Comments on: Cat seizures http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/ In the beginning was nothing, which exploded. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:56:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Melissa http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-22052 Melissa Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:53:55 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-22052 My cat Squeak is 17.5, and had his first seizure about 6 months ago. I didn't see it, but my husband said he fell off the ottoman, appeared to be unable to get up, struggled and panted, and was very weak on one side. Eventually he was able to walk, but we took him to the ER. Tests showed there was nothing wrong. Took him to our vet and again, there seemed to be nothing wrong. Last month (5 months after the first seizure) he had another: same symptoms. Again, our vet said it was probably a blip on the radar screen, and advised us to just watch and observe. Yesterday he had a grand mal seizure right in front of me: he leaped off the couch, began running in circles, then fell on his right side and began thrashing violently. His head jerked repeatedly to the left, and his eyes were enormously dilated. His mouth was open wide but was not crying, panting or drooling. He did not lose control of his bladder of bowels. This all lasted about 2-3 minutes while I held him gently on the floor and spoke quietly to him. Afterward he seemed dazed and disoriented. I raced him to the vet, had a full blood workup done, and this morning the vet said there seemed to be nothing to indicate a metabolic disorder or anything organic that would cause seizures. Meanwhile, Squeak seems normal and alert. At this point I am planning to take a wait-and-see attitude rather than starting him on drugs. If he has another seizure in the next month, we'll re-evaluate. Thanks to everybody for providing so much anecdotal info and for passing on your experiences. My cat Squeak is 17.5, and had his first seizure about 6 months ago. I didn’t see it, but my husband said he fell off the ottoman, appeared to be unable to get up, struggled and panted, and was very weak on one side. Eventually he was able to walk, but we took him to the ER. Tests showed there was nothing wrong. Took him to our vet and again, there seemed to be nothing wrong.

Last month (5 months after the first seizure) he had another: same symptoms. Again, our vet said it was probably a blip on the radar screen, and advised us to just watch and observe.

Yesterday he had a grand mal seizure right in front of me: he leaped off the couch, began running in circles, then fell on his right side and began thrashing violently. His head jerked repeatedly to the left, and his eyes were enormously dilated. His mouth was open wide but was not crying, panting or drooling. He did not lose control of his bladder of bowels. This all lasted about 2-3 minutes while I held him gently on the floor and spoke quietly to him. Afterward he seemed dazed and disoriented.

I raced him to the vet, had a full blood workup done, and this morning the vet said there seemed to be nothing to indicate a metabolic disorder or anything organic that would cause seizures. Meanwhile, Squeak seems normal and alert.

At this point I am planning to take a wait-and-see attitude rather than starting him on drugs. If he has another seizure in the next month, we’ll re-evaluate. Thanks to everybody for providing so much anecdotal info and for passing on your experiences.

]]> By: Kim http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-22050 Kim Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:35:45 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-22050 And now he was on the 22mg 2x a day for 2 weeks and bam 2 more. Had 1 sunday and 1 last night. I am so scared for my little guy. I wish i knew how to help him. He goes to the vet today for a pheno level. And now he was on the 22mg 2x a day for 2 weeks and bam 2 more. Had 1 sunday and 1 last night. I am so scared for my little guy. I wish i knew how to help him. He goes to the vet today for a pheno level.

]]> By: Kim http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21981 Kim Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:07:41 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21981 My little Fred is back to having seizures. He had 2 on saturday and 1 monday night. We are upping his meds again! He will be 22.5 mg 2x a day. I was looking back at all the posting and realized how high this seems. His seizures arent lasting as long and he appears to "wake up" and be completly normal afterwards but still scary as hell to watch. I am just hoping we find a dosage that helps him. He is such a sweet and adorable little guy. I still see no real pattern other than they happen when he sleeps. My little Fred is back to having seizures. He had 2 on saturday and 1 monday night. We are upping his meds again! He will be 22.5 mg 2x a day. I was looking back at all the posting and realized how high this seems. His seizures arent lasting as long and he appears to “wake up” and be completly normal afterwards but still scary as hell to watch. I am just hoping we find a dosage that helps him. He is such a sweet and adorable little guy. I still see no real pattern other than they happen when he sleeps.

