Neurological Cat Diseases

Cats are susceptible to various neurological diseases. Some of the neurological cat diseases occur just in cats and some of them are the same as in humans. In most of them, you will notice a change of behavior or loss of balance. Cats are resilient and can bounce back, or live with most of the neurological diseases.

Spina Bifida and Myelomeningocele

A myelomeningocele is a bulge in the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. The bulge is caused by vertebrae that did not form right, called spina bifida. This can cause spinal fluid to leak. The condition can exist from birth but not be detected for years. The vet will perform a myelogram or MRI to get a correct diagnosis. Surgery is the best treatment and it is usually performed by a veterinary neurologist. Another complication is tethered spinal cord syndrome, where the spina bifida causes scarring, leading to more problems as the cat gets older.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a condition where the skin on the cat's back rolls and twitches for no apparent reason. When this happens, the eyes may become dilated and the cat may cry or snarl. In some cases, the cat may bite at the skin until an abscess forms or may bite when touched. In some cases, the cause is never found, but since it appears to be some kind of seizure disorder. The vet will prescribe phenobarbital and if it works, then a seizure condition is confirmed. Another cause could be a spinal cord injury. In others, it is a behavioral disorder that can be treated with medication.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Cerebellar hypoplasia is also known as spastic cat syndrome or wobbly cat syndrome. This condition appears right after birth. The cat will place its feet wide apart and will lean against a wall for support. The more the cat tries to concentrated on an object, the worse it gets. Cerebellar hypoplasia is caused by the feline distemper virus, a condition that causes the nerves in the cerebellum to be destroyed. It can be passed to the kitten by the mother if she was vaccinated with a modified live distemper vaccine. Mother cats should not be vaccinated while pregnant or for two weeks after delivery. There is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia. The cat has to be made an indoor cat and use things like spill-proof food dishes. The cat usually will be happy. He does not know anything is wrong.

Feline Vestibular Disorder

Feline vestibular disorder is a sudden appearance of balance problems and rapid eye movements. Usually, it will last anywhere from two to three weeks and clear up by it self. It can be caused by head trauma, ear infections or ear tumors.

Cerebrovascular Injury

Cerebrovascular injury, or a stroke does not occur in cats that often, but it does occur. The symptoms are the same as in humans, usually paralysis on one side. Cats usually recover very quickly. As long as the stroke was not caused by cardiomyopathy, there is a good chance of a complete recovery.