Seizures in Cats

Schriefl, S., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2008). "Etiologic classification of seizures, signalment, clinical signs, and outcome in cats with seizure disorders: 91 cases (2000-2004)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(10): 1591-7.

Epileptic seizures can occur in cats for many reasons, such as metabolic or toxic conditions, inflammatory or infectious diseases, or neoplasia. Seizures with no identifiable cause are called idiopathic epilepsy, which has been considered rare in cats. The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate associations among etiologic classifications of seizures and signalment, clinical signs, and outcome in cats with various seizure disorders. In this retrospective case series, data was collected on 91 cats presented for seizure disorders to Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich from 2000 to 2004. During this period, the incidence of seizures in all cats presented to this hospital was 2.1%. Etiology was classified as reactive in 20 (22%) cats, symptomatic in 45 (50%), idiopathic or presumptive idiopathic in 23(25%), and cardiac syncope in 3 (3%). Focal seizures were recorded in 52% of the cats, and generalized seizures in 48%. The mean age of cats with idiopathic seizures (3.5 years) was significantly lower than that of cats with reactive seizures (8.2 years) or symptomatic seizures (8.1 years). Cats with idiopathic seizures survived the longest.
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Related articles:
Timmann, D., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2008). "Retrospective analysis of seizures associated with feline infectious peritonitis in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 9-15.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bailey, K. S., C. W. Dewey, et al. (2008). "Levetiracetam as an adjunct to phenobarbital treatment in cats with suspected idiopathic epilepsy." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(6): 867-72.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Schriefl, S., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2008). "Etiologic classification of seizures, signalment, clinical signs, and outcome in cats with seizure disorders: 91 cases (2000-2004)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(10): 1591-7.

Epileptic seizures can occur in cats for many reasons, such as metabolic or toxic conditions, inflammatory or infectious diseases, or neoplasia. Seizures with no identifiable cause are called idiopathic epilepsy, which has been considered rare in cats. The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate associations among etiologic classifications of seizures and signalment, clinical signs, and outcome in cats with various seizure disorders. In this retrospective case series, data was collected on 91 cats presented for seizure disorders to Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich from 2000 to 2004. During this period, the incidence of seizures in all cats presented to this hospital was 2.1%. Etiology was classified as reactive in 20 (22%) cats, symptomatic in 45 (50%), idiopathic or presumptive idiopathic in 23(25%), and cardiac syncope in 3 (3%). Focal seizures were recorded in 52% of the cats, and generalized seizures in 48%. The mean age of cats with idiopathic seizures (3.5 years) was significantly lower than that of cats with reactive seizures (8.2 years) or symptomatic seizures (8.1 years). Cats with idiopathic seizures survived the longest.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Timmann, D., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2008). "Retrospective analysis of seizures associated with feline infectious peritonitis in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 9-15.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bailey, K. S., C. W. Dewey, et al. (2008). "Levetiracetam as an adjunct to phenobarbital treatment in cats with suspected idiopathic epilepsy." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(6): 867-72.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Insulinoma in a Cat

Greene, S. N. and R. M. Bright (2008). "Insulinoma in a cat." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 38-40.

Insulinomas are functional pancreatic tumors producing insulin. The abnormal release of insulin drives blood glucose concentrations below normal and produces the typical clinical signs associated with insulinoma (e.g., seizures, weakness, collapse, muscle twitching, etc.). They are uncommon tumours in dogs and cats and are often malignant. Insulinomas are suspected when an adult cat is presented with suggestive clinical signs and persistent hypoglycemia. In this case report, a 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with seizures and hypoglycemia. Investigation revealed low blood glucose concurrent with normal insulin levels. Medical and dietary management were attempted without success. At exploratory laparotomy, a well-defined mass was found in the pancreas. The mass was resected and identified on histopathology as an islet cell carcinoma - consistent with an insulinoma. The patient has had no recurrence of clinical signs in over 32 months post-surgery. This case is unique because of the apparent lack of local recurrence and development of metastatic disease, leading to the prolonged survival.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kraje, A. (2003). "Hypoglycemia and irreversible neurologic complications in a cat with insulinoma." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 223(6): 812-814.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Greene, S. N. and R. M. Bright (2008). "Insulinoma in a cat." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 38-40.

Insulinomas are functional pancreatic tumors producing insulin. The abnormal release of insulin drives blood glucose concentrations below normal and produces the typical clinical signs associated with insulinoma (e.g., seizures, weakness, collapse, muscle twitching, etc.). They are uncommon tumours in dogs and cats and are often malignant. Insulinomas are suspected when an adult cat is presented with suggestive clinical signs and persistent hypoglycemia. In this case report, a 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with seizures and hypoglycemia. Investigation revealed low blood glucose concurrent with normal insulin levels. Medical and dietary management were attempted without success. At exploratory laparotomy, a well-defined mass was found in the pancreas. The mass was resected and identified on histopathology as an islet cell carcinoma - consistent with an insulinoma. The patient has had no recurrence of clinical signs in over 32 months post-surgery. This case is unique because of the apparent lack of local recurrence and development of metastatic disease, leading to the prolonged survival.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kraje, A. (2003). "Hypoglycemia and irreversible neurologic complications in a cat with insulinoma." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 223(6): 812-814.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Feline Permethrin Spot-On Toxicity

Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More