Severe Vestibulocerebellar Dysfunction in a Cat Following Castration: Successful Management with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

A 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute onset of severe vestibulocerebellar dysfunction that developed three days after routine castration. Clinical signs included an inability to stand, head tilt, circling, paddling movements, and altered mentation. Conventional diagnostic evaluation revealed mild leukocytosis and suspected cervical vertebral subluxation; however, advanced imaging was declined. Based on the clinical findings, a presumptive diagnosis of vestibulocerebellar dysfunction was made. The initial traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) assessment identified Qi and Blood Stagnation. As the case progressed, the pattern diagnosis was revised to Internal Wind with Qi and Blood obstruction affecting the brain and cervical region. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines were administered and modified according to the patient's clinical response. Following adjustment of the TCVM treatment strategy, rapid improvement was observed. The cat regained the ability to stand and ambulate within 24 hours, and the neurological signs resolved within one week. This case demonstrates the potential effectiveness of TCVM in the management of acute, severe neurological dysfunction when conventional diagnostic or therapeutic options are limited. It also highlights the importance of accurate pattern differentiation and ongoing treatment adjustment in TCVM clinical practice.