Thanks for reading! Common signs Difficulty standing Walking like drunk Balance issues Head tilt to one side Symptoms of Ataxia in Cats. If your cat has neurological problems, they will need to see a vet for treatment. How are you meant to know the best thing to do in such a situation? The list of symptoms attached to encephalitis is long, but it can cause ataxia among other behavioral changes. With proper treatment, most cats make a full recovery within a few weeks. Once you get off the phone with your vet, follow the instructions they give you carefully. Best Cat Litter for Small Apartment + Litter Boxes Ultrasound examination of the abdomen to rule out tumors. Cats may stand with their feet wide apart in an effort to stay upright. Instead, you and your veterinarian will devise a strategy for dealing with these. If your cat has kidney disease, he may also have other symptoms such as weight loss, increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. Vestibular Disease Signs: Circling to one side Head tilting Rapid eye movement Poor appetite caused by nausea and vomiting Vertigo If an injury or infection disrupts the normal function of the inner ear (vestibular apparatus) which controls their balance and coordination, your cat may appear to walk off-balance. Why Is My Cat Walking Off-Balance / Wobbly? There is no way to prevent pain per se but you can talk to your vet about ways to manage it. My cat had a few seizures last night and now cant walk straight. Some conditions causing ataxia can be very serious and require immediate treatment, so if you spot any of the symptoms of ataxia in your cat or, indeed, any changes relating to their motor functions, please contact your vet at once to get to the bottom of whats going on. You know your cat best, so mention any behaviors that seem out of the blue, even if they may be normal in another one of your pets. This may involve rest, physiotherapy, or surgery. Siamese and Burmese breeds have a higher risk of developing this disorder at birth. The situation isnt yet an emergency, and your vet can likely help you make your cat feel much better in just a few days. This is especially common if they have injured their back or legs. There are potentially many different causes of ataxia, depending on where the problem is located. Your veterinarian will take a thorough medical history and then perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate for neurological(nervous system)abnormalities. Try to keep an eye out for the following signs. The good news is that the symptoms normally go away and dont come back. Vestibular disease in cats can be diagnosed by a physical exam that is usually performed to check your cats overall health. Ataxia, a disorder with comparable symptoms, causes a loss of balance as well. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. However, several other medical conditions have been known to impact the onset of the syndrome in the past, so your kitty may have a higher chance of having vestibular disease if they have already been diagnosed with a different condition. A cat may exhibit behavior changes such as pacing, circling, yowling, or vomiting just before having a seizure (known as an aura or pre-ictal activity). Your veterinarian will also ensure that your cat has not become ill or injured as a result of the loss of balance. These might include anti-anxiety medication or pheromone therapy. Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. Vestibular Disease Vestibular disease is one of the most common causes of ataxia in felines. A cat that stumbles, walks with stiff legs or shakes its head frequently may have cerebellar hypoplasia, a brain disease that affects muscle control and movement. Causes ofvestibularataxia incatsinclude: Infection,especially feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or fungal infection, Idiopathic (unknown cause)vestibulardisease, Degeneration (breaking down) of the spinal cords and nerves over time, Loss of blood flow to an area of the spinal cordbecause ofa stroke-like event, or a bleeding blood vessel causing a buildup of blood to compress the spinal cord, Birth defects causing the spine or vertebrae to be malformed, Compression/damage to the spinal cord caused by a tumor, a pocket of infection (abscess), ortrauma, which can lead to swelling and bleedinginthe spinal canal, Degeneration (breaking down) of cerebellar tissues, Inflammation,often due to unknown causes, Thiamine deficiencywas a common cause of ataxia, until the introduction of modern, balanced commercial cat food; however, as more cats are fed non-commercial diets withoutveterinarysupervision, thiamine deficiency is once again increasing. They may have head and/or body tremors and swaying of the torso. For example, Siamese cats are more likely to have neurological problems, while Ragdolls are more likely to be obese. 