my cats gone blind

dougdotcom

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I noticed my old girl cat has cataracs in both eyes but only a few weeks ago her sight has got very very worse. ill try and put a photo of her eyes for you to decide whats in her eye.its the wiggley thing, ive not seen it move but its not possiable to as the flash on the camara was the only way it would show up. she is about 19 years old and also has joint problems and very bad breath too. we love her to bits

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/doug.com/closeup.jpg
 
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dougdotcom

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Ok, i take it no one knows or has ever seen any thing like this before. guess ill try other avenues
 

kittylover23

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So sorry that she's having problems seeing. I have no prior experience with this, so I read over the thread several times but thought someone else may reply. So I'll just send some vibes for you and your kitty, to bump up the thread and get you more replies.
 

katachtig

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Only a specialist would be able to diagnose this.  My cat has cataracts because of a congenital condition.  What we've learned is that cataracts can lead to glaucoma.  My concern is that your cat might have glaucoma or some sort of ulceration in the eye.  Surgery would not be feasible at her age, but you might want to have her checked because these issues can cause discomfort.
 
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Yes, I agree that she should probably be seen by a Vet to determine what it might be, and if she's in pain, although you can probably tell if she's in discomfort by whether or not she's able to keep that eye open.  By the picture, it appears it doesn't bother her.  But a Vet visit can also address the joint pain and bad breath issues at the same time.

If she is completely blind now, she should be able to compensate with her other senses.  Just don't rearrange the furniture on her!  As far as her joint problems, have you tried Cosequin?  You can just sprinkle it on her food.  Or if it's really bad, she may need prescription pain products.  And the bad breath could be a result of dental problems.  Do you brush her teeth? 

for your old girl. 
 

emilymaywilcha

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Loo/k for a veterinary ophalmologist. I know most cities don't have one, but if any are in your area, you definitely need to take her there.

Other people with blind cats say they get around pretty well as long as the furniture is not rearranged, but complete blindness may be avoidable if your vet can do something for her.
 

cinderflower

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aw.  she looks a lot like my 15 y.o. black female cat.  diotima has those permanent anime eyes too, minus the wiggly thing.  i think d.'s probably mostly blind, if she has any sight left it's very little.  once or twice a month i see her pupils constrict but it's not even always in bright sunlight, sometimes it's in my bedroom where it's pretty dark.  i can't remember when it really started, maybe between 10 - 12 but i don't think she was totally blind until about a year ago.  i noticed it because if i threw brown treats, my carpet is brown and she couldn't find them.  (the other two had no problem lol i just started holding her and giving hers to her.  i make the lazy fat boys run)

she has arthritis too, i've tried cosequin and it did nothing.  i've had the same vet for 20 years, and i like him, but they don't do laser surgery there, which is the only thing i'd consider.  she still plays, if i'll let her lie on her side and dangle something over her.  i think she feels pretty good most of the time, at least i hope she does.  i see her bump into the wall occasionally but i do that myself sometimes. :)

at 19, i don't know if there's a whole lot you can do except be as sure as you can that she's comfortable.  i hope i have d. that much longer. :)
 

siamesemom

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I don't know if my experience will apply to your cat, but I will share what I know: My Siamese became suddenly blind 2.5 years ago. She was almost 19 years old at the time. Her blindness was due to hypertensive retinopathy, high blood pressure. However, she did not have cataracts. She was started on Amlodipine for the hypertension, and she remains on it today. Unfortunately, my general vet didn't know about Amlodipine, and it was two weeks before we could see the ophthalmologist. Even starting Amlodipine, it was too late to regain any sight. But, the high blood pressure needed to be treated, nonetheless. My cat has adapted very well to being blind. Blindness, alone, is definitely not a death sentence. I wish you the very best. 
 
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