A cat suddenly limping on its back leg is not normal and suggests that it may have hurt itself by falling onto a hard surface. There is no way to prevent age-related health problems, but many of them can be treated or managed with the help of your veterinarian. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is not possible to determine the cause of vestibular disease. An MRI, spinal tap, and head x-rays may be required to rule out any traumas or illnesses that may have caused the problem. The more information you can collect about your furry friends condition, the better your vet will be able to understand and treat the cause of the disease. The nature of this disease also means there is a high chance of your kitty injuring themselves. If a cats vision is poor, they may walk unsteadily as they try to navigate their environment. This happened again later in the day but he had little milder symptoms but del disbalanced for little longer. My 17 yr old girl was doing very well until 5 weeks ago when she started drooling and wouldnt eat. There are two ways of treating vestibular syndrome, targeting either the symptoms or the cause. If your veterinarian detects spinal cord illness, limit or restrict your cats activity. And, as always, lavish your cat with affection. Its unnerving to see your once-graceful cat stumble around with his head tilted and eyes flickering madly. Obesity is a significant problem in our society, affecting not just humans but also our feline friends. Once the type of ataxia(sensory, vestibular, or cerebellar)is identified,additional testing such as blood work, a urinalysis, radiographs,and advanced imaging arelikelynecessary to determine the cause. Clumsy movements. Does My Cat Have Allergies or a Cold? The causes of ataxiawhich causes cats to walk like theyre drunk or experience other issues with movementare varied and complex and in this post, weve separated possible causes into three different subcategoriesvestibular, sensory, and cerebellar. If your cat has poor vision, they will need to see a vet for treatment. Sometimes, inflammation or infection in the middle or inner ear can occur, causing ataxia and other symptoms like yellow or black discharge and a buildup of wax 4. They are affected from birth, so they do not know life in any other condition. Image Credit: Sarah2, Shutterstock 2. You can also try introducing calming music into their environment to help them relax. Ill be the first to say that I often overreact at the slightest change out of the fear that something is seriously wrong. 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. In that case, you must take them to the vet so they can be checked out by a professional. Once your veterinarian hasidentifiedthe causeof your cats ataxia, they should be able to give you more information about their outlook. This type of ataxia is called a vestibular abnormality, or vestibular syndrome. They may also have more subtle symptoms,such as a mild head tilt or a curling under of the toes while walking. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 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. Cats age really quickly as kittens - their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! In the first half hour after first noticing your cats drunken behavior, make sure to look out for any other symptoms your kitty may be displaying. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Some other possible causes of the behavior could include neurological problems or injury. Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause cats to become disoriented and weak. Several treatment options are available, including vestibular therapy, medications, and surgery. From aiding with feedings to providing medication, its critical to follow your veterinarians recommendations. This means we may promote and supply links to products on Amazon.com and earn a commission for any resulting sales made. 1. 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. That hind leg neuropathy indicates he's probably suffering from feline diabetes mellitus. It may be worth confining your cat to a well-padded area that doesnt have access to high places during this time to reduce the chances of further injury due to falling over. Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk Treatment, 2. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? For example, Siamese cats are more likely to have neurological problems, while Ragdolls are more likely to be obese. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. They may generally have a head tilt toward the side of the lesion in vestibular syndrome. If your cat is suddenly walking like he is drunk, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Feline Diabetes In that case, your vet likely thinks that your kittys sudden incoordination is due to idiopathic vestibular disease, and the symptoms will resolve on their own. Learn more. 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. Home remedies can not stop a cat from having seizures. If you notice your cat suddenly walking like a drunk, take note of any other behavior or mobility changes and contact your vet as soon as possible. Thanks for reading! For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to improve an ear infection. 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. Metronidazole is an antibiotic sometimes prescribed to treat intestinal conditions like diarrhea. Updated on August 13, 2022 By MrBossCat Team. 4 Possible Causes! 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. Most cases of ataxia are not genetic but can be inherited. Possible Reasons Your Cat is Walking Like They're Drunk 1. If your cat is having side effects from their medication, they will need to see a vet for treatment. Spinal cord problems causing ataxia: Loss of spinal cord tissue (called degenerative myelopathy) Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, trouble breathing, and twitching. 