Blind Feline Epilepsy

Blind feline epilepsy is a reference to the temporary blindness some cats experience in the post-seizure state. This recovery period is termed "post-ictus." Animals experience two types of seizures: "generalized," the more common type, affect the whole body. A "focal" seizure affects only a single part of the animal.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of feline seizures include loss of consciousness, a change in behavior such as unusual and sudden aggression, salivating and altered movement or tremors. Cats may experience a grand-mal seizure with thrashing and rolling. Some cats have only a single episode while others may develop a seizure disorder. A cat is diagnosed as epileptic when a seizure continues for more than 30 minutes, or the cat has more than three seizures in a day.

    Stages

    • A seizure is the involuntary movement or spasm of voluntary muscles. Feline seizures have three stages. The first stage is "aura," when a cat shows behavioral changes. The second is "ictus," the seizure itself. Most cats will defecate and urinate during a seizure. The third is "post-ictus," or the recovery period. Temporary blindness, lethargy and abnormal movement occur in the third stage. The cat will be disoriented.

    Care During a Seizure

    • Pet owners are sometimes traumatized by observing a seizure. The best approach is to make the area around your pet safe. Move anything away that the cat could injure itself on, such as sharp or heavy objects. Do not attempt to get near the cat's mouth; it may unknowingly bite you. Observe any details that will help you describe the incident to your veterinarian. Note the length of the seizure, how many occur, types of abnormal movements and any vomiting or diarrhea. Have your cat see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

    Treatment

    • Prompt treatment for seizures may lessen the strength of medication needed to prevent further seizures. There may be a cause that you can identify, such as poisoning, injury or head trauma. Often the cause of seizures is not readily identifiable. A veterinarian will often suggest anticonvulsant medication in this case. Monitoring any future seizures and their pattern will determine further treatment and medical tests.

    Warnings

    • It is dangerous to stop medication for seizures abruptly. Seizures may be the presentation of an underlying disease and should be assessed by a veterinarian for this reason alone. Your cat may seek you out before a seizure, or may avoid you. Recovery time may be as distressing to an owner as the seizure itself. Remember blindness, stumbling, drooling and unusual movements are usually temporary.