Eight Cranial Nerve

[Squeek's Dad]

My pet (cat) has a head tilt (tilts down to the right) and she is a bit unsteady. She can still jump up on and down from furniture (couch, never has jumped on high places, such as counters)

Temp: 101.7
Pulse: 200/ min
Respir: 40/min
Weight: 8.75 lbs

She is a bit disoriented, and is in her 5th day with this disorder. she is getting better acustomed to her situation.

Her ears are clear, nasal is good, heart is normal, lungs are clear, abdomen, uurogential, musculosketeletal, dermatological, gastrointestinal, and lymp nodes are all normal.

Neurological: Placing is normal for all 4 limbs, can walk forward and backwards, slight favoring going to the right side.

Still eats like a horse, urination and bowel movements are normal.

According to the Vet, Her initial diagnosis is 1. inner ear infection, 2. brain tumor, 3. brain emnoli/infarct, 4. eighth cranial nerve dysfunction.

She is currently taking Clavamox drops, 62.5mg/ml 15 ml.
1 ml given orally every 12 hours.

She has been on Clavamox for 4 days now. No improvement in head tilt, but again, overall disposition of feline, she is adjusting.


She had a full battery of tests yesterday, blood and x-rays. If they prove inconclusive, then an MRI is suggested. Cost then becomes an issue for me if that is the case.

I'm proplexed as are the Vets.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Squeeker's Dad

[Traci]

Hold old is she? Any possibility of recent trauma? (was she outdoors? Taken a fall inside somewhere? hurt in any way? any other pets in the home? children?)

Inner ear infection could still be a potential, but your vet would need to do a full otoscopic exam with exudate slide exam if possible, antibiotics would normally clear this up in around 5-10 days or so. A polyp might be another possibility, important to use otoscope and deep exam to detect them.

You didn't say what bloodwork was done, but I would suggest a serology to rule out immunological, such as toxo, hemobart, blood-borne parasites, fungals, infectious feline disease and even tick diseases before considering an MRI. You can also take a video of her mannerisms/signalment and send to a vet university neurological dept, for more support.

Sounds like your vet is taking the right approach, and yes, if tests are inconclusive, try opting for an MRI, but if cost is an issue, you can try getting a pro consult with a vet university in neurology, your vet can do that for you on your behalf.

[davet]

think it is the eigth but then who knows,,i would suspect it is a cerebrall problem or accident and if so it should slowly comeback...as i have often said cats are survivors--why don;t i think it is the 8th you say...i have no idea, i just don't think so....no reason

[squeek's dad]

UPDATE:

Her Total whiteblood cell count was normal. Her Monocites (sp) were evevated, above 9000. Toxoplasmosis was at 1:100 which I was told that this is reasonable.

X-Rays were negative. Slight dehyderation, but she is drinking steadily since her return from the vet.

[Traci]

The monocyte elevation could be one of two things; stress or inflammation, or, immunological. Again, not knowing exactly what was included in the serology (other than toxo), I would find out if your vet ruled out FELV/FIV or even AIHA (auto-immune-hemolytic anemia). Toxin exposure or previous medications like corticosteroid use, etc, should also be ruled out. It may be the monocytes aren't truly significant at this point, but your vet would take a closer look at the complete blood count to determine that. In any event, again, discuss immunological potentials, toxins, exposure to medications, just a few more ideas.......

[Auntie Debbie]

Hi,
Sorry your kitty is having such a problem.
(In a nutshell, my cat had a severe inner ear infection that my previous vet could not diagnose, since it wasn't showing any debris. She suffered for about two months before some of the crud came to surface. It could be the way a new vet did the culture, the panalog or it was just bound to happen, but she developed Vestibular Disease, complete with typical head tilt. Proper diagnosis and treatment and eight weeks later sh was as good as new and good to go. A residue slight head tilt remaine, which is typical, but cats will compensate for this.)
I have a bunch of links on Head Tilt, Vestibular Disease and other Neurological links under the Neurological page of y website listed just under Favoirites on the menu on the left side of the board, (Debbie's Feline Health) that may interest you. Also, if you scroll down towards the bottom of that page there a lots of links on anything you ever would want to know about ear problems.

I agree that an MRI would be a good idea and/or a full culture of some ear stuff. Even if it's just a little was, your vet may be able to get something. I hope you can find out what is causing your kittys condition soon!

[squeek's dad]

Just to give everyone a heads up, Squeeker was put to sleep this morning. She went to the vet this past Tues because of a growth on the right side of her face, where her jaw bone meets the skull. Confirmed on x-rays. Took sample. Came back inconclusive on Thurs. I scheduled surgery for her for today. Had to take her in Saturday because she was not eating. She was trying, just couldn't. She could no longer open her jaw to eat, drink or meow. She tried to eat, and wanted to. She lost a full pound in 4 days. Was prepped for surgery this morning when I got a call. She was anesthetized but my vet couldn't intubate her because the mass was pressing on her esophagus. It was confirmed then it was cancer.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help with this one. It was a difficult decision, but i have the confidence that this was the right decision. She was suffering, and it isn't fair to keep her alive just for my reasons.

Squeek's dad.

[Traci]

Squeek's Dad.....I am so truly sorry about your loss, my heart goes out to you.

You performed the greatest act of kindness for her, I know as difficult as this was, you did right by her. I'm so very sorry, I so wish the outcome could have been better...Safe and gentle journey, sweet Squeeker....(((((HUGS)))))

[bridget]

I'm so very sorry. I was truly hoping Squeek had an inner ear infection that could be treated with antibiotics.

Thank you for trying to help Squeek and for doing the ultimate act of love.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Prayers for Squeek's journey to the Bridge. Squeek will always be with you.....

[Auntie Debbie]

I'm soooo sorry Squeeks has crossed the bridge. You did all you could for her and helping her cross was your last gift to her. I will certainly keep her in my prayers for peace and happiness where she is now.
Thanks for the update, sad as it is.
(((HUGS)))