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Fainting Kittens????

I just saw this article on the web published in October of 2010 about kittens with MC. Seems it is getting the same attention that fainting goats did awhile back.
http://www.suite101.com/content/fainting-kittens--myotonia-congenita-in-cats-a302856
Mary

Type of Myotonia: Thomsens

Country: USA

Re: Fainting Kittens????

i heard about these 2 kittens in the UK since the story aired, one of the 2 died because it was putting too big a strain on its poor little body. They were hypersensitive to everything and were constantly "fainting" its a really sad story actually. They were not expected to survive to adulthood because of it.

Type of Myotonia: Beckers

Country: canada

Re: Fainting Kittens????

I saw them on youtube. They've both died, apparently. So sad. It was hard to watch at times.

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA

Re: Fainting Kittens????

I have 2 male brother kittens with MC. They are a year old this week and were diagnosed around 6 months with the disorder by an EMG and biopsy. I am looking furthur into a medicine that would be safe for them. Please let me know if you have any suggestions I can speak with their specialist about.

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Jessica,

The most commonly prescribed medication for MC in humans is available in an oral suspension for cats. It's called mexiletine. Here's a link to a veterinary supply that carries it. Maybe you could show it to your vet and see if it's a possibility:

Mexiletine Oral Suspension

Jan

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Thanks a lot for your response/input. I am waiting to hear back from the neurologist on Monday and will def. let her know about that. There is not much information at all regarding this disorder and cats so any information I receive it greatly appreciated !

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Why is it that heart related drugs are given for MC?

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Some of the heart arrythmia drugs block sodium channels which in turn change the electrolyte balance and apparently cause a shift in potassium levels outside the cells. Mexiletine is an oral form of lidocaine, which is an anesthetic (most are sodium channel blockers).

The other drug I've seen used for myotonia in animals is carbamazepine, which is used to treat epilipsy. It is a sodium channel stabiizer which is similar. Phenytoin is another stabilizier used to treat convusions but seems to have a fairly high toxicity for long-term treatment in cats - I'm not sure about carbamazepine.

Jan

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Thats a lot for the infomation...It is greatly appreciated !

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Hello! I am Brazilian, and rescued a kitten was diagnosed with Myotonia Congenita (by 3 veterinarians).
I am looking for any indication of new treatments that are available worldwide.
She is being treated with phenytoin, but there was not much progress.
In Brazil there is no veterinary Mexiletine.
To all of you who live with this disease I wish the best day ever!
Thanks,

Country: Brasil

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Cris, check with your vet about the carbamazapine (Tegretol). That might work better. As her nervous system is maturing be sure to keep her in a quiet environment. It is very cruel to subject a young animal with myotonia to constant startling in order to see them fall. I felt sick about the kittens in the UK.

Jan

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA

Re: Fainting Kittens ? Help me

Thanks for your response!
I wonder if the U.S. Phenytoin is more recommended than other medicines.
Can you tell me who has the best performance? (phenytoin - carbamazepine, mexiletine)
I just recorded the video with my kitten falling for someone to help me with the diagnosis, because nobody knew what it was.
Now she lives in a quiet house, fully protected.

Jen, you are very considerate. Thank you, really.

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen

Country: Brazil

Re: Fainting Kittens????

Jessica, how are you?
I hope well!
How are your kittens? With medication that they are being treated?
Here in Brazil we have not mexiletine, but am considering the possibility of trying to import.
Jen also recommended me to carbamazepine, and my vet did not know if we can still try.
I really wanted to try Mexiletine Veterinary indicated that Jen, but I can not buy with a veterinary prescription Brazil.
My cat is a small victim of this disease, and I would very much appreciate it survived it ....

Big hug to anyone who can help!

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen

Country: Brazil