Vet gave me wormer, and now cat is dizzy... What do I do? Vet said its normal... Any one had this problem?

Question

Something, I did forget to mention.. After picking her up, she does have "weezing" in her lungs.

Answer 1

I have never seen ataxia (incoordination, "drunk"-walking) is cats that have recently been dewormed, but then I don't work in private practice (where they deworm all the time), but in emergency and critical care(where we always see the worst case scenario). Most of the information I can find regarding neurological symptoms following anthelmintics (dewormers), involve an overdose of the drug given. Since anthelmintics are made to kill the worms, an overdose can negatively affect the host, eventually causing respiratory arrest due to interference with muscle activity. These side effects can be treated with atropine sulfate (IV). I would call the emergency vet in your area right now and see what they recommend. They may agree with your local vet and say that the side effects are harmless, but they may also say that the cat should be brought in immediately. It can't hurt you to call and get an educated opinion, as the side effects of toxicity can be fatal.
Best of luck to you and your kitty.

Answer 2

If you got the kitten in March last year, that means he is about a year, correct? I am assuming he was neutered and given all vaccines and also dewormed? Was a fecal ever checked for other intestinal flukes? Giardia and coccidia can play havoc on the intestines and cause looser stools. But, I would side with your vet. As you say, you have never owned a cat before and well, the vet does have some experience to back up his dx, right? Food plays a huge part in BM's. I can whole heartedly say that if you are feeding crap from the grocery store, you should find a new food. The more you spend on a food, not only is it healthier for the cat, but he will eat less as it is more nutrient filled. Dry food is best. The cat food (not kitten food, as once a kitten is neutered, he no longer needs the nutritional requirements of a kitten food) should contain no by-products, chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, or and unnamed protein sources, only human grade ingredients. Innova, Wellness, Natural Balance, California Natural, Felidae, Newman's, Timberwolf, Flint River Ranch...all excellent choices. Do you have a health food store in the area? Buy whatever they sell there, I can bet it's superb. Trust me, the more you spend on the food, the less he will eat, the better his stools will be, the healthier he will be in the long run, the better skin and coat he will have, etc. When switching foods, do so gradually over a week or two's span to avoid intestinal discomfort and gas. Slowly adding more of the new and less of the old. You will notice a difference within weeks! Be sure to follow the manufacturer's feeding guidelines so you don't overfeed. And trust me, if his food is in his dish and he refuses to eat, eventually, he will be hungry enough, he will not starve. Never seen a starving pet when food is available!

Answer 3

It would depend on what kind of dewormer was given. A dewormer for coccidial infections and giardia called Metronidazole can have toxicity that make a pet ataxic (i.e. walk like they are drunk). Other illnesses that can cause a cat to be ataxic include a ruptured ear drum/middle ear infection and horners disease. I'd discontinue use and call the veterinarian and see about another medication.

Answer 4

I'd definitely stop using the medication - I've never seen any dewormers cause dizziness. If it's causing this, you need a different dewormer at the very least. Your cat could also have some other issue causing this and should be examined.

Answer 5

Do NOT discontinue use.
Ataxia is normal in deworming meds.
The vet was right. It's normal.

Answer 6

I am curious as to how you know the cat is dizzy???? I recomend a glass of wine and small laugh while you " poor baby " your kitty.LOL

Answer 7

well, if the vet said it's normal, then it's normal.....idk what else to say...