Hypertension? Overactive Thyroid? My beloved 38lb cat just went blind!

Well I just got back from the vet and I can say without hesitation that she was terrible. I feel like after only 3 days of internet research I knew more than she did. She also seemed aloof and didn't care at all. She didn't help much.

I guess they did a blood pressure test that came back normal, and then took some blood for screening that will be back Wednesday morning. I insisted they do a thyroid level. I had so much I wanted to talk about and a huge list, but didn't feel like it would do much good with this dingbat. She also said that Cooper's blindness was permanent, but also admitted it was retinal detachment. I guess I don't know how she could just assess that his blindness is permanent when she couldn't even diagnose what was wrong with him. I am now even more upset than before and feel helpless as Cooper's retina detachment just goes untreated longer and longer.

Within the 1st couple minutes I had the vet pegged as a phony. I asked her about the raw fed diet and she said it wasn't good because of salmonella and ecoli! I thought cats couldn't get food poisoning! The bottom line is that I feel shafted and that Cooper isn't getting near the level of care required to bring his eye site back and assure his longevity.

I guess I'll wait until the bloodwork comes back on Wednesday, but honestly I want a second opinion. The vet I took them to is on the lower range as far as cost goes, so maybe I'll bring him to the most downright expensive vet around in hopes they have a darn clue about what they're talking about! Thanks for the vibes everyone, but it looks like they're only working for Cooper who is as happy as can be.

Cooper and Sampson have just turned 6 btw (twins).

Find another vet for a 2nd opinion is my next suggestion. The one you went to just isn't worth the waste of $$. I learned the hard way to find a new vet.

Perhaps someone here will be able to recommend a vet in your area of WA.
At least you have the blood work coming back and that will be useful information to take with you if you do get a second opinion (and frankly I wouldn't stay with a vet that won't really talk with me about my cat).

Thanks for the replies folks. I have gone with my gut feeling and the advice of others on this forum and decided to ditch my current vet and go for the best care around. I called a few places and finally was referred to a feline ophthalmologist in my area. While I'm aware there is an underlying issue as to why he lost his sight; I also want to try my hardest to get his vision back, even just a little. I have an appointment tomorrow at 2:30 and this doctor only does feline eyes, so I have high hopes. I told the receptionist at the new place about my experience with my current vet and she was alarmed out how little info and concern I was offered. Let's hope this works! Any vibes you all can spare are much appreciated. Thank-you.

Many, many that the ophthalmologist can help your baby....or give you a better idea of what's going on!!

I hope everything goes well.

I would like to offer a little hope for you if Cooper ends up with a diagnosis of retinal detatchment due to hypertension, secondary to renal failure. My Cleo was diagnosed with renal failure at 6 months old, when my vet did pre-op bloodwork for her spay surgery. She told me that Cleo's life expectancy was approximately 5 years. Cleo will turn 8 in May. I have been treating her renal failure very aggressively, and she is positively thriving. My vet is an absolute Angel. She works with me to provide the highest standard of care available. She jokes that Cleo is getting Veterinary School care, in the Middle-of-no-where Michigan. Renal failure is eventually fatal, but with aggressive treatment, you may be able to enjoy many years with your sweet baby! Good luck!

Lots of good vibes going out to both you and Cooper!

I just had a health scare with Chynna, my 15 year old. It's heart wrenching when they get sick because they can't tell you what they are feeling or understand what is going on at that strange place we take them too.

Originally Posted by laureen227

the opthamalogist might be able to suggest a feline specialist GP you could take him to for his other issues, as well. sounds like they know what good care is!

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The above is an excellent idea....
ask the specialist to refer you to a good vet for Cooper's non eye care.

More vibes going out to your sweetie.
Cooper

bless you. you're a good kitty daddy.

many vibes

Best wishes to you and your kitty!! We just don't get enough education about eyes in vet school, so seeing a specialist is definitely a good idea!

