Help! Any Idea What Could Be Causing These Face Twitches?

[MandaSueLovesCats]

Hello all! Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

Our 10 year old neutered male kitty Nefarian has been having “episodes” for about 2 to 3 weeks. During these episodes he will start to have face twitching, act disoriented or scared, and either stumble or fall over. This lasts maybe 15 to 30 seconds and then he’s back to normal. When it first started, he also had diarrhea.

We took him to the family vet, who took blood work and gave him meds for the diarrhea, but wasn’t concerned about the episodes. The diarrhea stopped but the episodes continue. The blood work came back and they said everything looked okay.


We have an appointment with a different vet in 2 weeks to try to figure why he is having these episodes. While they do only last about 15 to 30 seconds, he falls over and has fallen off the bed and chair during these episodes.

Any idea what this could be? I have included links to 2 videos of these face twitches that occurs during the episode. The videos are not the best because whenever he starts having an episode I just run over to him to try to make sure he doesn’t fall over.

 

[StanAndAlf]

First off, he is gorgeous, and I love his name!

Your vet wasn't concerned about the episodes? I definitely think getting a second opinion is a good idea. Perhaps ask about performing a head x-ray? Or maybe even test for epilepsy, if that is available to you. Best of luck, would love an update!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi! Poor Nefarian! Did you by chance show those videos to the vet? If not, send them to the vet and ask if they still aren't a bit concerned, at least enough to pursue it further. If you did show the videos to them, then I do think a second opinion is in order - and preferably with a vet that is in an entirely different practice (to avoid colleague bias). Those twitches could be related to any number of seizure disorders, and while they may seem small and short lived at this time, it doesn't mean they might not escalate.

 

[MandaSueLovesCats]

Thank you both for your replay. I had called the vet after I got the videos and asked them if they wanted me to email it to them or just bring Nefarian and the videos in for an appointment. She said that since the blood work came back fine and he doesn’t have any other symptoms (eating and drinking fine, going to the bathroom, no vomiting and the diarrhea stopped) that they are not concerned until other symptoms show up. The appointment we have with the another vet is a cat only facility and is not associated with our normal vet (who we have always had a good experience with and never expected them to not even want to see the videos).

 

[FeebysOwner]

that they are not concerned until other symptoms show up. The appointment we have with the another vet is a cat only facility and is not associated with our normal vet (who we have always had a good experience with and never expected them to not even want to see the videos).

Sorry your normal vet is taking such an inactive position on this. The least they could have done was discuss possible next steps, even if they aren't inclined to want to pursue them.

I hope this other vet will at least entertain addressing some testing options with you!! Keep us posted!

 

[fionasmom]

You are doing the right thing. I have had a cat with seizures and another with hyperesthesia. This does not look like hyperesthesia, but could be seizure related although that is just my opinion from watching your video. I would definitely want more attention from a vet. Neurological conditions won't necessarily manifest themselves in ordinary tests. Having said that, I hope that this is nothing serious for your handsome big gray boy.

 

[neely]

I'm glad to hear you have already taken the initiative to see a feline only specialist. I'd definitely be perturbed if this happened to my cat and the vet dismissed his symptoms or did not take them more seriously. I agree it appears to be seizure related but hopefully the second vet will give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Best of luck, we'll be thinking of you. Please keep us updated after your next appointment.