long as seizures are few and far between we dont even medicate animals (although phenobarb is most commonly used). so, get to a vet and go from there! good luck! my dogs and epileptic and she gets on just fine.

Answer 3

I Have A Form Of Epilepsy. Animals Can Have Epilepsy. My Aunts Dog Had Epilepsy. And Took Diltion.

Answer 4

My dog gets seizures, cats are less common, so i would suggest taking him to the vet.

Answer 5

Oh dear.

I can't think of any other at-home tests. But your cat might also have diabetes. If your regular vet can't help, THEN ask about a specialist.

Good luck.

Answer 6

go to a vet