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More Concerned for Boo
- Thread starter goholistic
- Start Date
As mentioned above, that issue with the eye can be serious unfortunately. I hope you were able to get some answers from the vet.
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Make sure he is tested for diabetes. If he is having a good day sometimes the numbers woul be lower. Also Pred has a BAD after taste. It starts as soona s it hits your mouth. Personally I take Pred on an as needed bassis and will pop one or 2 when I am going over a smokers house or going to do a heavy dusting day. I know your not SUPPOSED to stop cold turkey.
Have you tried a med JUST to stimulate eating?
Since this was an issue after dental have you done full mouth xray to see if anything is infected/left behind?
Have you tried a med JUST to stimulate eating?
Since this was an issue after dental have you done full mouth xray to see if anything is infected/left behind?
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #64
Well, I didn't have much luck with the vet. They had no openings today and are closed tomorrow. The doc we see is out until Thursday, so I scheduled a drop-off for Thursday morning. There's an emergency vet I could utilize if need be. I talked to another vet. She was asking questions to gauge the seriousness of it. She said the watering eye could just be his FHV, but she's concerned about the pupil being dilated. I thought this was a stupid thing to say (sorry, I'm a little on edge). Wouldn't a safe assumption be that the watering and the dilated pupil in the same eye are related? I said I think they are. She said I could start tapering him off the pred if I feel I'm not seeing improvement for what is was intended for. He did eat well for me this morning, so that is good. The pupil was still slightly more dilated, but was responding better to light.
I did find this: Steroid glaucoma: corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension in cats
Not sure if prednisolone would do the same.
I've been researching, but I'm at a dead end. Boo's blood work looked great, except for a very slight elevation in cholesterol (literally by one digit) and some protein in his urine which turned out to be okay based on the protein-creatinine ratio. I think this would eliminate things like multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Unfortunately, this would lead us more in the direction of brain tumors and the like. However, wouldn't a tumor/cancer have responding positively to the steroid?
He sits in a crouched position all the time. I don't know what this means for Boo. I want to help him. All I know is that something changed in the last couple of months, and he's different.
I did find this: Steroid glaucoma: corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension in cats
Not sure if prednisolone would do the same.
I've been researching, but I'm at a dead end. Boo's blood work looked great, except for a very slight elevation in cholesterol (literally by one digit) and some protein in his urine which turned out to be okay based on the protein-creatinine ratio. I think this would eliminate things like multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Unfortunately, this would lead us more in the direction of brain tumors and the like. However, wouldn't a tumor/cancer have responding positively to the steroid?
He sits in a crouched position all the time. I don't know what this means for Boo. I want to help him. All I know is that something changed in the last couple of months, and he's different.
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Hi GoHolistic,
Sorry to hear about this latest situation. I can understand your concern about the change in the eye. I don't know a lot about the use of prednisone in cats but from what I have read you are using prednisone as an anti-nausea and appetite stimulant drug for Boo.
I found the following page that discusses the common uses and potential side effects for prolonged use. Of interest is the suggestion that cats require a higher dosage for effectiveness, but along with this there is the risk of a greater extent of side effects. Depending on how long Boo has been on this, it may be possible that the things you are seeing now may be connected to the Prednisone as a couple of the side effects are eye disorders and personality changes : http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/prednisone-cats-uses-effects.html.
Positive vibes that this is somehow medication related than something more serious
Sorry to hear about this latest situation. I can understand your concern about the change in the eye. I don't know a lot about the use of prednisone in cats but from what I have read you are using prednisone as an anti-nausea and appetite stimulant drug for Boo.
I found the following page that discusses the common uses and potential side effects for prolonged use. Of interest is the suggestion that cats require a higher dosage for effectiveness, but along with this there is the risk of a greater extent of side effects. Depending on how long Boo has been on this, it may be possible that the things you are seeing now may be connected to the Prednisone as a couple of the side effects are eye disorders and personality changes : http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/articles/prednisone-cats-uses-effects.html.
Positive vibes that this is somehow medication related than something more serious
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #66
@oneandahalfcats, he's only been on prednisolone for 1.5 weeks as a trial for his feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) and possibly low-grade IBD. The vet wanted to try it for 2 weeks and see if it helped. It was not prescribed as an anti-nausea and appetite stimulant only, although since his eating has decreased in the last month, I was hoping the pred would increase his appetite.
The one eye being more dilated than the other unfortunately is not good. I have seen it in feline diseases (which you say he has been tested for), but also unfortunately brain tumors. In that steroid induced article it was talking about topically applied steroids not oral. I asked my dad about it and he said that it is not usually a condition seen with prednisolone. If he has only been on the Pred for a few weeks it is unlikely it is causing the condition unless he was on an extremely high dose (20-40mg or more).
Here is some information about the pupil dilation with possible causes: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pe...article/animal-health/anisocoria-in-cats/3877
Anisocoria in cats
Just read that a Thiamin deficiency can cause it as well.
High blood pressure can also cause it.
