Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats

Overview of Feline Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is a specific term referring to a seizure disorder in cats that has no identifiable cause. It is also referred to as genetic or congenital epilepsy. The terms epilepsy, seizure, fit or convulsion all mean the same thing, the physical manifestation of a sudden, excessive electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events.

Below is an overview on Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats followed by detailed information on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Seizures may also be called a “fit” or “confusion”. In your cat, the physical manifestation of a seizure can vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your pet falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs.

Seizures usually appear suddenly and end spontaneously, and can last from seconds to minutes. Idiopathic epilepsy can occur in all pedigree breeds as well as mixed-breed cats.

Because idiopathic epilepsy or a predisposition to epilepsy might be inherited, neither epileptic animals nor their first-degree relative should be used for breeding.

Components of a Seizure in Cats

There are three components of a seizure:

What to Do If You Cat Has a Seizure

After your Cats the Seizure

Seizures That Require Emergency Veterinary Attention

Diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats

By definition, idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure disorder with no known cause, however it is important for your veterinarian to determine your pet’s general health and make sure there is no underlying disease that may be causing the seizures. Your veterinarian will take a detailed history and perform a complete physical and neurological examination. Recommended blood tests may include a CBC, serum biochemistry panel, toxin screen, feline infectious disease panel, urinalysis and fecal examination.

Treatment of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats

The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity and frequency of the seizures while avoiding unacceptable side-effects. It is rare to completely eliminate all seizures in cats with idiopathic epilepsy. Your veterinarian may chose to treat the disorder with anticonvulsant medications.

Drug Therapy for Cat Seizures

Side-effects from the bromide include increased eating, drinking, urinating and incoordination. These side-effects are usually temporary but if they are problematic, a dose reduction in either one of the drugs may be recommended.

Home Care

At home, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding drug administration and monitoring, and maintain a complete seizure log with information regarding the seizures, any medication change, veterinary visits and illnesses.

Haphazard drug administration or abrupt changes in medication may be worse than no treatment at all and may cause status epilepticus, a condition characterized by persistent seizure activity for a period of more than 30 minutes or repeated episodes of seizure activity without recovery in between.

Blood tests will be required to monitor your cat’s response to therapy and guard against toxic effects from the seizures as well as the anti-convulsant medications.

The diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is not a death-warrant; epilepsy is a chronic disease that can be managed in the vast majority of cases. There is help for you and your cat. Work with a veterinarian with whom you feel a good rapport. Educate yourself on seizures and their treatment.

In-depth Information on Epilepsy in Cats

Idiopathic epilepsy is a specific term referring to a seizure disorder in cats that has no identifiable cause. Although idiopathic epilepsy is very common in dogs, seizures in cats have a 50:50 chance of having a specific cause found. If your cat has a seizure, it is worthwhile to do everything possible to find a cause for the seizures.

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Approximately 0.5 percent of cats are epileptic. Some cats can have one seizure without ever having a second. The seizures can be generalized or partial.

Partial or focal seizures indicate activation of a limited number or group of neurons. Generalized seizures indicate a synchronous discharge of a large number of neurons in both sides of the brain. The majority of cats (50 to 60 percent) with idiopathic epilepsy have generalized seizures.

Seizures usually appear suddenly and end spontaneously. Seizures can last from seconds to minutes. Generalized seizures that last more than 30 minutes or multiple seizures that occur so rapidly as to prevent complete recovery are considered emergency situations that require immediate intervention as permanent brain damage may occur after this 30 minutes.

Some cats exhibit the following three stages of seizures. However, not all cats have the exact type of seizure stages.

Several different diseases may cause seizures (convulsions). The term idiopathic epilepsy refers to a seizure disorder the cause of which remains unknown despite a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Treatment and prognosis (outcome) of seizures depend on their underlying cause. The following are the most important causes of seizures in cats:

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations.

Diagnosis In-depth

Your veterinarian will take a detailed history regarding the seizure episodes including any information about the seizure, the breeding or litter history, toxin exposure and their previous health record.

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical and neurological examination that may include an examination of your pet’s retinas.

By definition, idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure disorder with no known cause, although it is important for your veterinarian to determine your pet’s general health and make sure there is no underlying disease that may be causing the seizures. Recommended blood tests may include:

Treatment In-depth

Bromide is the drug of choice for animals with liver disease. Bromide is always given on a full stomach. Giving bromide on an empty stomach can cause vomiting. Bromide is not approved for use in cats, nor is it commercially available at this time. Bromide can be given as a capsule or dissolved in water or as syrup.

Bromide has an extremely long half-life which means it can be given once a day. It also takes 6 to 8 weeks to reach therapeutic levels in the blood unless your veterinarian recommends giving a loading dose. Side-effects from the bromide include increased eating, drinking, urinating and incoordination. These side-effects are usually temporary but if they are problematic, a dose reduction in either one of the drugs may be recommended.

Follow-up Care for Cats with Epilepsy