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Question
My cat 17 years old (vet thinks)has a kidney problem. Today he is very weak and seems to have lost his eyesight overnight. Can electrolytes be an issue? He has been going every other day to the vet for a water pouch via IV. He is getting worse. Since it is Sunday, I guess I shall take him to the emergency room ER recommended by my vet. Then tomorrow I shall take him to Cooper City to the Renal Specialist. He is eating some and drinking his water. He went downstairs on his own also. What happened to his eyes today? He used the litter box during the night on his own.
Now he appears helpless. Please respond.
Hi Alicia,
I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back to you before this. I had a mini family crisis.
I can't give you a definitive answer on this. Your vet will be able to answer this better. But, a lot of times, sudden blindness is brought on in older cats like yours by high blood pressure. This goes hand in hand with the renal disease your cat has. He can recover from this though. It just takes time. Ask your vet to see if this might be the problem. Good luck and let me know what happens.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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