Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/25/2009

Question
My 1 year old Female DSH has a head tilt, down and to the left, Pet is lethargic and has had a severe weight loss, T:102.1, P:210. No debris in AU.  This does not seem to be a head tilt due to ear problems. Just wondering what other possible Dx there are for this problem. Pet is not eating or drinking for about 3 days. Wondering if you could give me some possilbe Dx?

Answer
Head tilt indicates an inner ear problem.  You cannot diagnose that from looking at the ears.  Sometimes cats get  middle ear infections from sneezing.  Some Feline Leukemia positive cats have a head tilt as tumor will grow in the inner and middle ear cavities.  There is a drug called meclizine that may help the head tilt and dizziness.