2023 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. The range and severity of signs associated with ataxia will vary greatly depending on the type of ataxia present, and the cause of the occurrence. Unfortunately, this can take a long time and cost a lot of money, so many cases are considered idiopathic (having no known trigger). Finally, the third source of ataxia is localized to the cerebellum, the part of the brain where fine motor movement is coordinated. While any cat can develop the conditions listed above, certain breeds are more prone to them. Treatment will depend on the discovery of any concurrent conditions or underlying causes. Check for potential causes: "Drunk" behavior in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear infections, neurological issues, or poisoning. If your cat is stressed, you may need to provide them with more environmental enrichment (such as toys, climbing structures, and hiding places). Study Looks at Nutritional Management of Canine Epilepsy, Cryptorchidism in Cats (Undescended Testicles), Why is My Cat Coughing: Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD), 5 Tips to Spot Heart Disease in Cats Sooner, Measurement of blood glucose levels (sugar levels in the blood), Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels, A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions, Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isnt dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance, Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease, and to evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, A thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, Ultrasound examination of the abdomen to rule out tumors. The reason behind your cat walking off balance / wobbly could be that she is suffering from ataxia. Sometimes, they may ask you to continue observing your kitty at home. My cat is about 3 year old. This may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or on occasion-surgery. Your kitty is likely suffering from some form of vestibular disease, a type of ataxia that interferes with the functioning of the system in charge of balance. My 17 yr old girl was doing very well until 5 weeks ago when she started drooling and wouldnt eat. And, as always, show your cat a lot of affection. Continue to keep your cat indoors with easy access to food, water, and a litterbox to help keep them safe. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to improve an ear infection. Why Does My Cat Bite Me Gently While Purring? What causes ataxia? It's usually found in young cats and it doesn't explain the head shaking or the way she was walking off of the bed. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a small flowering herb related to the mint family, which is also known as catmint. However, their environments should be made safe so they cannot fall from any height or become injured. Cats with cerebellar ataxia generally have a wide stance and exaggerated, large steps. It is not an illness in itself but a description of a symptom.If your cat has ataxia, they will need to see a vet for investigation of the underlying cause and treatment. It's important to take your cat to the vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your vet about what might be best for your cat. To begin with, your vet will check your kittys overall health by looking in their ears using an otoscope and performing a neurologic exam. Suppose this is the advice you are given. For example, cats that are stressed or feeling nervous often walk on their toes as an escape mechanism.Post navigation If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Set up your myVCA account today. Also, his bloods came back perfectly normal and stool sample was OK as well. Its also worth noting that idiopathic vestibular syndrome cant be passed onto any other pets you may own. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs the head the torso or. Liver disease: Liver disease can also cause cats to become disoriented and weak. Vestibular disease can disrupt either the inner ear or brain parts of this system, causing your cat to lose their balance. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. There is a form of calicivirus that causes arthritic symptoms. Changes in mental state, vertical eye movements, sensory impairments, and leg weakness are not examples of peripheral vestibular symptoms. SymptomsThe most common symptom of vestibular disease in cats is dizziness. A stroke, which is caused by a blood clot or rupture in the blood vessels within the brain, can cause symptoms like weakness, circling, walking abnormally, and head tilt. Now her belly has swelled and she i. Ataxia can be caused by a lesion in the cerebellum, and the cat may appear to be disoriented. If your cat is having side effects from their medication, they will need to see a vet for treatment. If your cat is walking like theyre drunk, its important to take them to the vet so that any underlying health problems can be treated. If this is the case, your veterinarian will treat the conditions underlying cause. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Even if your cat doesnt verbalize any pain, it is essential to get these injuries checked out: cats have learned to hide their pain as it shows predators they are vulnerable. In this article, we will discuss the peripheral form, which, with treatment, generally carries a good prognosis and is much more common than central vestibular disease, which attacks the central nervous system and brain. The veterinarian will examine your cat, their blood and urine will be tested for infection or disease, and an X-ray or ultrasound will be requested. Obesity can also lead to balance problems in cats. At this point, no detail is too small. There is a long list of possible causes of ataxia,depending onwhether theconditionis vestibular, sensory,or cerebellar. If your cat is experiencing stress, you may need to provide them with more environmental enrichment (such as toys, climbing structures, and hiding places). Vestibular syndrome is a condition that will cause your kitty to become disoriented and dizzy, therefore making them appear as if they are drunk. You may also be asked about your felines diet, current health conditions, and any new medications they may be taking. It usually happens without warning or as result of a concurrent condition, and can affect cats of any age. Breeding & Reproduction Guide, 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures). Other causes of unusual walking behavior could also be looked into, such as Alzheimers disease or dementia in older cats and Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), which is an inflammation of the bladder and urethra in cats. