All Cats Considered – Episode 316
In this episode of All Cats Considered, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), RCVS CertAP (Feline Medicine), is joined by Mark Lowrie, MA, VetMB, MVM, DipECVN, MRCVS, to discuss the diagnostic approach to epileptic seizures in cats, based on his recent JFMS Clinical Spotlight review. The conversation explores why identifying the underlying cause of feline seizures can be particularly challenging, and how signalment, history, neurological examination, and owner-recorded videos can all provide essential diagnostic clues.
Dr. Lowrie highlights how age, breed, seizure type, and interictal behavior can help guide differential diagnoses, while also clarifying the differences between reactive seizures, structural epilepsy, and idiopathic epilepsy. The discussion also covers practical considerations for diagnostic testing, including blood work, blood pressure monitoring, MRI versus CT, and when cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be indicated. Together, they emphasize the importance of a systematic, thoughtful workup to avoid overlooking important underlying causes in feline seizure cases.
Additional Resources:
JFMS Clinical Spotlight article: Epileptic seizures in cats: practical approaches to diagnosis