By Tess Thompson
Epilepsy is commonly known as a seizure
disorder. Complex partial seizures are more a common form of
feline seizures
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html?kbid=5918
as compared to general convulsions, which are more frequent in
dogs. The symptoms and duration of a seizure depends on the
intensity of the episode. Although mild to moderate seizures do
not pose a hazard to the cat, status epilepictus, or
prolonged seizures, is a condition which lasts for hours and can
be life-threatening.
Epilepsy is normally classified as primary
or idiopathic (without a known cause) or secondary (caused due
to a physiological disease or head trauma). Infrequent and mild
forms of seizures are known as Partial Motor Seizures or
petit mal seizures. These effect specific groups of muscles
and normally last for a minute or so. Total unconscious state
and loss of body movement that lasts for up to five minutes is
known as Major Motor Seizures or grand mal seizures.
Complex Partial Seizures are characterized
by conspicuous unusual behaviors or a complete lack of movement
accompanied by excessive salivation and facial tics. These types
of epileptic attacks involve a greater degree of alteration in
consciousness.
If an underlying disease can be identified
as the cause of the seizures, the best mode of treatment is to
remove the problem. However, feline epilepsy
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html?kbid=5918
can be idiopathic and this compels the veterinarian to opt for a
generalized treatment regimen. In many cases neurological
disorders may only be known after autopsy.
Anticonvulsants are the preferred mode of
treatment for feline epilepsy. Generally anticonvulsants are
prescribed for an initial period of a week or two. It is
important to avoid abrupt discontinuation and medication should
be tapered off gradually if no epileptic seizures are observed
during the period. In such cases, the next episode may not occur
for a long period. However, when and if it does, the next
treatment needs to be re-determined. The veterinarian may advise
continuous treatment with anticonvulsants if the cat suffers
from frequent and periodic attacks or if seizures last for more
than one minute at a time.
Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate
that is used as a sedative. It remains the first preference of
anticonvulsant treatment of feline seizures. Minor changes in
dosage of Phenobarbital can bring about major changes in blood
levels causing sedation or rendering the drug ineffective. Cats
that do not respond well to Phenobarbital are treated with
Diazepam, a tranquilizer used to relieve anxiety and relax
muscles.
Phenobarbital and Diazepam are generally
considered to be safe drugs for treating cats. However, as with
all conventional medication, there are side effects associated
with anticonvulsants too. Common side effects include sedation,
lack of coordination of movements and an increase in thirst and
urination. Some other side effects that may appear in some cats
include:
-
Allergic reactions like low platelet and white
blood cell count
-
Temporary facial swelling
-
Disorders associated with blood clotting
Feline epilepsy can also be caused by
meningoencephalitis, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
and their meninges. It is extremely difficult to confirm the
prevalence of such neurological disorders. Cats suffering from
seizure due to these reasons respond well to corticosteroids if
Phenobarbital proves ineffective.
References:
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/seizures.html
http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/0_135/dogbowl.asp
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-a-cats-convulsions-seizure.htm
Information:
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