Vestibular Dysfunction in Cats

Vestibular disease in cats refers to a dysfunction in the organs that orient the head and body in a normal vertical position. These organs assist the cat in walking, sitting, lying down and any other movement while keeping the animal balanced.

  1. Types

    • There are two locations for vestibular abnormalities: central and peripheral. Central vestibular disease refers to problems within the brain itself while peripheral vestibular disease refers to dysfunction of the nerves that reside within the ear.

    Symptoms

    • Cats with vestibular disease exhibit lack of coordination, dizziness, falling down and horizontal eye movements. The cat may also have a head tilt. If the vestibular disease is in the peripheral nerves, the head tilt will usually have the affected side pointing downward.

    Unknown Cause

    • There are currently few known causes of vestibular disease, though it does seem to target elderly cats. Most cases will not have the underlying cause identified.

    Known Causes

    • A few known causes of this condition are inner ear infections, specific mineral deficiencies such as thiamine, trauma, antibiotic toxicity and cancer of the ear.

    Treatment

    • If a cause is diagnosed, the treatment will be targeted to the cause. If the cause is unknown, treatment will consist of supportive care.