Epilepsy in kittens. Factors contributing to the development of the disease. Possible side effects

The causes of epilepsy in cats vary. In general, determining the root cause is very difficult, and sometimes impossible.

Epilepsy attacks are divided into two categories:

1. congenital;
2. false (acquired).

Epilepsy in cats caused by congenital disease, is caused by the following factors:

1. Developmental and functional disorders nervous system.
2. Mating of closely related individuals.
3. Infections during gestation of kittens.
4. Hormonal imbalances.
5. Diseases of the endocrine system.
6. Hereditary factors (transmitted from parents to kittens).

Symptoms of epilepsy are divided into 2 types: symptoms during minor seizures and symptoms during major seizures.

The first case is characterized by the following features:

1. Lack of concentrated gaze.
2. Shifting pupils of the eyes.
3. Increased salivation.
4. Frequent vocal sounds.
5. Involuntary movement of the head and limbs.
6. Involuntary twitching of the body and limbs during sleep.
7. Catching non-existent flies.

These symptoms last no more than one minute and do not interfere with the animal’s movement.

Symptoms of grand mal seizures:

1. Aggressive or depressed state cats.
2. Difficulty breathing, accompanied by wheezing.
3. Foamy salivation.
4. Cardiopalmus.
5. Emptying Bladder and intestines.
6. Convulsive movement of the limbs and jaw.
7. Loss of consciousness and breathing.
8. Pupil dilation.
9. Raising fur.

This attack can last for five minutes. During these seizures, the animal loses the ability to move. After one hour, the cat returns to normal.

If the attacks are repeated many times, and the animal is in unconscious, then this condition is called status epilepticus, in which the animal can die.

How to stop an attack?

An epileptic seizure that occurs for the first time in an animal can cause panic attacks in a person and a desire to immediately do something. But during the onset of epilepsy better than a cat do not touch to avoid being bitten and injured, and also to avoid prolonging the seizure.

But how to stop attacks and what to do to provide first aid?

1. Place the animal on its side so that it cannot fall and get injured, since it is unconscious and unable to control its actions.
2. Sit next to your pet, placing your hand under its head. For this purpose, bedding material can be used.

   This is necessary to prevent the cat from hitting its head during a seizure. There is no need to constrain the cat's movements by holding or pressing it to the floor.

3. With epilepsy, saliva mixed with blood is often released. This suggests that biting of the tongue and cheeks is possible. To prevent this, you need to insert the end of the spoon between the animal's jaws.

   When the cat is in a side-lying position, it will not have the opportunity to bite off its tongue and the tongue will not be able to stick down its throat. Therefore, there is no need to hold and try to catch your tongue during an attack.

As a result, you will need to make a house call veterinarian. Typically, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to seven minutes. Afterwards, the cat begins to walk around the apartment or begins to eat food in large quantities.

Cats, just like people, do not remember what is happening during an epileptic attack, but they remember the feelings of panic and anxiety that preceded the attack.

Treatment: medications and drugs

If epilepsy occurs in cats, treatment is prescribed only by an experienced veterinarian.

In case of rare attacks (less than once a year), there will be no need to treat the animal with medications.

It will be enough to review your diet and follow simple rules of behavior.

If seizures occur every month, then the treatment package will include the following medications for epilepsy in cats:

1. Phenobarbital. It reduces the excitation of the nervous system by acting on the cerebral cortex. The animal is given the drug twice a day, using 2 mg per kg of weight. This medicine calms the animal.

   In the process of getting used to the medicine, lethargy disappears, but an increase in the animal’s body weight is observed. Not recommended for use in animals suffering from liver disease.

2. Diazepam. These tablets are prescribed when phenobarbital is ineffective. It is used after the end of an epileptic attack, mainly in the rectal way.

   This promotes better absorption of the drug and the fastest action. It weakens the action of the nervous system and brain waves. It has contraindications because it affects the liver, causing necrosis.

