Neurological Disorders in Cats

Just like in humans, neurological disorders can occur in cats. The central nervous system of cats sends messages to the body through complex nerve networks in a way similar to humans. In cats, the brain sends signals to the spinal cord, and the signals coming to the spinal cord are transmitted to organs and muscles. When a problem in the body affects these signals, various problems arise. Some neurological disorders are treatable or can be controlled with medication. Some neurological disorders may require surgical intervention. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about neurological disorders in cats. What Does Neurological Disorder Mean in Cats? Neurological disorders in cats actually stem from disturbances in the nervous system. When the problem is in the brain, events such as seizures may occur. On the other hand, an infection in the spinal cord can result in gait or limb dysfunction, or even complete paralysis. Disorders in the nerves can cause dysfunction in any part of the body, such as the face, mouth, feet, or paws. Disorders in the nervous system particularly affect the body's balance, speech, eating, and defecation functions.

What Does Neurological Disorder Mean in Cats?

Neurological disorders in cats actually stem from disturbances in the nervous system. When the problem is in the brain, events such as seizures can occur. On the other hand, an infection in the spinal cord can result in gait disturbances, limb dysfunction, or complete paralysis. Nerve problems can cause dysfunction in any part of the body, such as the face, mouth, feet, or paws. Nervous system disorders particularly affect the body's balance, speech, eating, and defecation functions.

Symptoms of Neurological Disorders in Cats

Neurological diseases in cats can be seen across a very wide spectrum. The important point here is the center and cause of the lesion. Cats cannot express these negative feelings when they feel dizzy, unbalanced, or depressed. However, it is extremely important to observe these symptoms by looking at the cat's movements.

The most prominent neurological disorder symptoms in cats include;

• Seizures,
• Sudden blindness,
• Inability to walk or unsteady gait,
• Partial paralysis in the face or limbs are among the clearly noticeable symptoms.

A cat appearing disoriented or confused, moving its eyes very rapidly, shaking its head, or walking in circles can also be signs of a serious illness. Muscle twitching and tremors are among the symptoms that are harder to notice. Observing the cat and spending time with it in your daily routine is very important for understanding these harder-to-detect symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian immediately for examination.

How are Neurological Disorders Diagnosed?

A complete neurological evaluation is necessary to diagnose nervous system diseases in cats. First, the veterinarian asks various questions about the cat's medical history. Then, a comprehensive physical examination is performed. The physical examination includes checking the cat's reflexes, examining its eyes, and assessing pain. Various laboratory tests may also be performed at the end of the physical examination. Complete blood count, blood tests, or urine tests are some of the tests used to diagnose neurological diseases. Hyperthyroidism in cats can also manifest as a neurological disease. A thyroid test is used to rule this out. Limb and spinal cord X-rays are taken to check for trauma or a large tumor. If a diagnosis cannot be made after these checks, advanced imaging methods such as MRI or CT scans are used to check for tumors, inflammations, and other anomalies.

Common Neurological Disorders in Cats

Cats can experience various neurological disorders. In addition to neurological disorders due to various diseases, trauma, and aging, congenital disorders can also occur in cats.

Neoplastic Diseases

Neoplastic diseases are the most common neurological disorders in cats. The most common neoplastic disease is meningioma. Meningioma is a tumor that occurs in the protective membrane of the brain in cats. These tumors usually appear in older cats. Meningiomas, which are generally benign, can cause pressure on the brain and result in damage if they continue to grow. Approximately 75% of brain tumors in cats are meningiomas. Fortunately, these tumors are treatable. Meningiomas in cats are successfully removed surgically. In fact, depending on the success of the operation, in some cases no additional therapy is needed, and cats can continue to live comfortably for years. However, similar statements cannot be made for another type of brain tumor, glioma. Glioma develops deeper in the brain and is often difficult to reach surgically. Epilepsy is caused by defects in the electrical transmission of nerve signals in the brain cortex of a cat. The brain cortex is responsible for thought, memory, sensation, and voluntary muscle movement. Epilepsy can occur due to head injuries, metabolic disorders, or tumors. The most common type is idiopathic epilepsy. In a cat affected by idiopathic epilepsy, there is no apparent cause for the severe seizures experienced. Cats with idiopathic epilepsy are otherwise normal. This health problem can also be controlled with various medications.

Epilepsi

Epilepsy in cats results from defects in the electrical transmission of nerve signals in the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is responsible for thought, memory, sensation, and voluntary muscle movement. Epilepsy can occur due to head injuries, metabolic disorders, or tumors. The most common type is idiopathic epilepsy. There is no apparent cause for the severe seizures experienced by a cat affected by idiopathic epilepsy. Cats with idiopathic epilepsy are otherwise normal. Furthermore, this health problem can be controlled with various medications.

Congenital Neurological Disorders

Congenital disorders frequently affect the cerebellum, the region of the brain responsible for muscle coordination. Some kittens are born with distemper infection and immediately begin to show a lack of coordination. There is no cure for distemper infection-related lack of coordination, but kittens born with this neurological disorder can live for many years. Another congenital disorder is hydrocephalus, which occurs when too much fluid accumulates in the skull, putting pressure on the brain. This disorder can be treated by inserting a shunt to distribute and then drain the excess fluid from the skull.

Neurological Disorders Due to Infection

Feline infectious peritonitis can cause neurological disorders in cats in some cases. There is no definitive cure for this condition. Bacterial infections occurring in the middle and inner ears due to infectious peritonitis can infiltrate the brain and cause neurological disorders. Therefore, monitoring infections in cats is of great importance. Early detection of the infection significantly increases the chances of treatment.

Neurological Disorders Due to Trauma

Another factor that can cause neurological disorders in cats is trauma and aging. Neurological disorders may occur in cats that have suffered head trauma. In this case, problems with defecation are generally experienced.

Age-Related Neurological Disorders

Age-related neurological problems are not very common. However, one of the rare ones that can occur is progressive degenerative disorder. In older cats, this disorder causes the death of brain cells. It is generally a disease quite similar to Alzheimer's disease in older people.