Kitten with dilated pupils - possible FIP?

[zoelyn23]

Hi everyone. My 12 week old kitten woke up last week Thursday with dilated pupils (no cloudiness or discoloration) and his vision was affected, as he appeared to be having trouble seeing where he was going, kept bumping into objects, was not reacting if I waved my hand in front of his face etc.

In addition, he was lethargic, not playing, sleeping most of the day and had a fever. However, he still had an appetite and stools appeared normal. On Saturday I took him to the vet who prescribed antibiotics and anti inflammatory meds. He seems to have perked up a little since then, however he still has the dilated pupils with vision problems and seems off. I will be taking him back to the vet tomorrow. Does this sound like FIV? I'm just very frustrated and don't know what it could be.

I have also watched videos of cats with neuro/ocular FIP and he doesn't seem similar to them..he's only been sick for a few days though so it's possible his condition will get worse

 

[Sarthur2]

I honestly have no clue, but hoping the meds will knock it out. Let us know what the vet says. Hopefully, someone else with experience will come along soon!

 

[Kieka]

My girl once had a single eye that was dilated.

We went through the same thing of them thinking it was FIV or FIP. So that can definitely be a rare presentation of those. In our case, after 1-2 weeks of medications and an exam by a neurologist and optometrist specialist turns out she hit her head hard enough to cause a blood clot on her eye. Once the clot dissolved her vision returned to normal and three years later she's just fine. Granted, my girl didn't have any other symptoms but the stress of having all of his vision impacted could be causing your boys symptoms.

It's always good to get it checked out and while it could be serious, it could also be minor. Don't panic but be proactive. Hopefully it is something minor.

 

[di and bob]

Pain in cats can cause dilated pupils. My vet says he has seen infection in the body do it too. I pray the condition can be taken care of quickly!

 

[silent meowlook]

The dilated pupils are less concerning than the vision problems and the neurological symptoms you describe, as well as the lethargy you mentioned. This is all very concerning, especially in such a young cat. If this was my kitten I would get a referral to a specialist. These symptoms are too complex for a regular vet to handle, in my opinion.

Check your house thoroughly for any possible toxins. Any plants, essential oils and products including natural cleaners. Also consider if anyone in the household is using any topical medications including minoxil and any hormone creams or anti pain topical medications.

There is no way to know if the symptoms correlate with FIP because FIP can cause an array of different symptoms on different cats. FIV can be tested, but he may be too young for that. Also the symptoms are varied.