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. He had a similar incident about eight or nine years ago same symptoms and same short duration. If your cat is overweight, talk to your vet about a weight-loss plan. Poisoning If your cat has consumed or been in contact with something toxic, for example, a toxic plant or household substance, it may cause them to walk unsteadily 2. Assess the situation: Before you panic, observe your cat's behavior carefully to determine if the "drunk" walk is the only abnormality or if there are other concerning symptoms. The word ataxia incoordination within the nervous system. Click on the particular type of Ataxia you would like to review first. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. A follow-up visit allows your veterinarian to ensure that the underlying cause has been treated or eliminated. This information from the inner ear is transmitted to the brain. sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea. Routine health care and physicals including diagnostic tests can identifysooner rather than laterany underlying conditions that could possibly cause vestibular disease. Ataxia is a broad term, covering three different types: Vestibular, sensory and cerebellar. These can include problems with memory and balance, leading to them behaving erratically or even dangerously. If your cat has had an injury, it could affect their balance and make them walk strangely. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CRPP, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CRPP. If youre worried about your cat walking around like theyre drunk, theres a good chance its not due to intoxication at least not directly. May 4, 2022 Arm And Hammer Double Duty Cat Litter June 8, 2022 What Should I Do If My Cat Is Suddenly Wobbly Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk It can be extremely worrying when you notice any difference in your cats mobility or behavior. If the ataxia is secondary to something like infection, toxicity,or a tumor, it may be curable. Metronidazole is an antibiotic sometimes prescribed to treat intestinal conditions like diarrhea. They are affected from birth, so they do not know life in any other condition. Causes Treatment for Cat's Drunk-Like Walking Treating the Underlying Cause Treating Idiopathic Vestibular Disease Other Possible Reasons Your Cat May Be Walking Like They're Drunk Age Injury Illness Medication Stress Obesity Poor Vision Things to Do if Your Cat Is Suddenly Wobbly Pay Attention to Your Cat's Symptoms Call Your Veterinarian 1. The good news is that these conditions do not worsen with age. Idiopathic vestibular disease is a condition that can cause a cat to walk like theyre drunk. Even though your furry friend doesnt always vocalize their pain, having any such injuries checked out is still important, so they dont get any worse. Your cat will be disoriented after the seizure (post-ictal) and may display temporary paralysis in one or more legs, seem blind, vomit, or exhibit other behavioral changes. What happens if you have been following your vets instructions and your cats condition doesnt get better, or worse, deteriorates? If you notice a sudden loss of balance in your cat, you must watch for other symptoms that could point toward vestibular disease. Updated on August 13, 2022 By MrBossCat Team. In some cases, as discussed above, infection, trauma, or tumors in the middle or inner ear can be implicated, but when a cause is not able to be identified, it is referred to as idiopathic 7. One second, they a. Ataxia, a disease with similar symptoms, also causes a loss of balance. This is more commonly seen with anti-anxiety medications. Changes in eye movements, sensory impairments, leg weakness (all or one-sided), various cranial nerve indications, and lethargy, stupor, or coma are all common central vestibular signs. To rule out conditions that could cause a loss of balance, your veterinarian may conduct blood tests, urine tests, and ear cultures. The definition of lethargy is "a lack of energy and enthusiasm," or to use a medical definition, lethargy is "a pathological state of sleepiness or deep unresponsiveness and inactivity." When a cat develops this condition, it's a clear sign that something is seriously amiss. Suggested Articles Neurological Disorders Hyperesthesia Syndrome Squamous Cell Cancer: Dangerous A generally healthy and typically agile cat suddenly seems to be having trouble getting up on all four legs and maintaining its balance. Luckily your furry friend can be treated whether an underlying condition behind the disease is identified or not. Some other possible causes of the behavior could include neurological problems or injury. Nov 22, 2014. Although not classed as an emergency, the symptoms associated with the condition should be taken seriously, especially as they could be caused by a different underlying condition. If this is the case for your kitty, dont worry, there are still treatment options available that are highly effective in relieving symptoms, as you will find out below. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The tests also enable your veterinarian to determine whether the loss of balance has resulted in a more serious condition, such as an injury from falling. You can help prevent injuries by keeping your cat indoors at dawn and dusk and providing them with plenty of toys, scratching posts and stimulation instead. How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? There is no way to prevent neurological problems. The cat may seem unusually quiet and stop responding in the usual ways. This means we may promote and supply links to products on Amazon.com and earn a commission for any resulting sales made. Damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve can result in head and neck position changes because the affected cat may experience a mistaken sense of movement or have hearing issues. If you notice that your cats behavior has changed since they started feeling more stressed, there may be a reason for it so be sure to take action! https://www.germantownah.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2021/07/15/ear-infection-in-cats, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/ear-disorders-of-cats/tumors-of-the-ear-canal-in-cats, https://www.memphisveterinaryspecialists.com/site/blog-cordova/2020/03/13/cat-poisoning, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-infectious-peritonitis, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_brain_injury, https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2021/08/30/vestibular-disease-cat#:~:text=Idiopathic%20vestibular%20disease%20or%20feline,located%20within%20their%20inner%20ear, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypothyroidism, https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/cat-metabolism, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_spinal_malformations, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-spinal-column-and-cord-in-cats#:~:text=Degenerative%20lumbosacral%20stenosis%20is%20a,difficulty%20using%20the%20hind%20legs, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/signs-stroke-cats, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_vitamin_b1_thiamine_deficiency, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_brain_tumors, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis, https://www.vetneurochesapeake.com/vnioc-blog/metronidazole-neurotoxicity-and-treatment#:~:text=Cats%20have%20been%20reported%20to,signs%20may%20mimic%20generalized%20seizures, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_ataxia#causes, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_panleukopenia#symptoms, 9. Which Ones? If you notice your cat is walking oddly, its important to take them to the vet for an evaluation, yes, but in the meantime, you can help by making sure their nails are trimmed and their paws are clean and free of debris. Learn more. An ataxic cat may look like they are drunk, with a wobbly gait, swaying, and increased drowsiness. When your cat is stressed out, it can cause them to walk like theyre drunk and exhibit other strange behaviors. Suppose your felines condition quickly deteriorates, and you notice your cat breathing heavily while resting or your cats eyes always dilated. A cat who in the. Or at least not straight away. Treatment is dependent on the cause of the ataxia. There are various ways in which the underlying cause can be addressed depending on what is causing the problem. Can a Cat Have a Heart Attack: Types and Symptoms of Heart Diseases Several health conditions can be behind the onset of vestibular disease, but most often, the cause isnt found without thorough testing. From playtime to mealtime, sleep to grooming, our expert guide will show you how to make every day a purrfect day for your cat. As long as you keep an eye on symptoms and follow your vets advice, your kitty should return to its usual energetic self within a few weeks. If your cats loss of balance or vestibular condition is idiopathic, your veterinarian will focus on treating the symptoms and providing comfort. If caused by something treatable, it may only last for a few daysuntil treatment starts working (for example, an inner ear infection). Cat suddenly walking like drunk treatment tuesday january 4 2022 edit vestibular disease in cats is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination falling or circling to one side. An ataxic cat may look like they are drunk, with a wobbly gait, swaying, and increased drowsiness. Diagnosis/TreatmentOnce consulted, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, looking carefully at your pets ears, and may recommend diagnostic tests to look for concurrent conditions and to rule out other disorders that mimic vestibular disease. There is no cure for ataxia, but cats can manage it with medication and therapy. Cats age really quickly as kittens - their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! If your veterinarian detects spinal cord illness, limit or restrict your cats activity. Your vet will take all this into account when advising the best plan of action. Physical examination did not shown any abnormalities as well. Why is my cat suddenly walking weird? Sensory (spinal orproprioceptive):Sensory ataxiaistypically caused bylesions in the spinal cord, especially spinal cordcompression. When on the phone, make sure to give a detailed account of the symptoms you have noticed within the last hour. He is quite active cat and love his going outs. If the ataxia is caused by a lesion in the cerebellum, the cat will walk with an exaggerated goose-stepping gait called hypermetria. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the steps Ive outlined below. Diagnosing vestibular syndrome in cats can be a long process, as your vet will want to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your cat to be dizzy and fall over. Cat Walking Like Drunk or Cat Walking Sideways: Possible Reasons Loss of balance in cats can happen when something like a disease or injury disturbs the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. The vestibular apparatus is in the inner ear and is responsible for . What can I do. