Concurrent idiopathic vestibular syndrome and facial nerve paralysis in a cat

A 4-year-old male neutered Domestic Medium-hair cat was referred for right head tilt and ataxia of 2 weeks duration. On examination it was determined that the cat had right facial nerve paralysis and peripheral vestibular signs. Haematology and serum biochemical testing were performed in addition to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and ears, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. An underlying condition was not identified. A diagnosis of idiopathic vestibular syndrome and concurrent idiopathic right facial nerve paralysis was consequently made. The cat was re-evaluated over the following weeks and was determined to have complete resolution of clinical signs within 7 weeks.

Vestibular dysfunction and concurrent facial nerve paralysis have previously been reported in the cat, but not of an idiopathic nature.