Research indicates cause of cat epilepsy
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."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
