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Question

My 10 yr old Snowshoe (siamese cross) has developed balance problems within the last 36 hours. She will lose her balance and fall over when reaching with her head to rub on my leg, for instance. Her overall demeanor remains unchanged, and I have rubbed her all over and she exhibits no sensitivity. Her food/water intake is fine and she has urinated and defecated within the last 24 hrs. Is this nuerological - and what should I do? Very worried about Winter -

Submitted: 24 days ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Gender: Female
Pet's Age: 10
Type of Animal: Cat

Already Tried:
Observation

Accepted Answer

This sounds like vestibular disease a problem that can be in the brain but most often is in the inner ear which is the balance center.

Sometimes antibiotics or steroids may help to clear this faster but it can also clear on its own.

You can read about this here

http://www.cathealth.com/vestibular.htm

Another possibility in a senior cat is a problem with arthritis making the joints sore and leading to instability due to muscle loss from lack of use.

I would plan a vet visit to have your senior cat checked out to determine if treatment is needed and if so of what type.

Hope this helps you!

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Expert: NancyH
Pos. Feedback: 99.4 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/29/2009

Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert

30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care

23 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you for your input. I will certainly continue to monitor her and make an appt if her symptoms become more pronounced.

 

As a side note, I don't think it's inner ear, as she does not have a head tilt - honestly, I am thinking that it is either a brain lesion (from a fall or misjudged leap) or a tumor. And, one will heal, and the other will progress. I know what my money is on...

 

Thank you for your input.

Posted by NancyH 23 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

You are welcome and thanks for the above accept.

Other things to watch for - more drinking and urination (kidneys or diabetes), dropping off eating (liver or kidney issues), rear leg coordination issues (can go with a heart problem due to a blood clot reducing rear leg blood flow), excessive hunger and weight loss (thyroid problem or diabetes).

A senior cat check up with blood work can catch things early enough sometimes to treat them.

 

 

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