Cataracts

[Stephanie36]

Hello,
My 14 year old boy has had mild cataracts for 3 years now because of diabetes
His kidneys have recently gotten worse (early stage 3) and he has been on baytril for a kidney infection. On the last day, his cataracts seem to be massively worse. I'm going to call my vet in the morning, but does anyone have any experience with this?
Thank you!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Sorry no one has responded yet. I don't have direct experience with this, but in all the internet searching I do for various issues with my cat, I do remember coming across an article about long term use causing cataracts/blindness. I also recall something to do with pre-existing kidney issues making a cat more susceptible to its side-effects. If I can find the article again, I will share a link here.

 

[Stephanie36]

Thank you for the reply
As I did more research today, I found the same info. Tex was on baytril for 10 days, but I noticed his appetite was better when on it, so I thought he likely needed a longer dose, so we put him on a bit longer. I talked to my vet today, and I'm going to stop the baytril and get a urine sample on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday) to see where that's at, and a sugar curve as well to check thos levels. His sugar levels have been quite low lately and he's mainly been off insulin for a few months because he's consistently tested fine, but he tested at 14 this morning, so he may be creeping up again.
Again, thank you!

 

[FeebysOwner]

I did find the article, but it doesn't sound like you need it. Keep us posted!

 

[fionasmom]

Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB

I don't know if you belong to this group but they are exceedingly helpful and sympathetic and might have some information to help you.

 

[Stephanie36]

Thank you! I will look into that group.
My most immediate concern is glaucoma vs. cataracts. His pupils are very dialated, but there does not seem to be any swelling, pus, or bloodshot eyes.

 

[Stephanie36]

Hello again,
Tex seems to be doing okay overall. He definitely has massively impaired vision, just not sure why. He's going in to the vet Thurs morning. His kidney infection has cleared, which is great! And he's eating well and seems fine besides the vision. I'm wondering about detached retinas (possibly from the baytril) and I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with this. I know if he goes to an opthalmologist it'll be crazy expensive, and I don't know if I can manage that. He isn't likely a candidate for surgery regardless because if his overall health and she. But just looking for any experiences anyone might be able to share.
Thank you all again
Stephanie (and Tex!)

 

[fionasmom]

Limited experience. The dog has an ophthalmologist. It was pricey, was not for your issues, so I won't go into it. I did feel though that in dealing with eyes I wanted someone who knew what they were doing. If you feel that your boy would not be a candidate for a procedure, it may be quite reasonable to have a consultation to see what exactly happened.

I did have a cat who went blind from entirely different conditions and also had a blind dog. Is Tex okay with the loss of vision in the sense that he knows your house well enough that he is navigating properly and does not seem too upset. Surprisingly, most blind animals do fine providing that you don't move furniture or create major changes.

 

[Stephanie36]

So, the news from the vet today was reasonably good, considering the circumstances. Tex is definitely blind (almost...I think he can see some light/shadows), bit it's not glaucoma. His left eye had somewhat higher pressure, but still a saf number, so he will just get rechecked in a few months. She diagnosed him with Progressive Retinal Atrophy. So, his retinas have almost entirely degenerated, BUT they have not detached, so I consider the good news. It also means it likely wasn't the antibiotic and was probably inevitable.

She can certainly refer him to an opthalmologist, but it's unlikely it will make a difference. He does not seem to be in any pain. He seems to be adapting well, too. He was very nervous getting down from things on Friday, Sat, but is doing much better with that. So obviously not the best news, since it's not treatable, but if he's adapting, it's maybe not so bad.

I really appreciate all the advice! It made me feel a lot better having the support.

Here he is right now in the apartment hallway, which he still insists on visiting each night!

 

[fionasmom]

Such a sweet little guy! I immediately recognize those eyes from my little cat. I agree....it sounds as if there is nothing to be done at this point by a specialist, so helping him to adapt is the best course. He will definitely be okay if he is in his familiar place.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I have heard that initial loss is night vision. If that is true, perhaps set some nightlights around your home as a possible way to help him adapt? Also, I trust you will keep a very close eye on this guy during his hallway visits!!!

 

[Stephanie36]

Lol, don't worry! I'm with him 100% during his hallway visits. It's a small building, and a small hallway, just 7 other apartments.and he knows which ones let him (pre covid, unfortunately) and goes mostly to thos doors. But rest assured, his hallway visits are extremely safe and supervised.
I have thought if a nightlight and I might get one. I always leave my apartment drapes open, so it's never super super dark, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on whether I need full nightlight.
He definitely seems to be doing well with adapting, so taking my feelings out of the equation, things seem to be pretty positive