Neurological issue

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Yuzu33390 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, we’ve had our rescue cat for a year now. For the past 3 days, his behaviour has changed; he’s been keeping his mouth open with his tongue hanging out, hyperventilating, and he can’t settle for more than 5 minutes. He’s pacing around the house and is extremely sensitive to touch – he flinches as soon as we try to stroke him. He’s an outdoor cat. We took him to the emergency vet and they didn’t find anything wrong with his lungs. We took him back to our regular vet during the day for blood tests, but those came back clear as well. We’re thinking it might be a neurological issue, but we’re not sure if we should get an MRI or a CT scan. If anyone else has been through something similar with their cat, I’d really appreciate your input.

Thank you so much.

Translated from French
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello,

    Based on the symptoms you’ve described, even if the basic tests came back normal, it certainly points towards a significant issue involving pain or something neurological. However, it can also sometimes be an acute stress or pain syndrome that is difficult to pinpoint. Before deciding between an MRI or a CT scan, the most logical next step is to have a full assessment with a vet (ideally an emergency vet or via a referral) to help identify the source of the problem: whether it’s central neurological, abdominal or chest pain, poisoning, or an acute behavioural issue. Generally, an MRI is better suited for the brain and central nervous system, while a CT scan is better for certain chest, bone, or abdominal conditions. Given the severity of the symptoms, you shouldn't wait too long to carry out further investigations.

    Kind regards,

    Romane

    Translated from French
    J
    Jocely Icon representing the flag French
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    Get back to a vet straight away, this is not at all normal and seems to require urgent care. It could be a brain haemorrhage, a tumour, or a major neurological issue that could be life-threatening.

    Please keep us posted, kind regards

    Translated from French

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