How Long Can cats live with ataxia?

Some causes of ataxia cannot be cured, and these cats typically experience clinical signs that progress and may eventually result in the need for euthanasia. If the ataxia is cerebellar as a result of feline distemper virus, these cats can live a normal life expectancy with just a bit of support at home.

Why is my cat losing control of his back legs?

Cats with heart disease can develop a sudden onset lameness or paralysis, essentially a sudden inability to move a limb. The most common cause of rear limb paralysis in cats is a blood clot that goes to the back leg, called a saddle thrombus or arterial thromboembolism (ATE).

Is it possible for a cat to have ataxia?

Both the duration of the loss of control and the severity of the instability may vary, depending on what is causing the issue to exist. Ataxia may be a sign of something relatively benign, or of a life-threatening disease.

How is ataxia treated at VCA Animal Hospital?

Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. Pain management, supportive care, and making the environment safe (e.g., preventing access to stairs) are cornerstones of ataxia treatment. Regular reassessments will be scheduled in order to monitor the progress of recovery.

How is ataxia a symptom of an underlying disorder?

Ataxia itself is a symptom of an underlying disorder negatively affecting the cat’s sense of motion and balance. There are a number of possible disorders that can lead to an unbalanced gait. Both the duration of the loss of control and the severity of the instability may vary, depending on what is causing the issue to exist.

What causes the loss of coordination in cats?

Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Cats. All three types produce changes in limb coordination, but vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also produce changes in head and neck movement. Ataxia, in general, is a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk.