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If you have a feline living in your home, learning about common neurological issues in cats may be helpful. This can include recognizing symptoms, knowing what’s involved with a feline neurological exam, and understanding available treatment options. Although hearing that your cat has a neurological issue may be a bit scary at first, you can be more confident in getting them the care they require by better understanding your best pal’s condition.
Like people, cats can also be affected by a number of neurological issues. A feline’s brain, spinal cord, and nerves are each a sensitive area of the body, but together make up a complex system that provides essential functions. That said, the brain, spinal cord, and nerves can all easily be affected by trauma or disrupted by health issues, which can lead to a myriad of other problems.
When a neurological disorder affects the brain, this can often lead to other issues, such as seizures. In addition, if the condition is centralized to the spinal cord, a cat’s limbs are typically affected, although this can range from a slight loss of balance to complete paralysis. Lastly, when a cat’s nerves are affected by the disorder, nearly any area of their body can be affected, whether their mouth, eyes, or legs.
Some neurological disorders in felines can include:
Although many neurological issues in cats share similar symptoms, it’s important to remember that each condition is unique and has its own set of causes, common signs, treatment options, and prognosis.
Since many different types of neurological issues can affect your feline friend, there can also be a variety of causes. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, neurological disorders can also be brought on through trauma, such as injury to the head or spinal cord—car accidents being a prime example. Besides acquiring a neurological issue at some point in their life, it is also possible for your cat to be born with one. In that case, it would be classified as a congenital condition.
Neurological issues can also appear when there’s a disruption in some of your cat’s normal body functions—epilepsy is a prime example. Remember, idiopathic causes, meaning that the underlying cause is unknown, are also relatively common with neurological issues. Although having this unknown factor may cause the addition of a few extra steps in your cat’s diagnosing process, your veterinarian can still tailor your cat’s treatment plan to manage their condition’s symptoms.
If your feline friend has a neurological issue, their symptoms will be reflective of the specific condition. Although there are many different causes and types of neurological problems, the symptoms often overlap, at least to a certain degree. Common signs of neurological issues in cats include:
Depending on your cat’s condition, these symptoms may appear suddenly and quickly progress. Still, in other cases, only one or two may occur over an extended period. As a pet parent, keeping close tabs on your cat’s normal behavior and daily routines is helpful. If you notice unusual behavior, which may arguably be tricky to catch in cats sometimes, contact your veterinarian right away. You know your cat best, and if you suspect something else may be happening below the surface, it never hurts to get your worries checked out.
Since many neurological issues tend to affect older cats more, it’s essential that you don’t dismiss odd senior cat behavior as “a sign of old age.” It’s equally important to monitor your cat’s health and behavior throughout their lifetime. Just because a condition typically occurs in older cats doesn’t mean it couldn’t still pop up in a kitten.
Your veterinarian must perform a complete diagnostic exam to officially diagnose your cat with a neurological condition. They will most likely begin this process by reviewing your cat’s full medical history and asking about recent symptoms, including their mental and physical well-being. Any notes you have on how long the symptoms have been present or any new developments may be helpful to your veterinarian. In addition, any video footage you can show your veterinarian, particularly if your cat displays issues with their limbs or mobility, can also greatly assist the diagnosing process.
Neurological testing for cats will typically involve testing your cat’s reflexes, including their limbs, eyes, and how they move in general. Blood tests are another standard part of the diagnosing process. The results can provide insightful knowledge about possible issues while also helping to eliminate conditions that aren’t the underlying problem.
In some cases, your veterinarian may order X-rays to have a closer look to see if any brain tumors, fractures, or spinal trauma are present. If the results are still inconclusive you may be referred to visit a specialist, such as a veterinary neurologist. Further imaging could also be necessary. An MRI or CT scan can provide more in-depth views, making spotting any possible tumors, inflammation, or abnormalities easier.
If the professionals are still at a loss of what the underlying issue is, and your feline friend’s condition continues to prove itself elusive, a spinal fluid tap could be the next recommended step. However, since this procedure is more involved, it’s not performed as often and is typically left as a last-resort option.
When discussing neurological disorders, it’s essential to distinguish the terms “cure” and “treatment.” Although the two are often used interchangeably in everyday speech, they are distinct. When a condition, syndrome, or disorder is cured, the symptoms will disappear, and your cat will be completely rid of the issue. However, if you learn that a health issue is treatable, there are options to manage the symptoms, but the condition will still be present. Many types of treatment are available for neurological disorders in cats, and treatments are often more common than cures. These treatments include:
You and your veterinarian, and any other specialist you work with, can create a treatment plan that will best suit your cat’s needs. Remember, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat’s meal plan.
The initial process of learning about your cat’s neurological issue diagnosis may not be the easiest. However, with proper treatment and knowledge of how to manage your feline friend’s condition, you and your best pal can learn how to continue a healthy and happy lifestyle together.
An ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
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