Expert: Jessica - 9/1/2010

Question
My cat had a seizure of some sort on Monday.  Blood work came back fine except for low electrolytes (she did have diarrhea over the weekend).  Diarrhea is gone and she's been acting completely normal since the episode.  Do you think the low electrolytes may have been the cause of the seizure?  Is there anything I should be doing to increase the electrolytes?
I read a previous response of yours related to feline seizures and saw that they may be related to muscle cramps due to dehydration (both her calcium and potassium is what was low in bloodwork) so I thought I'd ask.
Also one more question - she is a Siamese, 11 1/2 years old, have you found that Siamese are more susceptible to brain problems (aneurysms, etc.)?
Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Answer
Hi Elissa,

An electrolyte imbalance can cause neurological problems such as seizures.  If she was severely dehydrated from the diarrhea, it's possible this was the only cause of the seizure.  Keep a good eye out for any other seizure activity, though, because other conditions can cause seizures.  This may include infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis and Feline Infectious Peritonitis or something like cancer or poisoning (from houseplants, household cleaners or even lead, etc.).

Electrolytes will normally be balanced as long as a cat eats a balanced cat food and has water available at all times.  They tend to be thrown off when she begins to vomit, have diarrhea or stops eating and drinking.  Kidney disease can also cause dehydration and imbalanced electrolytes, but her recent bloodwork would have hinted at this.  As long as her diarrhea is gone and she's eating and drinking normally, you shouldn't have to do anything to help correct her electrolytes, but if you notice any more diarrhea, she starts throwing up, or she won't eat or drink, she should see a vet.  Some fluids under the skin can help correct dehydration, and you can work on a treatment for her underlying problems.

I have never known Siamese cats to have a higher risk of neurological problems than any other cats.  But every now and then, there are cats who develop epilepsy, and their seizures can be managed with an anticonvulsant such as phenobarbital.  If the seizures continue, you should talk to your vet about whether your kitty may benefit from this medication.

I hope all goes well!

Jessica