Nutrition when sick

Important! You should not feed a cat with epilepsy raw fish. It may affect the occurrence of new seizures.

It is better to use a gluten-free diet for epilepsy. This method has become a salvation for many animals and their owners. Since wheat and gluten substances are not digested in the cat’s body and release toxins that have a negative effect on the brain.

Therefore, a diet with a minimum carbohydrate content and a large amount of protein in the diet will have positive action on the body of a cat suffering from epilepsy.

How long do cats with epilepsy live?

Cats with epilepsy can live happily ever after. You need to choose the right medications and take them regularly. It is also necessary to keep records of the date and time of the seizure.

And most importantly, conduct constant monitoring with a qualified veterinarian.

Epilepsy in cats is quite rare. But knowing the causes and symptoms of this disease, about how to treat a sick animal, what food to use and how to stop an attack during an exacerbation, you can prevent severe consequences diseases and prolong the life of your pet.

Video

Look at the video of what an epileptic attack looks like in a cat:

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Discussion: 7 comments

It’s good to know in advance that this can happen to a furry, because not knowing can only cause harm.

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This happens to my cat every month (the cat is already four years old, she has been with me since she was a year old, the neighbors had a fire, and I took the cat for myself. Seizures happen varying degrees difficulties, an hour after it was already normal, the next day after the attack, as if nothing had happened (THE CAT SURVIVED SEVERE POISONING carbon monoxide, I think that this is the reason for her such seizures (

Answer

1. Hello Alena! Please tell me, is there any progress in the frequency of attacks?

   Answer

Cat age 2.5 years. The attacks began at about a year ago. At first they were violent, thrashing and rushing around the room. The duration was up to 10 minutes. Phenobarbital was used. Frequency 1-2 times a week - repeated attacks. They began to use phenolepsin with depantin. The attacks became sluggish, but longer lasting.
Cornish Rex cat. What are your recommendations?

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My cat also has epilepsy. Or rather, she’s still a kitten, she’s almost half a year old years, from month ago the attacks started... Not long, I feel very sorry for her at these moments, we’ll go to the doctor soon.

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Hello. I cured my cat of epilepsy. Please post my comment, maybe it will help someone. Scottish fold cat, girl, taken from a breeder. At the age of 3-4 months I had my first attack, then they became regular. We contacted several veterinary clinics, which recommended euthanizing him. The hand did not rise to put the tiny kitten to sleep, so they began to look for a solution. One friend suggested that she treats her animals (she has 7 dogs and 5 cats) for all diseases with vodka or wine and it always helps. They seem to be strong psychotropic effect have an effect on their brain. There was nothing to lose so I tried it, you need to give a little 1-2 teaspoons depending on the weight of the animal. I gave the cat vodka, after that there was an attack the next day, after I gave it again, there were some convulsions, but no attack. After that, I gave it several more times, and no more attacks occurred. Subsequently, the only problem with the cat’s health was that she could not jump, say, on a table, the flexibility of the spine seemed to be lacking, but I’m not sure that these are the consequences of the disease. Many of my friends experienced epilepsy in animals and were forced to euthanize them. I don’t claim to be a doctor, but it helped my animal. Today my cat, unfortunately, died after living with us for 8.5 years. Her epilepsy attacks never returned, so now I can count and recommend others to use this method.

Answer

1. Why euthanize an animal and why do your friends have so many cats with epilepsy... now all this is supported by medication and the cat lives quite a long time... and give vodka, brr

   Answer

Watching pets, many are surprised at how similar they are to people. Indeed, each animal has its own character and is distinguished by its inherent habits. But, like humans, our little brothers need health care, and if necessary, then treatment. Let's consider whether people at home can have dangerous epilepsy, and what to do in such cases.

What is epilepsy

It is neurological and affects the brain. The pathogenesis is similar to that of humans - a sharp and large discharge of nerve impulses occurs in the cortex, as a result of which the balance between the reactions of excitation and inhibition (for which individual areas of the brain are responsible) is disrupted.

