Why is my cat suddenly losing balance, meowing, and panting?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be caused by an irregularity in the spine - this may cause the bones to compress the actual spinal cord, damaging the nerves that are responsible for controlling the back legs and tail. A veterinary neurologist would be able to further diagnose the condition and propose a treatment plan, your original vet may be able to recommend one. I would be happy to take a look at x-rays or bloodwork and answer any questions you may have about them!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sissy! I would have Sissy seen today by a Vet. It sounds like she may be having a Vestibular event. The Vestibular system controls balance. Symptoms can show up suddenly and the dog or cat walks drunk, sometimes has a head tilt and their eyes move abnormally (nystagmus). the most common reason is an ear infection or polyp. Other causes are toxin ingestion, brain tumor, trauma, other cancer, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Sissy should be examined for an ear infection, if present be prescribed ear drop and an oral antibiotic. It can take a few weeks for them to return to normal. In dogs if they have a head tilt it can be permanent. I hope this helps and good luck!

I wonder if maybe she has neurologic damage or did not heal after the panleukopenia. I would talk to your vet about blood work, a neurologic exam, and maybe referral to a specialist in internal medicine or neurology to determine what could be causing the shaking and loss of balance. Increased respiratory rate or changes in breathing sounds could indicate an upper respiratory infection, a nasal polyp, or possible scar tissue from previous infection.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mickey. If he is still displaying these symptoms, he needs to see his veterinarian today. Is there any chance he could have eaten anything that he shouldn't have? Intoxications commonly cause disorientation and balance issues. If not, he could have an inner ear problem affecting his balance. It is best to have him examined. If he is still off balance, it will make him nauseous. He will begin to refuse food and water which will result in dehydration. I hope this information helps!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These symptoms suggest that Stidi hs problems with the middle ear (infection, inflammation, polyp, tumour) or it may be related to brain disfunction (blood clot within the brain, ruptured vessel in the brain, tumor). Please, take Stidi to your local vets as soon as possible. If the symptoms are due to middle ear problem, he will need a course of strong anti-inflammatory medications and possibly antibiotics to get better.

Losing balance in an old cat is not a good sign, common causes include hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, diabetes and cancer. You should take her to the vet ASAP in order to get that checked, she will need to have a blood test done.

Head tilt could be caused by deep inner ear infection (or polyp), stroke, infection such as toxoplasmosis, stroke, or even tumor although that would be rare at her age. If the toxo test comes back normal then I would consider requesting a referral to a neurologist where an MRI of the brain can be done. If that is not possible then I would trial treat with antibiotics and steroids. I am so sorry that she is going through this. I am sure you are very worried. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.