Cat Gulping And Wheezing Possibly Polyp But Inoperable - 16 Yr Old

[kittygirl123]

This is a complicated situation. My nearly 16 yr old guy is on 5 mg prednisone for 2 years after a diagnoses of IBD or SCL. We decided against chemo based on vets review of the scan and treated for IBD. He has done great, new diet and all. THEN about 6 months ago he had a grand mal seizure. Flipped off counter, it was horrible. As he has not had them more than 1x month that I know of (i work at home) the vet did not medicate due to side effects.
He had one a week ago now, and as of that one I observed a "gulping" sound (may have started earlier) with mouth clapping. Each day as of last week something new developed, wheezing etc. We went to the vet whom said in Feb his chest x ray was clear as were all labs. And his chest was clear at last weeks exam she didn't repeat X-rays or testing, so no pneumonia or fluid in lungs and no asthma. She cares for the animal and less stress attitude which is great vs $$. Her assessment was likely a polyp and advised a specialist could scope but risky at his age with possible brain tumor cause of seizures. I called the specialist whom concurred likely brain tumor and $3k for polyp procedure but risky. He is eating, and drinking, although not as into eating. When he purrs it makes him gulp or cough so he gets aggravated. The wheezing or heavy throat sound is nearly constant. Vet doesn't feel suffering just uncomfortable. I don't know what to make of this. One article said possible cranial damage from seizure. Some say reflux. I welcome your thoughts here.

 

[Furballsmom]

gracious sakes!!

She cares for the animal and less stress attitude which is great vs $$.

Thank goodness!

He had one a week ago now, and as of that one I observed a "gulping" sound (may have started earlier) with mouth clapping

It just seems so odd that all this latest seems to be correlating to the last seizure, but then again, sometimes things totally unrelated happen.

So, did the vet say anything about calming products?

Just as a shot in the dark, is there any difference if you put him in a bathroom with a hot steaming shower - would his throat/wheezing be better, or would that not be a good idea?

 

[babiesmom5]

I would take your cat to a Vet Neurologist for evaluation and possible MRI. There are many reasons for seizures and the symptoms you are observing.

I had a 15 year old cat who suddenly had seizures. Local vet could not diagnose, so went to a Vet Neurologist and cat underwent an MRI which showed serious inner ear infection caused by polyp.

I would not automatically assume a brain tumor; it may be something entirely treatable. High blood pressure can sometimes cause seizures.

In any event, I would first get a Vet Neurologist evaluation at your earliest opportunity. I wish you and your cat all the best.

 

[kittygirl123]

gracious sakes!!

Thank goodness!

It just seems so odd that all this latest seems to be correlating to the last seizure, but then again, sometimes things totally unrelated happen.

So, did the vet say anything about calming products?

Just as a shot in the dark, is there any difference if you put him in a bathroom with a hot steaming shower - would his throat/wheezing be better, or would that not be a good idea?

I have not tried that but it is not respiratory because his lungs and all are clear, but thank you! Yes, sometimes unrelated things do occur. Hard to know.

 

[kittygirl123]

I would take your cat to a Vet Neurologist for evaluation and possible MRI. There are many reasons for seizures and the symptoms you are observing.

I had a 15 year old cat who suddenly had seizures. Local vet could not diagnose, so went to a Vet Neurologist and cat underwent an MRI which showed serious inner ear infection caused by polyp.

I would not automatically assume a brain tumor; it may be something entirely treatable. High blood pressure can sometimes cause seizures.

In any event, I would first get a Vet Neurologist evaluation at your earliest opportunity. I wish you and your cat all the best.

Wow, that is crazy! I was told by two vets that he is not a candidate for anesthesia at his age, or an MRI because they are full blown grand mal seizures (very violent) were your cats grand mal? I have observed them, twice he went airborne, flipped in the air and spun several times, until landing on slate floor. It's horrifying. He also has the IBD of SCL so that is concerning. His BP is normal as are his labs. If he could see a neurologist without a scope or anesthesia we may have more answers. She has suggested it is a polyp, not infection, but that the risk is great to use anesthesia. Wow, this makes it really hard to ignore now. Big decision. Perhaps I can try a neurologist just for a consult. Thank you, I'm so glad your kitty was treated. Was surgery performed at the time or just antibiotics? Thank you thank you!

 

[babiesmom5]

No my cat's seizures were not "grand mal", but bad enough. She was 15 years old and had IBD too.

I would at least see a Vet Neurologist for a consult. A Vet Neurologist could at least do a thorough examination and based upon their experience with other cats with these symptoms, provide a tentative diagnosis and suggest treatment or prognosis.

My cat was on Phenobarbitol (seizure medication), but had to be weaned off of this prior to surgery. Her polyps were deep in the inner ear, near the brain; highly infected. A large amount of purulent fluid was drained off during the operation.
Cat made a full recovery within a week; no more seizures, cat behaved totally normal afterwards.

If you do nothing else, I think you owe it to your cat to at least get a Neurology consult. See what they say.

 

[kittygirl123]

Hi there, these seizures cause him to go airborne, spin a few times, and 3 veterinarians have suggested this type is consistent with a brain tumor. Today, another one suggested that it has progressed and the noises i am hearing are the sinuses. All have agreed he cannot undergo anesthesia. However, upon reading your post I spoke with the local neurology vet's assistant whom put me on hold and told me it is a case for a scope by the internist, not neurologist so that further confuses things. My vet says he is not suffering and felt strongly if there were an infection it would present differently. I suppose the differentiating factor here are the grand mal seizures, they are full blown violent seizures and he cannot undergo anesthesia, and a consultation is unlikely to determine much. He is eating, drinking and I owe it to my cat to trust what the vets have said thus far. Thank you for sharing, it appears the seizures and situations are different although similar, I have to trust if the 3 vets don't want to take my money that they know what they are talking about.

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[kittygirl123]

To update - I started giving him CBD oil, few drops on treats the other day. Today he sounds better. Sometimes they get better before worse but this kitty is not suffering so we will see. Thank you all!

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[babiesmom5]

I am so sorry. I agree that you have to trust your vets. Have they mentioned anything about putting your cat on any anti-seizure medications? If not, you might want to ask if this might be helpful in this case.

 

[kittygirl123]

I am so sorry. I agree that you have to trust your vets. Have they mentioned anything about putting your cat on any anti-seizure medications? If not, you might want to ask if this might be helpful in this case.

Thank you. They have all said that the meds for seizures are indicated only if they occur more frequently, because they are considered very toxic. It is phenobarbital. At 1x month they do not medicate, as they get closer together they may consider, but it is too risky at this time. Oddly enough, he is a bit quieter today so perhaps the CBD oil does help. Hard to say. Thanks for the support!

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[kittygirl123]

To update again, my cat is now on Canna-Cat, but I was using CBD oil from hemp in advance when the wheezing and rattling started to subside. I did not try antibiotics or anything else. He is an older kitty and has a lot going on but it has been a few weeks since his last seizure and that horrible sound is now subsided. However, I have a terrible virus now so perhaps I have taken it on. Thanks for all your feedback. My vets are the best. Really think of the kitty before anything and all said if eating, drinking, playful then he is not suffering and just keep going. They did not suggest the CBD oil, but they all showed interest. Thanks for all your support! I know he won't be around forever but this is a good direction.

 

[Furballsmom]

but this is a good direction.

This is wonderful news!!
Sending healing thoughts for BOTH of you!!