About The Webinar
The learning outcomes of this webinar include:
• Improved understating of feline seizure phenomenology and feline specific epilepsy syndromes
• Development of a systematic approach to seizure diagnosis in cats
• Strategies to optimise treatment and QoL in cats with epilepsy and client satisfaction
In a recent epidemiological study of recurrent seizure disorders in cats presented to primary care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom, the 1-year period prevalence was 0.16% (458/ 28,547). Cats with reactive seizures were not included. In previous studies, the prevalence of seizures in referral populations of cats was reported as 2.1% in Germany and 3.5% in Austria. Data on seizure prevalence in cats needs to be interpreted considering that recognition of seizures in cats may be challenging due to the heterogenous semiology of the condition in this species and the fact that seizures may not be witnessed in cats that spend a considerable proportion of their time outdoors.
The fundamental steps in the management of a cat presenting with a
1. Establish if the cat is truly having seizures (by a detailed description of the episode and video footage whenever possible)
2. Establish the cause of the seizures (by a detailed medical history, clinical examination and diagnostic investigations)
3. Identify the most appropriate treatment, outcome measures and monitoring overtime
The aim of feline idiopathic epilepsy treatment is to optimize quality of life, by minimizing epileptic seizure occurrence and ASD’s adverse effects (AEs).
A systematic review of ASDs efficacy and safety in feline epilepsy, concluded that PB might currently be considered the first line ASD for feline epileptic patients. Phenobarbital starting dosage is 1.5-2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. The PB oral dosage is subsequently tailored to the individual patient’s needs based on an accurate epileptic seizure diary, serum PB concentration monitoring, as well as occurrence and degree of AEs. Levetiracetam starting dose is 20mg/kg every 12 hours. Levetiracetam has been reported as effective and well tolerated treatment for feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS).
