If your cat is having trouble with its balance, you should consider bringing it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you identify the causes of your cat’s loss of balance and treat the problem. After treatment, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian to make sure your cat isn’t developing another condition or injury.
Symptoms
A veterinarian may perform a series of tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s balance problems. These tests may include blood and urine tests, ear cultures, MRIs, spinal taps, and head x-rays. The veterinarian will also check for any injuries or other causes of your cat’s loss of balance. This ensures your cat does not have a more serious problem.
Fortunately, most cases of cat balance problems are not serious, and are unlikely to require any treatment. Some cases will simply clear up on their own, but in other cases they could be signs of a more serious condition. An examination by a veterinarian is the best way to determine if your cat is suffering from vestibular disease. Some cases of this disease can be so severe that it causes your cat to have an uneven head tilt permanently. This will not disrupt your cat’s activities, but it is important to treat it as quickly as possible.
Typical symptoms of cat balance issues include falling, wobbling, and vomiting. These symptoms are a result of a problem with the cat’s vestibular system, which controls fine motor movement. Your cat may feign dizziness, or show other symptoms like head tilt or darting eyes.
While modern veterinary medicine has greatly extended the lives of cats, aging is inevitable. In any case, your cat will need to be checked by a vet to ensure that it’s getting the best care possible. A veterinarian can provide advice on the best way to care for your cat at the end of its life and identify any early signs of balance problems.
Your cat may need assistance using the litter box. Avoid scolding your cat if he has an accident. Instead, contact your regular vet or the veterinarians at Carolina Veterinary Specialists for an evaluation. Symptoms of vestibular disease in cats are specific, and they can be mistaken for other illnesses.
Fortunately, the underlying cause of cat balance issues may be treatable. If caught early, vestibular disease is often self-resolving. While most cases do not require surgery, older cats may develop permanent head tilt. Antibiotics and antifungal medication can help reduce the swelling and discomfort. Most cats will recover from this condition in a few weeks.
Treatment
If you notice that your cat is having difficulty standing or moving, you should see a vet right away. These problems can arise for a number of reasons, including neurological diseases, medications, and age. While it can be frustrating to wait until your cat gets older to seek out treatment, it is important to keep track of your cat’s health.
Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose your cat’s problem and provide treatment based on the results. Most cats have some kind of loss of balance due to an injury, but other reasons can also be the cause. For instance, your cat may have a broken tail or an infection in the inner ears. It could also have poor eyesight, which will impair its balance.
Other possible causes of cat balance issues include medication interactions, new diets, and food allergies. Your vet will want to know about any recent dietary changes or medications your cat may be taking. Ultimately, your veterinarian will try to rule out other causes of the symptoms your cat is experiencing, including drug toxicity.
If your pet is dizzy, it’s best to keep him indoors and out of water to avoid further injury. If dizziness is caused by an infection, a veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic. A veterinary team can also perform an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s dizziness. Once diagnosed, supportive care may help your cat recover. Fortunately, most cases resolve quickly without medication.
Treatment for vestibular disease in cats can range from simple lifestyle changes to more invasive procedures. Depending on the cause of the disease, your cat might need anti-nausea medication and surgery. If you notice any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, your veterinarian may prescribe a prescription anti-nausea medication. Your vet may also recommend a change of position every hour.
Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia should be kept indoors because they’re less likely to fall. Some pet owners find the wobbly trait endearing and will try to work with your cat to manage their wobbling. Cat balance issues treatment can improve your cat’s quality of life.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination to detect vestibular disease in cats. While many cases will improve on their own, some are more serious and require treatment. Treatment will depend on the cause, but it may include a course of antibiotics and surgery. Treatment may also include anti-nausea medications. While vestibular disease in cats does not cause pain, the symptoms may cause your cat to tilt its head and require assistance with eating and walking.
A veterinarian can order blood tests and urine tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s balance issues. They may also conduct head x-rays to rule out injuries or tumors. The veterinarian’s diagnosis will determine the proper course of treatment. If your cat has lost its balance over a prolonged period, it may need to be restricted to its cage until the symptoms go away.
Other symptoms of a feline balance problem include falling down or wobbling when walking. Your cat may also have difficulty in muscle coordination and may appear disoriented. Eyes dart back and forth in the head. In some cases, your cat may even vomit. Your cat’s vestibular system is a complex network of synapses and nerves that help regulate balance.
Vestibular problems may occur in any age group. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your vet may need to use diagnostic tests and neurological examinations to determine the cause. In some cases, the condition is caused by the loss of sensory tissue in the inner ear. In other cases, the loss of vestibular nerves can cause your cat to fall or to experience dizziness.
A vet can also use a medical history to rule out other conditions. Some of the symptoms of vestibular disease may be related to other health problems, such as tumors. To rule out tumors, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam that includes a neurologic examination and an otoscopic exam. In addition to the physical exam, your veterinarian will ask about your cat’s medical history and current symptoms.
Vestibular disease in cats may be a sign of a serious health issue. Vestibular disease affects the balance and coordination of the head, neck, and eyes. Symptoms of vestibular disease can include falling, circling, shaking head, and incoordination. It can also result in nausea and vomiting. Once diagnosed, treatment may be necessary to correct the symptoms.
