Droopy lower lip on one side??

Hi Everyone!

Has anyone seen this before on their cat? I noticed it a few days ago, but looks like it's getting worse today. My sweet Milo stays inside most of the time, but does go outside for a couple hours a day while I'm home in the evening. He isn't acting any different; he's eating and drinking fine.

I've attached a couple pictures. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!
Kim

Are both pupils the same size? Does the eye lid on that same side droop also or is everything okay with the eyes?

Normally what you're seeing happens when a facial nerve is not functioning properly. From what I understand there can be more than one reason for this, so please take him to the vet for an exam as soon as possible to find out what's going on.

Originally Posted by Violet

Are both pupils the same size? Does the eye lid on that same side droop also or is everything okay with the eyes?

Normally what you're seeing happens when a facial nerve is not functioning properly. From what I understand there can be more than one reason for this, so please take him to the vet for an exam as soon as possible to find out what's going on.

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Please let us know what you find out.

I've never seen that on a cat before, I think you should call your vet.

Originally Posted by Violet

Are both pupils the same size? Does the eye lid on that same side droop also or is everything okay with the eyes?

Normally what you're seeing happens when a facial nerve is not functioning properly. From what I understand there can be more than one reason for this, so please take him to the vet for an exam as soon as possible to find out what's going on.

Click to expand...

Incongruity with facial muscles can often indicate a neurological problem. Definitely get your kitty checked out.

I would be worried of a stroke or something about to happen. I have never seen that on any cat and I have alot in house let alone the ones I see

I would bring the photo if it starts to heal so vet can see that.

a thought no one wants to think of but is he up to date on rabies shot? I would want the cat seen today if it were me. It may be nothing or may be some infection going on in there. thats pressuring something.

Thanks for the replies.

Violet, the eyes look normal. Pupil's are both the same size and they are not drooping at all. I hope that's good news!

Catsallaround, thankfully, both my Milo and Koa are up to date on their vaccines. I hope it's not rabies! :-(

Thanks for everyone's encouragement to call the vet. I was hoping someone would be like "oh yea...that happens all the time to my cat. It'll clear up in no time!" BUT unfortunately it doesn't look any better this morning and I would rather be safe. I did call the vet and have made an appointment for today at 4pm. I hope it's just a skin infection at worse. I will keep everyone posted!

Thanks again!
~K

I doubt it and would not say anything its just always something you have to keep in mind with a cat with outside access and not sure what rates are but in my part of state we rank higher cause ALOT of land/strays. Hope its something simple and all is well or just something for an antibiotic to fix. try to update when you can as would like to know with just the mouth and not the entire face seem more local-bug bite or infected tooth.

All paws crossed for Milo. I'm glad you are bringing him in today, be sure to let us know what you find out

I'm glad you're taking him to the vet to make sure.
It might be a minor problem, like swelling, but it's best to make sure it's nothing serious.

Lots of coming your way for Milo. I hope everything goes well at the vet and that we get good news!

I hope he'll be fine!

So glad you got the appointment, and please, please let us know what the vet says. I have never seen that on a cat, ever.

Hi Everyone! Thanks for all of the love and support for Milo!

Good news; the vet was not concerned about anything serious.

Bad news; the vet didn't know what caused this. He initially mentioned that it could be an allergy, but wasn't sold on the idea. Milo has been seen for feline acne in the past and thought that this might be a result of a re-occurrence. Ultimately he prescribed a steroid for the swelling and an antibiotic to prevent/cure any infection.

He did a thorough checkup and Milo's heart and lungs sounded great. Also his eyes and ears looked good.

Hopefully he'll be back to his dashing self soon!! Thanks again for all the well wishes and good vibes!!

Odd, did the vet check the teeth for any signs of infections or like a fox tail? I am glad he is on antibiotics. I might get a second opinion if you can.

I'm so glad the vet doesn't think anything serious is going on.
Hopefully the meds will help very soon.

From what I've read, this condition in cats and dogs is somewhat similar to idiopathic Bell's palsy in humans which, according to information is an inflammatory condition that leads to swelling of the facial nerve. Also according to information treatment with steroids is very helpful, especially if started early.

One identifiable cause in cats, dogs and humans can be Lyme disease. (Unfortunately test results for Lyme disease are not one hundred percent reliable. A cat or dog with Lyme disease can still have negative test results. I believe, humans as well.)

Other causes in cats and dogs can be dental and ear problems.

Hopefully Milo will have a quick recovery from this.

Thanks for the update on Milo. Hope the steroid helps. Is he eating okay?

I had a facial nerve swelling (a real case of Bell's palsy, actually) as a result of walking home in the cold after some thorough workout during my basketball practice in elementary school (those basically happen when you suddenly expose your sweaty and/or warm self to low temperatures).

It's painless, but it causes droopy lips/mouth and can affect eyes as well - for instance, you are unable to open or close it. It's completely painless, though.

I was on an antibiotic for a throat infection that happened at the same time (but unrelated) and then months of high doses of vitamin B. Sometimes they perform surgeries, but luckily I didn't need one. According to the doctor, about 1 in 1000 get over it without any nerve damage or visible signs. I got lucky!

Of course I have no idea if a cat could have it, but I am glad the vet didn't think Milo had anything serious!

Hope the meds help Milo. Glad it wasn't anything more serious!! Continuing for Milo

Hi Cococat - the vet did look at Milo's teeth and inside his mouth. He seemed to do a good inspection. I think I'll wait a week and see if it clears up like the vet expects. I'm not sure I can afford a 2nd opinion. lol

Hi Otto - yes, thankfully Milo is eating just fine. He's eating everything minus his medicine!! lol

Anyone have advice on how to get a cat to swallow a pill? I feel so bad for the little guy! Getting a dropper full of liquid is hard enough and I have to do both of those!