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Vestibular Disease in Cats: Welfare & Care Guide
Feline Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease in cats causes sudden loss of balance and coordination due to dysfunction of the vestibular system — the system responsible for spatial orientation and balance. While dramatic and frightening for owners, many cats recover well with appropriate support.
Types of Vestibular Disease
- Idiopathic (peripheral) vestibular disease: The most common form in cats; sudden onset with unknown cause, usually resolves within 2-3 weeks. More common in older cats ('old cat vestibular disease').
- Otitis interna/media: Inner or middle ear infection causing vestibular signs.
- Central vestibular disease: Caused by brainstem lesions (tumour, stroke, inflammatory disease); more serious prognosis.
- Polyp or neoplasia: Nasopharyngeal polyps and tumours can compress vestibular structures.
Clinical Signs
- Sudden head tilt (often severe)
- Rolling or falling to one side
- Circling, staggering, ataxia
- Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reluctance to stand or walk
Welfare Impacts
The acute onset of vestibular disease is distressing for cats and owners. Affected cats experience disorientation, nausea, and inability to perform normal behaviours. Risk of falls and self-injury is significant during the acute phase.
Management and Care
- Immediate veterinary assessment: To distinguish peripheral from central disease — the latter requires urgent investigation.
- Anti-nausea medication: Maropitant or meclizine to reduce nausea and improve comfort.
- Safe environment: Restrict access to stairs, heights, and outdoor hazards during recovery.
- Nursing support: Assistance with feeding, water access, and litter tray for severely affected cats.
- Treat underlying cause: Antibiotics for otitis interna; surgical removal of polyps; specific therapy for central causes.
- Time: For idiopathic disease, the single most important treatment is time — most cats improve significantly within 72 hours.
Key Takeaways
While vestibular disease appears alarming, most cats with idiopathic disease recover well. Identifying and treating underlying causes is important, and supportive nursing care during the acute phase is the cornerstone of welfare management.