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Research indicates cause of cat epilepsy
Links between cat and human epilepsy uncovered

Research indicating a possible cause of cat epilepsy and its links to human epilepsy has been published in the current issue of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

The research was conducted by Akos Pakozdy and colleagues from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, along with partners in Oxford and Budapest. As a result of their findings, the researchers believe an incorrectly channelled immune response to be the cause of the condition, which closely resembles the human form of epilepsy.

The causes of epilepsy remain only partially understood, though brain tumours, infections, inflammation of the brain or metabolic diseases have been implicated. Researchers in Vienna assert that based on their clinical experience, the most common symptoms of epilepsy found in cats are twitching facial muscles, a fixed stare, chewing motions and heavy dribbling.

This type of epilepsy, they assert in the published findings, is similar to human epilepsy - an inflammation of the brain, known as limbic encephalitis, that leads to epileptic seizures, often affecting the arm and facial muscles on one side of the body.

In the published findings it is explained that antibodies found in the blood of epileptic cats reacted to proteins in the cell membranes of nerve cells. It is suggested in the study that the immune system of epileptic cats was attacking components of ion channels that are responsible for nerve signal production. Thus the production of nerve signals was disrupted, resulting in an increased release of neurotransmitters. Researchers believe this leads directly to the symptoms of epilepsy.

Lead researcher Pakozdy said: "It is important cats with epilepsy are diagnosed early, so that the correct form of therapy can be started. We believe this will dramatically increase the chances of a successful treatment. It seems as though epileptic cats might benefit from treatment with immune preparations." 

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com