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Cat dizzy, vomiting, limping after ear cleaning. Is it vestibular?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 13.06 lbs

My cat recently went to the humane society for routine ear cleaning and nail trimming. I now suspect that he has acquired some sort of vestibular syndrome, as shortly following the visit, he exhibited vomiting, nystagmus, limping, and severe lack of coordination. I took him to the vet today and initially suspected that his nails were clipped too short. After some physical tests and blood work, which were perfectly normal, he was provided with painkillers and antibiotics. How do I go about this?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G, MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2019

Hello. It is more likely that Katniss's symptoms are related more to the ear cleaning than anything else, as there is no way a nail trim could cause neurological signs unless your cat was handled very roughly, & I hope this is not so. Anything placed in the ear could potentially cause enough irritation to result in the signs of vestibular syndrome. If no medications were instilled in the ears, then the symptoms should subside In 3-5 days. In addition to the medications prescribed, I might have added something for nausea ( like Cerenia ) just to make sure Katniss continues to eat well. Unfortunately, there is no strict timeline as to when she may totally recover, but if she is not significantly better by Monday, then I might be thinking about recommending a CAT scan or MRI to evaluate what is going on in her inner ear canal. Hopefully she will start to feel & act better with each passing day, but if not, you may need to pursue some advanced diagnostics. I hope she is doing better soon, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 21st, 2019

    I'm sorry to hear that Katniss has been feeling so poorly lately. Unfortunately, it is illegal for anyone at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to recommend specific medications or provide dosing instructions, as we have not examined Katniss. Since he is struggling to urinate or defecate, I recommend taking him back to the vet today for further evaluation. After 3 days without a bowel movement, there is a chance that Katniss may require an enema or prescription stool softeners. Depending on his current neurologic status, your vet may also need to prescribe some medications to manage his clinical signs. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2019

    I'm very sorry this has happened to you and Katniss. If he had a vigorous ear cleaning and subsequent vestibular syndrome, that would be the cause of the drunken gait and if a nerve was damaged, would make it hard for him to chew dry food. He needs to be checked by a vet to make sure if his ear drum is still intact. I would take him into a vet today. If he's slowly improving, there is hope that his hearing may return, but only time will tell. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat has new sneezes, discharge after steroid for head tilt.
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