If your SPECIAL NEEDS CAT is suffering from balance problems, you may want to consider treatment options. These issues are usually genetic and lifelong, and can be addressed through medication and lifestyle changes. For instance, a cat with vestibular disease is uncoordinated and tilts its head.
Sarge has cerebellar hypoplasia – a developmental condition where the cerebellum fails to develop properly
Cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens is a condition that causes problems with mobility and movement. It can be caused by various factors, including severe malnutrition, infection with toxoplasmosis, or a panleukopenia virus. MRIs can be used to diagnose the condition, which is not curable.
Cerebellar hypoplasia is often confused with a similar condition known as cerebellar abiotrophy. To rule out other conditions, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be required, as well as thyroid and urinalysis. Symptoms of cerebellar abiotrophy can include a broad-based stance, clumsiness, and decreased coordination in walking.
Cerebellar hypoplasia in dogs is not progressive. Dogs with cerebellar hypoplasia still have the ability to perform basic tasks and enjoy a good quality of life. However, treatment is highly individualized and depends on the underlying disorder.
Sarge’s food contains thiamine
Thiamine is a nutrient that’s important for preventing cat balance issues. In fact, thiamine deficiency can be caused by inadequate dietary intake. Insufficient amounts of thiamine can result from either decreased food intake or a complete lack of thiamine in a cat’s diet. Because thiamine is water-soluble, it’s also susceptible to degradation if exposed to high temperatures or diuretics. Insufficient intakes can also occur from improper nutrient absorption.
Although the prevalence of thiamine deficiency in cats and dogs is not known, it is important to remember that it can occur in both healthy and diseased animals. Therefore, it’s important to give your cat a proper diet and supplementation to make sure it’s getting enough thiamine.
Thiamine deficiency in cats can lead to a variety of symptoms. It can include decreased appetite, vomiting, or circling. Thankfully, these symptoms can be reversed with proper dietary supplementation. Cats with thiamine deficiency may also experience neurological signs, including bending towards the floor of the neck, falling, or wobbling.
A lack of thiamine in the diet may cause vomiting, anorexia, and stunted growth. In some cases, it can lead to muscle weakness and seizures. In severe cases, thiamine deficiency may even lead to coma.
Several recent pet food recalls have shown the importance of thiamine in preventing or curing thiamine deficiency in cats. Since 2010, six commercially sold cat foods have been recalled because of thiamine deficiency. Of these foods, twelve lacked the recommended amount. One of these recalled foods even failed to meet nutritional standards set by the AAFCO.
A recent study of dry cat food produced by Diamond Pet Foods has indicated that some of its products may have low thiamine levels. This recall has been voluntarily implemented. Diamond has also tested all of its other pet food brands for thiamine levels. However, there are some methodological concerns with these studies.
Sarge eats raw meats and fish
While it is possible for your feline to enjoy a raw meat and fish diet, it’s important to do your research and consult a vet before introducing raw foods to your pet. While there are some health benefits to feeding your cat raw meat, the risks are also higher. Read on for some guidance.
Treatment options for a cat with a loss of balance
The veterinarian will perform a standard physical exam, including a complete blood count and chemical profile. He will also perform a urinalysis and an electrolyte panel. He will also ask the owner to provide a medical history of the cat. The blood tests are usually normal, but the results may change if there is an underlying disease or condition. In some cases, a specialist may recommend further tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the cat’s condition.
A thorough medical history and physical exam are required to diagnose vestibular dysfunction. The veterinarian may also need to perform an otoscopic exam to examine the cat’s ears for any signs of inflammation, infection, or tumors. If the problem is a little more serious, advanced imaging may be used.
Treatments for a loss of balance can include oral medications such as famotidine or ranitidine. For severe cases, your vet may recommend hemodialysis, also known as dialysis. While dialysis is an expensive option, it can prolong the life of your pet if the underlying cause can be addressed.
In some cases, a cat may need a laxative to help it pass stool. These laxatives will make a cat more comfortable, but should only be given by a veterinarian. It is important to remember that enemas can be harmful to cats. A veterinarian can also prescribe cisapride, which is a prescription drug that works to speed up the digestive process. This drug is not available commercially, but can be obtained through compounding pharmacies.
In some cases, the condition can be caused by a small foreign object or a growing growth in a cat’s nasal passage. Usually, the cat will sneeze to remove the object. The condition can also be caused by allergies to elements in the environment, including chemicals and smoke.