Epilepsy in Cats: Theory and Practice

Abstract

The veterinary literature on epilepsy in cats is less extensive than that for dogs. The present review summarizes the most important human definitions related to epilepsy and discusses the difficulties in applying them in daily veterinary practice. Epileptic seizures can have a wide range of clinical signs and are not necessarily typical in all cases. Whether a seizure event is epileptic can only be suspected based on clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings as electroencephalography diagnostic techniques have not yet been developed to a sufficiently accurate level in veterinary medicine. In addition, the present review aims to describe other diagnoses and nonepileptic conditions that might be mistaken for epileptic seizures. Seizures associated with hippocampal lesions are described and discussed extensively, as they seem to be a special entity only recognized in the past few years. Furthermore, we focus on clinical work‐up and on treatment that can be recommended based on the literature and summarize the limited data available relating to the outcome. Critical commentary is provided as most studies are based on very weak evidence.

Pharmacokinetics of Single Oral Dose Extended‐Release Levetiracetam in Healthy Cats

“…Anti‐epileptic drug (AED) treatment is recommended for cats with frequent or prolonged seizures to minimize secondary brain damage. Many cats are resistant to frequent administration of medications PO throughout the day, leading to poor treatment adherence by clients and resultant wide fluctuations in serum concentrations …”

“…Many cats are resistant to frequent administration of medications PO throughout the day, leading to poor treatment adherence by clients and resultant wide fluctuations in serum concentrations. [1][2][3] Levetiracetam is an AED approved for use in humans. Its novel mechanism of action coupled with minimal reported adverse effects makes it an appealing drug for seizure control in cats.…”

“…Our hypotheses were that serum levetiracetam concentrations would remain ≥5 lg/mL for 24 hours postpill administration, and the drug would be well tolerated by healthy cats. (2) no concurrent medications other than heartworm or flea control products, (3) no concurrent participation in ongoing clinical studies or participation within the preceding 30 days, and (4) minimum body weight of 5 kg. Pilot data were collected in 2 cats to establish the most appropriate sampling times.…”

Glial source of nitric oxide in epileptogenesis: A target for disease modification in epilepsy

“…Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in humans and animals worldwide (Bernstein et al, 2010; Kirkley et al, 2014; Pakodzy et al, 2014; De Risio et al, 2015; Vos et al, 2015; WHO report, 2015; Beghi, 2016). It is a chronic and debilitating disorder that affects both men and women of all ages (Vos et al, 2015; WHO report, 2015).…”

“…antiepileptogenic, kainate, neuroinflammation, nitro-oxidative stress, status epilepticus, temporal lobe epilepsy 1 | I N TR ODU C TI ON Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in humans and animals worldwide (Beghi, 2016;Bernstein, Bilheimer, & Makuc, 2010;De Risio et al, 2015;Kirkley, Madl, Duncan, Gulland, & Tjalkens, 2014;Pakozdy, Halasz, & Klang, 2014;Vos et al, 2015;WHO Executive Board, 2015). It is a chronic and debilitating disorder that affects both men and women of all ages (Vos et al, 2015;WHO Executive Board, 2015).…”