Cat eye patch

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Benshuman

Benshuman

Member Since 2015
Is there anyway to make an eye patch or cover a cats eye to protect it?

I found out Ben probably has a tumor behind his eye and now he no longer blinks and is probably blind in that eye. Its slowly swelling. I am putting eye ointment and artifical tears on it per the vets suggestion and giving him Tramadol for pain.

I would like to cover it to try to protect it. It could get infected if he bumps it.

He cannot have his eye removed because of his age, kidney failure and disbetes.

Thanks for any information
 
We have another cat here fighting cancer, diabetes and is an older fellow that had an eye removed safely not long ago. I think if it's that painful and he risks infection by bumping it, you really need to consider his quality of life living with it like that

Risks with anesthesia are always going to be present, but anesthesia's are a lot safer these days than they used to be and if your vet knows what they're doing, it should be fine and his quality of life will be a lot better without it.

Hopefully @Tricia & Cinco & Harvey can stop by and tell you about their experiences
 
Hi.

I'm sorry to hear about Ben's situation. I can totally empathize. When Cinco was diagnosed with Ocular Lymphoma, we did a lot of soul searching. We decided that if we did the surgery and he came through okay, his quality of life would be much better. If he didn't survive the surgery, he'd had a fairly long life and he had known love in the short time he was with us. If we didn't do it, he would die, and suffer along the way. We felt he deserved his shot at some quality time. He had already survived DKA and living on his own, so we thought he had a good chance. He came through it okay and faced down every challenge that came his way - including the loss of his other eye. He's now on his third round with cancer - he's getting chemo. But he's still fighting and we're still cheering him on. We don't know for sure how old he is, but we suspect he's around 14. Every day is a gift, and as long as he's willing to keep going, we're going to do everything we can to make it possible.

Of course, taking this path involves a huge commitment, emotionally and financially. Only you know if it's possible. I wish you every success, whatever you decide to do, and please feel free to contact me with any questions I might be able to answer for you.

We had an e-collar on Cinco when we were concerned about his bumping his eye, but that was miserable for him, and I wouldn't choose that option if I didn't have to.

We do have another kitty that is minus an eye. @Bobbie And Bubba might be able to provide some insight, too.
 
Hi,

I'm really sorry to hear about Ben's eye. My girl had to lose an eye recently after suffering an ocular haemorrhage. Our own vet immediately referred her to a specialist opthalmologist; my girl had developed secondary glaucoma and her eye was swelling. I had to face the choice of letting her go or seeing whether she would make it through the surgery. The opthalmologist thought that if she came through the op OK she stood a very good chance of getting back to how she was before the problem developed with the eye. I felt that, eye problem aside, Saoirse definitely had more living she wanted to do so I asked the opthalmologist to go ahead with the surgery. She was 15 at the time but she made it OK through the surgery and celebrated her sixteenth birthday on the first of this month. We went through a few rocky patches during her recovery (largely related to her not being initially prescribed a long enough course of antibiotics and appetite problems leading to dehydration) but she has adapted well to having just one eye. She is sat beside me now, purring away - a lot happier than she was in the days before the op. I wish Saoirse hadn't lost her eye, but I'd rather have a one-eyed Saoirse with quality of life than no Saoirse at all and I'm very grateful to both the opthalmologist and all the wonderful members here who helped us through it. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

With the swelling present in Ben's eye, I strongly recommend that you get Ben's intraocular pressure measured as a matter of urgency. The opthalmologist will be able to give you the specialist advice you need and may prescribe interim treatments to help with the swelling. Please keep updating us with how things are going. We're here for you both.

:bighug:


Mogs
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Hi Windy ~ I am so sorry to hear about Ben's eye problem. I have a few questions for you. I know you found Ben when he was a teenager so do you have any idea how old he is? And has Ben been seen by an ophthalmologist vet who can as Mogs said check his intraocular pressure. If he develops pressure, it can be most painful and then you would have to consider his QOL IF the surgery can not be done. Are you in the states?

