Eye surgery for blind cat - could it work?

[wilburph]

Please don't read if you are squeamish or sensitive about eyes! My cat is happy and healthy, he just can't see. I'd be really grateful if anyone has firsthand knowledge that could help to settle this difference of opinion between two vets. What would you do?

2017:

My cat Wilbur was found in our garden at five weeks old in 2017 (stray kitten) with a severe worm/parasite infection that stuck his eyes closed. The vet (local vet in the Philippines) cared for him for two weeks, giving some kind of antibiotic shots, until the infection fully cleared and he came to live with us. However, he was blind and a 'layer' had grown over his eyes (sorry, I don't know the term so can't google it) that gradually turned black.

Today:

Today, he went to a different vet (seems higher quality, since she does international standard ISO microchips etc.) and when the vet noticed his eyes, she said she could remove the 'layer' with surgery and possibly restore his sight, if the eyes are healthy underneath. Even though the earlier vet didn't think this was possible, the new vet thinks it's "75% possible" and wanted to try it on at least one eye.

We've arranged for the surgery next Monday, but I'm worried that it won't do anything and he'll suffer with more pain for no reason. I don't know what his "new" eyes would be like for him if he was still blind after, if they would just heal over again or always feel sensitive. Obviously it would be AMAZING if he could see, but I accepted his blindness long ago, so I'm not going to get excited about it, in case it's not possible. (I would also be very angry about the vet who made us think he couldn't see for almost three years and has made him suffer, but I'll leave that for now).

Photos (not pleasant):

In case it's possible to tell from photos, here are some pictures of what his eyes looked like during the original care in 2017, when he was treated to clear the infection but no surgery. Is it possible to tell if his eyes have survived or if they're too badly damaged underneath and should just be left alone? The new vet hasn't seen these old pics for reference.

Thank you for your time. I'm currently planning for him to have the treatment, but would be grateful to know if it's just not an option and we should cancel. (If it's a good idea and it goes ahead, I'll update next week with the results, of course).

 

[neely]

Thank you for rescuing your adorable boy, Wilbur. My first question would be, is the new vet a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialist? If not, I would consult with this type of specialist before any type of surgery.

I understand your apprehension and wish you the best of luck.

 

[wilburph]

Not sure of the vet's qualifications. I live in the Philippines and it's hard to find good health services sometimes, since professionals earn poorly by international standards and usually want to emigrate. This is the most 'legit' vet clinic we've found in our area, since we needed international standard microchips to move abroad with the cats next year.

 

[Pjg8r]

Would it be possible to send copies of the records of the original infections and photos to a vet school just to get an opinion? I realize they can’t provide a diagnosis without performing an exam but they may have data on whether or not this type of surgery has been successful with other cats. I wish you and Wilbur the best.

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

... The new vet hasn't seen these old pics for reference. ...

Could you send the old pics to the new vet just for informational purposes, and for a reference point? You could then have another (possibly phone) consult with the new vet to see what she still thinks in moving forward.



Wishing you and your kitty all the best and lots of healing vibes!!

 

[fionasmom]

I do understand that you are not able to access all sorts of veterinary care where you are, but I think that some of the questions you posed here need to be answered by the vet, such a what is the outcome, pain level, where does it leave his eyes, could it become worse. This is definitely not an easy decision or question to answer. It is so kind of you to have taken care of his kitten. Another point to consider is his level of adaption to his blindness, which is usually pretty high in an animal like Wilbur.

If this is some simple surgery where a film is painlessly removed and you hope for the best with the vision, I can see possibly going ahead. If it turns him into a medical experiment or if the vet views him as "nothing to lose" then you possibly should reconsider.

 

[wilburph]

Thank you for the responses. He is well adapted to his blindness, though gets scared easily, hiding when anyone visits etc. We'll get in touch with the original vet for her memories / opinion / records (if available) and pass these on to the new vet along with the photos, since she only based it on looking at his eyes and saying she'd treated kittens with the condition (this is a nearly three-year-old cat). I'll ask more about what to expect too, she only said the pain would be temporary after (the surgery itself performed under general anaesthesia, of course).