]]> By: Debra http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21976 Debra Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:54:37 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21976 Dear Noelle, Your Willow sounds like he is onevery special little man... who stole his Momma's heart at first sight. Blessings be with you for rescuing him and loving him no matter what. Thank you for not giving up on him when alot of others would have taken the easy way out. he is truly your fur son and I know loves you as much as you love him. I am hoping that his seizuzre was a one time episode. If I could make a suggestion. Document his first seizre. Write down everything you remember. The time of the seizure.. the duration. How long ittook him to come out of it, what he did DURING the seizure, his body position during it, did he lose bladder, bowel functions and did he foam at the mouth. How long did the seizure last? Write down EVERYTHING you remember.. when your vet gets back show her what you wrote down. If Willow has another seizure write it all down again. PLEASE do this for Willow. It will help your vet diagnose Willow. Please know that we are all here for you and please keep in touch. Blessings be with you and your precious little boy. Deb Dear Noelle,
Your Willow sounds like he is onevery special little man… who stole his Momma’s heart at first sight. Blessings be with you for rescuing him and loving him no matter what. Thank you for not giving up on him when alot of others would have taken the easy way out. he is truly your fur son and I know loves you as much as you love him.
I am hoping that his seizuzre was a one time episode. If I could make a suggestion. Document his first seizre. Write down everything you remember. The time of the seizure.. the duration. How long ittook him to come out of it, what he did DURING the seizure, his body position during it, did he lose bladder, bowel functions and did he foam at the mouth. How long did the seizure last?
Write down EVERYTHING you remember.. when your vet gets back show her what you wrote down. If Willow has another seizure write it all down again. PLEASE do this for Willow. It will help your vet diagnose Willow.

Please know that we are all here for you and please keep in touch.

Blessings be with you and your precious little boy.

Deb

]]> By: Noelle http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21972 Noelle Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:50:29 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21972 My Willow is 17 years old and a cancer survivor. Almost 4 years ago he was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma and given 4-6 months to live. He was put on a oral dose of a chemotherapy medicine, prednisone and an immunity booster which happens to be a lower dosage of the over the counter med "cold fx." Since February he has been gradually losing weight without losing any of his spirit. I have been keeping an eye on him, but with all he's been through (surgeries, blood tests, et al) I don't want to put him through a bunch of tests for nothing like some of the posters above. Anyway, 2 weeks ago he had a seizure. He followed me in the kitchen for his breakfast and I was cleaning the bowl I heard what sounded like a sneeze behind me. He scooted backwards like something frightened him and then lay down and had his seizure. I had no idea what was happening and thought he was dying. When the seizure was over, I guess my "pet-ernal" instinct kicked in and I scooped him up in my arms (both of us completely covered in urine) 10 minutes later he struggled to get down and went straight for his food dish. I phone my vet, who is an angel, and of course she was on vacation. We went to see the "substitute" vet who said that it could be any number of things from a random seizure to the start of something like a brain tumor. She said he was dehydrated and would like to give him fluids, but at this stage would not run any tests unless it happened again. (Aren't they fantastic at this clinic where they don't just want your money!?) I have noticed a decline in his health since the seizure. He seems even smaller, is always thirsty and stumbles more than usual. I fear it is only a matter of time for my Willow and have asked him to please wait for his vet Karin to come home from vacation (2 days from now) He is still jumping up in the window and on the couch and eating a little. I will spend a little extra to have Karin take a look, but she has promised to come to our house and has given me her home number which is stuck to the fridge. You see, Willow was her first successful cancer treatment. She adores him and uses him as an example to others who would rather put their pet down than spend the $30 a month it would cost to possibly save them. Willow is like my first child. He was born in Ireland where I went to school and travelled back with me to Los Angeles and finally to Montreal where we now reside. He had a rough start as he was beaten and abandoned by his first owner and I rescued him at approx. 5 months old. Through everything, he is the most social cat I know. I call him "Spot" as a nickname as he is truly like a dog. Waiting for me outside the bathroom, greeting me when I come home from work, begging on the hind legs. Though I know it's part of life, the thought of him passing away tears me up inside. Thank you all so much for this website. It is a comfort to read other stories and know I'm not alone. To those of you who are going through your own heartache, my thoughts go out to you. Thanks for letting me share Willow's story. Noelle My Willow is 17 years old and a cancer survivor. Almost 4 years ago he was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma and given 4-6 months to live. He was put on a oral dose of a chemotherapy medicine, prednisone and an immunity booster which happens to be a lower dosage of the over the counter med “cold fx.”

Since February he has been gradually losing weight without losing any of his spirit. I have been keeping an eye on him, but with all he’s been through (surgeries, blood tests, et al) I don’t want to put him through a bunch of tests for nothing like some of the posters above.

