Horner’s Syndrome in Cats - Causes and Treatment

It is difficult to explain the exact mechanisms that can lead to the appearance of feline Horner’s syndrome. It is caused by a communication error in the affected cat’s nervous system. This error then manifests itself as problems in their eyes. This is thanks to a problem in the sympathetic nervous system, itself part of the autonomic nervous system. These are the controls the body uses for automatic or involuntary actions in their body.

This neurological disorder in cats can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on whether it affects one or both eyes, respectively. According to a report made by Iowa State University, the ‘syndrome...is characterized by enophthalmos, ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis (due to paralysis of the sympathetic innervation of the eye)’.^[1]

As stated above, Horner's syndrome affects the sympathetic nervous system of cats. As this system controls autonomic movements, we often see symptoms which affect parts of the body which are known in particular for carrying out involuntary action, specifically the eyes. Horner’s syndrome in cats can be observed in a cat that is showing the following signs:

• Protrusion of the nictitating membrane (third eyelid): this membrane is in the cat's eye, between the eyeball and the eyelid. When problems such as Horner's syndrome and other conditions, the membrane extends over the eye to protect it. It is not only eye conditions which cause this to happen, but other systemic problems too. For more, we also recommend reading our article on third eyelid showing in cats - causes and treatment.
• Miosis: defined as the fixed appearance of the pupil, which is permanently contracted.
• Palpebral ptosis: consisting of the slight droop of the upper eyelid on the eye.
• Enophthalmia: the eye seems smaller in size, it is as retracted at its base.

Any of these above mentioned symptoms is enough reason for veterinary consultation. Even if the symptoms are not due to Horner's syndrome, it is likely they have a neurological problem if most of these symptoms appear.

Image: adelaidevet.com.au

The underlying cause that triggers Horner’s syndrome in cats is not always easy to determine. In these cases, the origin is idiopathic, i.e. the exact cause is not known.

One of the most common causes of Horner’s syndromes in cats is linked to physical trauma. This trauma can be caused due to various reasons. The cat may have fallen from a considerable height, they may have been in a road traffic collision or it could even be the result of a fight with another animal. Since these incidents may have happened without our knowledge, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause.

Another common cause of Horner’s syndrome is otitis in cats which can affect either the outside, middle or internal parts of the ear. For example, when a cat is suffering from a severe ear infection or inflammation (otitis), it can end up causing damage to a cat’s nervous system. This is especially the case if the infection is left untreated.

Causes of Horner’s syndrome in cats can also include:

• Poisoning
• Other types of bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• Tumors in cats

For related information, we recommend reading our article where we discuss common ear problems in cats.

Horner's syndrome symptoms are unmistakable when they appear together. However, the underlying cause behind the syndrome becomes the primary point of importance. A veterinarian will likely ask whether you suspect your cat has fallen or been in a fight. As stated above, you may not have witnessed the problem. The cat may not even show other signs of pain as they are good at hiding them.

A veterinarian can also distinguish Horner’s syndrome causes by performing blood tests, X-rays, MRIs or CAT scans. These tests will allow a veterinarian to obtain the necessary information in order to apply the correct Horner’s syndrome treatment. In addition, Horner’s syndrome in cats usually requires a neurological, ocular and otic examination.

Once the cause is established, Horner's syndrome in cats treatment can begin.

Typical symptomatology of Horner’s syndrome can alleviate on their own in a matter of weeks. A veterinarian will still need to guide the appropriate treatment. If your cat has suffered an accident or an attack, assessment needs to be made to know whether they are suffering from additional injuries, such as bone fractures. In such cases, a cat usually requires analgesics, anti-inflammatories and even antibiotics.

If it is a case of otitis in cats, the cause needs to be known in order to treat it with adequately. Anesthesia may also be given to a cat suffering from this syndrome, allowing for the veterinarian to examine and clean the ear thoroughly. In many cases, tumors can also be treated but prognosis will vary based on the specific case.

When an underlying cause is due to infection, the veterinarian will have to determine the pathogen responsible. In viral infections, supportive therapy will be used to manage symptoms. For bacterial and fungal infections, the corresponding antibiotic and antifungal medications will be used to treat the infection.

Does Horner's syndrome in cats go away?

As stated above, Horner's syndrome can alleviate of its own accord. In many cases, once the underlying problem is treated, the symptoms that make up Horner's syndrome disappear. In some cases, the underlying cause may not be known which can make treatment difficult. Other cats may have damage to their sympathetic trunk (part of the sympathetic system) which can be more permanent. Fortunately, feline Horner's syndrome is relatively rare.

If you found this article helpful, you may like to have a look at our following YouTube video where we discuss the 10 most common diseases in cats:

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Horner’s Syndrome in Cats - Causes and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Neurological diseases category.