4/4 Feline Stroke Update

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Kathleen and Fred

Kathleen and Fred

Member Since 2009
Last Thursday (3/27), I came home to find my Sugar Cat, Fred, paralyzed on his left side. It came on suddenly. I rushed him to the vet who recommended a neurologist at the emergency clinic. 48 hrs, an MRI and spinal tap, and multiple blood tests later ($4K) they could not tell me the cause. Said there was a small spot on his cerebellum, but not sure if t is cancer, a blood clot or infection.

Tests for infection came back negative from the Univ. of Colorado. His vitals have been normal (although his BGs have now escalated.) I started giving him a strong antibiotic last Friday evening, which only made him sick and the Forti Flora didn't help. He pretty much stopped eating and was very lethargic. So, after he threw up dinner and breakfast on Wednesday, I stopped the antibiotics.

He appears to be stronger now. He eats normally and he was able to go up stairs this morning. NOW the neurologist says it may have been a stroke. (So, why didn't he suggest that BEFORE all the tests and stress????) He says Fred could recover from it, but could have another. He can't tell me if Fred has a blood clot causing that spot on his brain.

One more test is due in from Auburn Univ. to see if he had lymphoma.

This is maddening! And, I think I was gouged by the emergency neurologist - a young man who only talks to me in clinical terms. cat(2)_steam My regular vet will be back in the office Friday and will find out more about the tests, etc.

Has anyone out there seen something similar? How did you handle it?? We've come so far....just want to keep going a little longer.

thanks!
 
Re: Feline Stroke

I cant offer advice but can offer prayers for you and Fred. I hope your regular Vet can shed some light and give direction.
Best wishes,
jeanne
 
Re: Feline Stroke

This may have nothing to do with what you're experiencing but one of my cats had something similar happen. One day he yelled and just sort of fell over, and was unable to use both legs on (I think) the right side. My vet said it appeared to be a stroke-like episode, bloodwork was fine. To better observe him, I caged him in a large dog crate for a few days as he couldn't really stand or walk. That was probably 8-10 years ago and there's never been another incident. He's 20 now and still walks a bit oddly, like he's reaching, but he gets around okay for an old guy.

It sounds like your Fred is improving and hopefully it's a one time thing.

Best,
Deborah
 
Re: Feline Stroke

so interesting because a day or two before this paralysis he did cry out but showed no further symptoms until a day or two later. Your experience gives me hope that this may not be the end!! thanks SO much.
 
Fred is still slow, but getting stronger each day. Yesterday he climbed on my lap for a long nap. Today he walked up and down a short flight of stairs, plus took his usual morning walk around the house to inspect the bird population. He ate a big breakfast and seems alert.

I'm convinced that it was a stroke and will hope that he recovers to his previous mobility. But, If he just levels where he is now, his quality of life would be good. Still no understanding of what caused this. Now I'll go back to getting his diabetes under control. I would like to know what the best treatment - home care - is for stroke victims, if anyone here knows.

Once again, understanding Fred's health and treating him appropriately has come down to this site and the wonderful people who love their pets and care enough to share their knowledge and experiences. I am very grateful! ohmygod_smile
 
Kathleen and Fred said:
Fred is still slow, but getting stronger each day.
Click to expand...

Oh, how wonderful that Fred is showing improvement! :-D
You must be SO relieved about that.
Keeping fingers and paws crossed for further recovery.

Eliz
 
In humans, stroke is at an increased risk in diabetics; perhaps this is true for cats, too.

There are 2 kinds of stroke - bleeding vs. blood clot.

One way the bleeding type can happen is when a weak area of a blood vessel in the brain breaks; high blood pressure could cause that (also common in human diabetics).

Blood clots may happen with a heart murmur, inflammatory condition, or injury. If a clot travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel, it causes a stroke. If the clot travels to the heart, it can cause a heart attack. In the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism. If it blocks the major artery to the hind legs, it is called a saddle thrombus and is excrutiatingly painful to the cat.

If diabetes is partially an inflammatory process, I wonder if adding some natural anti-inflammatories to the diet would be protective against blood clots for the cat. An example would be fish oil.
 
Just want to send good thoughts to your sweet ginger boy. So glad it is looking like he is coming back to his normal.
 
BJM - Thank you for posting this info. I think maybe this should be a topic that is explored further. In the literature I've read from what I understand, in humans high blood pressure seems to be correlated with diabetes. I wonder if this is also the same for cats. I like the idea of taking small preventative measures, such as adding a little fish oil, like you mentioned, if it might help decrease those risks.

Kathy - I'm so glad to hear that Fred seems to be improving!
 
Thanks, BJM!
After all the tests, they really couldn't tell me anything. The spot on his brain was never confirmed to be cancer or blood clot. Now I suspect the later. Will it dissolve on its own or hang around to cause more trouble?
I was told his vitals were normal at both vets, with no heart murmur or high blood pressure. He cried out once the day before this event, but he never seemed to be in great pain - more confused about why his left leg was dragging.
I can certainly try to put fish oil into his food. What kind and how much is recommended?
I'm worried about his BGs right now. Can't seems to get them down.
AMPS = 376 (1.0)
+5 = 383
 
Rule out insulin problems:
How old is the insulin?
Has it been kept refrigerated?
Are there any floaters in it?

There are 2 possibilities
- the insulin is too low and he needs more.
- the insulin is too high and he needs less.

How to tell? See which way the numbers get better.
If he is done with the antibiotic, I'd try a reduction, as bacterial infections raise glucose and eliminating that could reduce the need for insulin.
And if that doesn't wor, I'd go back up and start increasing as needed in 0.2 to 0.25 unit increments.
 
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