Anyway, 2 weeks ago he had a seizure. He followed me in the kitchen for his breakfast and I was cleaning the bowl I heard what sounded like a sneeze behind me. He scooted backwards like something frightened him and then lay down and had his seizure. I had no idea what was happening and thought he was dying. When the seizure was over, I guess my “pet-ernal” instinct kicked in and I scooped him up in my arms (both of us completely covered in urine) 10 minutes later he struggled to get down and went straight for his food dish. I phone my vet, who is an angel, and of course she was on vacation. We went to see the “substitute” vet who said that it could be any number of things from a random seizure to the start of something like a brain tumor. She said he was dehydrated and would like to give him fluids, but at this stage would not run any tests unless it happened again. (Aren’t they fantastic at this clinic where they don’t just want your money!?)

I have noticed a decline in his health since the seizure. He seems even smaller, is always thirsty and stumbles more than usual. I fear it is only a matter of time for my Willow and have asked him to please wait for his vet Karin to come home from vacation (2 days from now) He is still jumping up in the window and on the couch and eating a little. I will spend a little extra to have Karin take a look, but she has promised to come to our house and has given me her home number which is stuck to the fridge. You see, Willow was her first successful cancer treatment. She adores him and uses him as an example to others who would rather put their pet down than spend the $30 a month it would cost to possibly save them.

Willow is like my first child. He was born in Ireland where I went to school and travelled back with me to Los Angeles and finally to Montreal where we now reside. He had a rough start as he was beaten and abandoned by his first owner and I rescued him at approx. 5 months old. Through everything, he is the most social cat I know. I call him “Spot” as a nickname as he is truly like a dog. Waiting for me outside the bathroom, greeting me when I come home from work, begging on the hind legs. Though I know it’s part of life, the thought of him passing away tears me up inside.

Thank you all so much for this website. It is a comfort to read other stories and know I’m not alone. To those of you who are going through your own heartache, my thoughts go out to you.

Thanks for letting me share Willow’s story.

Noelle

]]> By: Debra http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21907 Debra Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:37:32 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21907 Hi Jessica, How is Tabrah doing now? Is she feeling any better? Has she had any more seizures? What does your baby look like? Is she a gray tabby.. tuxedo.. calico.. orange/white taby? Kelby is a blk and white tuxedo. He gets around so well that we almost don't even think that he is totally blind. I tell him all the time that h eis so adorable he should be illegal. I think we have the rainbow. We have tuxedos.. orange and white tabbies.. calico.. gray and black tabby...all black... we have everybody. ALL are as different as a human's personalities. I wonder if thee is a way we can p[ost pictures of our fur children that have seizures so we would have their pictures in front of us when we read about them. Deb Hi Jessica,
How is Tabrah doing now? Is she feeling any better? Has she had any more seizures? What does your baby look like? Is she a gray tabby.. tuxedo.. calico.. orange/white taby?

Kelby is a blk and white tuxedo. He gets around so well that we almost don’t even think that he is totally blind. I tell him all the time that h eis so adorable he should be illegal. I think we have the rainbow. We have tuxedos.. orange and white tabbies.. calico.. gray and black tabby…all black… we have everybody. ALL are as different as a human’s personalities.
I wonder if thee is a way we can p[ost pictures of our fur children that have seizures so we would have their pictures in front of us when we read about them.

Deb

]]> By: Jessica http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21884 Jessica Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:43:40 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21884 Thanks Deb, I'm sorry your little ones have had a horrible life before you. Though they are most definitely in a wonderful home now. I'm one to take in rescues too so I know how it goes. Tabrah was definitely perkier this morning though she can't stand the potassium gel (highly palatable my tush) I mix in it with her food now because the stuff is so nasty and she really does need it. I'm hoping with the supplements that we can get her liver and kidney levels to as near to normal as possible. I have no doubt that she's got major liver and kidney damage as she's been through a lot in her life. She's a viscious eater and will scarf down anything in her path if she thinks it's edible. We've had some emergency visits because she's eaten pills straight from the counter (now really, what cat willingly takes pills?!) It was ACE the tranquilizer that I had given her a 1/4 of before bringing her to get groomed. I turned to get the pill bottle and when I turned back the rest of the pill was gone. That was very scary for a while as she is only 4lbs and took enough for a 40lb dog. She's gotten into a lot of hairy situations and lord only knows what bad things she's eaten. She also has chronic UTI infections which we keep a stash of clavamox on hand for plus cosequin. My hubby never imagined how insane I am about our pets. Thank you for your support, you and your fur babies are in my thoughts and prayers as well. Thanks Deb, I’m sorry your little ones have had a horrible life before you. Though they are most definitely in a wonderful home now. I’m one to take in rescues too so I know how it goes. Tabrah was definitely perkier this morning though she can’t stand the potassium gel (highly palatable my tush) I mix in it with her food now because the stuff is so nasty and she really does need it. I’m hoping with the supplements that we can get her liver and kidney levels to as near to normal as possible. I have no doubt that she’s got major liver and kidney damage as she’s been through a lot in her life. She’s a viscious eater and will scarf down anything in her path if she thinks it’s edible. We’ve had some emergency visits because she’s eaten pills straight from the counter (now really, what cat willingly takes pills?!) It was ACE the tranquilizer that I had given her a 1/4 of before bringing her to get groomed. I turned to get the pill bottle and when I turned back the rest of the pill was gone. That was very scary for a while as she is only 4lbs and took enough for a 40lb dog. She’s gotten into a lot of hairy situations and lord only knows what bad things she’s eaten. She also has chronic UTI infections which we keep a stash of clavamox on hand for plus cosequin. My hubby never imagined how insane I am about our pets. Thank you for your support, you and your fur babies are in my thoughts and prayers as well.