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately! An MRI, spinal tap, and head x-rays may be required to rule out any traumas or illnesses that may have caused the problem. Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, trouble breathing, and twitching. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. When vestibular disease is classed as idiopathic, your vets primary focus will be on relieving your cats symptoms and making them feel more comfortable day-to-day. This unconscious body awareness is called proprioception, and when there is a proprioceptive abnormality, movement is difficult and quite abnormal. Tumors or Polyps Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. You can help prevent obesity by feeding your cat a healthy diet and providing them with plenty of exercise. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mymoggy_com-box-4','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-box-4-0'); If changing the environment doesnt help or if theres no known cure for whatever caused walking like a drunk cat in cats first place, then consulting a vet might be necessary. When your cat starts walking weirdly with its back legs it can be a cause for concern. Cats with vestibular disease may experience other symptoms based on the underlying cause. Standard tests, such as a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel, will be ordered by your veterinarian. Other signs that look like "acute strokes" in cats include: sudden imbalance; falling over to the side; not being able to walk; vomiting; nausea They typically also have head tremors. Seeing your cat suddenly walk like a drunk can be a terrifying sight. In that case, your vet will focus treatment on eliminating that underlying cause. Structural/developmental abnormality of the spine or spinal cord, Infection in the vertebrae or intervertebral discs, Instability in the spine causing pressure on the spinal cord, Narrowing of the spinal canal which protects the spinal cord, Geriatric vestibular disease in which the precise cause may never be identified, Inflammation (the cause of which may or may not be uncovered), Thiamine deficiency (uncommon with current nutritional products), Structural abnormalities (e.g., underdevelopment or malformation of the cerebellum or the surrounding skull), Low levels of potassium, calcium, or glucose (blood sugar), Heart/circulation and/or respiratory diseases. For example, if you think your cat might be suffering from any such issues, speak with their vet so they can get them treated as soon as possible. There are two types of vestibular disease: peripheral and central. If your cat is suddenly walking like he is drunk, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The first type is a failure of the unconscious awareness of where the limbs are located in space. The next, you see your cat walking weird with its back legs and having issues with its balance. However, if you notice that your cat is stumbling around more often or their movements are noticeably slower, it might be a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up. Expect to be questioned about the cats medical history as well as present symptoms. Feeling unsteady on your feet Any cause of ataxia from neurologic disorders to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury can cause these symptoms. Spinal cord disorders can cause degeneration of the spinal cord, which results in difficulties with movement 10. Most cases of sudden kitty imbalance are chalked up to idiopathic vestibular disease (IVD), for which no determined cause exists. Keep an eye on your cats stride for signs of developing dysfunction or weakening, and contact your veterinarian right once if it gets worse. If the ataxia is cerebellar as a result of feline distemper virus, these cats can live a normal life expectancy with just a bit of support at home. If a cats vision is poor, they may walk unsteadily as they try to navigate their environment. If you think your cat is in pain, talk to your vet about possible treatment options. Required fields are marked *. Whether this is required is up to your discretion; every cat is different, and you will always be the best judge of whether something is seriously wrong. Because be scratch one of his ears on the regular basis and I see sometimes that he drop his ear like half way showing little discomfort I would think this could be more like vestibular disease. If your cat has consumed or been in contact with something toxic, for example, a toxic plant or household substance, it may cause them to walk unsteadily 2. published 26 April 2022 A cat walking in circles can be normal or abnormal, depending on the context (Image credit: Getty Images) If you were to see your cat walking in circles, how would you react? Once your veterinarian hasidentifiedthe causeof your cats ataxia, they should be able to give you more information about their outlook. If your cat is in pain, they may walk hunched over or be reluctant to move. You can also talk to your vet about whether there are any medications that could help. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Such defects can cause compression in the spinal cord, which results in ataxia. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. Although its vision seems to be all right, its head is oddly tilted to one side, and its . Bread dough - Once eaten, the yeast in the dough metabolizes the sugar and produces alcohol, which is then absorbed into the cat's bloodstream and causes intoxication. Vestibular disease is when a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.
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