What causes loss of balance in older cats?

What causes loss of balance in older cats?

There are various causes for a loss of balance especially in an older cat which may include ear infections; however vestibular disorders, head trauma, poisoning, stroke among other causes may also lead to similar symptoms.

How to tell if your cat has balance problems?

Symptoms and Types 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 Tilting head to one side Trouble hearing – non-responsive to being called to at normal voice pitch Stumbling, tipping over, swaying Excessive drowsiness or stupor Changes in behavior

Why does my cat have a wobbly gait?

Ataxia (pronounced a-tak-sia) is defined as a loss of muscle coordination (incoordination/unsteady gait) which is caused by disorders that affect your cat’s sense of motion, and it is a symptom of an underlying condition and not a disease in itself. There are three clinical types of ataxia in cats, cerebellar, vestibular and sensory.

Why does my cat have a lack of appetite?

Lack of appetite due to nausea (symptom of motion sickness from loss of internal equilibrium [balance]) You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have preceded this condition.

There are various causes for a loss of balance especially in an older cat which may include ear infections; however vestibular disorders, head trauma, poisoning, stroke among other causes may also lead to similar symptoms.

What to do if your cat loses balance?

Your veterinarian may run a number of tests to check for an underlying cause of your cat’s loss of balance or to rule out other conditions. Your veterinarian may order a blood test, urine test, and ear cultures to check for diseases that may cause a loss of balance.

Why does my cat have a false sense of balance?

Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Cats. The vestibulocochlear nerve carries information concerning balance from the inner ear to the brain. Damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve can cause changes in head and neck position, as the affected animal may feel a false sense of movement, or may be having problems with hearing.

Why does my cat have trouble standing up?

Once you notice your cat is having trouble standing up, it is important to watch for the other signs of vestibular disease. A cat who is suffering from loss of balance may also display the following symptoms: The symptoms of vestibular disease may be related to another condition, such as an inner ear infection or head trauma.