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. Click on the particular type of Ataxia you would like to review first. Depending on how bad your felines condition gets, it may be best to take them for an in-person appointment straight away. How are you meant to know the best thing to do in such a situation? Cats suffering from trauma may also lose consciousness, have seizures, have difficulty breathing, and have an irregular heartbeat among other symptoms 6. Assisted feeding and IV fluids may be necessary ifyourcat isnt able to eat or drink well. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat an illness or medication toxicity. One of the most common illnesses that cause cats to walk like theyre drunk is idiopathic vestibular disease. 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. If your cat has suddenly started walking strangely, its important to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. Certain metabolic disorders like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause a wobbly gait, weakness, and lethargy 8. Does your cat look like they have been down the pub and had one too many? Symptoms of Ataxia in Cats. Within an hour, you should make sure to contact your vet. Hi there, AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If your cat is walking like theyre drunk or showing any of the symptoms described in this post, please contact your vet right away. There is a form of calicivirus that causes arthritic symptoms. Its a question that concerned cat owners may find themselves asking why does my cat walk like theyre drunk? Cats with vestibular disease may experience other symptoms based on the underlying cause. Discover the secrets to creating a happy and healthy daily routine for your feline friend. Vestibular disease in cats can be diagnosed by a physical exam that is usually performed to check your cats overall health. Siamese and Burmese breeds have a higher risk of developing this disorder at birth. The list of symptoms attached to encephalitis is long, but it can cause ataxia among other behavioral changes. The next, you see your cat walking weird with its . This could be due to a brain tumor, stroke, or other condition. Your veterinarian may do a series of tests to rule out other problems or look for an underlying reason for your cats lack of balance. Some medications can cause side effects that make a cat walk unsteadily. Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. This section describes possible causes for ataxia linked to the vestibular system, which is inside the inner ear and brain stem. There is no way to prevent side effects from medication, but you can talk to your vet about whether there are any alternatives. Avoid making changes to the layout of the environment. With proper treatment, most cats make a full recovery within a few weeks. If your cat has an inner ear infection, it will be treated with antibiotics, which will most likely cure his dizziness. This may involve medication, special diets, or surgery. Which Ones? Here are some possible causes: 1. 5 Causes. This may involve changing their dose or switching to a different medication but dont do this without discussing it first with your veterinarian. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good news: most cases resolve quickly, with cats recovering from this disease without medication. At other times, they may want you to bring your furry friend in for an appointment. 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. Unfortunately, this can take a long time and cost a lot of money, so many cases are considered idiopathic (having no known trigger). Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Structural changes such as underdevelopment or malformation of the cerebellum,most often seen when the mother cat was infected with panleukopenia virus while the kitten was forming in utero (cerebellar hypoplasia). This is usually because more thorough testing would be required, which is a lengthy and costly process. Some of the conditions can be life . That is unfortunately a common issue for pet owners. Sometimes a cause cannot be determined even with extensive testing, but it is very important to rule out as many causes as possibleso your vet can create atreatment plan. 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. If the ataxia is secondary to something like infection, toxicity,or a tumor, it may be curable. The second type of ataxia occurs as a result of abnormal function of the inner ear or brainstem that causes a disruption in balance. If you have seen this in your cat, you must have wondered why your cat is suddenly walking like a drunk? 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! It can also occur from a bleeding blood vessel within the spinal cord, or a failure of the nerve conduction capacity of the spinal cord. Head tilt is a medical condition that may be indicative of a serious underlying disorder, usually of the vestibular system. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen to rule out tumors. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Age As cats get older, they can sometimes become unsteady on their feet. My cat had a few seizures last night and now cant walk straight. Thank you so much. Buying . He also cried, as if frightened or upset. Metronidazole toxicitycaused by high-dose administration of this antibiotic, Issues with oxygen getting to the brain associated with cardiac or respiratory disease. Encephalitis, for example, is a serious brain inflammation in cats that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungal infections among other things. My cat is about 3 year old. A series of tests are required for proper diagnosis, but, in most cases, the cause of the disease will remain unknown. In the meantime, here are some of the most common reasons why cats walk like theyre drunk. Make sure to book this appointment as soon as possible so that the correct treatment can be determined. There are several different forms of ataxia, depending upon where in the nervous system the abnormality occurs. If your cat starts walking like a drunk, weak in the hind end, don't assume he got into the catnip. For any unanswered questions, reach out in the comments section. If you notice unusual signs or coordination problems in your cat, consult your veterinarian immediately! The next, you see your cat walking weird with its back legs and having issues with its balance. 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. