Encephalitis in Cats

Encephalitis in cats is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease that results in brain inflammation. The causes of encephalitis are not entirely clear but can be linked to various infections and autoimmune disorders. Encephalitis symptoms include seizures, behavioral changes, and pupillary abnormality. Encephalitis in cats shares symptoms with many other neurological conditions, so pay a visit to your vet for a proper diagnosis. Treatment and prognosis for encephalitis in cats depend heavily on the suspected cause of the inflammation. Cats with less severe cases can respond well to treatment, while others have irreversible brain damage.

What Is Encephalitis?

Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain. The condition can occur by itself but often in conjunction with other neurological illnesses such as myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and meningitis (inflammation of spinal cord membranes). Encephalitis is rare in cats but can be life-threatening if it isn't treated promptly.

Symptoms of Encephalitis in Cats

Encephalitis causes symptoms that overlap with many neurological conditions. If you notice your cat behaving abnormally or feeling sick, pay a visit to your vet for a definitive diagnosis.

Fever

Brain inflammation from encephalitis can lead to fever. If your cat develops a fever for any reason, visit your vet.

Seizure

Encephalitis can cause seizures in cats. Seizures can consist of twitching, drooling, motionless staring, excessive swallowing, and vocalization. Episodes usually last for a few seconds to a minute.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes such as non-responsiveness and depression can be seen in cats with encephalitis. Any neurological illness can prompt your cat to act strangely, for example, refusing to use its litter box or altering the way it interacts with its owners.

Head Tilt

A head tilt to either side can be symptomatic of encephalitis in cats. This could be because of the way brain inflammation is impacting your cat's spine.

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis in a cat may indicate encephalitis. Sometimes, paralysis can affect a cat's limbs as well.

Pupil Abnormality

Encephalitis can affect the appearance of a cat's pupils. This can look like small, pinpoint pupils or pupils of different sizes. Your cat's eyes might also become less responsive to light.

Causes of Encephalitis

There are several suspected causes of encephalitis in cats but no definitive explanation. Encephalitis can occur without any prior illness or pathogen exposure.

• Infections: Many infections are related to the development of encephalitis in cats. A bacterial or viral infection, such as feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), or even rabies, can cause encephalitis. Conditions like toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, may lead to encephalitis.
• Immune disorders: Immune disorders in cats can lead to encephalitis. If your cat has an autoimmune disease, its brain can attack itself, leading to inflammation.
• Fungus: Fungal infections, such as those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Blastomyces dermatitidis have been linked to encephalitis in cats.
  

Diagnosing Encephalitis in Cats

To diagnose your cat with encephalitis, your vet will perform a full physical examination, including neurological tests such as an EEG (electroencephalography). Physical and neurological tests will often be accompanied by blood work, urinalysis, and a sample collection of your cat's cerebrospinal fluid. A blood test will help your vet identify bacterial or viral infections that may be contributing to the cause of encephalitis. Your vet will also examine possible non-inflammatory causes for your cat's seizures and explore an epilepsy diagnosis.

Treatment

Your vet's first priority will be to decrease the swelling in your cat's brain and stop any seizures. Once your cat has been diagnosed with encephalitis, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic, antiviral, anticonvulsant, or antifungal depending on the suspected cause of the inflammation. If your cat tests negative for all infectious diseases, your vet may prescribe medications to suppress its immune system. This treatment will usually last between three and six months and can involve chemotherapy.

Prognosis for Cats With Encephalitis

The prognosis and speed of recovery from encephalitis will depend on what's causing your cat's inflammation and the severity of its condition. Sometimes, brain inflammation can cause irreversible damage to a cat's nervous system.

How to Prevent Encephalitis

The only way to prevent encephalitis in cats is to limit your cat's exposure to infections that may contribute to the development of the disease.