My worry over epileptic cat

QAMy four-year-old cat has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Our vet ruled out the main causes and has advised lifelong treatment will be required. I live alone and getting the pills down is a struggle. Do you have advice? I’m worried I won’t be able to cope. Feline epilepsy is quite common with around one per cent of cats suffering from the condition.

On the positive side, most cases are localised, twitching of the face or limbs for example, which although upsetting, is not as severe as the generalised seizures common in dogs.

Epilepsy in cats can be caused by kidney or liver problems or as a consequence of diabetes. It is good that your vet has ruled these out.

In older cats brain tumours are a possibility too and these often have suggestive clinical signs like circling and head pressing. Your vet has diagnosed “idiopathic” epilepsy, which means the cause is not determined.

This is a very common diagnosis and, as your vet has advised, will mean lifelong treatment. This would ideally eliminate the epilepsy symptoms but more realistically getting a degree of control is more likely.

This means reducing the symptoms, both their severity and frequency, to a level that has a minimal effect on the cat’s quality of life (and yours).

Treatment needs to be given twice daily. Popping the pills down manually is difficult for most people, more so if you live on your own.

Crushing them up into a very tasty treat is my starting point.

Your vet nurse will be able to provide more suggestions and support too.

Q

I have a six-month-old rescue dog. My previous dog had terrible teeth towards the end of his long life and I would be grateful for some ideas of how to prevent severe dental disease.

A

Now is the time to start what will need to be a lifelong strategy if you want your new dog to remain free of dental disease.

What is needed is essentially the same attention to dental care that we apply for our own teeth.

The aim is to prevent the development of plaque and tartar on the gums overlying the teeth. This will lead to inflammation (gingivitis) and infection (periodontal disease).

Just as dentists advise when starting with young children, teeth-brushing is essential after meals.

This applies to dogs and can be made into a fun activity, with lots of praise. Special canine toothbrushes and pleasant-tasting canine-specific toothpaste will help. But do start now.

I advise regular dental check-ups with your vet with the next one booked for when the dog is a year old. Thereafter, for the time being, get one every year as part of a general health check.

Some dogs are heavy plaque-formers and these are best checked at sixmonthly intervals.

As a dog gets older periodic removal of plaque may be required.

There are various dental health diets and toys that encourage chewing. A useful source of information about these is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (vohc.org). Although aimed at an American audience, much is relevant in the UK, with a good explanation of periodontal disease.

David Grant MBE has been a vet for more than 50 years. Email questions to him at pamperedpets@people.co.uk