Feline Loss of Balance and Low Blood Cell Count

Cats, like humans, can develop any number of diseases or illnesses. When a cat gets sick, he may show symptoms of illness such as loss of balance. At the veterinarian's office, the cat may have additional clinical signs of illness, such as a low blood cell count. While these are two separate symptoms, they both indicate that the cat is suffering from some type of health issue.

  1. Identification: Low Blood Cell Count

    • There are two types of blood cells: white blood cells and red blood cells. A low blood cell count is a clinical sign that is identified after blood testing at a veterinarian's office. A low red blood cell count is known as anemia, while a low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. Symptoms of anemia include weight loss, lack of appetite, weakness and the cat may appear to be more lethargic. Meanwhile, symptoms of leukopenia include fever or an infection.

    Identification: Loss of Balance

    • Loss of balance is easier to identify in a cat in comparison to a low blood cell count. The signs of feline loss of balance are more straightforward and can include stumbling, leaning to one side or falling over. These signs can occur at any time, whether the cat is walking, running or jumping.

    Causes

    • Anemia in cats can indicate several different health issues. Generally, anemia is associated with active bleeding somewhere within the body or massive blood loss―usually due to trauma, various immune-system diseases, toxins that may be present in the body or bone marrow disease. Meanwhile, leukopenia indicates some type of inflammation or infection, or certain types of feline cancers.

      Loss of balance in a cat can also indicate several different health issues. This includes inner ear disease, lack of or loss of blood flow to the cerebellum, trauma to the cerebellum, toxoplasmosis and feline infectious peritonitis. Toxoplasmosis is a severe bacterial infection, while feline infectious peritonitis is a serious, highly deadly viral infection.

    Diagnosis

    • Cats with either symptom should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. At the veterinarian's office, the cat will undergo various tests to determine the underlying cause of either anemia or loss of balance. This can include a urinalysis, blood tests including a full chemistry panel and other tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds to test for physical abnormalities.

    Treatment

    • Treatment will vary greatly based on the underlying cause of either loss of balance or low blood cell count. The affected cat may need medications, such as antibiotics, to treat underlying infections. The cat may need immunosuppressive drugs to suppress the immune system, which may be causing premature red blood cell destruction. Some cats may require surgery to repair or correct issues with the nervous system, such as removal of a tumor.