By Tess Thompson
Seizures in animals are a neurological
problem that is mostly caused by epilepsy or a brain tumor.
Feline epilepsy
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html?kbid=5918
is the most common cause of seizures in cats. The cat can get
confused or bewildered due to the seizures but occurrence of
such convulsions does not cause any pain despite the dramatic
signs that are displayed. However, if a seizure continues for
more than a few minutes, it can lead to hyperthermia (abnormally
high body temperature) and trigger another set of problems.
Cats are more susceptible to Complex
Partial Seizures (CPS) than generalized convulsions. Complex
Partial Seizures are epileptic attacks that involve greater
damage to awareness and consciousness than simple convulsions.
During the period immediately preceding a
seizure, the cat is likely to appear nervous, hide or look for
the owner. This normally lasts for a few seconds. During the
actual seizure that may last from a couple of seconds to about
five minutes, all the muscles in the cats body contract. It is
likely that the cat will fall by his side with the head drawn
backwards and appear as if a paralytic attack has occurred.
Involuntary urination and defecation is common during seizures.
If a feline seizure
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html?kbid=5918>
does not get over within five minutes, it is indicative of
prolonged epilepsy that is characterized by continuing attacks
without intervals of consciousness. This can lead to
brain damage and ultimately death.
Cats continue to behave abnormally even
after the seizure is over. During the post seizure period there
may be confusion, disorientation, salivation, restlessness or
temporary loss of vision. However, the severity of the seizure
and the duration of post seizure symptoms are not related to
each other.
If the cat is at ground level there is
little chance of the cat hurting himself. Cats, however, like to
perch themselves on higher platforms. If you perceive a pre
seizure stage, it is important that the cat is prevented from
falling down and hurting himself.
In most cases, there is an underlying cause
behind feline seizures. Proper diagnosis is expensive and may
take some time before any medicine can be prescribed. When you
present a cat that has suffered a seizure to a veterinarian, a
battery of tests along with a physical and neurological
examination is likely to ensue. The laboratory tests may include
one or all of the following to help in understanding whether the
episode was actually a seizure and to establish a cause, if one
exists.
-
Complete blood count
-
Serum chemistry profile
-
Urinalysis
-
Bile tests
-
Thyroid function tests
The veterinarian may also ask you to keep a
record of future seizure, if any, and note the severity, timing,
length and recovery of each seizure along with any changes that
may have occurred in the cat’s diet or environment. Despite
this, feline seizures continue to baffle most veterinarians.
Many episodes of seizures are due to epilepsy and anticonvulsant
drugs provide only symptomatic treatment without addressing the
underlying cause.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy_in_animals
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/seizures.html
http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/0_135/dogbowl.asp
Information:
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PetAlive.com - Natural Remedies for Pets
