Rolling Back Syndrome

[Greg BoggsStudent]

We have a young woman at our church who recently asked me if there was anything herbal that she could do to help out her cat. She said he has Rolling Back Syndrome caused by trauma he has gone through in his life. This is how she described it:
“At times his back will start twitching almost as if something is biting him (nothing there) and he starts shaking his paws really hard on his back feet and front feet and starts trotting around the house looking for a place to hide. When he seeks me for comfort and I go to touch him, he bites my hand when I touch his back, his feet, and main part of his body. He is in pain where it itches and burns all at the same time.”

She said that the Vet gave her some pain medication and that the cat lets her give it to him when it gets really bad, but she would like to see if there is anything more that could help, and since I’ve never heard of such a syndrome, that’s why I’m looking to see if anyone has ideas.

My first thoughts where if he is twitching a lot, some antispasmodic would be good. It also seems like there is some big nerve pain going on as well, so he needs something to calm those down. Has anyone ever come across this before or have any ideas? Thanks!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome—which is also called rolling skin syndrome and twitchy cat disease that can be caused by a number of different factors.

Many of those are nerve related. Your antispasmodic idea can be helpful as well but nervines are a good choice too. For cats, skullcap s pretty odorless and flavorless compared to valerian and some of the others so is often easier to give. It’s calming but will also help with pain or irritations if those are part of the problem.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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