How is vestibular disease diagnosed in cats?
Most cases are diagnosed based on clinical signs. Tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), skull X-rays, blood and urine tests, spinal fluid analysis, and ear cultures and cytology (examination of any discharge or fluids found in the ear canal) are typically performed to rule out a more serious cause.
Can cats recover from vestibular?
Although the signs are typically the same as those associated with other types of peripheral vestibular disease, they are transitory, arising abruptly and then gradually improving over the course of several days. Most cats will be completely recovered within two or three weeks.
What can I do if my dog has vestibular disease?
If your dog is experiencing nausea or vomiting related to vestibular disease, your vet may prescribe an anti-nausea medication to help relieve these symptoms. Dog’s experiencing difficulties drinking due to dizziness caused by vestibular disease may require treatment with IV fluids to avoid dehydration.
Why is it difficult to diagnose vestibular disorders?
Diagnosing vestibular disorders is challenging, for many reasons. The inner ear’s vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serves many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems. A thorough evaluation of the inner ear may therefore require several different kinds of tests.
What to do if your dog has vestibular disease?
As in humans, treatment for a vestibular disorder in dogs and cats depends on the specific diagnosis. It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out conditions such as stroke or hyperthyroidism. The examination may also reveal an underlying and treatable condition affecting the inner ear.
When to start treatment for Central Vestibular Syndrome?
As soon as the specialist detects the cause and can tell if it is a peripheral or central vestibular syndrome, appropriate treatment should be started as soon as possible and always under the supervision and periodic monitoring of the provider. The treatment for this condition will depend completely on how it manifests and what the symptoms are .
What are the symptoms of Vestibular Syndrome in cats?
Feline vestibular syndrome is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes a lack of coordination in cats. The condition often manifests suddenly.
Diagnosing vestibular disorders is challenging, for many reasons. The inner ear’s vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serves many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems. A thorough evaluation of the inner ear may therefore require several different kinds of tests.
How can I tell if my dog has vestibular disease?
While there are currently no tests for detecting vestibular disease, your vet will make a definitive diagnosis by conducting neurological and ear examinations. If a specific underlying cause is suspected, your vet may utilize other tests, including blood and urine analysis, CT scan, MRI, and cultures of the ear.
What does it mean when a cat has vestibular disease?
Vestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.
How can I Help my Pet with vestibular dysfunction?
During this period, you can help your pet’s recovery in several ways: Give your pet time. The sudden onset of symptoms is disconcerting to owners, often resulting in an understandable sense of urgency. However, feline- and canine idiopathic vestibular disease are not life threatening.