Outwardly, this manifests itself in atypical behavior, insensitivity to odors or light, as well as involuntary muscle contractions.

Convulsions vary in duration (from a couple of seconds to several minutes) and severity - in some animals they manifest themselves in several twitches of the paw, while others may even fall on their side and scream.

Luckily for cats it's quite rare disease(Unlike ). On the other hand, it remains to some extent a mystery both for owners and for some veterinarians.

Important! The attack itself may be a separate symptom other chronic diseases that were invisible to the owners before its appearance.

The fact is that it is not always possible to accurately identify the root cause of the disease. There is an opinion among owners that epilepsy is more common among representatives rare lines, although there is simply no such dependence. But there are differences by gender - cats get sick less often.

But even before undertaking to treat epilepsy in cats suffering from it, any veterinarian will try to find out what form of the disease will have to be dealt with.

Types and reasons

Depending on the origin and dynamics, this disorder is classified into two types - congenital and acquired.

Did you know? Biologists have calculated that per 1 sq. cm. cat hair there are 20,155 hairs.

Acquired(symptomatic) form is associated with temporary dysfunction areas of the brain, which was the result of a previous injury - concussion, concussion, or even severe bruise. This reason is considered the main one.

But besides this, signals to trigger the disease often include:

• stable vitamin deficiency (deficiency of vitamins B and D) coupled with a constant lack of magnesium and calcium;
• regular stress that hits the nervous system;
• kidney and liver dysfunction;
• heart failure or ischemic disease acquired during life;
• poisoning household chemicals, toxic fumes or toxic drugs;
• transferred viral infections(rabies or);
• neoplasms present in the brain.

The insidiousness of this form is manifested in the fact that attacks are often not initially associated with such “failures.” For example, seizures can begin even a year after poisoning or head injury. Therefore, it is important for the animal owner to recognize the characteristic symptoms in time.

How it manifests itself

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, cramps. But this is only one (albeit the most striking) manifestation.

The mechanism of the attack is divided into three phases, which differ in their characteristics.

The first is the stage of short-term harbingers, which due to its transience may not be noticed. At this time, he becomes restless and seemingly absent-minded (does not react to sounds or light), perhaps even fearful.

Having caught this moment, you will notice that the muscles begin to twitch slightly, and the head is tilted to the side - the pet briefly loses coordination.

The next phase involves more serious convulsions. They are easy to spot:

• the muscles begin to contract rapidly, and the paws begin to twitch;
• from mouth to large quantities saliva and foam come out;
• breathing becomes intermittent (after listening, you can identify a clear synchronized wheezing or groan);
• heart beats faster;
• uncontrolled release of urine or feces is possible;
• in some cases it even reaches the point of loss of consciousness.

This picture can be observed for several minutes (or even half an hour), after which the stage begins recovery.

This means that within 5 minutes after the peak of the exacerbation the animal will be very weak and a little “lost” - prostration and disorientation in a familiar environment are inherent in this phase. After the specified time has passed, the purr returns to normal and runs to the bowl to eat or drink water.

Did you know? Cats excrete sweat through their paws - unlike humans, they do not sweat glands all over the body.

Note that here is a classic list of the main symptoms and phases. In practice, the boundaries between stages are often blurred. The same applies to the frequency of the attack: it can be repeated several times a day or occur once a month.

In any case, owners should know what to do if their beloved cat’s epilepsy has reached its peak form.

Important! Any attack, regardless of its duration, can be a reason to visit a doctor. Even a convulsion of a few seconds, if repeated frequently, will result in a lack of oxygen for brain cells.