When Bubba had his surgery he was 9 years 5 months old and his diabetes was no where near being controlled. I realize that a younger cat vs an older cat going into surgery are two different scenarios. Like Mogs said, anesthesia are so much better now.
It is a tough decision for you for sure.

As far as the eye patch, maybe you could ask an eye doctor for a small one used for a child and alter it for fit. The one on Bubba's picture was photo shopped by my son. Also, like Tricia said, an e-collar could be a good choice as well. There make the soft ones now that are not to cumbersome.

Keep us posted.
 
I will see if I can find an eye specialist to look at his eye further. I am temporarily in Nevada at the moment. The vet said he only has a few weeks left to live and just keep him comfortable. Last Sunday I thought it was his time to go by how he was acting, he refused to eat and was agitated and just lying there. I didn't know what else to do so I gave him tuna fish and he ate it and came back to life. I know the vet said he may have weeks to live, but sometimes I think he only has days left when I see him just lying there and then all of a sudden he is fine again, and he goes over and eats drinks and uses the litter box and keeps going. He is not suffering, has a good quality of life, and his eye doesn't bother him all the time, just once in a while and it's enough where I give him pain meds when it does. As soon as I see any indication of him suffering or having a poor quality of life I will let him go.

So my biggest dilemma is how much more do I do for him, without making what life he has left miserable for him. He is eating, drinking and using the litter box. He eats wet food every few hours and wakes me throughout the night and morning for it. He likes to lay near one of the water fountains and purrs while he sleeps. He is more vocal then he used to be and meows a lot when he wants to eat.

He seems much older then my 14 year old cat, my guess is he could be 17 to 19 years old. I am leaning more towards 19. He seems a bit senile now too.

He isn't bumping into anything but I just wanted to be prepared with something just in case he ever does. I do have the old e collar which is plastic but I will look into a soft one. I did try separating him from the others and keeping him with me, but he was miserable and the other night he kept meowing at me really upset until I let him out. He seems happier being able to roam around, not that he goes anywhere. He pretty much sticks around where I was trying to keep him separated.

Ben's glucose was fine yesterday and kidneys were still good considering he has kidney failure.
 
I am so sorry that you are going through this. Why does the vet seem to think he only has a few weeks to live? Did he run BW on him to see if there were other problems as well? Or does he think the tumor is cancer? Sorry for all the questions, it just helps with the big picture.

Eating, drinking and using the litter box are all good indicators of how he is doing.

If he were my kitty I would get an eye vet to see him ASAP for another opinion and to makes sure he does not have pressure that would cause him great discomfort.
 
The vet thinks he only has a few weeks because of his age and health condition. He says the tumor behind his eye seems to be growing quickly and removing the eye will not stop the tumor at this point and they may not be able to get all the tumor because of its location.

There were also too many risks with his age and health to consider eye surgery. I was told the chances are he may not survive. I cant even do a dental cleaning on him because of him being put out and its too risky the vet said.

He also still grooms his face too, I forgot to mention that.

His glucose was 253.
He had an infection in his mouth two months ago and was given an antibiotic injection which took care of it. He also has arthritis in his back

When I found Ben the vet that saw him said he has about 6 months to maybe 2 years to live. He was in realy bad shape, starving and near death.

He has seen 3 different vets for his various medical and health issues. The eye problem just began a week ago and it seems the tumor is growing too fast. I will look up an eye specialist for him tomorrow.
 
You poor thing, Windy! I feel for you with all that you have gone through with Ben. You are a wonderful bean to take such good care of him. Another opinion is always a good thing and it can help you to know how to proceed. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Windy, I'm so sorry to hear that Ben is going through more health problems. I know it's hard on you, too. I don't really have any suggestions except to say that unfortunately, a soft e-collar will not really protect his eye much if he bumps it on something. Sending prayers and healing thoughts! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Thank you for eveyones advice and information and links. I am beat already from him waking me up several times everyday throughout the night and early morning hours to be fed. I am taking a break before I continue with the rest of my morning routine. Bens like having a baby now who needs constant care, which I am fine with, but wow I had no idea how much care he would need. I have never had a cat this old and one with so many health issues. He has neurological problems too but maybe the tumor is causing that.

