In this piece, I’m going to discuss the subject of “Can Cats Recover From Vestibular Disease?”, and I’m going to do my best to cover as much ground as I possibly can in terms of information.
Although the signs are typically the same as those associated with other types of peripheral vestibular disease, they are transitory, arising abruptly and then gradually improving over the course of several days. Most cats will be completely recovered within two or three weeks.
Vestibular Disease: What triggers vestibular disease in cats
Conditions such as middle- and
inner-ear infections
are common causes of the disease. Tumors are a less common cause but must be considered, especially in older cats. Exposure to certain toxins or drugs can also cause symptoms that mimic feline vestibular disease.
What causes
vestibular ataxia
in cats?
Vestibular causes of ataxia (brainstem): Infection (e.g., feline distemper virus) Inflammation (the cause of which may or may not be uncovered) Thiamine deficiency (uncommon with current nutritional products) Metronidazole (an antibiotic) toxicity.
Vestibular Disease: How long does it take for vestibular disease to go away
The
head tilt
and stumbling often improve over a seven to ten-day period. Most patients are completely recovered within two to three weeks , although some will have residual symptoms such as a head tilt or mild “wobbling” for life.
How long do vestibular disorders last?
vestibular neuritis
is a self-limiting disease with vestibular symptoms lasting for one to two days , followed by a gradual reduction in symptoms. Rarely does the illness lasts more than several days to a few weeks. Early improvement in symptoms is believed mainly due to central compensation.
How long does idiopathic vestibular disease last in cats?
Cats:
In cases of idiopathic vestibular disease where no cause for the condition has been found, treatment largely involves keeping your kitty safe and comfortable while they gradually recover. Typically there is a dramatic improvement in symptoms within 2-3 days.
What does a stroke look like in a cat?
Stroke:
Strokes in cats occur when blood flow to the brain suddenly gets interrupted, often due to a blood clot. Signs of a stroke in cats include stumbling, pressing their head against a hard surface, and weakness Strokes in cats require immediate and sometimes ongoing treatment to give your cat the best chance for recovery.
Why is my cat acting drunk all of a sudden?
Sudden:
Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat seems dizzy or “drunk”— vestibular disease can happen quickly and can be scary, for both you and your pet!.
Vestibular Problems: Do vestibular problems go away
In most patients (95 percent and greater)
vestibular neuritis
is a one-time experience. Most patients fully recover.
Vestibular Problems: Can vestibular problems be cured
There’s no cure , but you may be able to manage symptoms with medications and vestibular rehabilitation.
Vestibular Problems: Can anxiety cause vestibular problems
Stress and anxiety can contribute to dysfunction of your
vestibular system dizziness
or vertigo can occur if any part of this system is impaired.
What does ataxia look like in cats?
Cats:
Symptoms of Ataxia in Cats An ataxic cat may look like they are drunk, with a wobbly gait, swaying, and increased drowsiness They may also have more subtle symptoms, such as a mild head tilt or a curling under of the toes while walking.
Wobbly Cat Syndrome: How do you treat wobbly cat syndrome
There is no cure or treatment for CH because it is a lack of development of the brain while the kitten is growing. CH will not affect the lifespan or quality of life of your client’s cat. Clients can still safely spay and/or neuter cats with CH.
How long does cat ataxia last?
Cat:
Affected cats are usually young to middle-aged and generally improve in 2–3 days , although residual deficits (especially head tilt) may take some time (usually 2–3 weeks) to improve; some cats may be left with a permanent head tilt.
Why does my cat fall over?
Cat:
It’s caused by infection, trauma or a disease, such as cancer If your cat begins to stumble, wobble back and forth or fall down, first protect him or her from additional harm. Keep your cat indoors and away from stairs or standing water.
Is my cat dying?
Cat:
One of the signs your cat is dying is when they have
lower body temperature
As the heart weakens, other body organs start to shut down, and the body temperature drops below 37. Use an ear or a digital rectal thermometer to check their temperature.
Why does my cat walk like she is drunk?
Drunk:
It’s likely your cat is experiencing an issue with her vestibular system The feline vestibular system is essentially the
balance center
of her brain. When something is amiss in this complex web of nerves and synapses, she’s likely to become dizzy, disoriented, and have trouble with muscle coordination.
Why is my cat walking weird and meowing?
