Vestibular neuropathy

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Rupert's people

Member
I am so thankful for this site - it has been a huge source of information and encouragement since my 11 yr old cat, Rupert was diagnosed with diabetes in Feb. But now, I need some assistance from those out there -
Rupert has developed vestibular neuropathy, according to the vet (who is very good, we like him!). I suspect the underlying cause was ongoing low blood sugar, as I wasn't monitoring his BS well enough, and still plugging him with insulin. He is off the insulin completely unless his BS goes above 10 mmol/L. Today, he is VERY weak - barely able to stand. (His left front leg is the problem)and almost stuporous. He is eating a little bit, still peeing, as of last night. This mornings' BS reading was 4.9 which is still low.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Any suggestions for getting his Blood sugar up to normal ranges?
Our vet believes Rupert will survive - but he is so weak, it's tearing my heart out to see him like this. Has anyone else's cat been through this and lived?
Thank you.
 
I'm not familiar with the term vestibular neuropathy, are you saying that your cat has weakness and lethargy but has not had insulin today? So possibly not a hypo but something else?

Have electrolytes been checked recently, for instance potassium?

Can you check for ketones using the urine sticks?

Did you take your cat to the vet, this seems like something I'd want to get to the vet for and get some bloodwork done.
 
4.9 isn't that bad in bg without insulin. Could Rupert have been misdiagnosed and it is a blood cloth or stroke he has instead?

When he was 11 yrs, my Simba got paralysed first from an sedating substance that shouldn't be used in cats, he almost died, and almost ended up in coma. At the time he also had unregulated galopping bgs in the 30's and above, so in addition to being paralysed he got the hind leg neuropathy, but when we got the bg under control and he got regulated he got well again. Well, not all well, he has still the paralysation's weak musculatur and can't coordinate the body fast enough if he falls, so he injures himself very easily when roaming around the apartment in a speed that is a little too fast for his body reactions.

I think the front legs neuropathy isn't so common in our diabetics, so that's why I think for Rupert it sounds more like a stroke or blood cloth. Have they checked his blood pressure?
 
I completely forgot to mention that he's currently being treated for Feline Herpesvirus - taking Viralys (lycene). Minor detail, sorry.
Yes, I have wondered about a stroke. We haven't gone the blood work route, because of the expense.
 
Rupert's people said:
...Minor detail, sorry....
Click to expand...

Maybe not so minor!

In humans, members of the herpes virus family (there are 8 affecting humans, though there are others) can attack nerves in the brain, such as nerves going to the vestibular apparatus, or to the eyes. This can cause extreme balance problems in humans. I suspect if you ask your vet, you'll find this can happen in animals too.

As to why I suspect this ... in January, I spent 24 hours in an ER observation unit with "acute vestibular neuronitis", most likely brought on by varicella zoster virus. Most people get shingles from re-activated chickenpox, a herpes virus! Me, I just got very, very dizzy and violently ill.
 
Thank you everyone for your replies.
at this point, Rupert is deteriorating - mostly unresponsive and flaccid. He is refusing food and water. We are keeping him warm and close.
He is such a good cat - a great, big, friendly butterscotch cat, who never really considered himself a cat - a dog, perhaps, or a cougar. He was always the first to greet us at the door, and always the first to find the comfiest lap. Visitors would ask what the noise was, and it would be Rupert's purring!
It is so difficult watching him like this, but I will show him all the love he deserves.
 
Dear Rupert's people, and, of course, you too, precious Rupert,

Please know I'm hoping and praying Rupert's vet will figure out what's going on.

Please also know I'm keeping you all close in my heart...

Love and hugs,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever whispering in my heart...
 
I'd go to the vet and check electrolytes. I almost lost Tucker over a year ago when he was limp and unresponsive. Potassium was too low, after we got that up he was fine.

If you don't take him to the vet, he's probably not going to make it through this and this might be something treatable but without bloodwork you won't know.
 
My beautiful Rupert the Wonder Cat died in my arms early this morning. It wasn't diabetes. I miss him already.
Thank you for your help, cat lovers. You were a good help.
love, evelyn
 
Oh Evelyn,

I am so very very sorry...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies. And, please be gentle with yourself. Grieving hearts take time to mend... It is my humble hope that one morning you wake up smiling because your heart is suddenly flooded with all the good memories of your beautiful furry wonder boy...











Fly free, handsome Rupert! Soar high on your wondrous new wings! Run and play and eat everything in sight! Please send a rainbow or visit your mom's dreams to let her know you're okay now. You can do that. Giz will teach you how...

Much love and countless gentle hugs,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever whispering in my heart...




Fragile Circle

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."

Irving Townsend
 
I'm so very sorry that your boy has had to go ahead of you. I know the pain feels too heavy to bear... I'm so sorry..
 
I just saw this and am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear sweet butterscotch baby. He sounds like one special kitty. Fly free dear Rupert, land softly in the hearts of your family until you all meet again.
Best wishes and prayers for comfort at this sad time.
jeanne
 
I'm so very sorry that Rupert had to go on ahead. But please, please do know that he is waiting for you up where Rainbows begin. I read recently that a small boy died and they kept working and working and finally got him back. He told them of the lovely lovely place, with the bright and beautiful colors.. AND "A LOT OF ANIMALS"... his words... "A lot of animals" I hope that my Charlie was their waiting for Rupert to explain to him that they will see us again. I had such vivid dreams of my boy for a few days after I held him and the vet helped remove him from pain the last time. The last one I had... he was in the bedroom, and looking back over his shoulder at me... and then he just slowly dissappeared from my site... just faded and faded and I was left looking at where he had been.... I stare there no when I feel the need of him.

I hope Rupert lets you know he has reached the spot where they gather to play and wait for us - very close to the ridge.......


The Ridge
© 2004 By Carol Notermann

It’s been such a lovely summer, I’ve been napping in the sun.
This morning, other cats and I enjoyed a long long run.
We chased butterflies together. I climbed high into a tree.
And now I think what woke me up was that small bumble bee.

I’ve yawned and stretched, and still I feel that something has begun.
He’s standing there in robes of white, and telling me to come.
I always run to Him you know, when He comes across the bridge
To see if we’re all having fun and if we’ve checked the ridge.

He gives tummy rubs to all of us and pets and cuddles too
I’m glad to see Him every day, when He comes into view.
Each day He takes a different cat, and chats with them a while
Then off that kitty starts to run. I swear they seem to smile.

But now He’s stopped in front of me. He’s said a name I know.
He said to look out towards the ridge. The sun is setting low.
I start to walk out toward the ridge, and then what’s that I see.
IT’S YOU! IT’S YOU! It’s really you. You’ve come to be with me!

My goodness you are running and I am running too!
You stop to bend, but I can jump and now I am with you.
I feel your kisses on my head, as I did in long off days
You’re holding me and hugging me, and into your eyes I gaze.

And now He’s walking with us, as you carry me once more
We’ve crossed Rainbow Bridge together. We’re here at Heaven’s door.
And He has held it open, and told us to walk through
That from now on and forever, I can always be with you.
 
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((EVELYN))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sending many many cyber hugs. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rupert sounds like an amazing kitty. Rupert is flying free now, whole and healthy over the Rainbow Bridge rb_icon

wings_cat
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top