What to do during an attack

The main thing is not to panic. It is clear that this sight looks frightening, but still try to act decisively:

1. Place your pet on its side or on the floor. An animal in this state does not control itself, so any movements can lead to injury.
2. Place your palm under his head and sit next to him. If the cat is on the floor, be sure to lay down thick bedding - this will prevent injury if it starts banging its head on the covering.
3. Pay attention to the production of saliva or foam. If they come out, it means that the patient has bitten his lip, tongue or cheek. In such a situation, carefully insert the edge of the spoon between the teeth, then place the “patient” on its side. If the cat is already lying on its side (and on a flat surface), then intervention is not required - in this position it will not suffocate and will not bite off its tongue.
4. Stay nearby all this time, trying not to hinder your movements. Just be safe.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated. True, when faced with an attack for the first time, it’s no wonder to get confused.

Important! During an exacerbation, it is strictly forbidden to give any drugs or try to pour water into the mouth.

Among typical mistakes two stand out: when the pet is forcefully pressed to the floor, thinking that this will stop the convulsions, and cases in which fingers are inserted into the mouth unnecessarily. Such manipulations are extremely undesirable (and also dangerous: the cat can bite the owner).

The question seems logical - how to stop these attacks, and what does the treatment of cats that have epilepsy come down to? The answer can only be given by a veterinarian who has the data obtained during the diagnosis.

Diagnostics

Give accurate diagnosis Based only on the fact that there was an attack, it is unrealistic.

To begin with, it will be carried out general examination and palpation of areas of greatest concern. Data on the nature of the attack, its duration and symptoms are of exceptional importance. It’s not bad if the owner knows what preceded this (taking medications, changing weather, and so on, right down to the diet).

After this, the main diagnostic course begins, including:

• biochemical analysis blood;
• Ultrasound abdominal cavity, which makes it clear whether there are background infectious diseases like ;
• an electroencephalogram (EEG) or chest x-ray;
• if necessary, a brain tomography in the form of a computer or magnetic resonance examination is prescribed.

Did you know? At birth, kittens have 26 baby teeth. After about six months, they fall out, and in return, permanent incisors grow, already numbering thirty.tee.

Having received all the necessary transcripts, the doctor establishes a diagnosis and determines further treatment.

How is the treatment carried out?

It all depends on the nature of the disease. Be prepared for the fact that the congenital form cannot be completely cured (although proper use of medications significantly reduces the risk of relapse).

In any case, the emphasis is on anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medications for epilepsy, which minimize dangerous symptoms in cats. Specific names, as well as the dosage and frequency of administration, are determined only by the veterinarian, taking into account the condition and age of the animal.

There are a lot of drugs today, and only professionals can choose the most effective combination (so no self-medication). Surely the prescription will include “Phenobarbital”, “Diazepam” or their analogues.

• protect your pet from stress;
• review the diet in the direction of making it lighter (not to be confused with starvation rations);
• give moderate loads. Even if the striped one asks to play, you should not bring it to complete exhaustion;
• make sure that the environment is safe and that in the event of a second attack it will not lead to damage.

Important! Adhere to the prescribed intake rates: forgetting about it for 2-3 days can actually increase the risk of a second, even more severe attack.

To these tips you can add one more - periodic examinations with a treating specialist. Such visits allow you to more accurately assess the dynamics of the disease or make changes to the list of medications.

Forecast and consequences

When treating acquired epilepsy, the prognosis is favorable for the vast majority of cases. But if convulsive syndrome associated with causes that cannot be eliminated (complex injuries, tumors), it changes to a more cautious one, and an unfavorable course of events cannot be excluded.

In case of congenital form treatment may be lifelong - no one can give a 100% guarantee of getting rid of such a scourge.

Concerning complications, then the most dangerous is pathological degeneration nerve cells and endings, observed with frequent relapses.

No less unpleasant consequences may be systemic hypertension ( high blood pressure) and arrhythmia, which when improper care threatens to develop into chronic.

Such problems are usually the result of improper medication use or late treatment.

Prevention

Preventive measures boil down to compliance simple rules:

1. kittens (from infections that can cause epilepsy - plague, rabies and others).
2. Avoid the use of poisons and toxins. This also includes household chemicals, which, if they enter an animal’s body, cause severe poisoning.
3. Try not to leave the cat without.
4. Create the safest possible space for him.
5. Of course, you need to avoid stress (even proximity to other pets, for example, can lead to it).