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately! Thanks for laying out everything so neatly and understandably on this page. This might be due to idiopathic vestibular disease, a condition with no known cure and only managed by management. In idiopathic vestibular disease, treatments aimed at . Some causes of this condition may be mental stress, environmental factors such as lack of exercise or food, medication or supplements given to the cat and even disease. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? He nearly fell over from the stairs. I would like to ask about something as my cat experienced some of described symptoms. In most cases, it is a sign that they have sustained an injury or are suffering from a medical condition such as diabetes. If your cat is in pain, they may walk hunched over or be reluctant to move. Degenerative Diseases of the Spinal Cord, 13. Treating Idiopathic Vestibular Disease, https://www.quora.com/What-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-keeps-falling-over, https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/758521/cats-sudden-loss-of-balance, Yellow Teeth in Cats: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know, The Importance of Teething Toys for Kittens, Cat Teething: Understanding the Age Timeline and Signs, Weakness of the limbs: May affect one, two, or all of the limbs/ May affect only the hind legs or the legs on one side of the body, Trouble hearing non-responsive to being called to at normal voice pitch, Abnormal eye movements may be due to false feelings of movement, vertigo, Lack of appetite due to nausea (a symptom of motion sickness from loss of internal equilibrium [balance]), Degenerative: Abiotrophy (prematurely the cerebellum loses function), Anomalous: Underdevelopment secondary to perinatal infection with panleukopenia virus in cats and A cyst located near the fourth ventricle, Infectious feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Inflammatory, unknown causes, immune-mediated, Infectious: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), rickettsial diseases, Degeneration of the nerve roots and spinal cords, Vascular: Loss of blood to the nervous system due to blockage of blood vessels by a blood clot, Anomalous: Spinal cord and vertebral malformation and spinal cyst, Electrolyte disturbances low potassium and low blood sugar, 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 diseases 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. Most cases of sudden kitty imbalance are chalked up to idiopathic vestibular disease (IVD), for which no determined cause exists. What happens if you have been following your vets instructions and your cats condition doesnt get better, or worse, deteriorates? A proprioceptive defect most commonly occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord from a bulging intervertebral disk or tumor, or from a tumor within the spinal cord itself. 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. If your cat has this condition, they will need to see a vet for treatment. He lost balance for about 10 minutes and then came back to normal. I hope you do find out what is going on before you run out of money. In some cases, serious viral conditions like Feline Infectious Peritonitis can be the cause5. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the steps Ive outlined below. 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. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her. These might include anti-anxiety medication or pheromone therapy. Intestinal Virus (Reovirus) Infection in Cats. Suppose your felines condition quickly deteriorates, and you notice your cat breathing heavily while resting or your cats eyes always dilated. The vestibular system includes a fluid-filled part of the inner ear called the cochlea and a part of the brainstem that helps your cat maintain balance. This can include prescriptions for things such as motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting, or it could be more assistance based, for example, helping your feline to eat and drink. This is a type of ataxia that affects the vestibular apparatus found in the inner ear. MrBossCat.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If a mother cat suffers from panleukopenia virusalso known as feline distemperit can cause structural abnormalities in kittens cerebellums. If you have an older cat, make sure to feed them a healthy diet, give them plenty of attention and take them to yearly vet checkups to spot issues before they become bigger problems. Sometimes, they may ask you to continue observing your kitty at home. Cat Vestibular Disease Treatment - Cat Meme Stock Pictures and Photos Old Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk - GitHub Pages Taking care to protect your feline from ear infections or other conditions linked with vestibular syndrome also helps improve recovery and prevent the disease from recurring. While any cat can develop the conditions listed above, certain breeds are more prone to them. They may have head and/or body tremors and swaying of the torso. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat seems dizzy or drunkvestibular disease can happen quickly and can be scary, for both you and your pet! Feeling unsteady on your feet Any cause of ataxia from neurologic disorders to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury can cause these symptoms. This should, in turn, stop the symptoms caused by vestibular syndrome. An ataxic cat may look like they are drunk, with a wobbly gait, swaying, and increased drowsiness. They start walking like drunk this might be an early sign of injury. 2. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MrBossCat.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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. Cat Suddenly Walking Like A Drunk: Why Is My Cat Wobbly All Of A Sudden If your cat has had an injury, they will need to see a vet for treatment. Some causes of ataxia cannot be cured, and these cats typically experience clinical signs that progress and may eventually result in the need for euthanasia.
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