Feline Vestibular Syndrome

A series of video clips taken of my cat having an episode of feline vestibular syndrome (FVS). Although she's walking around in the video, she shortly thereafter became nearly immobile from the dizziness. The closeups of her face around 3:00 display nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), one of the classic signs of vestibular syndrome. Other signs are head tilting (my cat is favoring her right shoulder here), staggering and falling, disorientation. There could be several causes (inner ear infection or polyp, mini-strokes, brain tumor/lesion, thiamine deficiency) including idiopathic (undetermined) which may resolve on its own. Taking the cat to a veterinary neurologist and having an MRI, though very expensive, may be the most conclusive method of treatment.

During an episode, cats tilt their heads TOWARD the side of the brain that has a lesion or clot. Conversely the eyes may shift AWAY from that side of the brain. The neurologist only took an MRI of Cleo's right side of the brain because the symptoms indicated that's where the problem lay. When one side of the brain is affected, it is called Peripheral Vestibular Disease. It supposedly has a better prognosis for recovery than Central Vestibular Disease (more likely to be attributed to cancer or hemorrhaging).

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• feline
• vestibular
• syndrome
• nystagmus
• FVS
• cats
• FVD

[MrWoodstarr]

My cat is 15, and has had 2 episodes like that, the first time was late at night, she was staggering around, her eyes flicking from side to side. I was in bits, and of the opinion she would not be with me in the morning. Although she was a bit woberly at first, later she seemed fine, and I put it down to a "funny turn". Last night a week or so later, she`s had another "fit" but it was not as servere. So taking her to the vets asp, hoping its an ear infection. Wish all the kittys better.

[nikookamoto]

@MrWoodstarr I truly hope your kitty is ok! Just be prepared for the possibility of a diagnosis of idiopathic vestibular disease if she doesn't have an ear infection. I'm getting pretty frustrated not knowing what to do. Cleo has had at least 3 more episodes in the last month. She's currently resting in my closet from an episode 5 days ago. She's probably had at least 6 episodes since I posted this video, so there's not enough time for her body to compensate. I'm not optimistic at all.

[nikookamoto]

@mazrob71, I thought Cleo might've had an inner ear infection too because I noticed she was scratching one ear a lot before this happened. She did test positive for toxoplasmosis which can cause neuro problems. But because of the episodic nature (I witnessed 3 of them), the neurologist concluded she'd suffered several mini strokes or clots too small to show up on the MRI. She's still wobbly now over a month later but doing okay with a 6 wk course of clindamycin for the toxo.

[MrWoodstarr]

Nikookamoto:- Sweep has no lasting symptoms at all, she still annoying tho!! go to facebook, you can see her, Google mrwoodstarr, then go to, Julian wood, sitting where she shouldnt be! he he..

[MrWoodstarr]

I have removed some of my post`s, because I think they may now have become inappropriate.

Vestibular, although very upsetting to see your pet suffering with, is not a condition, its a symptom, the cause maybe as simple as an ear infection, or need to change your pets diet, it can be as simple as that. Me and Sweep have been lucky, so can you. big love to all...

[nikookamoto]

@MrWoodstarr Good for your Sweep, I hope she remains symptom free. Most sites I read up on FVS said the chances of another episode were possible but unlikely and the cat would most likely fully recover, although there could be lingering effects such as head tilt. I wish Cleo was that lucky! She's still trying to get her bearings after the last episode (over 3 weeks ago), but it's slow going. Her head bobbles constantly and she tips over. I'm hoping to hear from the neurologist this week.