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Anyone know something about Congenital Vestibular Disease?

post #1 of 5
5/12/05 at 5:30am
Thread Starter 
I believe Elle has congenital vestibular disease. She has all the signs and symptoms of it. I've done my research on it. From what I've read, it will all just blow over, but I'm not 100% positive of this. Does anyone know about this disease, prognosis, or treatment, if any? Thanks!

Cassie
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post #2 of 5
5/12/05 at 5:46am
I am not sure this will help but you might check this out.

Feline Vestibular Disorder

Q: Last Friday, our cat came staggering out to us unable to balance himself, with is turned to one side, and his eyes out of control wandering all over. He is a 1 1/2 year old neutered male, had been fine up to that point, I can't find anything ,which could have poisoned him. Cannot straighten his head to drink out of the bowl when he tries. My vet seems to think he got into poison, and now is brained damaged, but would he have reconized me today if he was brain damaged. Connie

A: Connie - A toxin is possible. It wouldn't be my first thought but that could just be my mindset.

I would worry about feline vestibular disorder (sudden onset of balance problems with abnormal eye movements). This usually lasts less than two to three weeks and clears up with or without medication. Trauma is possible (a head injury). Ear infections and ear tumors are possible (tumors do occur in young cats at times). Feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis and feline immunodeficiency virus can sometimes cause central nervous system problems, too.

Good luck with this. Hopefully you are already seeing improvement.

Mike Richards, DVM

My Prognosis is take the kitten to the vet and have them check her out fully. It could be something that happened from birth or just kitten growth but I hope everything goes well. On the same site that I got that quote was this:

Cerebellar hypoplasia in kitten

Q: My 4 week old kitten was born with some problems. He has since birth not been able to walk more than a couple of feet without tipping over several times on the way. He gets right back up and trys again just cant seem to get the coordination or has an uncontrolled loss of balance. He also has very big eyes that do not have the pupils like a cats (you know the slits) his are like peoples round. He cannot see anything but shadows and hears very well this is how he gets around. When he hears my voice he can't get to me quick enough. He has a lot of personality and eats fine from his mom he just gets lost sometimes since he doesnt see very well and tips over all the time. His brothers and sisters are fine and healthy and so is the mama kitty. If this sounds familiar please give me some insight on this. We are going to keep this cat and want to understand his problem or know if it will improve. My husband and I don't have alot of money for a vet so maybe you can be of help. Thanks M.

A: Your kitten may have cerebellar hypoplasia. This is lack of development of the cerebellum, which controls balance functions. If this is the case the condition is not curable but most kittens will learn to get around well enough to have a good life. Ear diseases can lead to similar signs. It really would be worth one office visit to get a better idea of the diagnosis and to make sure that you didn't miss something treatable that could help this kitten out.

Hope this helps.

Mike Richards, DVM

To check more on this site it is http://www.vetinfo.com/catneuro.html...lar%20Disorder
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post #3 of 5
5/12/05 at 5:59am
Thread Starter 
Thank-you so much for your reply. However, I have read that. It doesn't sound like the latter, because she is deaf. It does sound like the vestibular disorder, though, and I know and trust vetinfo, and I like it very much.

Thank-you!

Cassie
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post #4 of 5
5/12/05 at 8:00am
Thread Starter 
I called around to vets, and I'm getting a couple to call me back to talk to the doctor.... the others didn't have a clue. LOL!
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post #5 of 5
5/13/05 at 8:17am
Thread Starter 
Elle is doing good. Just got back from the vet a few minutes ago. She has a Vestibular Disease. Since she was born with it, the vet said that the prognosis her getting over it is low. But, since there is a chance that it's an infection, which is what it is a lot, he gave her some anti-biotic and vitamins to see if she gets over it. He said it's like she's on a constant boat in the rough seas moving back and forth, because vestibular disease effects the balance. He said he normally gives a sedative, which is a mixture of Vallum and another sedative, but since she's so small, there isn't a small enough dose. He said that the way it looks to her, like when she eats or drinks, it looks like her dish is going back and forth, and that's what the sedative is for. But he's going to see how she does without it first.

Thanks for your concern!

Cassie
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