What Are the Causes of Seizures in Kittens?

There are many possible causes of kitten seizures. They can be caused by genetic disorders, infectious and structural diseases or trauma. While distressing, a thorough examination by your veterinarian can determine the causes and proper treatment of seizures.

Symptoms

Seizures manifest themselves in kittens in a variety of ways and degrees. The symptoms may differ per kitten and even per episode. Symptoms range from mild to moderate to severe. Mild symptoms include mood swings, blank stares, a shaking leg and crying. One or all of these lasts 1 minute or less. Moderate symptoms include falling to one side, urinating and defecating uncontrollably, frothing at the mouth, crying and lack of awareness. This episode can last up to 5 minutes. Severe symptoms are the same as moderate symptoms, but they last for hours. The kitten may also drift in and out of these seizures.

Most Common Causes

The most common causes of seizures in young kittens stem from infectious disease and parasites. The most prevalent are feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and cryptococcus infection of the nasal passages that invade the brain. Parasites such as cuterebra larvae, roundworms and hookworms lead to toxin release or poor health, which can result in seizures. FeLV, FIP and toxoplasmosis can also cause blindness.

Hypoglycemia

Kittens who are not receiving proper nutrition can develop hypoglycemia--a condition in which the body does not have enough sugar to function. Kittens with hypoglycemia will lack energy and, in some instances, have a seizure because glucose is needed for the brain and muscles to function. Kittens with hypoglycemia can appear lethargic, and hypoglycemic episodes will cause the kitten to fall over. If the kitten is having an episode, immediately provide it with a source of sugar such as corn syrup, per your vet's recommendations.

Other Causes

There are many other potential causes for seizures in kittens including lymphosarcoma (cancer) and brain tumors, congenital portosystemic shunts, liver disease and kidney disease. Head trauma, ingestion of toxins such as lead and pesticides and bacterial abscesses in the brain can also cause seizures in kittens.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To determine the exact cause of a kitten's seizures, the kitten should be taken to the veterinarian for a complete physical and neurological exam. Blood and urine tests will most likely by done to look for signs of low blood sugar, low calcium, kidney disease and liver disease. If all blood work appears to be normal, the vet may recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the skull to look for a tumor or abscess. Once the cause is determined, the vet can determine the proper course of action.

Resources

• Feline Seizures
• Feline Toxoplasmosis
• Feline Leukemia