Cerebellar hypoplasia is a rare neurological disease that can affect animals, especially domestic species (dogs and cats). The causes of the disease are congenital - that is, the patient is born with the condition - and one of the first evidences of a disabled cat is the lack of balance in the first months. But is hypoplasia serious? What is it like to live with a feline who has the disease?

Although cases are rare, we found a kitten who was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia and has been receiving all the necessary care from the family: Nala (@nalaequilibrista ). To better understand how the pathology manifests itself and how the routine of a cat without balance works, we have prepared a special article on the subject.

Cerebellar hypoplasia in cats: what is it and how does it affect animals?

Cerebellar hypoplasia - also called cerebral hypoplasia - is a disease characterized by congenital malformation of the cerebellum. The organ is located between the brain and the brainstem, and is responsible for the coordination of movements and balance of felines. That is, in practice, this is a disease that leaves the cat without balance and without motor coordination.

The main symptoms of the condition are:

• Uncoordinated movements
• Difficulty standing on all fours
• Exaggerated but inaccurate jumps
• Head tremors
• Frequent changes in posture

The causes of the problem are usually associated with the feline panleukopenia virus, which is transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. In cerebellar hypoplasia, cats usually manifest the disease early in life.

Nala's story: the suspicion and diagnosis of the disease

Not only the name of the cat Nala, in reference to the character of The Lion King, shows her willpower to survive! Laura Cruz's kitten was rescued from the streets at approximately 15 days old, with her mother and three brothers. "In my first contact with her it was already possible to notice that there was something different, because she had less firmness than her brothers and shook her head a lot", said Laura Cruz.Despite the initial suspicion, it was only after the first steps that everything became clearer: "When the brothers started to take their first steps, it became evident that there was something wrong, because she could not walk without falling sideways and her legs were shaking too much."

After noticing that the cat was unbalanced and had tremors in its paws, the guardian decided to take Nala to a neurologist, where neurological tests were done and corticoid treatment was started to see if it improved. "The doctor had already commented that it could be something related to the cerebellum, but we had to do the treatment for a few weeks to be sure.There was no change with the use of the medicine and when we returned to the neurologist, he redid the tests and confirmed that it was cerebellar hypoplasia."

The diagnosis came when Nala was two and a half months old. After discovering that the kitten would not have the same movements as other animals, Laura decided to adopt her permanently. "Now we are organizing to have an MRI and better understand the severity of her cerebellar hypoplasia."

What is everyday life like with a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia?

A cat with cerebral hypoplasia needs greater care and attention, but can live normally within its limitations and with some modifications. In the case of Nala, for example, the guardian says that a major concern of the family is that she is a cat without balance and that she cannot stand upright, with all four paws resting on the floor. "She gets around by throwing herself from side to side and givingThis causes her to end up hitting her head often, so we had to make some adaptations like putting those foam mats in the places she gets more."

Another issue is that, unlike other felines, the cat with cerebellar hypoplasia cannot use the litter box because she does not have the balance to do the needs. "She uses hygienic mats, she does the needs lying down. As for food, Nala can eat alone and we always leave a pot with dry food near her. With water it is more complicated, because she ends up falling downon top of the pots and gets wet, but we are doing tests with drinking fountains for heavier cats."

Otherwise, a cat without balance like Nala has the same habits as any pet. She likes sachets, loves to sleep and has a bed just for her. Laura explains that everything has to be at floor level, since she can't jump and doesn't have the reflexes to land on her feet. "Nalinha has learned to adapt to her condition. So she goes to the toilet mat by herself, she can feed herself and if she needs to, she'll go to the toilet.She also manages - in her own little way - to move around the house looking for us. She is very smart!"

Acupuncture and veterinary physiotherapy have improved Nala's quality of life

Although there is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia in cats, it is possible to invest in treatments that ensure the well-being of patients and improve their quality of life. Veterinary acupuncture, as well as animal physiotherapy sessions, are great allies at these times. Nala, for example, has been undergoing treatment and the results have been very positive. This is what the guardian says: "We started theI noticed that she has more balance, she can lie down without tipping to the side and sometimes she takes a few steps (about 2 or 3) before falling. She couldn't do any of this before the treatment! She is only 8 months old, so I am very hopeful for a better quality of life for her."

Living with a disabled cat requires some changes in routine

Pets with disabilities can be very happy, but they change the life of the guardian and need a space fully adapted to their needs. "Adapting the routine to be with Nala is not easy, given that she can not stay alone for a long time, as she is dependent on us for some things. When I need to spend hours outside, I rely on my mother or my fiancé to stay with her. Leaving hercompletely alone for a long time does not make me comfortable, because I do not know if she will be able to drink water or if she will turn the pot and get all wet. There is no way to know if she will be able to reach the toilet mat to do the needs, or if she will end up doing it on the way and getting dirty."

In addition to the animal's dependence on the owners, it is also important to think about situations such as travel and health issues. "In her case, a cat castration is not just a castration, for example. Everything needs to be thought out and adapted considering her neurological particularity, so I always consult with veterinarians."

Despite the challenges along the way, adopting a cat - disabled or not - brings a lot of joy to the whole family. "Even though I do everything in my power to make sure she has a great quality of life, I still worry a lot about how to make it as easy as possible for her, so that even with her limitations and her different and very special way, Nalinha has the best life possible!"