Thus, even if you do not completely eliminate the risk of an attack, you will at least reduce it to a minimum.

Did you know? All cats, being in a peaceful mood, hide their claws. The only exception is the cheetah, which is always on the alert.

Now you know why epilepsy is dangerous for domestic cats, what symptoms they exhibit, which suggests treatment for this disease. We hope this information is useful for informational purposes only, and such difficulties will not affect your tailed pet. Health to everyone!

Epilepsy is part of a large group of diseases (neuroses) associated with dysfunction of the nervous system without any changes in the nerve tissue. Translated from Greek, it means a seizure and is accompanied by convulsions with a short-term loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy is not as common in cats as it is in dogs, for example. But recently, more and more cat owners have been turning to the clinic with complaints about strange, unexpected behavior occurring in their pets.

Who is suffering?

The disease does not have any breed dependence, although it is believed that epilepsy most often occurs in exotic animals. If we talk about gender predisposition, the disease affects cats much less frequently. The first attacks of true epilepsy usually appear after five months of age.

Types of epilepsy in cats

This disease is divided into congenital and acquired in origin.

Congenital, or as it is also called idiopathic (true) epilepsy- the result of an anomaly in the development of the nervous system, when the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex are disrupted. The reasons for its appearance are incest (inbreeding), chronic infections, intoxication during

According to many veterinary practitioners, factors contributing to the appearance of true epilepsy are:

• hormonal imbalance;
• endocrine system disease;
• heredity.

Acquired (symptomatic) epilepsy occurs in a completely adequate animal as a result of:

• traumatic brain injury (concussion, concussion);
• neoplasms in the brain;
• viral infections (plague, rabies);
• long-term lack of B vitamins in the diet, which are responsible for normal functioning nervous system, or D;
• poisoning with potent drugs, household chemicals, gases, bacterial or viral toxins, etc.;
• insufficient intake of calcium and magnesium into the body.

By the way, there is an opinion that a strong one can serve as an impetus for the development of epileptic seizures.

Symptoms of epilepsy

During an attack, the cat loses consciousness.

The classic seizure-epileptic condition of a cat can be divided into 3 stages.

Precursor phase- a fairly short-term phenomenon, and cannot always be noticed by the owner in time. The stage proceeds differently for each individual: the cat suddenly falls into a state of anxiety, fearfulness appears, and the reaction to food is lost. external stimuli, the head begins to tilt to the side, and the muscles twitch slightly, making it difficult for the animal to maintain body balance.

Seizure phase speaks for itself and is characterized by:

• contraction of body muscles;
• twitching paws;
• loss of consciousness;
• foamy saliva is released from the mouth;
• the animal does not control the excretion of urine and feces;
• breathing is intermittent, tense, accompanied by groans or wheezing;
• increased heart rate.

Recovery phase accompanied by general weakness cats, prostration, lack of recognition of the owner and the environment. Within 5 minutes or less the animal comes to its senses, some greedily rushing for food or water.

The stages may be erased or the seizures may occur in a less pronounced form.

The duration of attacks ranges from 3 to 40 minutes, the frequency of their occurrence varies (they may appear several times a day or not be observed for months). Too frequent, long-term convulsions that follow each other lead to fatal outcome due to lack of oxygen and irreversible changes in brain cells.

What to do during an attack?

Short-term seizures in themselves are not dangerous for a cat; one should be afraid of the injuries that an animal can inflict on itself during seizures.

When the first symptoms appear, the pet is placed on open space, there should be no sharp or hard objects around so that the animal is not injured during a seizure.

Do not press your cat to the floor to try to stop the seizures. Firstly, this will not help alleviate the condition in any way, and secondly, an inadequate animal can accidentally injure the owner. For the same reason, you should not put your fingers into the cat’s mouth, trying to fix the tongue: if it is positioned sideways, the pet will never swallow it, and it will not sink into the larynx.

