My cat suddenly has hyperaesthesia following a vet visit.

C
Calicocalme1122 Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone!

During the first heatwave, I took my two-year-old spayed cat, Wali, to the vet for heatstroke. The vet gave her a cortisone injection in her left thigh.

When we got back that evening, she had her first episode which looks exactly like feline hyperaesthesia. A month later (today), I booked a follow-up appointment and explained to the vet what had happened; he told me that "it was probably just a bit of sensitivity". This evening, five hours after the appointment, she's started doing it again!

It’s always the same area (the side where the injection was given, never the right side).

What do you think? Could the injection have triggered this syndrome in my cat, and will she have it for life? She’s never had any issues before, even after she was spayed.

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

2 answers
Sort by:
    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
    Expert verified
    Report

    Hi,

    Based on what you’ve described, it sounds more like local nerve pain or irritation at the injection site, aggravated by the stress of the appointments, rather than true neurological Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. The fact that the symptoms are strictly localised to the left side (where the injection was given) and that they occur just after the stress your cat experiences during vet visits suggests a one-off sensitivity to the injection.

    As mentioned by Chatzen, if another episode occurs, try to film it and show the video to your vet so they can get a better idea of what type of episode it is and how to avoid it as much as possible.

    Best regards,

    Laure.

    Translated from French
    C
    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Hi,

    I understand your concern. The fact that these episodes appeared right after the two injections and always on the same side is bound to be worrying. That said, it is very difficult to say for certain that the injection is the direct cause of the hyperaesthesia.

    It is possible that an injection caused local pain or temporary nerve irritation, which might have triggered or revealed a pre-existing sensitivity. However, as far as I am aware, there is no evidence that cortisone alone causes lasting feline hyperaesthesia syndrome.

    If the episodes continue, I would try to film one to show the vet. This can really help to distinguish hyperaesthesia from another issue (muscle pain, nerve damage, focal seizure, etc.). If your vet rules out a problem with the thigh, a second opinion, potentially from a veterinary neurologist, could be useful.

    I sincerely hope that Wali is feeling comfortable again soon. Please do keep us updated on how he's getting on. 🐱

    Chatzen

    Translated from French

  • 2 comments out of 2

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more