]]> By: Debra http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21883 Debra Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:30:21 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21883 Oh Jessica, I am so sorry your baby girl has so many issues. We have a calico named Shadow that is 18, and in pretty good health. He rhearing is going and drinks alot of water... so I am thinking of several things it could be. She eats well and still is frisky. I'll b etaking her in to the vet too. We also have an incredible holistic vet that one of fur children saw regularly for chiropractic and acupuncture. He crossed over last July. He gave NO SIGNS at all... he started to pant like a dog.. I rushed him in and within 2 hours my beloved son was gone. But Kelby ... our blind and seizure fur child is ornery as ever. He is young.. JUST turned 3. We'll be taking him in soon to ask about the possibility of trying to wean him off the phenobarbital to see how he does. Usually seizures happen in older cats... Kelby was 2 1/2.. but since we adopte dhim.. we have NO IDEA what his home life wa slike before. He was owner surrendered....we don't know if he was abused, neglected, beaten etc. ALL of our fur children have physical and or emotional or both issues. That's why we adopt them We take the ones no one else wants. Antway.. Kelby is a hellion now. He owns my husband. He may be blind.. but the child knows where my husband is at all times....he is such a delight. I adore this precious child that was thrown away. He is absolutely rotten to the core.. and is too cute fo rhis own good. He has NO EYES... but I can only imagine how over the moon drop dead cute he'd be if he did. He "looks" at us and seems to see us.. tilts his head.. oh my he is too precious. The pheno is helping him tremendously. he's been seizure free since January! PLEASE keep in touch ... I will pray for you and your precious little girl. deb Oh Jessica,
I am so sorry your baby girl has so many issues. We have a calico named Shadow that is 18, and in pretty good health. He rhearing is going and drinks alot of water… so I am thinking of several things it could be. She eats well and still is frisky. I’ll b etaking her in to the vet too.
We also have an incredible holistic vet that one of fur children saw regularly for chiropractic and acupuncture. He crossed over last July. He gave NO SIGNS at all… he started to pant like a dog.. I rushed him in and within 2 hours my beloved son was gone.
But Kelby … our blind and seizure fur child is ornery as ever. He is young.. JUST turned 3. We’ll be taking him in soon to ask about the possibility of trying to wean him off the phenobarbital to see how he does. Usually seizures happen in older cats… Kelby was 2 1/2.. but since we adopte dhim.. we have NO IDEA what his home life wa slike before. He was owner surrendered….we don’t know if he was abused, neglected, beaten etc. ALL of our fur children have physical and or emotional or both issues. That’s why we adopt them We take the ones no one else wants.
Antway.. Kelby is a hellion now. He owns my husband. He may be blind.. but the child knows where my husband is at all times….he is such a delight. I adore this precious child that was thrown away. He is absolutely rotten to the core.. and is too cute fo rhis own good. He has NO EYES… but I can only imagine how over the moon drop dead cute he’d be if he did. He “looks” at us and seems to see us.. tilts his head.. oh my he is too precious. The pheno is helping him tremendously. he’s been seizure free since January!
PLEASE keep in touch … I will pray for you and your precious little girl.
deb

