Convulsions or Seizures in Cats
Convulsions or seizures are defined as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of abnormal activity that last from one to three minutes. Signs may include anything from a slight twitch to salivating and foaming at the mouth. Shaking, jerking, stiffening of the legs or entire body as well as loss of urine and/or bowels may also occur. Epilepsy is the medical term used for cats that suffer from multiple seizures. Some breeds seem to be predisposed. Others develop Epilepsy as a result of various diseases like Diabetes. In most cases, the cause is not known. Vets call this Idiopathic Epilepsy.
CAUSES
* Unknown (Idiopathic Epilepsy)
* Low blood sugar, as with Diabetes
* Poison like antifreeze
* Kidney failure
* Liver failure
* Hereditary predisposition
WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Cats that have had a seizure may appear dazed or might look fine once the episode is over. Don’t move a cat during the episode, leave
him alone until it is over. Then put him in a calm quiet, dark room and call your vet.
* Rub one to two teaspoons of karo syrup or honey onto his gums. This raises his blood sugar instantly and may provide relief if low blood sugar is the cause.
* Although the average time of a convulsion is only 90 seconds and your cat may soon appear fine again, always call your vet.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Your vet will examine your cat and take blood and urine tests to try to determine the underlying cause. Specific recommendations will be made accordingly.