Weird:
Medical Condition. If a cat isn’t feeling well, she may roam the house and vocalize her distress as she tries to find a comfortable place. A variety of illnesses, including hyperthyroidism, can cause a cat to feel restless, irritable, thirsty and/or hungry, prompting them to wander and meow.
Why is my cat walking in circles and meowing?
Circles:
A cat walking in circles around you likely wants your attention Circling is also a common feline greeting, especially when followed by bunting or rolling on the floor. There are medical issues that can lead to circling in cats. Feline circling can be due to vestibular disease, which affects the inner ear and balance.
Cats Head: Why is my cats head tilted to one side
Head tilt is a medical condition that may be indicative of a serious underlying disorder, usually of the vestibular system. If a cat is tilting its head frequently to either side of the body (away from its orientation with the trunk and limbs), this is an indication that the cat feels imbalanced.
How serious is ataxia in cats?
Ataxia:
Ataxia may be a sign of something relatively benign, or of a life-threatening disease When a cat experiences a period of limited or no muscle coordination, the condition is referred to as “ataxia”.
Neurological Problem: How do I know if my cat has a neurological problem
The signs that your cat may be suffering from a neurologic disorder include: reluctance or refusal to use its litter box; altering the way it interacts with its owner and others; and a noticeable change in its gait and apparent sense of balance An affected cat, says Dr. Dewey, may suddenly “flop down and flail around.
Sudden Neurological Issues: What causes sudden neurological issues in a cat
Feline ischemic encephalopathy and idiopathic vestibular disease are the two most common diseases that cause peracute and severe neurologic dysfunction in previously normal cats. Cats with seizures should be thoroughly evaluated for underlying disease, as idiopathic epilepsy is rare in this species.
Vestibular Disease: Is vestibular disease a stroke
While it’s not the fanciest disease name, old dog vestibular disease looks like a stroke In actuality, it’s an acute inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve runs through the inner/middle ear and stems from the brain, and its purpose is to help us all to stay physically balanced.
Vestibular Disease: What happens if vestibular disease doesn’t go away
Luckily, vestibular disease typically goes away on its own after a few days, though it may stick around for a couple of weeks, and the head tilt could remain for the rest of his life. If symptoms don’t begin to improve after 72-hours, this may be a sign of something more serious.
Common Vestibular Disorder: What is the most common vestibular disorder
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is considered the most common peripheral vestibular disorder, affecting 64 of every 100,000 Americans.
Vestibular Test: What is a vestibular test
Vestibular testing, also referred to as vestibular function testing or VFTs, is a series of tests that can evaluate hearing function The goal of the tests is to determine if there is damage to the vestibular portion of the inner ear. The vestibular area of the ear controls balance.
Vestibular Neuritis: What is the best medication for vestibular neuritis
During the acute stage of vestibular neuritis, a doctor may prescribe: antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or meclizine antiemetics, such as promethazine or metoclopramide. benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam.
Average Lifespan: What is the average lifespan of a house cat
According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the average lifespan of a house cat is 10 to 15 years , while outdoor cats may only live on average 2 to 5 years. While every cat is different, indoor cats generally live longer due to fewer threats in their environment.
Vestibular Disease: Can vestibular disease come back
Most cases of idiopathic
vestibular syndrome
improve within several hours to a few days but could take days to weeks to completely resolve. This syndrome can occur again at some point in your pet’s life, however it cannot be predicted.
Why does my cat keep walking into walls?
Walls:
Look for signs of disorientation or confusion, common in stroke victims Your cat may be walking into walls, getting stuck in corners, running in circles without stopping, staring off into space or appearing seemingly lost.
Cat Weak: Why is my cat weak and wobbly
Lethargic and Losing Weight—A poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well. Lethargic and Wobbly—Cats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak.
Vestibular Symptoms: Can vestibular symptoms come and go
Studies show as little as 1.9% of cases of vestibular neuritis can truly reoccur. However the symptoms from a single case of vestibular neuritis can last for years with fluctuations and symptoms coming and going being a common presentation.
References
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ataxia-in-cats
https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2021/08/30/vestibular-disease-cat#:~:text=Idiopathic%20vestibular%20disease%20or%20’feline,located%20within%20their%20inner%20ear.
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/vestibular-syndrome