]]> By: Jessica http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21880 Jessica Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:29:34 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21880 Thanks for responding Deb. We were able to get her to the vet early this morning. We did fluids, blood pull, and of course exam. She seems to be fine again today, though it took her about 2 days to get there. Judging from everything I told them we believe it was a seizure. We think this was the first one as she took so long to recover I doubt we would have missed that before. She's always had a thyroid problem but we can't treat her for it because she doesn't weigh enough to get the meds. Now her kidneys and liver are in terrible shape, she's anemic and her potassium level is barely there, which is what was causing her to crane her neck. We gave her fluid while we were there and they sent me home with the bag and needles so I can do it if need be again. She should technically have meds for her liver and kidney problem, BUT if we treat her liver it will harm her kidneys and if we treat her kidneys it will harm her liver, soooo we're not doing anything medication wise. They are however also a homeopathic vet so we are giving her an herbal remedy along with a potassium oral gel. I'm also going to start her on the same supplemets my dog is on for her issues. She will be getting colostrum and some other things as well. They felt a hard mass in her intestines but without testing we won't know what it is. We decided that there's no point to testing because at her age and with her problems she wouldn't be able to be treated anyway. She's not in any pain from it at the moment so we will monitor her. If she starts to have more then one seizure a month we will opt to put her to sleep since she took so long to recover from this one and because her body just would not be able to handle the treatment. We're just hoping to keep her feeling her best until her time comes. Thanks again for your response! Thanks for responding Deb. We were able to get her to the vet early this morning. We did fluids, blood pull, and of course exam. She seems to be fine again today, though it took her about 2 days to get there. Judging from everything I told them we believe it was a seizure. We think this was the first one as she took so long to recover I doubt we would have missed that before. She’s always had a thyroid problem but we can’t treat her for it because she doesn’t weigh enough to get the meds. Now her kidneys and liver are in terrible shape, she’s anemic and her potassium level is barely there, which is what was causing her to crane her neck. We gave her fluid while we were there and they sent me home with the bag and needles so I can do it if need be again. She should technically have meds for her liver and kidney problem, BUT if we treat her liver it will harm her kidneys and if we treat her kidneys it will harm her liver, soooo we’re not doing anything medication wise. They are however also a homeopathic vet so we are giving her an herbal remedy along with a potassium oral gel. I’m also going to start her on the same supplemets my dog is on for her issues. She will be getting colostrum and some other things as well. They felt a hard mass in her intestines but without testing we won’t know what it is. We decided that there’s no point to testing because at her age and with her problems she wouldn’t be able to be treated anyway. She’s not in any pain from it at the moment so we will monitor her. If she starts to have more then one seizure a month we will opt to put her to sleep since she took so long to recover from this one and because her body just would not be able to handle the treatment. We’re just hoping to keep her feeling her best until her time comes. Thanks again for your response!

]]> By: Debra http://allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/2006/01/29/cat-seizures/#comment-21878 Debra Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:06:08 +0000 http://www.allthegooddomainsweretaken.com/?p=53#comment-21878 Ohhh Jessica, I am so sorry to read about your fur child. If you can PLEASE write down everything that you have seen since you have gotten home tonight. It is VERY important as this will help your regular vet make a diagnosis. Call your regular vet NOW and leave a message asking for an appointment first thing in the mornging. You will need blood work to be done. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to keep a WRITTEN description of exactly your fur child is doing etc. how she walks... holds her head, holds her head, legs etc. and for long. ALSO keep an eye on her if she has another seizure. If she does.... stay with her...she may lose her bladder or bowels... just talk softly to her....it's scary for you but they don't remember it. TIME IT... TIME how long she has the seizure and how long it takes her to recover and what she does when she comes out of it. WRITE DOWN everything you observe. PLEASE let me know how sh eis an dknow I will pray for her and I'll check back tomorrow. Blessings, Deb Ohhh Jessica,
I am so sorry to read about your fur child. If you can PLEASE write down everything that you have seen since you have gotten home tonight. It is VERY important as this will help your regular vet make a diagnosis. Call your regular vet NOW and leave a message asking for an appointment first thing in the mornging. You will need blood work to be done. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to keep a WRITTEN description of exactly your fur child is doing etc. how she walks… holds her head, holds her head, legs etc. and for long. ALSO keep an eye on her if she has another seizure. If she does…. stay with her…she may lose her bladder or bowels… just talk softly to her….it’s scary for you but they don’t remember it. TIME IT… TIME how long she has the seizure and how long it takes her to recover and what she does when she comes out of it. WRITE DOWN everything you observe.

PLEASE let me know how sh eis an dknow I will pray for her and I’ll check back tomorrow.

Blessings,
Deb

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