Hi Sue,
Thanks for sending in your question.
The signs you described are very worrisome. Any difficulty with balance and walking points to a problem with the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves (nervous system). Vestibular disease is one type of nervous system disorder that could cause this. It is a problem with the inner ear apparatus that keeps an animal balanced – this can be due to problems like infection, trauma, or tumors in or around the inner ear. I cannot tell you whether this is the case with your cat, but these signs are concerning enough that I would suggest having him re-evaluated by your veterinarian. Many other illnesses that affect the nervous system can cause the signs you described. A thorough exam and additional diagnostic testing as indicated may help to determine this more clearly for you.
Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Kim Hester
