My cat had seizure-like symptoms, but vet tests were normal. Why?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear that Clunker has been having seizures. It is important to see exactly what is going on, to determine that he is having a true seizure, as opposed to a collapse or localized tremors for a different reason. A video would be very helpful and I would be happy to provide a consultation. If this is a true seizure, they are usually the result of abnormal brain activity. This can be due to a large number of diseases including brain cancer, infection, or epilepsy (the cause of which is not currently known in cats). With brain cancer or epilepsy, blood work can be normal, however, x-rays or a CT scan would determine if there is something else causing the seizures. It may be helpful to know that seizures themselves are not thought to be painful, and it is normal for animals to urinate/defecate while they are having a seizure. This frequency of seizures is definitely confusing and distressful for Clunker, and a veterinarian can prescribe an anti-seizure medication to keep him comfortable. It is important to have Clunker evaluated by a vet to ensure that there is nothing else that can be causing collapse or tremors, such as a hormonal issue or viral infection, and to have him treated appropriately.

Elvis' signs of weight loss, vomiting and seizure activity are highly concerning. I'm glad that his blood testing was normal, but in an older cat that is experiencing seizures, a brain tumor is a major concern and will not typically cause any changes on blood testing. An MRI scan is needed for this diagnosis. Normal blood work rules out common causes of weight loss in an older cat, such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, but as I mentioned, there is not a specific test for all cancers. Elvis needs to see his vet immediately because his twitching and balance issues could be a result of focal seizures rather than the grand mal seizures to which you are likely accustomed to seeing. Your vet will be able to discuss any recommended diagnostics and treatment options.

I'm sorry to hear that Maci is having this problem! Idiopathic epilepsy, which refers to seizures without any underlying cause, is rare in cats but can occur. Other possible causes would include a brain tumor or neurologic disease of some kind, as there would not be any evidence of these issues on normal bloodwork. If you are concerned and want to try and get a definitive diagnosis, you can request referral to a veterinary neurologist for further testing, which would likely include an MRI or CT scan of the brain as well as a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) tap. If going to see a specialist is not an option for you, your veterinarian should still be able to prescribe medication to control Maci's seizures even without knowing what the underlying cause might be - I would definitely recommend this at this point, if she is having seizures every other day.

Oh dear! Poor Sterling. Seizures are definitely not normal, especially in a kitten this young - this could be caused by a neurologic disease like FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), toxoplasmosis, a liver shunt, or some type of toxicity. I would definitely recommend taking him to the vet, especially since he's still acting abnormal a week later. Your veterinarian can do a full neurologic exam and may also recommend lab work or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The symptoms do suggest short seizures or mini strokes. You should take Cheshire to your local vets for full clinical examination and a blood test to check his blood sugar level, red cell count, kidney and liver function. If the blood results come back normal and he keeps having the episodes, he may need further investigation, like MRI scan of the brain. Alternatively, your vet may recommend treatment with anti-epileptic medication asa trial.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds that Manolo had an epileptic fit, which is not uncommon in older dogs. If the blood work came back normal and Manolo is back to normal, you need to monitor him at home for now. You should avoid excitement, excessive exercises, stress, loud noise, sharp light. If Manolo has another episode like this, your vet will likely prescribe anti-epileptic medication for him.

I'm sorry to hear that Pickles has been experiencing so many problems! While I have not personally treated any young cats with concurrent seizures and ventricular tachycardia, despite normal MRI and CSF findings, I would be most suspicious of underlying portosystemic shunts (PSS), toxin exposure, or underlying heart disease. With PSS, blood vessels on their way back to the heart bypass the liver, which is responsible for filtering normal toxins (i.e. ammonia) out of the blood stream. When this does not happen and ammonia-containing blood reaches the brain, seizures can occur. Sometimes syncopal (fainting) episodes can resemble seizures and are actually caused by underlying heart disease. Consider asking your vet about abdominal ultrasounds and bile acid tests if they are concerned about a PSS, or about an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) if primary heart disease seems more likely. I hope that all goes well for Pickles!