Sparta, a 9-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, is presented in lateral recumbency for weakness and a wobbly gait of 2-days’ duration. His owner states Sparta started showing a nonspecific decrease in mental alertness, appearing lethargic, and exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors the week prior to onset of weakness but had been previously healthy.
History
Sparta is an indoor-only cat. Another indoor-only cat also lives in the household. Both cats were acquired as kittens and have been housed together for >5 years. Vaccinations and routine monthly preventives are current in both cats, and both cats are free fed a commercial dry cat food.
Appetite, fluid intake, urination, and defecation have been normal, but energy and activity have been reduced. There is no history of neurologic or orthopedic disorders.
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