This site is awesome! It's just good to see there are so many people that actually care about their animals and understand what it's like to actually care about something rather than just yourself. Anyway, I hope it's not renal failure because his blood pressure was wonderful. He was able to get his tests done with zero drama as he's incredibly tolerant and trusting most likely from me coddling him so much since he was just old enough to be taken from his mother.

I forgot one HUGE item of information that may allow some of you to help troubleshoot his blindness. Cooper is FIV positive . He has had it since he was about 2. There was this nasty old sickly cat that stayed over at my old neighbor's house and one day he attacked Cooper for going on his turf and I'm positive that's where Cooper contracted FIV. It's the only fight he's really been able to get into under my watchful gaze. I have been very responsible and kept him indoors 90% of the time and only taken him outside supervised closely by me.

Anyway, he hasn't missed a beat in 6 years, so maybe now his disease is starting to affect his system and cause issues. I've read blindness is connected to FIV in some cases. All I know is we're not going to stop going to the vet and/or specialists until we have a definitive diagnosis of why he is blind. Then we'll most likely start medicines and definitely start a more aggressive but realistic diet. He is down 4lbs to 34.4 which is good news.

Hopefully I've added a piece to the puzzle for you folks and thanks again so much for the genuine concern and well wishes. I'll check in after the ophthalmologist and let everyone know where we're going next in our journey to fix Coo-Bear's eyes.

As someone with only one kidney I can say with some confidence that if his blood pressure is fine than there is little chance of renal failure. The two go hand-in-hand.

Extra vibes for you and Cooper for a speedy diagnosis and recovery.

I don't know much about FIV, but I do know that it could be part of the problem. Hopefully if it is the FIV there is something they can do to help keep him healthy. I know people who's FIV positive cats have lived well over 13 years. Your a diligent kitty parent & that is what helps keep FIV in check.

Sending many many healthy vibes to your baby!

I'm just getting caught up on all this. Please do let us know what the new doc says.

My Seb is 12 years old (or so) and is FIV+. He is happy and healthy however, I know that when he begins to feel ill I have to get him to the vet right away. For URIs or UTIs, the meds work well and he is back to his old self in no time.

I believe he contracted his FIV from fighting, too. Even though he was neutered at about a year old (just after he came to me), he still defended his territory as an indoor/outdoor cat. So, fighting with area toms left him with FIV.

Sending lots of get well wishes for you all.

I don't have any good advice but just want to add my vibes for your beautiful big boy Cooper.

You have found a place where you won't ever need to feel weird about loving your kitty. Everyone on this site feels the same way, so you have found some friends.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Just an FYI - Blind cats can live normal lives. Take a look at my Damita.

Please, update us as soon as you're back from the vet!

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I'm not sure if you have read your "new cats on the block" thread lately, but I also wrote about having a blind cat. My Leya went blind after her spay surgery. Cats have an amazing ability to adapt. Loosing his sight should be the least of your worries. To be honest, you really couldn't tell the difference between a blind cat and a "normal" cat, once they have had the time to adjust. Leya hasn't even been blind for a year now and she adapted VERY well after only a few months.

I think people assume it's as hard for a cat as for a human; but it just isn't. Humans are sight-dominated creatures. We look at everything, and hardly use the other senses at all. We even look at someone who's talking to us, even though we really only need our ears to hear him. And of course, if you are blind you can't read normal print--and we're very dependent on things like signs, menus, et cetera. Cats, on the other hand, use their senses in a more integrated fashion--sight, touch, hearing, smell. Lose one of those, and you've lost just one of four--not, as with humans, the one sense you probably depend on most. And while blind kitties may lose some of the ability to communicate with other cats, they don't lose all of it--the touch, scent, and vocalization are still there. All in all, if the layout of the house remains constant, a cat without sight is just as happy and capable a cat as any other.

Re. Weight loss: 4 pounds is a lot... a bit much in my opinion... Is he drinking enough water?