Causes and Treatment of Feline Epilepsy: What You Need

Section 1: Causes of Feline Epilepsy

At present, the known causes of feline epilepsy include infections from parasites, bacteria, or viruses, tumors, brain injuries, and idiopathic epilepsy. Additionally, cats with congenital defects, abnormal blood sugar levels, liver or kidney diseases, or allergic reactions to certain medications may also develop epilepsy. During an epilepsy seizure, cats often exhibit symptoms such as body tremors. However, it's important for owners to understand that not all tremors in cats are indicative of epilepsy.

Section 2: Treatment Methods for Feline Epilepsy

With current medical knowledge, epilepsy in humans and other animals cannot be cured, but medication can help control the condition and reduce seizures. For example, phenobarbital, also known as barbitone tablets, is a common medication used to treat feline epilepsy. There are also other medications that can be used in conjunction with treatment, such as levetiracetam. The specific medication and dosage should be determined by a veterinarian. It's crucial for pet owners to understand that antiepileptic medication for cats is typically a longterm, even lifelong, commitment. While medications have their benefits, they also come with potential side effects, which should be carefully considered.

Phenobarbital helps to suppress abnormal or excessive electrical discharges in the brain, limiting their spread and aiding in restoring normal brain function. This medication is commonly used to treat epilepsy caused by encephalitis, brain damage, parasites, canine distemper, sequela, poisoning, and intense stimuli. If your cat has had seizures, it's advisable to have a supply on hand for emergencies.

Attention: While phenobarbital is a common antiepileptic medication for cats, it does have toxicity. If your cat has compromised liver or kidney function, asthma, respiratory depression, anemia, or heart disease, use of this medication should be cautious and under veterinary guidance. Pregnant cats should not be given this drug.

Section 3: Caring for Cats with Epilepsy

1. When a cat has an epilepsy seizure, owners should not interfere. If there are other pets in the home, they should be kept away from the affected cat. It's best to wait quietly and avoid moving the cat unnecessarily. After the seizure ends, gently approach the cat to offer comfort and reassurance.

2. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or occurs repeatedly without adequate rest in between, the owner should immediately contact a veterinarian to have the cat transported to the hospital.

3. Limit the outdoor activities of a cat with epilepsy to reduce the risk of sudden seizures and potential danger.

4. Since epilepsy can be genetically transmitted to offspring, it's recommended to have the affected cat spayed or neutered.

5. Keep a record of the time and duration of seizures to assist the veterinarian in observation and diagnosis.

6. After a seizure, cats may be startled and may exhibit unusual clinginess or aggression. Be patient and give them time and space to calm down. Spend extra time with them when they are clingy.

With this information from Oxygen Pet Doctor, we hope to help those in need better understand feline epilepsy and provide the best care for affected cats, managing their condition and alleviating their suffering.