Feline Vestibular Disorder
Feline vestibular disorder is a temporary ailment in cats that, while it can be severe, has an excellent chance of recovery. Knowing the signs and prognosis can help pet owners with an affected cat.
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Identification
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Feline vestibular disorder is a disturbance of the balance or orientation of a cat. This condition can be mistaken for inner ear infections, brain disorders or injury.
Causes
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The cause of feline vestibular disorder is not known, although abnormal flow of the fluid in the ear canal within the inner ear may play a role. This disease has a high occurrence during summer and early fall and is mostly temporary.
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Signs
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Signs of feline vestibular disorder include leaning to one side, tilting of the head, abnormal eye movements, poor coordination and a reluctance to walk. The cat will panic when picked up, and the signs will occur suddenly and can look like severe disorientation.
Treatment
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No specific treatment is available for this disease, and most cases are treated at home. Severe cases may require hospitalization and medication for sedation for severe disorientation. When treating your cat at home, keep her away from stairs or steeper inclines.
Prognosis
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Recovery for feline vestibular disease is usually rapid and complete. Cats begin to recover within 72 hours after initial diagnosis, and complete recovery usually comes within two to three weeks.
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