Seizure? Stroke?

[auntiejessi]

My cat, Mama Kitty, is 16 years old, give or take.  

In the past month or so, after she furballs, which she has always done fairly regularly, she seems almost paralyzed.  The first 2 times it happened, it lasted less than 30 seconds, and me petting her seemed to bring her out of it.  

Today was the third time, and it scared me terribly.  She threw up, and immediately went into the paralysis, and it lasted around 30 minutes.  I was petting her, and held her (which she normally does NOT tolerate and didn't even move today), and nothing worked.  Her eyes were dilated,  and she just was not moving.

All this time, I am trying to dress to go to the ER vet, and then suddenly, she just came out of it, and was totally fine.

Other info if needed - she's an orange tabby, 6 lbs (always been small), still very active - runs and plays with her son (my other cat, 10 years old), plays with my hair, string, paper, etc.  Has a wonderful appetite.

I am taking her to the vet tomorrow, but was wondering what you all think in the meantime.  

Thanks in advance!

Aj

[auntiejessi]

Yes, diabetes is one of the tests - there's about 20 tests that she is running.

My kitty was totally fine with the fasting - didn't even act hungry, nor did my other cat who also had to fast.  I gave them canned food last night, and since I didn't get to vet until 12:30, it was fine.

As soon as I put the food back down though - they ate like it had been 3 days lol.

Thanks for the help and support - I really, really appreciate it.

[zodiacqueen]

Thanks for the update!!  Now, it's the waiting game.....UUGGHHHH!!  Not fun at all, but we've ALL been there.

Did the vet check for diabetes?  Otherwise, I will feel bad about suggesting that you fast your kitty.  I can't even tell you how much it bothers me to fast my cats.  So, I hope to God that your kitty was not too stressed with it!  :D

Just try to be patient and hope for the best.  A lot of the conditions that your vet is looking for are very treatable.  That's a good thing!

Hugs and Peace

[auntiejessi]

Just got back from the vet.

She thinks Mama is passing out, not a seizure or stroke.  She heard a heart murmur (which is new), and thinks she has high blood pressure, maybe kidney and thyroid issues.  She's slightly dehydrated, which could mean something with her kidneys, as she gets lots of water and canned food.

She also noticed that her retinas are degenerating, and that her pupils aren't dilating nearly as much as they should (also new).

Anyway, the vet was quite pleased that she would get fasting results, so thanks for that suggestion.  I appreciate it.

Results will be trickling in (her words) over the next couple of days, so now its a wait and see.

Thanks for all the help,
Aj

[auntiejessi]

Oh awesome suggestion about the food.  I hadn't even thought of that, but what a smart idea.

During the episode, for lack of a better word, I did think stroke, but I keep going back to the recovery being so fast.

Thanks for the suggestions, and I will certainly let you know.

AJ

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, I'm not really sure what the symptoms could be, but I honestly don't think it's seizures or a stroke.  Seizures you would've noticed twitching and loss of bowel or urinary control.  A stroke would've affected one side of the body only, and she wouldn't have recovered so quickly.  

This could be a thyroid problem, or diabetes.  You can try taking her food away for 6-8 hrs so she'll be ready to get tested for diabetes as soon as you get to the vet's office.  They will want her fasted for that test, just like people.  I'd ask for a kidney function test(blood) and get her potassium levels checked, which can cause some weirdness with the muscles(when low).

Please let us know how the vet visit goes!!  Good luck!