Journal article
Audiogenic reflex seizures in cats
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Vol.18(4), pp.328-336
2015
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to characterise feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS). Methods: An online questionnaire was developed to capture information from owners with cats suffering from FARS. This was collated with the medical records from the primary veterinarian. Ninety-six cats were included. Results: Myoclonic seizures were one of the cardinal signs of this syndrome (90/96), frequently occurring prior to generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) in this population. Other features include a late onset (median 15 years) and absence seizures (6/96), with most seizures triggered by high-frequency sounds amid occasional spontaneous seizures (up to 20%). Half the population (48/96) had hearing impairment or were deaf. One-third of cats (35/96) had concurrent diseases, most likely reflecting the age distribution. Birmans were strongly represented (30/96). Levetiracetam gave good seizure control. The course of the epilepsy was non-progressive in the majority (68/96), with an improvement over time in some (23/96). Only 33/96 and 11/90 owners, respectively, felt the GTCSs and myoclonic seizures affected their cat's quality of life (QoL). Despite this, many owners (50/96) reported a slow decline in their cat's health, becoming less responsive (43/50), not jumping (41/50), becoming uncoordinated or weak in the pelvic limbs (24/50) and exhibiting dramatic weight loss (39/50). These signs were exclusively reported in cats experiencing seizures for >2 years, with 42/50 owners stating these signs affected their cat's QoL. Conclusions and relevance: In gathering data on audiogenic seizures in cats, we have identified a new epilepsy syndrome named FARS with a geriatric onset. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential genetic predispositions to this condition. © 2015, © ISFM and AAFP 2015.
Details
- Title
- Audiogenic reflex seizures in cats
- Authors
- M Lowrie (Author) - Davies Veterinary Specialists, United KingdomC Bessant (Author) - International Cat Care, United KingdomRobert J Harvey (Author) - University College London, United KingdomA Sparkes (Author) - International Cat Care, United KingdomL Garosi (Author) - Davies Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Vol.18(4), pp.328-336
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1177/1098612X15582080
- ISSN
- 1098-612X; 1098-612X
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015 ISFM and AAFP. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (http://www.uk.sagepub.com/aboutus/openaccess.htm).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451292702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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