 

[wilburph]

I'd also say the vet's motivation is wanting to help him, since it's not especially expensive (less than US$100 equivalent total) and when we had the microchips and rabies vaccination needed for immigration, they didn't try to upsell us other vaccinations not needed.

 

[neely]

Not sure of the vet's qualifications. I live in the Philippines and it's hard to find good health services sometimes, since professionals earn poorly by international standards and usually want to emigrate.

Please look at this TCS Article and note the last paragraph which discusses, When should a cat owner ask for a referral to a certified veterinary ophthalmologist: Eye Problems In Cats: What Every Owner Needs To Know

I am sympathetic to your situation being in the Philippines and trying to do what is best for your cat. As other members have said, please take your time to research this procedure thoroughly and ask the vet as many questions as possible. Thinking of you and sending special thoughts to Wilbur.

 

[wilburph]

Update:

My cat had the eye surgery to remove the layer of build-up. I can't tell at this stage whether there's been any improvement in vision or it was just unnecessary.

His eyes are white with hardly any pupil, but the vet hopes it might clear up further by applying plasma from his blood to the eye over the next week along with his other medications (anti-inflammatory and antibiotics). She thinks he has some limited vision, we'll have a follow-up next Monday.

When we got home, he walked around and around the house and garden tirelessly, I don't know if this was him updating his blind "map" with vision or if he was just out of it from the anaesthesia. By the way - I saw him during the surgery and he was reflexively licking, his tongue going in and out. Is this normal for a sedated cat?

 

[wilburph]

Update 1 week after eye surgery:

Something is covering one of his eyes, I don't know if it's a closed eyelid or something growing again. I hope this doesn't require more surgery and starting eye drops from day 1 again, but I also don't want him to suffer if it's a problem. He isn't rubbing his eyes or showing signs of discomfort, just relaxing and playing as normal.

(He was scheduled for a check-up with the vet today, but it's not convenient to get there without our own transport if it's not strictly needed, and we're already seeing them in 2 weeks anyway).

 

[white shadow]

.
wilburph, I wouldn't just wait for two weeks........I'd send that picture off to the Vet and see what she says. And, I would ask about continuing/renewing medications. In other words, I would get as much of a consult as I could via email/phone.

You might lose important opportunities for a successful outcome if you just wait and take no action now.

I haven't had to deal with this condition - I have had other serious eye issues with cats, and I've learned they are not to be given a "wait-and-watch" response.
.

 

[Maria Bayote]

First of all, thank you for saving him and giving him the time and willingness to spend for your cat's vet needs, surgery etc. With the many cases of strays and abandoned cats in the Philippines in particular, your story makes me smile and believe there is still hope in mankind. Which part in the Philippines are you located? If within Manila or Cavite areas I know a vet that is quite good at what he does. He regularly attends trainings and seminars in the USA and may be able to help you. Plus, his clinic does not charge much. You can call Kingsroad Veterinary Clinic along Molino Road in Bacoor Cavite (046 6830215) if you will need a second opinion.

I hope your cat finally gets his vision back, even not totally, without any discomfort or pain.

In our country where too many cats are neglected, to me you are one of a kind.

 

[wilburph]

I sent the picture to the vet yesterday, they said that one eye looks okay and the other has 'adhesions' but no follow-up advice. Update: Okay, we've arranged a check-up for Wednesday.

His vision won't improve beyond whatever he has now - I don't think he really has any, since he still needs to sniff around to find biscuits placed on the floor close to him. Maybe he can see light and dark or something.

This might have ended up with the surgery not helping and just causing problems, which is what I feared. It was my decision, but I couldn't turn down the vet's "75%" odds of success.

(And we're in a different part of the Philippines).

 

[wilburph]

Final update:

Vet says there's no infection of the eye, the third eyelid's stuck and she recommends surgery to remove it, but wasn't pushing it. Arranged for January, since that's more convenient and she says timing won't make a difference.

His eyes react to light, but that's about it. Better to have removed all the obstructions though, hopefully no recurrence.

 

[neely]

Sending special thoughts to Wilbur and you.

 

[Maria Bayote]

Thank God in all the heavens that of all people, WIlbur has found you. I have seen many cats in our country that have been dumped when owners could not afford for vet care anymore. It is disgusting and at the same time, heartbreaking.