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 attacks it is enough to cure or remove the signs of the underlying disease (, uremic syndrome etc.) 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 medicines, 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. Additional may be required ultrasound examination abdominal organs and MRI.

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

How to treat epilepsy in cats?

To begin with, it is worth noting that epilepsy is not a death sentence; there is always a chance, if not to cure the animal completely, then at least to reduce the risk of seizures to a minimum. With the correct dosage medicines The cat is guaranteed a long and high-quality life.

For epilepsy, sedatives and anticonvulsants(selected individually).

An example of what an epileptic attack looks like in a cat can be seen in the video below:

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Epileptic disease is a serious pathology of the nervous system, namely the brain. It manifests itself convulsive attacks(or their equivalents). Epilepsy in cats is not one of the most frequent illnesses, so its first symptoms take most owners by surprise. Awareness in clinical picture and first aid skills during attacks are the minimum required for effective treatment and prevention of complications in your pet.

Classification and reasons

Epileptic seizures in cats are divided into idiopathic (primary epilepsy) and symptomatic (secondary).

Idiopathic epilepsy is congenital and is caused by genetic abnormalities. Its exact cause is difficult to determine; convulsions begin in early age and are difficult to treat.

The symptomatic (acquired) form appears in adult animals and indicates other diseases.

Secondary epilepsy in cats can be treated well (if its true cause is identified and eliminated).

Symptoms of epilepsy in cats

The main manifestation of the disease is considered epileptic seizure. It can proceed in different ways:

• the pet convulses (clonic convulsions) - flails its paws, jerks its head sharply;
• the cat takes an unnatural body position caused by excessive muscle tension (tonic spasms);
• the animal freezes and stares motionlessly into space.

“Classic” attacks are accompanied by the cat falling, salivation, involuntary bowel movements and urination. They last from 10 seconds to several minutes.

In most cases, seizures are preceded by a period of warning signs (“aura”). At this time, the animal becomes restless, loses orientation, and makes strange noises. loud sounds, wants to hide. The aura lasts no more than 10 minutes.

In the post-attack period, the cat may remain disoriented, lethargic and drowsy for some time (from several minutes to several hours), or, conversely, aggressive.

If the attacks are repeated continuously and the animal does not regain consciousness - we're talking about about status epilepticus. This emergency, requiring qualified assistance. Epistatus threatens irreversible brain damage and even the death of the pet.

Diagnostic measures

As soon as the cat showed the first seizure, it must be shown an experienced veterinarian. In addition to the examination, your pet will need a comprehensive examination.

1. Laboratory tests of blood and urine.
2. Electroencephalography ( specific method studies of brain potentials).
3. MRI or CT scan of the brain (determines organic damage, hematomas, tumors).
4. Ultrasound diagnostics of internal organs,

The examination is aimed, first of all, at establishing the cause of the disease. Its results make it possible to answer the question: is epilepsy in cats curable or not. If the provoking factor is not found and a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is made, the prognosis for recovery is questionable.

Principles of treatment

Treatment for epilepsy in cats consists of: urgent measures during an attack and drug therapy.

First aid

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 helpful information for the attending physician.
After an attack, provide your pet with peace and eliminate irritants (bright light, noise).

Drug treatment

Treatment of epilepsy in cats with drugs must be agreed with a veterinarian. If attacks are rare (no more than one per month), medications are not required. In other cases, specific medications with anticonvulsant effects, magnesium preparations, and B vitamins are prescribed.

The dose is selected individually. The drugs are taken for a long time (in the case of idiopathic epilepsy - lifelong therapy). Unauthorized cessation of treatment is fraught with progression of the pathology.

In case of secondary epilepsy, the cause that provoked the disease is eliminated: the tumor is removed, treated infection, correct metabolism.

The joint efforts of the owner and the veterinarian significantly improve the quality of life of a sick animal.