For all of you that do so much for your cats on here, they are very lucky they have you as pet parents to go above and beyond for their special needs.
 
The opthalmologist may be able to prescribe something to make Ben's eye more comfortable.

Ben is so blessed to have you to love and care for him.

((((Ben's Human))))

I don't know whether this might be of help. When Saoirse was recovering from her op, I wanted something better for her than her resting cage in which to convalesce; something where she hopefully wouldn't feel cooped and where she wouldn't snag herself on while she was healing. I got her a kitty playpen. It has worked brilliantly. Indeed, it's still on the go in the living room; she likes to wander into it for a snooze. I wonder whether something like that might help Ben? He'd be part of the action in the home and yet be in a safer environment. Even if you only used it while you got some sleep or while you're out of the house it might help (and give you a little peace of mind). (They collapse down into a very small, neat package.) You can get similar on Amazon (and, I would assume, eBay). Also, maybe use a timed feeder to dispense some food for Ben while you get a little rest?


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Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
The opthalmologist may be able to prescribe something to make Ben's eye more comfortable.

Ben is so blessed to have you to love and care for him.


((((Ben's Human))))

I don't know whether this might be of help. When Saoirse was recovering from her op, I wanted something better for her than her resting cage in which to convalesce; something where she hopefully wouldn't feel cooped and where she wouldn't snag herself on while she was healing. I got her a kitty playpen. It has worked brilliantly. Indeed, it's still on the go in the living room; she likes to wander into it for a snooze. I wonder whether something like that might help Ben? He'd be part of the action in the home and yet be in a safer environment. Even if you only used it while you got some sleep or while you're out of the house it might help (and give you a little peace of mind). Also, maybe use a timed feeder to dispense some food for Ben while you get a little rest? (They collapse down into a very small, neat package.) You can get similar on Amazon (and, I would assume, eBay).


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I would like to get one of those but I worry my 18 pound cat would jump on it or rip the sides open. He's really destructive. I have two really big scratching posts and he will go running across the room and jump on the scratching posts and has almost knocked them over. I had to grab them as they were falling over. He also attacks things and either tears them up or leaves scratch marks in them. He will rip open the dog food and cat food bags and even the bird food bags. One time I walked away from my burrito wrapped and in a paper bag and I came back to find the bag and wrapper ripped open and bite marks in my burrito. Nothing is safe from Bailey.
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I haven't seen this suggestion yet, so sorry if it's a duplicate.

Why not check out The Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary? I'm sure they have had more than their fair share of cases like yours and may be able to offer some helpful tips and insights.
 
Squeaks & Nemo said:
I haven't seen this suggestion yet, so sorry if it's a duplicate.

Why not check out The Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary? I'm sure they have had more than their fair share of cases like yours and may be able to offer some helpful tips and insights.
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I did not know about them, I will contact them. Maybe they can tell me about a different pain killer for him too. The Tramadol seems to make him out of it.
 
Critter Mom said:
Rent-a-thug Bailey could well present a problem re the playpen idea. :(

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He is quite a beast. I think he thinks he is a Tiger and not a house cat. Ben does not wander far from where I am now so that's a good thing. He likes sleeping near the water fountains, literally right up against them.
 
Several years ago, my non-diabetic 17 year old cat's eye exploded due to high blood pressure and hyper thyroidism. He was very skinny, but my vet and I didn't hesitate and he had the eye removed that day. He was home the next and lived for a further two years.
 
