Question about my 18 year old cat health issue - sudden seizures

jay045 · Oct 14, 2010

I've just got back from the vet as well, but wondering what others have experienced.

My cat is on thyroid medication and eats the renal cat food to address her kidney issues. SHe was tested a month ago, and her thyroid was a little high, but the kidney issue was pretty stable.

This morning she jumped out of bed and started into a seizure, squirming around for a full minute or so . She made a loud, painful meow sound in the middle of the seizure. She now has less energy, seems a little disoriented. In the last few days she may have lost some of her vision. She seems weak, and I'm sensing in some pain.

I took her to the vet, and they gave her a couple shots of fluid to address her dehydration. They also found that her blood pressure was high, but the vet was hesitant to start her on new meds.

After we got back from the vet, she had a second seizure.

It feels like this may be her end, but I love her so much that I wanted to see if anyone else has had this experience. I hold out at least some slim hope, even though my sense is that her body is failing

momofmany · Oct 14, 2010

My 14 year old had a seizure like you described. My vet suggested that it could have been a stroke or it could have been some sort of seizure from a brain tumor. That was over a year ago and he's had no more issues. I also had an 18 year old cat that had a series of strokes over the course of about 18 months. She was weaker on one side and she did lose some of her vision.

I know how hard it is to have an old cat and every physical issue scares you. I was scared to death when Shep had her first stroke, but made myself relax so that I could objectively help her. I learned massage techniques to help strengthen her weak side and it did help her. Cats sense stress in their humans and it can make things more stressful for them, particularly if they are ill.

Don't be afraid to ask your vets lots of questions, even question why he/she selects the treatment they are providing. I'm sort of surprised that your vet didn't offer you any suggestions on why she might have had this seizure. If you aren't getting what you need from your vet, ask for a referral to a cat specialist.

jay045 · Oct 14, 2010

Thanks for the reply! The vet did think it could have been a stroke, or could have been another health issue. My cat seems to have lost all of her vision, though - she doesn't see walls or barriers any more. I will definitely take your advice in stride, and see about what options I might have for her.

She was so vigorous until this morning, and I guess that freaks me out to see her so vulnerable and weak. But I will take your suggestions and see what I can learn.

Originally Posted by Momofmany

My 14 year old had a seizure like you described. My vet suggested that it could have been a stroke or it could have been some sort of seizure from a brain tumor. That was over a year ago and he's had no more issues. I also had an 18 year old cat that had a series of strokes over the course of about 18 months. She was weaker on one side and she did lose some of her vision.

I know how hard it is to have an old cat and every physical issue scares you. I was scared to death when Shep had her first stroke, but made myself relax so that I could objectively help her. I learned massage techniques to help strengthen her weak side and it did help her. Cats sense stress in their humans and it can make things more stressful for them, particularly if they are ill.

Don't be afraid to ask your vets lots of questions, even question why he/she selects the treatment they are providing. I'm sort of surprised that your vet didn't offer you any suggestions on why she might have had this seizure. If you aren't getting what you need from your vet, ask for a referral to a cat specialist.

momofmany · Oct 14, 2010

Originally Posted by jay045

Thanks for the reply! The vet did think it could have been a stroke, or could have been another health issue. My cat seems to have lost all of her vision, though - she doesn't see walls or barriers any more. I will definitely take your advice in stride, and see about what options I might have for her.

She was so vigorous until this morning, and I guess that freaks me out to see her so vulnerable and weak. But I will take your suggestions and see what I can learn.

Please keep us updated? In the mean time, I'll offer your some

for support.

jay045 · Oct 14, 2010

thanks so much! I did forget to mention that the vet was concerned about it being a heart issue, and that the cat's bp was high. We're going to try that medication.

I think the bigger challenge is her losing her vision, and having to remap the house. And me needing to move the litter box somewhere she'll see it (and somewhere the dog won't go crazy with it), as it's now in the basement. The poor cat did go all the way down to the basement to poop, but then didn't know how to get back up. My fantasy is that this is a temporary blindness, but I know better...

She is in my lap, purring right now, though

Originally Posted by Momofmany

Please keep us updated? In the mean time, I'll offer your some

for support.

Question about my 18 year old cat health issue - sudden seizures

jay045

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momofmany

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