Worrisome Hyperesthesia Episode

[coffeecat2420]

Got home after being out for the evening, and my cat immediately started to have what I know must be a major hyperesthesia episode. She has been having minor episodes up to this point (for a couple of weeks), which I reported to her dermatologist, but she has not been formerly diagnosed with hyperesthesia. Otherwise, she is being treated for environmental allergies and possible food allergies. She started Atopica 6 weeks ago, but due to her developing a snotty nose, the doctor had us discontinue that as of yesterday (doctor thought the medicine may have caused a herpes flare - although we did not know herpes was dormant, not uncommon she says). The plan was to back down on the steroid as well, but now ...
This hyper episode has been going on for at least 40 minutes. I do not know if it started before I got home or right as I arrived (I was gone about 3 hours). I tried giving her an extra spoonful of her raw rabbit in order to give her an extra 1/4 pill of her methylprednisolone (thinking that may help her) ... that was 20 minutes ago, and although she is not back to normal, she may be calming down (?)

My gosh, it's so upsetting! She was running around and licking her chest and meowing like she is asking me to help her. Her eyes are dilated her back is twitching ...
I practically never leave in the evenings. Is it possible she experienced some separation anxiety that set her off? She is used to being home alone all day when I am at work.
What's the longest an episode can last?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I had precious little luck finding information for you that really made sense and answered your questions. I did find instance after instance of people saying, "I WISH I had pressured my vet harder about this!" Mostly, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone, and that someone cares.

I'd give the vet a call, tell them EXACTLY what is going on, and tell them that something has to be done. Good luck, Sweetie. Let us know what's happening, please? I fret about stuff like this.

 

[abyeb]

That does sound a lot like feline hyperesthesia. My best advice would be to call your vet and describe in detail what these episodes look like. You can also go to another vet to get a second opinion, if you'd like. Keep us updated, and thanks for caring for your kitty.

 

[coffeecat2420]

Thanks for the replies! I do feel alone after my call to her derm/specialist this morning.
Her episode lasted about 40 minutes (that I witnessed). She finally laid down behind the couch and zonked out. I am sure she must have been exhausted!! I was dressed and ready to go out in a thunderstorm to get her to an ER because I was so worried, but thankfully she "recovered" and we didn't have to make that trek.
I called the dermatologist first thing this morning and got the reply I was expecting. They would consider calling in a behaviorist and/or putting her on prozac or something called "Reconcile." Basically, no help.
Everything I've read is basically no help, either. No way of telling for sure what the issue is. I'm pretty good about tracking her history/habits/diet because of all the allergy stuff we're trying to get to the bottom of, so I'll continue to do that – I really don't see how this is "behavioral." I'll keep my fingers crossed that discontinuing that Atopica will go a long way in helping her.
I came home from work today and fed her as usual. She seemed pretty twitchy already before her meal, so I hope we don't have a repeat episode tonight, but only time will tell. I just feel so awful for her. She has been through so much. I will most likely consult her regular (integrative) vet to see if she has any input. I feel as if I was already pulling out all the stops to get to the bottom of her allergies, and now this. So often feels like one step forward, two steps back.
Again, thanks for your support!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Is she on any other meds besides the steriod? If she is NOT, then you might have some luck with chamomile tea. It has a mild relaxing effect on man and beast, and is safe to give with steroids, and is safe in cats. The dosages are generally 1-2 tsp given 2-3 times a day, orally. Brew a cup, let it cool, and administer with a syringe. No guarantees on it, but you may be able to dodge the Prozac.

 

[coffeecat2420]

Is she on any other meds besides the steriod? If she is NOT, then you might have some luck with chamomile tea. It has a mild relaxing effect on man and beast, and is safe to give with steroids, and is safe in cats. The dosages are generally 1-2 tsp given 2-3 times a day, orally. Brew a cup, let it cool, and administer with a syringe. No guarantees on it, but you may be able to dodge the Prozac.

Nothing besides the steroid at the moment. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I hope it helps! Chamomile is my "go to" for any stress-related problems in humans and cats. If you decide to drink a cup yourself, I suggest liberally lacing it with honey. It can be a bit bitter, and sugar just doesn't go well with it!

OH...it can also be cooled in the refrigerator and swabbed on any skin irritations on pretty much anything with two feet or four! VERY soothing!

 

[arouetta]

If it's that severe ongoing, rather than a freak episode, Prozac is not what's needed, an anti-seizure medicine would likely be the best choice if medicine is needed. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it's not behavioral, it's a problem with the nerves.

 

[PollyJ]

If it's that severe ongoing, rather than a freak episode, Prozac is not what's needed, an anti-seizure medicine would likely be the best choice if medicine is needed. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it's not behavioral, it's a problem with the nerves.

Our cat has this. He was also having seizures with it. He has been on 1/2 Valium in the morning and a small dose of phenobarbital at night for a few years now. The seizures have decreased dramatically. When he's awake he is cleaning, licking all day, and he goes through stages of pulling hair off his back. But he is happy and healthy otherwise.

 

[coffeecat2420]

If it's that severe ongoing, rather than a freak episode, Prozac is not what's needed, an anti-seizure medicine would likely be the best choice if medicine is needed. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it's not behavioral, it's a problem with the nerves.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that is my feeling as well that it is certainly not behavioral.
She hasn't had another episode yet that I've witnessed. So, I'm still kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. She will get another one of her allergen injections tomorrow morning.