Here is some information about the pupil dilation with possible causes: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pe...article/animal-health/anisocoria-in-cats/3877
Anisocoria in cats
Just read that a Thiamin deficiency can cause it as well.
High blood pressure can also cause it.
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Ahh, okay. Just a thought. Hopefully the explanation for the change turns out to be something benign rather than disease related. Positive thoughts.
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Well, at least you got to speak to a vet, and cprcheetah, that is awesome of you to chat with your dad about this!
I'm sorry you have to wait until Thursday.
I'm sorry you have to wait until Thursday.
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When my cat had a suspected brain tumor he had nothing with eyes but I noticed months before he was missing jumps that he used to be able to nail. Like onto the counters/onto the cabinets. I did not think much as it was here and there. The day he missed the jump from one side of the counter to the other(4 feet between) I made vet appointment and bloodwork was run. Nothing came up abnormal. He was 10 or so. I found him walking wrong and THAT was the time I noticed eye seemed different then other and vet confirmed it was. He was euthanized that day as it was obvious SOMETHING was wrong and vet was so sure it was tumor.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #72
Thanks for the links @cprcheetah. The second link is helpful, as I didn't know there were two kinds of mydriasis. Thank you for asking your dad. That was very kind.
And thank you, all, for the support.
It's bothering me that Boo's symptoms aren't adding up to any one thing. I had suspected he had high blood pressure, but when he was checked at his last visit on 11/25, it was normal. He's not circling or acting confused or missing his jumps as would be associated with a stroke or brain tumor. He does pace sometimes, but all three of my cats pace to some extent and I'm not sure if Boo's pacing is related to a brain issue. I would say, on the contrary, he got very "quiet" recently. He sits in the crouched or meatloaf position a lot and the vocalizations have decreased. At this point, a brain or nerve issue and/or cancer can't be rule out. He's still scheduled to go in tomorrow morning, and I would think they'll want to rule out some of the easy things that can be tested for, like corneal ulcers and glaucoma.
His eye is still watering, which leads me to believe there is pressure, pain and/or irritation. It appears to be constricting to light now. The first time I noticed the anisocoria, the affected pupil did not constrict, OR the response was so slow that it appeared not to constrict. Now it does constrict as quick as as the normal pupil, but it is still just slightly more dilated. Quite honestly, no one else would probably notice. My parents were over today to help me with a bathroom leak, and my mom said it is hard to tell at first. So, it could be that the eye is improving?
And thank you, all, for the support.
It's bothering me that Boo's symptoms aren't adding up to any one thing. I had suspected he had high blood pressure, but when he was checked at his last visit on 11/25, it was normal. He's not circling or acting confused or missing his jumps as would be associated with a stroke or brain tumor. He does pace sometimes, but all three of my cats pace to some extent and I'm not sure if Boo's pacing is related to a brain issue. I would say, on the contrary, he got very "quiet" recently. He sits in the crouched or meatloaf position a lot and the vocalizations have decreased. At this point, a brain or nerve issue and/or cancer can't be rule out. He's still scheduled to go in tomorrow morning, and I would think they'll want to rule out some of the easy things that can be tested for, like corneal ulcers and glaucoma.
His eye is still watering, which leads me to believe there is pressure, pain and/or irritation. It appears to be constricting to light now. The first time I noticed the anisocoria, the affected pupil did not constrict, OR the response was so slow that it appeared not to constrict. Now it does constrict as quick as as the normal pupil, but it is still just slightly more dilated. Quite honestly, no one else would probably notice. My parents were over today to help me with a bathroom leak, and my mom said it is hard to tell at first. So, it could be that the eye is improving?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #73
I talked to the doc. Boo's eye pressure is okay. They may do a dye test. He continues to lose weight.
They are going to run a few more tests. I inquired again about the blood test for HCM. She is going to look into it. At this point, I think they are stumped. She said if these additional tests come out negative, then she's going to refer me to internal medicine specialist. Right now, the eye seems to be improving. She wants to wait a week to see if it gets any worse, and then she may refer us to a veterinary opthamologist. We'll continue the pred every other day until further notice.
That must be so frustrating for you. I hope they are able to figure out what is going on with him. It is so hard when you can't find the cause of their issues.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #77
Thanks. I'm not sure how much more I can pursue. If he has a heart condition, I'd like to treat that. When I went to pick him up last night, the test for HCM wasn't on my receipt. If he has a brain tumor or something, then I guess its just a matter of time.
He was VERY vocal after coming home from the vet, almost like he has "snapped out of it." I did notice he is pacing more, but it seems intentional, rather than confusion. Maybe he was just restless from being at the vet. I did leave him there almost all day. In all reality, I don't know what's going on inside that little walnut brain of his.
He does seem to be improving somewhat in terms of overall demeanor, although he went to the litter box quite a few times last night and always announces before he goes and kept waking me up. I thought maybe he was constipated, but this morning found that he had poo-ed once and peed like three times. I wonder if the trip to the vet gave him stress-induced cystitis or something. I'll keep an eye on this. His left pupil is still just slightly more dilated and the watering has stopped. Early this morning, he seemed to be sleeping more comfortably next to me on the bed. He also took a bath, which is great to see.
