Cat Having Seizures

Mikedugan333

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My cat is a ten year old male exotic shorthair. A few weeks ago he showed signs of imbalance and loss of coordination. Within a few days those symptoms resolved (vet suspected ear infection and gave him antibiotics) but he continued to have seizures roughly 3-5 a day. After a few more days the seizures then stopped. He’s been taking a steroid in attempt to stop the seizures. Our vet neurologist suspects he could have a brain tumor despite his blood tests showing normal and his behavior being normal other than when he had the seizures. We don’t want to get him an MRI given his older age. The neurologist recommended lowering his steroid dosage gradually over the upcoming weeks and seeing if the seizures stop. Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, or similar experiences?
 

FeebysOwner

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Ten years old is usually just the beginning of 'senior-ville' for most cats unless they have had extensive health issues over the years that could have aged them prematurely. (Forgive me for not understanding if exotics age more quickly than other cats.) Have you talked to the vet(s) about concerns over an MRI at his age? Are you worried about the sedation? Can the minimum amount be used? I would be tempted to do it if they think the risks are minimal.

He was put on steroids to try to control the seizures, so I am having some trouble understanding why a vet would think they might stop if he is weaned off of the steroids??
 
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Mikedugan333

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Ten years old is usually just the beginning of 'senior-ville' for most cats unless they have had extensive health issues over the years that could have aged them prematurely. (Forgive me for not understanding if exotics age more quickly than other cats.) Have you talked to the vet(s) about concerns over an MRI at his age? Are you worried about the sedation? Can the minimum amount be used? I would be tempted to do it if they think the risks are minimal.

He was put on steroids to try to control the seizures, so I am having some trouble understanding why a vet would think they might stop if he is weaned off of the steroids??
The vet wants to lower his steroid dosage because she fears it's a brain tumor and the steroids are only providing a temporary fix. She wants to see how he reacts as steroids are gradually decreased. Also with the MRI she is concerned with putting him under because he's older she's not sure how his body will react to anesthesia
 

FeebysOwner

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I understand the concern. Did the blood tests include things like low blood sugar, infection, or maybe even hyperthyroidism? On the other hand, diabetes or liver problems have been known to cause seizures. I am guessing all of that has been ruled out with testing?

If you are interested in reading some of the other threads about seizures on this site from members, you can click on the link below. Maybe something will help...

Search Results for Query: seizures | TheCatSite

I know other members, perhaps even some in the above threads, will see your post and offer their input - be patient, sometimes it takes a while!
 

babiesmom5

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I am sorry about your kitty having seizures and I can understand your concerns about an MRI.

I have had two senior cats undergo an MRI successfully.

The one underwent an MRI at age 18 to determine if her sudden lack of coordination was due to stroke or brain tumor. MRI revealed she had had a stroke. She recovered fully within two weeks.

The second cat underwent an MRI at age 15 to determine if her sudden lack of coordination/balance was due to a brain tumor or inner ear problem.
MRI revealed a very bad infection deep in the inner ear near the brain (likely as result of polyp). She underwent an operation and recovered shortly.

It is my understanding from both of these Vet Neurologists that the only way to accurately diagnose seizure type brain activity is by an MRI.

Like you, I was concerned about the sedation, especially with the 18 year old cat, but was reassured by the anesthesiologist and neurologist that the least amount of anesthesia would be used and my cat would be very carefully monitored. She came through it like a champ!

I would suggest you discuss the possibility of an MRI again for a 10 year old cat with your vet neurologist.

Hope my experience helps a wee bit.
 

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My cat is a ten year old male exotic shorthair. A few weeks ago he showed signs of imbalance and loss of coordination. Within a few days those symptoms resolved (vet suspected ear infection and gave him antibiotics) but he continued to have seizures roughly 3-5 a day. After a few more days the seizures then stopped. He’s been taking a steroid in attempt to stop the seizures. Our vet neurologist suspects he could have a brain tumor despite his blood tests showing normal and his behavior being normal other than when he had the seizures. We don’t want to get him an MRI given his older age. The neurologist recommended lowering his steroid dosage gradually over the upcoming weeks and seeing if the seizures stop. Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, or similar experiences?
Boy, that's a tough one. How long was he on the antibiotic before the seizures lessened then stopped? Did the vet actually diagnose an ear infection? Did he have any kind of flea or tick treatment before this started?
 
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Mikedugan333

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Boy, that's a tough one. How long was he on the antibiotic before the seizures lessened then stopped? Did the vet actually diagnose an ear infection? Did he have any kind of flea or tick treatment before this started?
He was on antibiotics for about a week before the seizures lessened and then stopped. He is still on them. The vet did not diagnose an ear infection because of his bread it's too difficult to get a definitive diagnosis on the ear. He does receive regular flea and tick prevention
 

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He was on antibiotics for about a week before the seizures lessened and then stopped. He is still on them. The vet did not diagnose an ear infection because of his bread it's too difficult to get a definitive diagnosis on the ear. He does receive regular flea and tick prevention
Did they mention the possibility of a really bad inner ear infection?
 

babiesmom5

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I am not a vet, but a couple of things stand out. The antibiotic lessened, then stopped the seizures. This might point to an infection.

But then your vet prescribed a steroid thinking it might be a brain tumor.

If it indeed was a brain tumor, then an antibiotic would not stop the seizures.

In my case, the 15 year old cat was initially put on Phenobarbital which is used to suppress epileptic seizures, but phenobarbital can also be used against seizures due to brain tumors, poisonings or infections as well. Phenobarbital lessened my cat's symptoms to a degree, but did not stop them; hence this led to the MRI for a definitive diagnosis...and I am glad I did.

I don't know...you might want a second opinion here.
 

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May I ask what the seizures are like? And did the vet actually see one?
 
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Mikedugan333

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May I ask what the seizures are like? And did the vet actually see one?
The seizures are just like awkward body jerks that last for a few minutes and we recorded them and showed them to the vet. The said possible brain tumor but ultimately came to the conclusion that she could not give a definitive diagnosis.
 

Genesis123

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The seizures are just like awkward body jerks that last for a few minutes...
While the cat's awake or asleep?

A cat jerking while sleeping is normal -- it's dreaming an active dream. I, sometimes, wake my cats, gently, if they seem particularly "active". It might be dreaming of chasing a bug -- and I wouldn't want to disturb his hunt & conquest. But, if the dream is very, very active (a lot of jerking and shaking, that some might call "violent"), it might be dreaming a being chased by a dog, or other foe -- those I, gently, disrupt -- I want my cats to feel safe and secure.

I used to have a cat that had seizures. In fact, I used to have seizures. I healed both of us, naturally, through diet. I wouldn't call my cat's seizures "jerking"

Anyway, I just wanted to help to decide if they are, indeed, seizures.

EDIT: I just re-read your OP. I forgot about the imbalance and other things you mentioned -- which sound like awake period events. So, I'll butt out... but will leave the above post for whatever reason. :)

I hope your cat recovers perfectly. _()_
 
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