Typical with thyroid problem?

My 13 year-old tabby is acting wierd. He had blood tests done on Monday and the Vet said his thyroid is off. (Can't remember which way it was off.) He wanders, steps in his water dish, is constipated. Gets all wobbly and stretches out a paw when he wants to jump off the computer chair. He acts like it's waaaay down to the floor. He's eating, but not much. He weighed 18 lbs a year ago, but weighs 14.5 now. I'm waiting for the Vet to call back back with the course of action. He needed to have the lab run further tests, so we're waiting for those. He actually got stuck behind the washer the other evening. Got back there and didn't have enough room to turn around and wouldn't back up. We had to move the washer so he'd have room to turn around.

Anyone know what's going on? Is this typical with cats with thyroid problems?

I had a cat with thyroid issues, and she did not do any of those things. If you haven't already, I would mention it to the vet's office when they call. Make sure to let us know what the vet says. Good Luck.

Welome to TCS

It sounds more like she is having a problem with her vision, though this could be secondary to a thyroid problem. I would recommend having her blood pressure checked, as high blood pressure can lead to blindness. It can be reversible when caught early.

OP here - he had his blood pressure and vision checked on Wednesday evening (after the getting stuck behind the washer incident). He is still getting stuck in spots - it's like he can't figure out how to back up. I finally gave him a laxative today (yikes!) and he's now had 3 doses of his thyroid meds. The Vet said his behavior should improve with the meds (he paced all day yesterday.) He walks up to a wall (especially a corner) and just stands there. Anyone know whats going on?

oops!

I guess I should say that he's also been constipated - the reason for the laxative.

I'm stumped. His blood pressure and vision were normal? He may be confused--cats can get cognitive dysfunction disorder like dogs (sort of like kitty alzheimer's) but there aren't any good treatments. I would see how he's doing after a week of the meds. Also, did the vet check for arthritis?

Poor kitty - his back legs are slipping out from under him. He's not eating. The laxative hasn't worked yet. I'm really worried. Back to the Vet in the late morning. I have to go to work early, but will get him there ASAP. I'm worried.

Are his legs cold? If so, I'd call an ER vet. If he has an underlying heart condition (which can sometimes happen with hyperthyroidism), he could be at risk for a "saddle thrombosis"--basically a blood clot that blocks or reduces blood flow to the back legs. It is VERY serious, so if his back legs feel cold, call an ER vet right away. I'm sending good vibes and hoping it's just related to the constipation.

Oh, boy - now it looks like he may have a brain tumor. How do we decide whether to put him through a CAT scan? If we do, then we feel we should be prepared to see him through treatment (be it surgery and/or chemo). I don't know what to do.

What a tough decision... I don't have advice, just well-wishes for his recovery and good health. Only you know what the best thing to do is. *hugs*

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Did your vet advise you on what he thought the best option was?

It's really a personal decision. Spot, my hyperthyroid boy, had a problem with nasal discharge. It was one-sided, so I was very concerned about nasal cancer. I eventually decided to put him through a rhinoscopy to find out what was going on in his nose. It was a $1200 procedure to give me peace of mind. I didn't know what I would do if it were cancer, but I knew that I wanted the knowledge to make that kind of decision. I didn't want him to be suffering without my knowing it (my vet said that nasal cancers can be really painful). In his case, he didn't have cancer, though he did have some weird type of infection. They never determined the cause. A few months later, Spot passed from heart failure due to cardiomyopathy.

If you choose to do the CAT scan, you need to understand that it will give you information about what to do next, but that it won't necessarily save your cat. I spent months after Spot's passing paying off the bill, but I knew that I personally needed the information from the rhinoscopy to make the right decision for him, regardless of the outcome. Everyone else thought I was crazy, but it was what I needed to do for me.

No advice, but just wanted to send good vibes that it can be easily treated and good luck with your hard decision.

So, he's had an MRI. The tumor has not only invaded the brain, but also the skull and the muscles of the head. We won't be having him go through surgery, as the Vet says that it is a do-able, but more difficult surgery and a more difficult recovery. I just can't put Garfield through that.

Thanks to the folks here who have offered their insights, suggestions and encouragment. I appreciate it.

I'm so sorry it wasn't good news. I will pray for you and your kitty.

I am sorry the news wasn't better, I do think you are doing the right thing by not operating.