Senior cat suffering from mystery illness(es)? Tons of tests, no clear diagnosis :(

[SpecialistDeer]

Hello all!

New here, but hoping y’all can help us figure out what’s wrong with our sweet boy. Details are below. Long story short, we've taken him to multiple vets, gotten tons of tests done, but still don't have any solid idea as to what's wrong with him. The latest vet says the only option left is to do a biopsy and potentially subject him to chemo. Before we put him through any of that, I thought we’d give this sub a shot to see if anyone has any idea what our boy is dealing with. On a related note, if there are any other places y’all recommend we post this info, we’re all ears. Thank you in advance for all of your help!

Cat Details:

• Breed: Domestic short hair, orange and white tabby (ginger cat)
• Age: 14 years 10 months
• Sex: Male
• Neutered?: Yes
• Weight: 11 Lbs
• Location: Los Angeles, urban/suburban neighborhood

Symptoms:

1. Imbalanced, unsteady movement. Specifically, head tilt, falling over whilst playing, difficultly jumping up to and down from previously easily accessible spots, and walking in circles. Most pronounced when he gets up after being asleep or chilling for a while. Additional note - the walking and tilting in circles is always in the leftward direction.
2. Change in energy levels. Still affectionate and engaging, but overall less energetic and more lethargic than before.
3. Change in appetite. No longer eats kibble and now only eats prescription wet food.
4. Weight change. Cat was at 14 Lbs and is now down to 11 Lbs
5. Bizarre eye dilation. Specifically, pupils will dilate and remain dilated for hours. And while eyes were dilated, cat is very disoriented, anxious, and seems to have trouble seeing. These episodes would trigger many of the above symptoms, with cat going around in circles and sometimes sniffing things. Very strange and nerve-wracking to observe.

Symptoms timeline:

• Symptoms started since November 26th 2023
• Symptoms have improved somewhat since getting put on his new diet then and he appears to have stabilized. Better appetite and normal pees/poos. But still no official diagnoses or any idea as to why things have improved

Test notes and overall results:

• We have been to several vets, including a neurologist
• List of tests:
  • Senior blood panel
  • Urinalysis
  • Physical exams
  • X-rays
  • MRI
  • Spinal fluid extraction
  • Ultrasound
• Results summary:
  • Not a tumor
  • Heart, spine, and middle ear are fine
  • Does not appear to be metabolic disorder like say, thyroid issue
  • Blood pressure is fine
  • Ultrasound shows some nodules on his liver and pancreas. Vet says they could be benign or cancerous, but we can't be sure unless we biopsied him.
  • Neurologist also ruled out seizures, and said that pupil dilation would not last for hours with a seizure

That’s pretty much the gist of it. Any ideas?

Thank you! -Deer

 

[silent meowlook]

Does he have any nystagmus? That would be where the eyes dart back and forth. The neurologist has ruled out a brain tumor right? Has he been tested for Cryptococcus? It is a fungal infection that can enter the brain. Has anyone suggested trying steroids? Is there anything he could get into? Essential oils? Household cleaners? Anyone in the home on medications or any topical therapies? Rogain and or estrogen drugs included. It’s a long shot. Is he strictly indoors? Flea products? Revolution Plus?

Sorry for the barrage of questions.

I assume they have run a full viral panel?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hello - welcome!
I know you said you've been to a neurologist, but would a university medical veterinary department provide a more specialized and indepth review of his situation, such as UC Davis?

 

[Caspers Human]

Does your cat press his head against inanimate objects like walls and furniture? Does he seem to have a tendency to sit facing a wall or something with his head right up to the object?

That is something called "Head Pressing" and it's a sign of neurological (brain) problems with causes ranging from liver malfunction to stroke.

What to Know About Cat Head Pressing

Why do cats press their heads against things? Find out the difference between head pressing and affectionate head butting and when to take your cat to the vet.

www.webmd.com

Knowing this does not, necessarily, pinpoint a disease or physical problem but it can help a vet narrow down the search for a problem.

If you do notice Head Pressing, be sure to let your vet know ASAP. It could help your vet find the cause and, hopefully, a course of treatment.

 

[fionasmom]

If you have already consulted with some of the specialty hospitals who have neurologists like VCA ASG or VCA West Coast or the place in Mission Viejo, your next move should possibly be to Davis. This can possibly be done through a doctor you have already seen if they are agreeable to working together to spare you a long drive with your boy.