Nystagmus in Cats. Nystagmus causes the involuntary and rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs; meaning, the eyes unintentionally move or swing back and forth. Nystagmus can occur in both dogs and cats and is a characteristic sign of a problem in the animal’s nervous system.

Can nystagmus be cured in cats?

Because the exact cause is often unknown, there is no specific medical or surgical treatment. In cases of middle- or inner- ear infection, appropriate antibiotics or anti-fungal medications will be used.

What triggers nystagmus?

Nystagmus is caused by a miscommunication between the eye and the brain and affects the way our brains interpret movement signals from the eye. Nystagmus is typically caused by brain injuries and is a result of brain damage. This eye condition may be referred to as “dancing eyes” because of the repetitive eye movement.

Is it normal for cats eyes to shake?

Nystagmus causes the involuntary and rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs; meaning, the eyes unintentionally move or swing back and forth. Nystagmus can occur in both dogs and cats and is a characteristic sign of a problem in the animal’s nervous system.

Can nystagmus be caused by a tumor?

Nystagmus can result from impairment of any of the following structures: Cerebellum: The cerebellum is the region of your brain that controls balance. Damage to the cerebellum, such as from a tumor or stroke, may cause nystagmus.

What causes a cat to have nystagmus?

Nystagmus as a symptom of vestibular syndrome in cats is typically caused by mild trauma to or a disease of the vestibular apparatus, located inside the cat’s ear. The vestibular apparatus is responsible for helping cats maintain their balance and coordination. Involuntary eye movement in cats is often part of feline vestibular syndrome.

What causes unintentional eye movement in cats?

The technical term for unintentional eye movement in cats is called nystagmus. Nystagmus as a symptom of vestibular syndrome in cats is typically caused by mild trauma to or a disease of the vestibular apparatus, located inside the cat’s ear. The vestibular apparatus is responsible for helping cats maintain their balance and coordination.

What to do if your cat has nystagmus in the ear?

For cats that experience recurring ear infections, invasive surgery may be required. This surgery may involve removing important parts of the ear, which can result in a loss of hearing. If nystagmus is a result of a tumor, the prognosis is relatively good compared to that of other types of tumors.

What does it mean when a cats eyes move back and forth?

Nystagmus in Cats. Nystagmus causes the involuntary and rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs; meaning, the eyes unintentionally move or swing back and forth.