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Dilated eyes in a 21 year old cat?

gingergrove - 2009-02-24 19:56:46 - Cats

My 21 year old cat's eyes have become completely dilated. She is definitely having trouble focusing and isn't able to follow my fingers but she can sense movement sporadically. I'm sure she is partially blind. Obviously she needs to go to the vet, and I will call in the morning, but that doesn't do much for the apprehension I feel tonight. Please don't post about following up with the vet as I will be doing that, I'm asking if anyone has experienced this with an older cat and what was the cause and the outcome. I realize it is most likely a sign of something more serious, I'm just trying to get an idea of what she is facing. She is otherwise in pretty good health... she still has an appetite, sleeps on a heated cat bed and seems generally content. She gets a B-12 shot about once a month, but the past few nights she has been meowing, not necessarily in pain but definitely she is anxious. If she cries more than once or twice, we go pick her up and hold her for a while and then she goes back to sleep. Anyone willing to share their experience would be most appreciated. She is just the sweetest most gentle cat, and I want to make sure we do the right thing for her. Thanks. Thank you all for your responses, she has an appointment this afternoon.

Best Answer:

Could be cataracts and the pupils are open wide to get in more light

Answers:

First of all, it is absolutely phenomenal that your cat has lived as long as it has. I congratulate you on treating it as well as you have :). I'm by no means a vet, but I would suggest taking it to the vet, as it could be something serious (yet preventable with treatment). Good luck!

Could be cataracts and the pupils are open wide to get in more light

She may be having mini strokes. My dog had similar symptoms and he had a stroke at 15, but with treatment we had him for several more months. Watch for vomiting or signs of a seizure. Keep her close tonight, and note her behavior, the more info you can give the vet the more they can help. Try to get the earliest appointment you can. Good luck, I hope everything works out ok.

It may be that she has retinal disease. In cats, this is most often related to hypertension, or high blood pressure. Not uncommon in cats, especially older ones. Hypertension is one of the signs of hyperthyroidism, or an over-active thyroid gland. None of these things will probably quickly cause major problems. When you go the vet, have a complete blood panel done, checking liver and kidney enzymes, thyroid levels, and a complete blood cell count. Also, a urine sample, and a blood pressure. If possible, when you call the vet, if your cat gets really stressed, see if someone could take her blood pressure right when you get there, to be the most accurate. If it is one of these things, your vet can go over treatment. Don't be too worried tonight. She has come this far, she will make it overnight. She's tough! Good luck!