The vets at our Seattle animal hospital know that witnessing the symptoms of Vestibular Disease or Feline Vestibular Syndrome in your feline friend be distressing. Here we share the signs of this balance disorder, the prognosis for this condition and how it is treated.
Feline Vestibular Disease
Idiopathic vestibular disease in cats, also called 'feline vestibular disease', is a balance disorder that can affect your feline friend's ability to walk normally and stems from issues within your kitty's vestibular system located deep within their inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for controlling your cat's balance as well as orientation and a sense of direction.
Humans and dogs can also suffer from vestibular problems. In people, vestibular issues often result in conditions such as vertigo, dizziness, an inability to concentrate, and vision problems.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Symptoms
The symptoms of vestibular disease in cats can be alarming for pet parents to witness. You may notice that your cat is perfectly normal and happy one minute, then the next minute you notice that kitty is struggling to stand up on all fours and unable to maintain their balance when trying to walk. In fact, many cats experiencing vestibular disease will walk in circles or fall over to one side. You may also notice involuntary eye movements, or that your cat's head is tilted peculiarly to one side.
Your cat's symptoms will likely be most severe during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, with many pet parents reporting an improvement in their cat's symptoms within seventy-two hours of the condition starting.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Causes
While Siamese and Burmese cats may suffer from an inherited or congenital form of the disease, it is believed that most cases are caused by middle- or inner-ear infections. In some very rare cases tumors within the vestibular system may be the cause.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam paying particular attention to your cat's ears and may recommend diagnostic testing in order to rule out more serious conditions with symptoms that mimic vestibular disease. Your vet may recommend one or more of the following tests based on the results of your cat's physical examination:
- MRI
- Blood tests
- Skull X-rays
- Ear cultures
- Spinal fluid analysis
- Testing for kidney, liver, and pancreatic function
- Thyroid testing to determine hormone production
- Cytology (examination of fluids found in kitty's ear canal)
- Electrolyte tests to check for dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance
- Urine tests screening for urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney function
If no cause can be established for your cat's symptoms your vet will diagnose the condition as Idiopathic Vestibular Disease, which simply means that the exact cause isn’t known.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Treatment
Treatment for vestibular disease in cats depends largely on your cat's symptoms and whether a cause for the condition has been established. If a cause of has been diagnosed the underlying condition will be treated, rather than the vestibular disease itself. 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.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Prognosis
The prognosis for cats suffering from vestibular disease is good provided that there are no serious underlying conditions. You will likely see a dramatic improvement in your cat's symptoms within 2-3 days. Your vet will be able to provide you with the most accurate prognosis for your cat.
Vestibular Disease in Cats - Recovery & How You Can Help
Your cat's recovery from vestibular disease should be relatively quick, but to help your kitty feel better while they are experiencing symptoms your job is to provide safety and comfort.
- Make sure that your cat has a clean and comfortable place to relax, ideally on the floor so that there is no need for jumping if they decide to stand up.
- Keep your cat restricted to a room away from stairs, with food, water, and litter box within easy reach.
- If your cat is unable to stand at all your vet may recommend helping your cat to change positions every hour or two to help prevent sores from developing.
- You may also need to carry your cat to the litter box and back. (Be sure not to scold your cat for accidents that may occur while kitty is suffering from vestibular disease).
Your vet may prescribe an anti-nausea medication to help your cat feel better and prevent vomiting. (Never give your cat mediations designed for humans. Many medications that work for us are toxic to cats!)
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.