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Author Topic: Little Bit - Vision Problems?  (Read 794 times)

kb2zct

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Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« on: May 09, 2011, 12:27:55 PM »
Little Bit is giving me scare right now.  I am beginning to wonder if he is loosing his sight.

Yesterday, while running around the house, Little Bit ran into things three times.  Once, it was Marshall, once it was a chair, and the final time it was one of the vinyl “cubes” that Maria got me so many years ago for the little ones.

Once I observed his behavior, I watched him very closely.  He seems to be having problems gaging distances for his jumps, as he will now not jump up on the washing machine (one of the feeding stations) any more.   I saw him only notice some close up objects once one of his whiskers brushed up against it.

I did check his eyes with a penlight.  His pupils were responsive and equal.  He seems to notice things from a distance, but not close up.  Most freighting, he did not notice the laser pointer when I tried to play “follow the dot” with him.

He will be going in for a full check up on Thursday and spend most of the day at the clinic.  He will have a blood pressure check, blood work and a full optical exam. 

He is 9 years old, and has had some borderline kidney problems in the past.  His last kidney test was fine (as was a test for hyper-t).  He is due this month for his 6 month follow up exam anyway.

As strange as this seems, I begin to wonder if his problem is only with “close up” vision.  If he is causing problems with Vanya on the counter, all I have to do is to get up out of my chair, and he knows to relent.  He also seems to know whenever I pick up the “evil squirt gun”.  So, I really don’t know what to make of this issue. 

As soon as I get some information from the vet’s office, I will get back to everyone.

Mark
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animalangel1

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2011, 07:49:20 PM »
I imagine that cats can lose their distance or close up vision as they age just like humans can.  Perhaps it is just "aging" for him.  I hope everything turns out well for him on his vet visit on Thursday.  I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers and will be waiting to hear how it all turns out.
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mrsgreenjeens

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2011, 02:07:55 PM »
Curious.  I'm glad you're taking him in for a full work-up this week, because this definitely doesn't sound normal.  But at least his pupils DID dilate with your pen light, so that seems like a good sign. 

Keep us posted!
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kb2zct

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2011, 02:14:54 PM »
I have a partial update....  It appears that Little Bit is starting to develop cataracts on both eyes.  The condition is not all that serious.  However, the bigger concern is that he is down another half pound from his last checkup about eight months ago.  He is getting a full blood workup - CBC, kidney, thyroid, etc.  All of that bloodwork will not be done until tomorrow, so I will have to wait for the results.

I, of course, am out of state helping my parents, now at may father was released from the rehab center following his knee replacement surgery. 

The two biggest challenges will be his lack of mobility and managing his medicines.  I think we are smuggling nine different prescription.  This is normal for knee replacements!

Mark
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animalangel1

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2011, 06:56:35 PM »
Quote
The two biggest challenges will be his lack of mobility and managing his medicines.  I think we are smuggling nine different prescription.  This is normal for knee replacements!

The GOOD NEWS is that pretty soon you'll need to put him (yes, your dad) on a leash cause he'll be running circles around EVERYBODY! At least, that is my hope for him!  :catwink:  (Well, except the actual leash part anyway!)

As for Little Bit, maybe he'll learn to "adjust" to losing his sight if it progresses slowly enough.  Some blind cats get along rather well.  There's just going to be a big "learning curve" for him, for you, and the other critters in the house.  Maybe one of the other cats, or even Gracie, will take him under their wing and become the guide animal for him since that has been known to happen in the animal world.  :ahgg_dunno:
« Last Edit: May 12, 2011, 07:00:12 PM by animalangel1 »
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galensgranny

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2011, 02:09:54 PM »
Tough being out of state caring for parent when one of the furkids has a problem.  Thank goodness you have a great pet sitter.

I don't know about cataracts in cats.  Maybe they do cataract surgery on cats, if that is what the problem is.

Best wishes to all who are having health problems.
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kb2zct

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2011, 08:39:27 PM »
Little Bit update:

His bloodwork came out normal.  That is good news, because we have been concerned with his kidney values.

Now, with this being said, "M" has seen some of the same problems that I have seen.  She will discuss this with the vet's in the morning.

Mark
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galensgranny

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2011, 08:20:26 AM »
So, any update on Little Bit?
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Margaret/galensgranny- Forum Admin
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kb2zct

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2011, 10:04:02 AM »
Margaret:

Thanks for asking.  There have not been any updates.  He has blood work, which came back a little better than before.  His thyroid was also tested, and that was fine.  Same for blood pressure.

In short, they found nothing.  He seems to be acting normally now.

Mark
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galensgranny

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Re: Little Bit - Vision Problems?
« Reply #9 on: June 10, 2011, 01:05:29 PM »
Glad all his bloodwork came back fine and that he is acting normal now.
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