My senior cat has frequent seizures. What medical steps to take?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start him on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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.

With seizures starting at that age an a change in behavior ibwiukd bravery concerned there is a disease affecting the brain that is causing the problems. If that is the case you are unlikely to notice any improvement and likely see things get worse and the seizures progress. There is medication you can try to stop the seizures.

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.

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.

If your cat is having seizures, an exam with your vet or at the nearest veterinary ER is strongly recommended. Go as soon as possible. Repeated seizures can cause permanent damage or may kill. Seizures can be caused by infection, trauma, toxicity, tumors or other neurologic conditions. It is important the seizures are controlled temporarily while diagnostics determine a cause that can be treated. At 17 years old, quality of life and euthanasia may need to be discussed if the seizures cannot be controlled or a diagnosis cannot be reached.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. I would reach for more traditional anti-seizure drugs such as phenobarbital. This is something your veterinarian can prescribe for him. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!