I had to break down this morning and give him Friskies. I think these types of foods are what I will have to feed him until he crosses the bridge (whenever that may be). He really likes them and I want him to be happy. He also needs to eat and gain weight. The doc is concerned about his continued weight loss. He's very boney, and his spine is sticking out quite a bit. The good thing is that with the "junk" food I can sneak some fish oil in there, and the one I have is min. 94% fat, so that should help.
I know none of you have any answers for me, but I appreciate your thoughts and support.
It is definitely frustrating when you're doing all the right things and getting the tests done, but nothing is helping us to a diagnosis. We've ruled out so many things at this point, that I can only conclude that it is something more systematic and possibly originating from a major organ, like the brain or heart, that won't show up in blood work.
Admittedly, I am desperate to get him back on track, so I purchased Spirugreen for Pets (a Mercola product), and started him on that a couple nights ago. Maybe it's helping.
I'm going to post an update in my other thread about Spirulina and other whole food supplements (http://www.thecatsite.com/t/270235/bio-algae-concentrates-bacs-spirulina-etc).
He does seem to be improving somewhat in terms of overall demeanor, although he went to the litter box quite a few times last night and always announces before he goes and kept waking me up. I thought maybe he was constipated, but this morning found that he had poo-ed once and peed like three times. I wonder if the trip to the vet gave him stress-induced cystitis or something. I'll keep an eye on this. His left pupil is still just slightly more dilated and the watering has stopped. Early this morning, he seemed to be sleeping more comfortably next to me on the bed. He also took a bath, which is great to see.
I had to break down this morning and give him Friskies. I think these types of foods are what I will have to feed him until he crosses the bridge (whenever that may be). He really likes them and I want him to be happy. He also needs to eat and gain weight. The doc is concerned about his continued weight loss. He's very boney, and his spine is sticking out quite a bit. The good thing is that with the "junk" food I can sneak some fish oil in there, and the one I have is min. 94% fat, so that should help.
I know none of you have any answers for me, but I appreciate your thoughts and support.
Admittedly, I am desperate to get him back on track, so I purchased Spirugreen for Pets (a Mercola product), and started him on that a couple nights ago. Maybe it's helping.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #78
Update:
Boo is doing okay, and demeanor seems to have improved slightly since starting him on the Spirugreen supplement. He's eating better on Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Sheba.
I'm trying to give him more calories, but he'll only eat so much. I have a chart going. He still gets these trembling/shivering and facial twitches that are not normal. He still sits in the meatloaf position a lot. He's getting around, jumping fine, and I've seen him groom. His FHS episodes were HORRIBLE last night, just a couple days after starting him on these wet foods. I read that sodium nitrates can aggravate already existing neurological issues, and the last couple of meals before the FHS had sodium nitrates in them (FF and Purina One). So, starting this morning, I am going to try foods without sodium nitrates in them and see what happens.
I spoke with the doc today. She thinks we need imaging done. I agree, but an MRI is not really something I can afford right now. She suggested an ultrasound of his abdomen to check for inflammation. I'm not a vet, but it just doesn't seem to me that the problem is originating from his abdomen. If there were, wouldn't the pred be helping? She wants to try him on Gabapentin and Amantadine. Okay, I am NOT liking the idea of Boo being on all these meds. I couldn't find much on Amantadine, so I'm hesitant on that one. Gabapentin seems like it is used successfully in neuropathy cases, and I couldn't find many side effects other than sedation/lethargy. She knows I'm hesitant, so she told me to do my research and get back to her.
Any thoughts?
Boo is doing okay, and demeanor seems to have improved slightly since starting him on the Spirugreen supplement. He's eating better on Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Sheba.
I spoke with the doc today. She thinks we need imaging done. I agree, but an MRI is not really something I can afford right now. She suggested an ultrasound of his abdomen to check for inflammation. I'm not a vet, but it just doesn't seem to me that the problem is originating from his abdomen. If there were, wouldn't the pred be helping? She wants to try him on Gabapentin and Amantadine. Okay, I am NOT liking the idea of Boo being on all these meds. I couldn't find much on Amantadine, so I'm hesitant on that one. Gabapentin seems like it is used successfully in neuropathy cases, and I couldn't find many side effects other than sedation/lethargy. She knows I'm hesitant, so she told me to do my research and get back to her.
Any thoughts?
Does the vet think he's in pain? That's what amantadine is normally used for. The Gabapentin, I have taken myself and had to go off of it as it made me literally druggie high so I had to quit taking them. I do know we have a couple of dogs on it for neuropathy though and it seems to work well for them. I read that Minocycline (which is an antibiotic) has been helpful in reducing neuropathic which is something that they think may cause FHS.
If you Google amantadine, Stanford School of Medicine, and "what meds" you'll see a lot of uses for amantadine in humans. It looks to me like she's wanting to try these medications somewhat diagnostically.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
