management and treatment of epilepsy in cats in noida pet clinic under Dr. P. D. Sharma
Epilepsy in cats is uncommon but serious and requires proper diagnosis to identify the cause and long-term management to control seizures.
🐱 What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Types in Cats
1️⃣ Idiopathic epilepsy
Rare in cats
No identifiable cause
Usually starts between 1–5 years
2️⃣ Secondary (symptomatic) epilepsy – MOST COMMON
Brain injury
Infections (FIP, toxoplasmosis)
Brain tumors
Liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy)
Kidney disease
Poisoning or drug reactions
Metabolic disorders (low glucose, calcium)
🔍 Clinical Signs of Seizures
Sudden collapse
Muscle twitching or jerking
Paddling of limbs
Salivation or frothing
Vocalization
Loss of consciousness
Urination/defecation
Temporary blindness or confusion after seizure (post-ictal phase)
🚨 Emergency Signs
Seek immediate veterinary help if:
Seizure lasts >5 minutes
Multiple seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
Cat does not recover fully
First seizure in adult or senior cat
🩺 Diagnosis
Epilepsy in cats is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Diagnostic Workup:
Complete blood tests
Liver & kidney function tests
Blood glucose & electrolytes
Infectious disease tests
Blood pressure
MRI/CT (if available)
CSF analysis in some cases
⚕️ TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
1️⃣ Control the Underlying Cause
Essential in cats:
Treat liver disease
Manage infections
Remove toxins
Address brain tumors when possible
2️⃣ Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)
🔹 Phenobarbital (Most commonly used)
First-line drug in cats
Effective and relatively safe
Requires blood level monitoring
🔹 Levetiracetam
Safe option
Used alone or with phenobarbital
Good for cluster seizures
🔹 Gabapentin
Adjunct therapy
Helps mild seizures and anxiety
⚠️ Never stop seizure medication suddenly — can cause life-threatening seizures.
3️⃣ Emergency Seizure Control
Diazepam (rectal or IV) – vet-guided
Oxygen support
Temperature control
🏠 Home Care for Epileptic Cats
Maintain strict medication schedule
Avoid stress
Keep environment safe (no heights during seizures)
Record seizure frequency, duration, triggers
Provide a quiet recovery space after seizures
📅 Long-Term Monitoring
Regular blood tests (every 3–6 months)
Monitor liver enzymes
Adjust dose based on response
❌ Common Mistakes
Assuming seizures are epilepsy without testing
Missing medication doses
Using human medicines
Delaying emergency care
🔑 Key Takeaways
👉 Most cats with seizures have secondary epilepsy
👉 Treat the cause first
👉 Long-term medication can give good quality of life
