How to Stop Your Cat from Bobbing His Head
Whenever a cat is bobbing his head, it is a pretty good indication that he is feeling a lot of pain. This pain can be due to a variety of different causes, including Cerebellar hypoplasia, Vestibular disorder, facial or oral pain, or a bad reaction to drugs.
Cerebellar hypoplasia
Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia in cats include ataxia or difficulty with balance, jerky walking, and head bobbing. These symptoms often appear at four to six weeks of age, but they do not worsen as cats age.
The most common cause of cerebellar hypoplasia is a viral infection during pregnancy. The feline panleukopenia virus, commonly covered by core feline vaccines, can affect the brain of an unborn kitten.
Because cerebellar hypoplasia is characterized by anatomical deformities in the kitten’s brain, a vet’s examination and imaging tests are essential for diagnosis. A CT or MRI scan of the kitten’s brain can reveal the extent of the deformities. The vet will then perform a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions.
Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia usually live normal lives, but there are some changes you may need to make. You should also monitor your cat’s quality of life to make sure he or she is comfortable.
Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia may have trouble keeping their balance, but they can still get around with some help. You may want to provide your cat with low-sided food and water bowls to help him or her move around safely. You may also want to place non-slip mats in areas where your cat will be feeding.
Vestibular disorder
Symptoms of cat bobbing head and vestibular disorder are quite frightening, and a quick diagnosis is important if you suspect an illness. The symptoms are usually quite temporary, and may clear up within a few days. However, if the disease is more serious, it may be necessary to take your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Symptoms of vestibular disorder may include head tilt, involuntary eye movements, and difficulty walking. These symptoms may be caused by a brain tumor or other serious condition. The prognosis for this condition depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment.
In addition to symptoms of cat bobbing head and vestibular disorder, there may also be some other symptoms. For example, your cat may refuse to eat. If this is the case, nutritional therapy may be prescribed. Your veterinarian may also want to analyze spinal fluid or x-ray your cat’s head.
Other symptoms of vestibular disorder may include nausea, vomiting, and vision loss. Your veterinarian may also recommend anti-nausea medication. Depending on the cause, treatment for vestibular disease in cats may include antibiotics, surgery, or a combination of treatments.
Facial or oral pain
Having a cat bob his head might be just a symptom of a more serious medical problem. Head bobbing is a common problem for cats with oral and facial pain. In addition to pain, the cat might also exhibit other symptoms such as hyperesthesia, hyperesthesia of the eyes, and pawing at the face.
The cat may show the following behaviors in an attempt to rid the body of any remaining saliva. Drooling and diarrhea can result. The cat may also be unwilling to eat. The cat’s mouth may be inflamed, causing ulcers to form on the lips, tongue, or palate.
The cat may paw at the face in an attempt to relieve any discomfort, or may simply be distracted. Other symptoms may include abnormal eye movement, disorientation, or increased thirst.
There are a number of systemic illnesses that can cause head bobbing in cats. Some of these include liver disease, kidney disease, and parasites. Other causes include electrolyte imbalance, viral infections, and certain toxins.
Bad reactions to drugs
Using drugs on cats can be a bad idea. They may develop a skin reaction and this can lead to problems for the cat. These reactions can range from minor to severe. Having a better understanding of the potential risks can help you keep your cat safe.
The symptoms of skin reactions can be a red rash, hives, and itchiness. If the cat shows signs of a reaction, your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines and steroids to keep the signs under control. Symptoms can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. If the reaction is more severe, your veterinarian may prescribe pain relief.
The cause of the skin reaction may be unknown, but the immune system may be involved. Your veterinarian will perform a full skin examination to determine the cause of the reaction. A skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out fungal infections and bacterial infections. The veterinarian will also collect skin scrapings for lab culturing.
