Seizures in Cats

Question 1

About 50% of cats have what type of seizures?

Answer 1

Non-convulsive seizures

Question 2

What are 3 examples of non-convulsive seizures?

Answer 2

• Mild generalized seizures
• Partial seizures
• Complex focal seizures

Question 3

What are 2 conditions owners may confuse seizures with?

Answer 3

• Normal estrus behavior in intact females

- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome

Question 4

Cats may have episodes of what 2 clinical signs?

Answer 4

• Face twitching

- Blank staring

Question 5

When cats have generalized tonic-clonic seizures they may be what?

Answer 5

Very violent and may become quite agitated and aggressive.

Question 6

Idiopathic epilepsy occurs in cats of what age range?

Answer 6

1-5 years of age

Question 7

What percentage of cats have symptomatic epilepsy?

Answer 7

50%

Question 8

What percentage of dogs have symptomatic epilepsy?

Answer 8

20%

Question 9

In which species is there a higher percentage of symptomatic epilepsy seen, dogs or cats?

Answer 9

Cats

Question 10

In which species is idiopathic epilepsy less common, cats or dogs?

Answer 10

Cats

Question 11

Veterinarians should conduct what with cats that have recurring seizures?

Answer 11

More aggressive diagnostic evaluation.

Question 12

What are 5 examples of diagnostic evaluations used in cats with seizures?

Answer 12

• CBC
• Chemistry profile
• Bile acids
• Serum T4
• FeLV/FIV testing

Question 13

Persistent neurological deficits indicate a need for what?

Answer 13

Brain imaging and analysis of spinal fluid.

Question 14

What are 3 circumstances where anticonvulsant therapy is considered in cats?

Answer 14

• Seizures becoming more frequent
• Status epilepticus/clusters of seizures
• Seizures more often than every 12 weeks

Question 15

What is the DOC for seizure control in cats?

Answer 15

Phenobarbital

Question 16

What is a contraindication of phenobarbital use?

Answer 16

Liver disease

Question 17

Is the initial maintenance oral dosage in cats lower or higher in cats when compared to dogs?
What is the dose?

Answer 17

• Lower

- 2-2.5 mg/kg q 12h

Question 18

What is the half-life of phenobarbital in cats?

Answer 18

40-50 hrs

Question 19

When is the steady state of phenobarbital reached in cats?

Answer 19

10-14 days

Question 20

What are 2 common clinical signs seen in cats with phenobarbital use?

Answer 20

• Polyphagia

- Weight gain

Question 21

What are 2 clinical signs that may occur in cats on phenobarbital?

Answer 21

• Bone marrow suppression

- Skin hypersensitivity reactions (pruritus)

Question 22

What side effect seen in dogs has not been reported in cats?

Answer 22

Liver toxicity

Question 23

When are serum levels of phenobarbital measured in cats?

What should also be measured at these times?

Answer 23

• Measured 2 weeks after starting treatment then every 6 months.
• Bile acids

Question 24

What is a contraindication of diazepam use in cats?

Answer 24

Liver disease

Question 25

Is hepatotoxicity a recognized side effect of diazepam in humans and dogs?

Answer 25

No

Question 26

What is sometimes given to cats to treat behavioral problems?

Answer 26

Oral diazepam

Question 27

What is a pre-treatment precaution for diazepam use in cats?

Answer 27

Evaluate liver function.

Question 28

What is the maintenance oral dosage for diazepam in cats?

Answer 28

0.5-1 mg/kg q 12 hrs

Question 29

When is the steady state of diazepam reached in cats?

Answer 29

4-5 days

Question 30

What is the therapeutic level of diazepam in cats trying to be reached?

Answer 30

0.5-0.7 ng/mL

Question 31

What is the formula for calculating a new dose?

Answer 31

New dosage = actual dosage/(actual diazepam concentration x desired diazepam concentration)

Question 32

When are 2 times liver function evaluated in cats on diazepam?

Answer 32

- 1 week | - 1 month

Question 33

The use of what drug is not currently recommended for the treatment of epilepsy in cats due to there being no data on the efficacy or safety in cats?

Answer 33

Imepitoin

Question 34

What are 2 contraindications for the use of bromide in cats?

Answer 34

- Feline asthma | - Renal insufficiency

Question 35

What is a difference in administration of bromide in cats compared to dogs?

Answer 35

Can be given in liquid form and put in food of cats.

Question 36

If urgent control is needed in cats, what type of dose should be given? What is the dosage schedule?

Answer 36

- Loading dose | - 500 mg/kg divided into 5 doses over 2 days to avoid vomiting

Question 37

When are 2 times bromide concentrations are measured in cats?

Answer 37

- 2 days | - 2 months

Question 38

There is an association between bromide use in cats and what?

Answer 38

Onset of reversible idiosyncratic bronchial asthma-like condition

Question 39

Bromide use should be discontinued in cats if what 2 conditions develops?

Answer 39

- Coughing | - Dyspnea

Question 40

What is the elimination half-life of bromide in cats?

Answer 40

11-21 days

Question 41

When is the steady state of bromide reached in cats?

Answer 41

8-15 weeks

Question 42

What is another drug that can be tried in cats if phenobarbital, diazepam and bromide do not work?

Answer 42

Levetiracetam

Question 43

Why are seizures not always readily recognized in cats?

Answer 43

Clinical features are much more variable than in dogs.