Elderly angel - potential stroke

[SpecialKittyMummy]

Good afternoon all,

Please give me advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. My beautiful tabby girl is 16 and has been in perfect health. This morning she has woke up and her balance is completely off, she cant even walk in a straight line. We rushed her down to the vet who advised that it could be a stroke or an animal version of vertigo. I dont know what to do or think. They have sent her home with anti sickness and anti inflammatory meds and we have to monitor her over the next week. Could this be the start of me losing her? My heart breaks at the thought however I will ensure that we'll make the horrific decision to phts should she be in any pain, distress or lose any quality of life bless her. I appreciate any thoughts and advice.

 

[di and bob]

I'm SO sorry......She could also have an infection, I guess time will tell. Get some lickable treats to encourage her to eat, and to give her meds, it makes it easier. I have seen cats improve from this, For now just give her the attention and love she needs right now, your bond of love will get you through this. I'll pray for your sweet girl......

 

[babiesmom5]

Good afternoon all,

Please give me advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. My beautiful tabby girl is 16 and has been in perfect health. This morning she has woke up and her balance is completely off, she cant even walk in a straight line. We rushed her down to the vet who advised that it could be a stroke or an animal version of vertigo. I dont know what to do or think. They have sent her home with anti sickness and anti inflammatory meds and we have to monitor her over the next week. Could this be the start of me losing her? My heart breaks at the thought however I will ensure that we'll make the horrific decision to phts should she be in any pain, distress or lose any quality of life bless her. I appreciate any thoughts and advice.

I am very sorry about your girl, but I just want to give you some hope. Years ago I had a cat, about 16, who one morning absolutely could not stand, could not walk. Not willing to give up on her, I took her to a specialty clinic where she was evaluated by a Vet Neurologist and given a CT scan confirming a stroke. The Neurologist told me that cats who have strokes can and usually do recover. Give them a quiet place where they cannot hurt themselves, watch them closely. She recovered perfectly in about 2 weeks, went on to live normally for several more years.

Then I had another cat, about same age, who one morning suddenly could not stand, just rolled over on her side, could not stand up. Fearing another cat with a stroke, I had her evaluated at the same clinic. It turned out to be a bad, deep inner ear infection. She had to undergo an operation, a Ventral Bulla Osteotomy. She made a full recovery in about two weeks and was fine from there on.

If I were you, I would have your kitty examined further by a specialist who can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the vertigo and recommend appropriate treatment. I wish you all the best.
Please let us know how you make out.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. So sorry to hear about your girl! I presume the vet will want to do a thorough follow-up exam? Full spectrum blood work might show something that could lead to an answer, but of course, that is no guarantee.

My sister has a 15+ yo Yorkie, who had something similar happen and he was actually unconscious for a while. It seemed to come out of nowhere. The vets were not able to find any real cause/reason but assumed it to be a stroke. They gave him IV fluids and nutrients (and likely other meds that I am not aware of) and kept him overnight. However, the blood work/checkup did show kidney disease and a heart murmur, so my sister is treating him accordingly. He was not able to walk initially which evolved into a stilted gait with back leg weakness, but within less than 48 hours he was pretty much back to normal. Knock on wood, nothing else has happened since this incident in early November, and he is still doing well. The vet suggested a neurological exam, but it is financially out of reach for my sister right now.

For now, she is cherishing her time with him and has a new 'appreciation' of his age. I am not saying the two situations are even remotely related, but just wanted to give you some positive vibes.