Seizures, Epilepsy, and Feline Hyperesthesia
There are few things more frightening than witnessing your pet having a full-blown seizure—falling down, paddling with its paws, maybe even yowling. Seizures are the result of an abnormal burst of electrical signals from the brain. Possible causes include toxic substances, electrolyte imbalances or abnormalities, head trauma, or metabolic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease. The uncoordinated firing of neurons in the brain creates seizures (convulsions). These range from a few moments of mental “absence†where the animal seems not to be aware of its surroundings, to severe “grand mal†with unconsciousness, stiffened limbs or flailing movements, and uncontrolled urination and/or defecation.
Stages of Seizures
The typical seizure has four stages; not all of these may be noticeable in any particular animal:
1. The prodromal phase may precede the seizure by hours or days. It is characterized by changes in mood or behavior.
2. The aura is the start of a seizure. Signals include whining, trembling, salivation, clingy behavior, restlessness, hiding.
3. The “ictus†or actual seizure. Mild seizures may involve “fly-biting†(where the dog will snap its teeth in the air) or lack of awareness. At its worst, the animal will lose consciousness and fall, going into a periods of intense physical activity lasting a few minutes. Multiple separate seizures in a row are called “cluster†seizures. More than 3 seizures in a 24-hour period, or any seizure lasting more than 10 minutes (called “status epilepticusâ€), are life-threatening conditions; seek emergency veterinary care.
4. The post-ictal period follows the seizure. The animal will regain consciousness, and return to normal over a few minutes or hours; meantime they may appear disoriented, blind, and/and deaf, and eat or drink excessively.
Causes of Seizures
In younger animals, seizures are sometimes caused by abnormal blood supply to the liver (shunt). Infectious causes are also seen more commonly in young animals. Blood tests including titers for tick-borne diseases (for pets who go outside in tick-endemic areas) as well as other infectious causes are advised. Several infectious organisms can be carried in raw meat, so seizures in a young animal on a raw diet should be fully investigated for such diseases.
In cats, infectious causes include Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Cryptococcus (a common environmental fungus that is especially associated with pigeons), Toxoplasma (a protozoal parasite), feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline AIDS), meningitis or encephalitis).
In dogs, infectious causes include fungus (Cryptococcus, Asperigillus), parasitic (Toxoplasma, Neospora, Cuterebra), viral (canine distemper, rabies), and bacteria (Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and other tick-borne diseases). Most often, no cause is found, and the diagnosis is “idiopathic epilepsy,†meaning “epilepsy due to unknown cause.â€
In older animals (dogs over 5 years old; over age 10 for cats), tumors become a more common cause, but strokes also occur. A CT scan or MRI may be able to locate the mass; there may be a surgical solution, or radiation may be helpful.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
This condition in cats may be a form of seizure disorder; many cats respond to anti-convulsive medications. It may also fall somewhere on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. The treatment for this condition is the same as for other seizures.
Medical Treatment
In both dogs and cats, the most common treatment for seizures is phenobarbital tablets (given by mouth). It takes about 2 weeks to reach a blood level that will control seizures. At that point, the blood level of the drug should be checked. Phenobarbital can be harmful to the liver. Liver function and drug levels should be rechecked at least every 6 months. Cats are more resistant than dogs to the drug’s side effects, which include sedation and increased hunger and thirst. There are other medications that can be used in dogs; but few of them work well in cats.
Natural Treatments
Natural therapies for seizures in both dogs and cats include:
1. High-protein, very low-carb diet. Homemade meat-based foods, low-carb/grainless canned foods, and frozen raw diets are all good options for seizure patients. In humans, this type of diet is called “ketogenic†and it is quite successful, especially in children. Dogs and cats are built to eat just this type of diet. Carbohydrates, including treats, should be avoided. Note that some parasites of raw meat can cause neurologic problems; it may be best to cook all meat products before feeding.
2. Taurine. This amino acid is crucial for nerve and brain function. It is very safe and cannot be overdosed. Give approximately 125 mg per day per 50 pounds. Products containing a sufficient amount of taurine include:
3. B-vitamins. Vitamins B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) seem to be the most important ones, but a general B-complex could be used. A balanced 50 mg B-complex (often called “B-50â€) made for humans will contain enough of both for pets. Because B-vitamins are water soluble, they are generally safe.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids. Anti-inflammatory Omega-3s are also vital to brain and nervous system function.
5. Homeopathic Belladonna. Belladonna is a highly toxic plant, but when made into a homeopathic remedy it is perfectly safe. Belladonna 30C can be found at many health food stores or online. It comes in pellets or tablets, but it’s easier to use it in liquid. Put 3-5 pellets in a 1-ounce amber glass dropper bottle filled with spring or filtered water, and succuss (shake against the heel of your hand) 100 times. The pellets may not disappear, but the remedy has been distributed throughout the water. Shake each time before using. To start, give 3 doses (1 squirt of the dropper) by mouth, 12 hours apart. Then, when possible, give a little squirt each time you see the behavior start, or as soon as you can during or after the episode. Over time the frequency of seizures usually will decrease.
6. Boswellia. This herb, usually used for joint pain, has provided good results in studies on some human brain tumors. Give 100-150 mg per day per 10 pounds of body weight.
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