Seizures in Senior Cats

Identification

• A seizure is also known as a convulsion. According to SnikSnak.com, seizures are characterized by three phases. The first phase is known as the pre-ictal phase, and it may cause the cat to behave abnormally. The cat may hide, cling to its owner and appear to be nervous just before a seizure occurs. The second phase of the seizure, known as the ictal phase, is when the actual seizure activity occurs. This phase may last from from a few seconds to five minutes. The last phase is called the post-ictal phase, when the cat may be confused or bewildered. This can last for several hours to several days.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of seizures in senior cats may include loss of consciousness, involuntary urination, involuntary defecation, salivation, pacing and running in circles. Some cats may be confused and might not recognize their owners. Cats may also become aggressive before a seizure and experience hallucinations.

Causes

• Seizures may be idiopathic and often do not occur in cats until their later years. Idiopathic means the cause is unexplained. It occurs most commonly in purebred cats. Brain tumors are a cause of seizures, and they usually develop in older cats. According to Vet Info.com, trauma to the head can cause seizures in cats. Seizures can occur many years after the trauma first occurred, when the cat is older. Cats that develop kidney or liver problems as they age may also develop seizures.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose your cat's seizures, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take a medical history of your cat. Diagnostic tests such as a CBC (complete blood count) and an EKG.may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If a brain tumor in an older cat is suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be done to identify the location, size and type of tumor. Cats that continue to have severe or ongoing episodes of seizures might require a spinal tap and an examination of spinal fluid to rule out serious illnesses.

Treatment

• Anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed to treat seizures in your senior cat. The treatment in cats consists of one to two weeks of anticonvulsant medications. If your cat does not experience any seizures during this time, the medication will be gradually discontinued.

  Weaning the cat from medication gradually is an important step, as abruptly stopping anticonvulsant medications may cause seizures to reoccur, states SnikSnak.com. If seizures begin to reoccur, the veterinarian may place the cat back on medication. Cats are not usually placed on long-term medication unless they experience frequent and severe seizures.

Prevention/Solution

• According to The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, as your cat ages it is less able to adapt to stress and change. Traumatic events such as moving to a new home or leaving it in someone else's care may take a toll on its health. Cats that have repeated seizures or a seizure that last longer than five minutes are considered to be "status epilepticus." This is a medical emergency in cats of any age and requires immediate medical care.