Retinal Detachment

mommyto

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My 12 year old male kitty (Merlin) suffered what our vet is pretty sure was a retinal detachment a couple of weeks back.  Very suddenly, his vision was poof, gone.  We tried all sorts of things to bring down the swelling in his eyes - in case they weren't fully detached, but no luck.  The swelling is down, but no vision.  

The vet is at a loss as to figure out what caused the detachment.  He tested his calcium levels multiple times, and everything looks good - so likely not a tumor.  He did have an abscess in his nose, which we treated with steriods and antibiotics, and he thinks that may have been the culprit.  Merlin is my basement dweller, he happily goes days without sneaking into our presence, so we hadn't seen the swelling in the nose start.  Plus, he's that very dark gray - almost Russian Blue - sort of coloring.  Even when the doctor pointed it out, I still hadn't observed it myself yet!  We checked his blood work - kidneys look good.  He tried to do a blood pressure check, but couldn't get the cuff to work on him.  He did give him a shot of blood pressure meds, in case that was part of the problem.

Anyway, Merlin is making it along just fine without his vision, but we are still worried about him.  We are keeping a close eye on his behavior - eating well, drinking, litter boxing, etc.  Only change he has made has been to forgo the basement, and start hanging out upstairs instead.  Which has my husband worried.

What would y'all suggest?  Should we worry about a change in where he hangs out?  And what should we be watching him for now?  
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Blind cats can do fine, just don't rearrange the furniture, and to remember to always close the cabinet doors, keep the dining room chairs in the usual position when not in use, that sort of thing.  Our friends cat went blind from high blood pressure, and the only time he had an issue was when they left the dishwasher open.  He used to run into it accidentally
.    But he remained as loving as always.

I would guess your guy has relocated upstairs because since he can no longer see, he "needs" to hear voices, etc. to feel more at ease
.  As long as his eating, drinking, sleeping and litter box habits are good, I wouldn't worry too much.   Just enjoy the fact that YOU get to see HIM more now
.  Maybe he'll turn into a lap cat.  Our almost 15 year old decided laps were good once she got ill. 
 

red top rescue

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I cannot give you any answers about WHY the retinal detachment happened, but I DO have experience living with a blind cat, and she did just fine.  I don't think you need be concerned about where Merlin hangs out -- I don't know why that would worry your husband.  My guess would be that Merlin now prefers to stay closer to the heart of the family for security.  With my little girl (blind since birth we think), it was only important not to move the furniture or leave a large object in the middle of the paths she usually traveled.  It was like she developed a sixth sense, knew where everything was, ran without bumping into things, sat on the bedpost and appeared to be "watching" TV sometimes, and was a basically happy little cat.  Blindness would be a death sentence in the wild, but it's just a minor inconvenience in a home where your family loves you and cares for your every need.
 
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mommyto

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I think my husband is just the king of all worry worts :eek:)  He called me yesterday worrying about him, which was why I posted.  When I got home, he was in the same spot in the kitchen, and was purring like a motorboat when I went over to pet him.  I think y'all are a little right about the change in attitude - he has always been so solitary, but definitely seems to be enjoying his people more now.  

And as for getting around with the blindness, we have definitely been careful with the furniture - as much as you can with three two legged kids in the house as well :eek:)  It absolutely amazes me to watch him work, and how they really use those whiskers.  He comes so close to bumping, but turns away from walls/furniture every time!  
 
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