Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

General Information:

Idiopathic Vestibular disease is a disturbance of the vestibular or balancing and orientation system. With vestibular disease:

The head is tilted to one side;

The eyes move back and forth very rapidly (nystagmus);

Walking is unsteady and awkward;

When walking, the cat usually drifts to the side to which the head tilts; and,

Circling is very common.

This disease occurs most frequently during the late summer and fall, and its onset is sudden. The cause of the disease is unknown, but most animals recover within 2-6 weeks. Varying signs of the condition may persist indefinitely after resolution. Because other conditions, such as middle ear infections, trauma or brain disorders, may cause similar signs, various blood tests and radiographs (x-rays) may be necessary to establish the diagnosis (which is a diagnosis of exclusion).

Treatment Information:

Although the cause of the disease is unknown, one theory is that an inflammatory response may be involved. Therefore, treating with anti-inflammatory medications (such as cortisone) are recommended at this point.

It is essential that your cat be kept indoors while its ability to move is impaired. Allowing the cat to go outdoors could result in severe injury from automobiles, dogs, etc. Confine your cat to an area of the house where it will be safe from stairs, open windows and high ledges, etc.

We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your veterinarian's office, or feel free to e-mail us.

David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC