Cat Brain Damage

Cat brain damage is likely to occur in those pets suffering from internal brain tumors, head trauma or injury. There are various other factors that also play a role in feline brain damage. Pets that exhibit behavioral issues such as anger, aggression or personality changes should be tested for brain damage as the symptoms are often confused with bad cat behavior. In order to prevent permanent brain damage, it's necessary to identify the cause of damage and take precautions to prevent permanent brain dysfunction.

Symptoms of Cat Brain Damage

Although the symptoms of brain damage differ in individual pets, the signs of brain damage include lack of coordination while walking and improper balance of the body. Cats may also suffer from seizures, sudden collapse and rigidity. Personality changes such as depression and lethargy are common. Few pets may also cry or mew excessively. Since cat brain damage involves neurological imbalance, the pet may appear uninterested in the surroundings and often fail to recognize pet owners or care takers. Cats suffering from brain damage caused by head tumors also exhibit symptoms such as paralysis, pacing, involuntary eye movement and dilated pupils.

Diagnosis of Cat Brain Damage

The vet will perform a thorough physical examination of the cat and understand the pet's previous medical history. The vet will test the cat's eye sensitivity to light and the presence of dilated pupils. If the cat is unresponsive or depressed the vet will schedule further neurological examinations to confirm diagnosis. Radiographs and CT scans are essential as they detect internal brain tumors, spinal cord and head injury. Cats suspected of brain tumor are clinically tested by performing an MRI scan. If a brain tumor is revealed through diagnostic testing, the vet will check other parts of the body to detect secondary tumors present.

Treatment of Cat Brain Damage

The treatment varies according to the severity of brain damage and the primary cause involved. Brain damage associated with brain tumor has to be cured with surgical intervention, radiation therapy and supportive care. The prognosis of brain damage caused due to brain tumor varies in individual cats. Surgery may also be necessary to correct skull fractures that interfere with the brain. In some instances if the brain damage is severe, supportive care will be administered to bring relief from seizures or convulsions. Commonly used drugs that reduce the frequency of cat seizures include anticonvulsant medications like Phenobarbital. Oxygen therapy and IV fluids may also be essential to help pets during emergency situations.

Tips for Pet Owners:

  • Pet owners should avoid sudden discontinuation of anticonvulsants prescribed to pets.
  • Pets diagnosed and treated promptly are less likely to suffer from permanent brain damage or death.
  • Pets suffering from unusual nasal bleeding or bleeding from the ear should be checked promptly.
  • It's best to avoid physical contact with the cat during seizures and handle pets with care during trauma.

Several surgical procedures are expensive and involve hospitalization. Pet owners should discuss with the vet treatment options suited to the cat and treatments that improve the pet's quality of life.

 

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