Windy, I'm so sorry for Bens prognosis. You are taking such wonderful care of him. Think of how he was when you found him. If it is his time to cross, he will do so surrounded by love instead of alone on the streets. You are an amazing bean:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:Sending pain free and healing vines for sweet, sweet Ben
 
I called vet about lowering the Tramadol to 1/8th of a 50 mg pill. The 1/4th made him sit there in a daze. Now on the 1/8th twice a day which I began today, he keeps walking around meowing really loud.

He seems to have wore himself out and is sleeping.

I have no idea if the Tramadol is causing him to be this vocal. I am asking the vet tomorrow whats going on with his behavior.
 
I am sorry to hear your baby still isn't well. Is the vet sure the eye is his source of pain? Some of the eye problems don't seem to be painful to some cats. I'd hate for the vet to focus on eye pain since there is an obvious problem there, when his real pain is coming from a different problem.

Was it an 'in pain' meow? Lots of older kitties and kitties on medication get confused and lost easily. Could he be losing sight in his other eye as well? If that's the case, confining him to one room for a while (unless your by his side) can actually help since there is less 'stuff' to bump into.

Were you able to reach anyone at https://blindcatrescue.com ?
 
Squeaks & Nemo said:
I am sorry to hear your baby still isn't well. Is the vet sure the eye is his source of pain? Some of the eye problems don't seem to be painful to some cats. I'd hate for the vet to focus on eye pain since there is an obvious problem there, when his real pain is coming from a different problem.

Was it an 'in pain' meow? Lots of older kitties and kitties on medication get confused and lost easily. Could he be losing sight in his other eye as well? If that's the case, confining him to one room for a while (unless your by his side) can actually help since there is less 'stuff' to bump into.

Were you able to reach anyone at https://blindcatrescue.com ?
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The Blind Cat Rescue did respond and said what the vet said, try lowering his Tramadol.

If I separate him he yells and is upset. Since yesterday he has been walking around yelling almost non stop. All through the night he was yelling. This morning he was yelling and climbing onto the sink counter and trying to climb into the sink. I am going to ask about if his eye is causing him to be agitated.

I think maybe hes senile because of his age too.
 
It could most certianly be age related confusion. It must be scary to not remember once familiar things. Have you tried keeping a radio on low volume to give him an 'anchor' in his upsidedown world? Check out http://www.musicforcats.com
My babies seem to calm right down when I play music. Of course, they like any music. The cello is the instrument closest to a human voice, so maybe some classical music with a cello solo.
 
From marvistavet.com:
Overdose may manifest as seizures, pinpoint pupils, and mental alterations. Seek veterinary assistance at once should any of these occur. If a pet develops apparent sedation or bizarre behavior, the tramadol dose should be reduced.
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http://marvistavet.com/tramadol.pml

Be careful if Ben's on any other meds or supplements that affect serotonin levels (more at the marvistavet link above).

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From vetinfo.com:
Although feline side effects from tramadol are considered rare, there are four common symptoms to be on the lookout for: constipation, drowsiness, hallucinations and stomach upset. [...] Like drowsiness, hallucinations are a common indication that your cat’s medication dosage may need to be adjusted. Discuss altering your cat’s dosage with your veterinarian if she begins demonstrating bizarre behavior.
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[Emphasis mine]

https://www.vetinfo.com/tramadol-side-effects-in-cats.html


Mogs
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I will try the calming music for him. I saw a different vet in Saturday and he said Ben is senile and may have dementia along with the possibility of a brain tumor or tumor behind his eye.

I was told Tramadol is the best thing they can prescribe from him.

He is very vocal now whether he is on or off Tramadol. He doesn't seem to be having the neurological problem he had before where he was bobbing his head. Maybe that was just caused from his losing site in the left eye.

I keep the bathroom door closed now because he kept jumping onto the counter and almost fell.

He wore himself out walking around yelling all morning.

Sometimes when I pick him up and hold him that seems to calm him down. He was even really vocal at the vets too and on the car ride there and back. He used to be so quiet.
 
Squeaks & Nemo said:
It could most certianly be age related confusion. It must be scary to not remember once familiar things. Have you tried keeping a radio on low volume to give him an 'anchor' in his upsidedown world? Check out http://www.musicforcats.com
My babies seem to calm right down when I play music. Of course, they like any music. The cello is the instrument closest to a human voice, so maybe some classical music with a cello solo.
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I played the sample for him and then went on Youtube and found free music for cats which I am playing for him now. I think he likes it, he calmed down and is laying down. I will know in a while if the music is working or not, I am playing a 10 hour song:

If I need to go get an MP3 player and a speaker for him to listen to all day to calm him down I will.
 
That music is really nice! I'm glad to hear that Ben seems to be enjoying it, and that it is having a soothing effect on him. I hope it's making you feel a little better, too. It shines out of every single one of your posts how deeply you care about Ben.

:bighug:


Mogs
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You said that holding him seems to help. Have you ever heard of the Thundershirt? It's a covering for cats (and dogs) that is supposed to help them stay calm. It works on the same premise as swaddling a baby. Perhaps something like that, or a harness, would help?
 
Poor Ben, the world must be such a scary place to him now. If holding him comforts and calms him, I say hold him as much as possible. On some level he probably recognizes your scent and appreciates the warmth of your body. He may also be able to feel or sense your heartbeat, which may be comforting or reassuring to him. And it gives you some special time with him. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I have heard for puppies its a good idea to have a ticking clock near it as it reminds them of a heartbeat. I will look up Thundershirt, I have never heard of it.

Ben is a busy boy when hes awake, hes like a big kitten.

I wonder if he is remembering his former home and owners who abandoned him.
 
Ben wont eat or drink. I force fed him some baby food mixed with water in hopes that it would stimulate his appetite. In the next day or two I have to say goodbye to him and let him go. His time has come whether I like it or not.

Hes sleeping right now after a long night and morning of being very vocal and even screaming at times. Hes so much weaker now and even his meowing seems strained.

I don't want him to suffer anymore. I couldn't even give him his insulin yet.

This is really hard. It actually really sucks.

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and Ben.
 
Oh no, I am so, so sorry to hear this. I know how terribly difficult this decision is, and my heart is truly breaking for you. I am crying for you and Ben as I write this. He trusts you to make the right decisions for him, and sometimes the most loving one is the hardest. I hope you can find some peace in knowing that you have given Ben a wonderful life since he has been with you, SO full of love and care. Many, many (((hugs))). :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Windy, I'm so very sorry about Ben. You have given him a wonderful life. Your love for him shows in every post you've made and I know he can feel it too. Hold him close for whatever time you have left. Give him a hug and a scritch on the chin from me too. I fell in love with him the first time you posted about him.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
Hugs and love for you both.
 
I put Ben to sleep. He was having trouble walking and I knew that it was his time. He would't eat or drink. I could see he wanted water and just stood there at the fountain but just couldn't drink. I gave him some water in a syringe and that was it.

He went very peacefully and was not in any pain.
He was only in my life for a very short time.
I loved him and will miss him and hope wherever he is, he is at peace and enjoying himself.
 
So sorry to hear it was Ben's time to leave you :bighug::bighug::bighug:

Giving them that final gift of a peaceful release from a body that has failed them is the last gift we have to give. It's obvious you loved him dearly though and when it came time, you put his needs above yours.

Fly free sweet Ben and land softly....there are many friends at the bridge to welcome you and keep you company until the one you love most comes to be with you forever. cat_wings>o
 
Windy I'm so very sorry it was Ben's time. You took such wonderful care of him and made his last months happy and filled with love. Fly free sweet Ben, you are loved:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
So very very sorry-- what a bittersweet story of Ben - bless you for saving him and showing him love and kindness
Cambodians believe that karma will play out in this life for human actions relating to felines (instead of in the next life) - based on how much love you showed Ben, you've got a whole lot of positive karma coming to you. My heart goes out to you lots of hugs to you
 
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