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I'm sorry to hear about this with Little Meow. I believe that you're describing the symptoms of vestibular (balance) disorder in cats. Can you video this behavior? You can text a video to our conversation or upload it to YouTube or a similar app and then give me the link to it.
I'll watch for your next post.
Is there a possibility of Little Meow ingesting a prescription, over the counter, or recreational drug?
Thank you. Was she treated with a topical parasiticide?
Thank you. Over what period of time has she behaved in this manner?
That would be 9 AM where I live. Please confirm that she's been like this for 7 hours.
Thank you. Regardless of the cause, such a cat needs to be hospitalized in a 24-hour vet facility and either anesthetized or heavily sedated and placed on IV fluids to hasten excretion of anything she may have ingested and to keep her hydrated.
Vestibular disease is a possibility but unusual in such a young cat. Here's more about vestibular disease in cats:
There are myriad causes of vestibular signs in cats but the most common is idiopathic (unknown cause) vestibular disease accounting for 43% of cases of peripheral (not involving the brain) vestibular disease in one report. There is a higher incidence of this disorder in summer and fall, suggesting an environmental or infectious cause. Prevalence is higher in certain regions of the United States, especially the Northeast. Clinical signs are often severe, with some combination of circling, rolling, ataxia ("drunken sailor"), head tilt, and rapid nystagmus (eyes flicking back and forth) quite evident. There's no sex or breed predilection and the average age of affected cats is 4 years. Although usually acute and nonprogressive in nature, there have been some reports of clinical signs progressing for up to 3 weeks. Signs usually resolve rapidly without definitive treatment, usually in the first week, although some patients may have a persistent head tilt. Diagnosis is through excluding other known causes of peripheral vestibular disease; there's no definitive diagnostic testing nor is there definitive treatment. Some cats may require fluid and antiemetic therapy if vomiting and/or anorexia don't resolve the first day.
Please respond with further questions or concerns if you wish.
You're quite welcome. I'll check back with you tomorrow.
It's my pleasure.
May I have an update on Little Meow, please?
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