TL;DR: A seizure lasting longer than two minutes is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care to prevent permanent organ or brain damage. If possible, record a short video of the event to help the veterinary team provide a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
What is a prolonged seizure in cats and what are the symptoms?
A seizure is a sudden, involuntary disturbance in your cat's brain activity. It often presents as violent shaking, stiffening of the body, or paddling of the legs. When a seizure lasts longer than two minutes, it is often classified as a medical emergency. During these extended episodes, the cat's body is unable to regulate its temperature or oxygen levels effectively.
Is my cat having a medical emergency and what should I do?
- Identify the situation as a high-priority veterinary emergency if the seizure exceeds two minutes.
- Be aware that prolonged seizures can lead to hyperthermia, permanent brain damage, and organ failure.
- Immediately contact the nearest emergency animal hospital to alert them of your arrival.
- Prepare your cat for transport by wrapping them loosely in a thick towel to prevent injury to themselves or you.
Why should I take a video of my cat's seizure for the vet?
- Have a second person take a brief video of the episode if they are available, but do not delay transport.
- Provide the video to the veterinary team so they can observe the specific type of seizure activity, duration, and severity.
- Use visual evidence to help the vet distinguish the seizure from other conditions like fainting or tremors, leading to a faster triage process.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
For cats experiencing a seizure lasting longer than two minutes, diazepam can be administered at 0.5-1 mg/kg/hr as a constant-rate infusion to control persistent status epilepticus. Alternatively, propofol can be given as a constant rate infusion at 0.1-0.6 mg/kg/min, followed by a loading dose of phenobarbital (if the animal is not already on phenobarbital) of 2-4 mg/kg, IV, every 6 hours for a total of four doses. If hepatic compromise precludes the use of phenobarbital, levetiracetam can be given at 40-60 mg/kg IV, SC, or rectally. Oral anticonvulsants should be resumed as soon as possible if currently being given. Acute hepatic failure has been reported in cats given diazepam for behavioral problems; thus, a pretreatment chemistry profile should be evaluated before using diazepam, and cats should be watched closely during the first 2 weeks of use.
Chapter: Neurology, Emergency, Pharmacology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1220)