What is the diagnosis?

[Aspen338]

We are in desperate need of help.  Our 11 year old cat began meowing for no reason at night and pacing all of a sudden in February.  His pupils are dilated and it is like he can't see but yet he doesn't run into anything.  The same is with his ears, he doesn't react to sound but sometimes will turn his head to the source of the sound.  Furthermore, he is now unable to use his litterbox (though he goes to the bathroom), he can't walk up and down stairs and walks with his front legs crouched.  His legs frequently slide out from under him.  He eats but bites his bowl and gets his whole face in the food.  Also, his muscles are very stiff and he gets very upset if you touch an area on his back.  He is getting progressively worse and at this point is immobile and can barely even hold up his head.  He is the best cat and we love him dearly.  We have been to 10 vets and all the tests and bloodwork have come back normal.  The vets have no idea what is going on.  What could this possibly be?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I am so sorry about your poor cat!

Have you been to a veterinary neurologist?

What you are describing could be:

1.  Feline Dysautonomia, which is a failure of the nervous system of unknown cause,

2.  Or,  it could be due to a lesion in the brain.  Brain lesions can be caused by parasites, fungal infections, bacterial infections, tumors, trauma, stroke-like conditions, and metabolic disease.  

3.  Or, a lesion, very high up in the spinal cord, near the head, such as in the first few vertebrae.

Due to your cats age and the speed of progression the most likely cause may be a brain tumor.  Brain tumors are not visible on X-Ray until the tumor actually damages the skull.  Most of the time a CT scan or MRI is necessary to visualize a brain lesion. Analysis of cerebral spinal fluid may also be indicated.

[ireneo]

Can you list which tests have been done? There can be so many different causes of neurological issues. Does your cat spend time outdoors? The first thing that pops into my mind is Baylis, a type of round worm common to raccoons and shed in their feces. Doesn't cause much trouble to the raccoon but often causes neurological problems in other species. I'm sure the doctor has a better list of suggestions.