My cat had a seizure. Is an MRI necessary after initial vet tests?

An MRI is useful to determine if Smodge is having seizures caused by a primary issue with the brain. This would be caused by a number of considtions for example a mass, or fluid changes within the brain. These conditions would be visible on the MRI scan. MRI scans are rarely if ever stopped, as the animals underlying the MRI are sedated so they do not move and interrupt he process. As well as to protect them from stress. If you do not wish to have the MRI performed you can ask your vet to try medical treatment for the seizures. If you take this route you won't know the precise cause of the seizures, but Smudge will still be receiving care. Some seizures are cause by idiopathic epilepsy and this would not be visible on an MRI, but it is a diagnosis reached when no other cause of the seizures can be found. If the MRI comes back clear, idiopathic epilepsy would be the most likely diagnosis. Medical treatment would then be started. I hope that is helpful information. Happy to help more in a consult or if you want to post any further questions in the forum.

The neurological exam should be able to determine if the disease is in the brain. Age (older pets with new neurological symptoms) and signalment can help prioritize differential diagnoses but ultimately imaging (MRI) is required to make a definitive diagnosis.

Hi there. Thank you for using PetCoach. So sorry that Brea is having this issue. Seizures in cats can be very serious. A seizure from an inner ear infection is possible but I don't feel it is likely to be the underlying cause. Usually blood testing is done as a first line test to check organ function (mainly the liver and kidneys). If these organs are not working properly seizures may be the result. I would be a bit concerned since she only has one kidney. An x-ray of the skull may also be helpful in determining if the ear infection has gone behind the ear drum in which case that may need to be opened and flushed. Here is a link to an article about seizures in cats that may give you more information. I hope this helps. Best wishes. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2118&aid=224

Poor kitty. If her bloodwork is normal then that is unfortunately not a good indicator and in such a young kitty we have to consider the high possibility that this indicates a brain or spinal cord lesion. Some kind of trauma could have also occured to cause these seizures. IT is best to put Capser on anti-seizure medication right away to hopefully manage these better. If the seizures continue to happen at this frequency, then permanent brain damage is likely to occur. A referral to a neurologist should also be considered. An MRI or CT scan will likely be recmomended to get to the bottom of the cause of these seizures. Poor kitty. I wish you all the best with Casper moving forward. Take care.

Sorry to hear about Babygirl. Unfortunately, without advanced diagnostic imaging it will not be possible to tell you with certainly the cause of her seizure activity. An MRI would be the only way to accomplish this positively. Based on her age and no previous history of seizure activity, a brain tumor or tumor elsewhere in the central nervous system would be the most likely diagnosis. Much lower down on my list would be some sort of infectious or inflammatory process. Even lower would be extremely late onset epilepsy. Based on what you are telling me, it sounds like humane euthanasia is probably the best decision you can make for her. I know it's hard but I hope it gives you some solace knowing that you are bringing her to peace.

If she seems perfectly fine now...eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and walking normally with a normal activity level (not lethargic)... and this was her first episode, there is nothing that your vet could do other than routine screening bloodwork to rule out a liver/kidney issue or low blood sugar as the cause of the seizures. Your vet may also prescribe rectal valium suppositories to have on hand to treat any future seizures. Cats and dogs are usually not started on seizure medications unless they have several seizures a month or a prolonged seizure. Hopefully Rey won’t have any more episodes, but if she does, a short video clip may be helpful to bring to your vet. Good luck!

Yes, I would make an appointment to discuss medication options with your vet and to rule out any other underlying or treatable conditions causing the seizures. While the meds may be lifelong, they are better in the long-term than letting your cat have seizures constantly which could lead to accidents, injury, or death. Your vet may also be able to work with you on a cohesive treatment plan in combination with medications that may help reduce seizures.