Seizures in a Himilayan Cat

Seizures are characterized by uncontrollable behavior or muscle activity that is caused by an abnormal increase in the brain's nervous activities. Seizures in cats can be brought on by a variety of causes such as toxicity, low blood sugar and even brain disease. Breeds of cats such as Siamese, Persians and Himalayans tend to be more anxious and nervous than other breeds and seem to be the most often affected by seizure disorders.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms that your Himalayan cat may be having a seizure can include loss of consciousness, involuntary muscle movements, involuntary urination or defecation, drooling, pacing, running in circles, loss of recognition of owner and sometimes even vicious behavior. Be sure to pay attention to all details of the seizure, including how long it lasted, so you can report the symptoms to your veterinarian.

    Causes

    • Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the cause is physical, such as an episode of hypoglycemia, a brain tumor or even a traumatic injury. Seizures can also be brought on by outside influences such as exposure to chemicals. Breeds such as Himalayan cats also tend to be nervous and can be prone to seizures and a disorder known as twitchy-skin syndrome, sometimes mistaken for a seizure. This disorder will cause skin to ripple on the cat's back and will also cause them to chew incessantly at their tail. The cat may also attack objects without provocation or appear to be "spaced out."

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will need to do a thorough examination of the animal to determine the exact cause of the seizures. They will also need a complete history from you and will also conduct a series of tests that will include drawing blood and performing an EKG to rule out any diseases of the organs. Ruling out head trauma or exposure to poisonous substances will be the main concern.

    Treatment and Management

    • If the veterinarian cannot determine a cause of the seizures, it may be something your cat is going to be prone to for the rest of his life. Your pet may be put on a type of anticonvulsant medication to control the seizures. Determining the dosage will be based on the cat's age and size and the frequency of the seizures. If the seizures were brought on due to an injury, they should subside once the injury is healed. If the seizures were due to a condition such as low blood sugar, this can be treated by making sure your cat has frequent small meals throughout the day to keep blood levels normal.