Why do cats have spasms
Spasms are an indicative symptom for cats. It generally refers to the involuntary movement of smooth muscles, which we have generally experienced, such as Hand cramps, when we feel the cramps are very painful, because we can’t control it, and we can’t stop it if we want to. Spasms also occur in cats from time to time. Many diseases can cause spasms. Spasms themselves are rarely fatal, but spasms often indicate the occurrence of some diseases, which need our attention.
In fact, when it comes to convulsions, we think of another symptom, convulsions. In medicine, there are still some differences between convulsions and spasms. We know that there are generally three types of muscle tissue, and cats are the same, divided into skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle. A twitch generally refers to a sustained tonic contraction of skeletal muscle. A spasm is a continuous, strong contraction of a smooth muscle. What we call cramps is a colloquial term.
If the cat has convulsions, the owner will first think whether it is calcium deficiency. Indeed, part of the reason for the convulsions is related to It is related to the concentration of calcium ions in the blood. Calcium ions are one of the indispensable elements in the biological body. One of its functions is to maintain neuromuscular excitability. Once blood calcium is lower than the physiological level, neuromuscular excitability will immediately increase. , causing spontaneous muscle contractions, but we can’t generalize, there are many factors that cause cat spasms, and we must identify them clinically.
Congenital spasm
There are two types of congenital spasticity, one is congenital epilepsy, which may be caused by cerebral cortical neurons or lower cortical nerves Caused by tuple biochemical defects. The first seizure in congenital epilepsy generally occurs in cats between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. The type of spasticity is a severe generalized spasm that lasts approximately 30-90 seconds. Consciousness does not disappear during the convulsion, but will tremble uncontrollably and try to crawl towards the master.
The second is hydrocephalus. Cats with congenital hydrocephalus are generally mentally retarded, uncoordinated, lethargic, swollen head, and produce involuntary spasms. The onset starts from 3 to 9 Months of age, EEG and X-rays are helpful in confirming the diagnosis.
Acquired spasm
There are many reasons for cat acquired spasm, especially some neurological diseases, which can cause cat spasm, such as cat’s accidental trauma, Cats are very naughty. We can often see them flying over the eaves and walls, but it is also very dangerous in the process. A little carelessness will cause injury. If the cat accidentally falls and damages the skull, it will cause spasms and unconscious continuous movement. The disorder usually occurs 3 to 4 months after the injury.
There are also encephalitis, brain tumors, and toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is especially mentioned here. Toxoplasma is a parasite that cats are easily infected with, and it also affects humans. Susceptible, people will be used as hosts, so you must give the cat a regular bath and clean up, and take the cat out to avoid letting the cat touch the dirt on the roadside. If you suspect that the cat has Toxoplasma gondii, you must do a good job of deworming, otherwise you will also be dewormed. It’s troublesome to be infected.
Cat-to-feline transmission of toxoplasmosis involves congenital vertical infection from infected female cats or transmission after ingestion of infected oocysts. Cats living outdoors are at risk of infection when they hunt and ingest intermediate hosts or mechanical vehicles with T. gondii, such as beetles, earthworms, and rodents. In addition, kittens can also become infected by eating raw meat.
Drug-induced spasm
Drug-induced spasm, in layman’s terms, is a cat What kind of drugs can cause the cat’s neurological symptoms? For example, organophosphorus, carbon tetrachloride, and some cyanides, organophosphorus poisoning is often caused by the use of some pesticides, and some owners bought some organophosphorus The insecticide with high content, I heard that the effect is very good, but when I sprayed it at home, the insects were killed, and the cat became nervous.
So when choosing pesticides, we must see clearly that pesticides containing organic phosphorus are not suitable for disinfection at home, because they are very toxic, and we may also be poisoned. Carbon tetrachloride can be seen in some paints, insecticides, and dry cleaners. It is harmful to cats when used together. High concentrations of carbon tetrachloride can make cats overexcited, long-term tremors, tonic and intermittent spasms.
If the cat has a spasm, we should first put the cat in a place that does not touch the furniture and walls, wrap the whole body in a towel, and wait for the spasm to stop. At this time, do not put fingers or other objects in the cat’s mouth. After the cat has calmed down, contact the doctor and listen to the doctor’s advice. If the cramps recur or persist for more than 10 minutes, go to the hospital immediately.
