Phoebe's Eye Issue

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by EricH., Jan 21, 2018.

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  1. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    20180121_115732.jpg Friday when I came home from work I noticed Phoebe's right pupil was dilated different from the left. I thought maybe it was just irritated? Yesterday I administrated 2 drops of tobramycin ophthalmic solution twice as well as a few hours ago. There is no pus or leakage from her eye. Anyone ever have this happen?
     
  2. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Hey Eric, I don’t know much about eye issues. Does the affected pupil react to light?
    How is she feeling otherwise?
     
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  3. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    She seems pretty normal. Her appetite is there but she is laying around more than normal. When I get home I'll do a light test on her pupil.
     
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  4. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Eric - Murphy's pupils have been like this ever since I adopted him years ago. I was totally freaked out about it, but the vet said 'don't worry about it, since it is not new and he is fine" I guess the question is - is this new or something she's had a long time?
     
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  5. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    It's new. My sister said that indoor allergies are hi. So maybe that's part of it?
     
  6. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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  7. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the information Carol. I did the light test on Phoebe and her pupil is contracting with the light. Her eye is looking better but I'm going to continue too monitor it.
     
  8. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    I would take her in to see the vet. An issue like that can be an indicator for so many things!
     
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  9. Steph & Quintus & L & O

    Steph & Quintus & L & O Well-Known Member

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    People recommending she see a vet are right, as this kind of symptom can be a stroke or something neurological. It's probably not as dramatic, though, if the rest of the cat is normal.

    It can also be iridocyclitis, which can be caused by some infections. My cat Bagha had it due to a toxoplasmosis infection (cats are normally asymptomatic, and that led us to discover he was FIV+). So in any case worth investigating.

    Differently contracted pupils can also be due to blindness. When Quintus went blind, he lost sight in one eye first (still the case, he has some sight left in one of them). The "bad" eye follows the "good" eye when it comes to pupil contraction, but not perfectly, so they're often differently dilated.
     
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  10. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thanks everyone for the information! Phoebe's eye looks a lot better this morning. I'm going to continue too monitor it.
     
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  11. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    That was the first thing that worried me, as well. Definitely best to have the vet check it out.
     
  12. Becky & Baby Girl GA

    Becky & Baby Girl GA Well-Known Member

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    My cat has lost both her eyes due to iritis & then glaucoma. Usually the affected eye; being dilated are what you see after having it for some time. I would say take her sooner rather than later if it isn’t better in a couple days. Iritis is treatable but if not soon enough can develop into glaucoma. ECID! It could very well be just a slight infection; treatable with drops! I just know, I wasn’t fast enough in listening to 3 vets saying, you have to drive to the nearest eye specialist to get a proper dx! I’m hoping this is nothing like Baby had & good luck to you & phoebe! :bighug::cat::bighug: Keep us posted!
     
  13. Steph & Quintus & L & O

    Steph & Quintus & L & O Well-Known Member

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    As my vet always says: ALWAYS consult for an eye thing. We don't realise it but cats are more susceptible to eye problems like ulcers than humans. So you don't want to take chances.
     
  14. Becky & Baby Girl GA

    Becky & Baby Girl GA Well-Known Member

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    Iritis can be successfully treated but they have yet to find a cure for glaucoma in cats! There are drops to bring down the pressure for a period of time, but eventually it becomes too painful for them. Iritis is very painful too. In Baby’s case it was a congenital defect - that’s usually the way. This is what the eye specialist in Indy told me in 2012, I have not researched it since then. My Baby went through this & I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, remember that cats hide their pain very well! Hope I have helped someone to recognize the importance of our cats eye health!
     
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  15. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thank you Becky & Baby Girl Kitty, Stephanie & Quintus, Squalliesmom, Carol & Murphy, and Sharon14 for all your help and advice! Since I've been administering tobramycin ophthalmic solution her eye has shown much improvement. I'll continue to update. Phoebe was eating and playing and is currently napping next to me on the love seat.
     
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  16. Phoebes (GA)

    Phoebes (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Vines to our fellow Phoebe!! :) :)
     
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  17. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Adding my voice to the recommendations to get Phoebe to the vet ASAP for a check-up. It's especially important to check eye health in diabetics because they're more prone to eye problems. Ask the vet to check for any signs of uveitis as well as the suggestions above.


    Mogs
    .
     
  18. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    I completely understand that. Any suggestions when you're in working poverty and have no money to pay a vet? I don't take Phoebe's health issues lightly. Not having the funds to care for Phoebe is extremely hard on me...
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2018
  19. Becky & Baby Girl GA

    Becky & Baby Girl GA Well-Known Member

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    I totally understand & if she’s improving with the antibiotic; then that’s what I’m happy to hear about! I am driving an ancient car due to each time I save enough, something comes up! Like last time, diabetes. I tend to go overboard when it comes to my cat! Ok, we’ll take it if BaBy needs that! Lol... I don’t want a brand new car, just more reliable. :) Keep up the drops & give Phoebes a rub & hug from me! Thanks for being a good catdaddy! :bighug:
     
  20. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I really feel for your situation, Eric.

    :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  21. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Update:
    Phoebe seems and looks normal. Her eye still seems dialated more than normal still. But tomorrow Phoebe has a 2p.m. appointment at the vet too check her eyes and blood pressure. I was able to reach out and find generous help. Thank God! Praying and thinking positive thoughts for tomorrow!
     
  22. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Lots of positive thoughts for tomorrow, Eric I'm so glad this worked out
     
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  23. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Update:
    Phoebe is home from the Vet. Her diagnosis is Horner's syndrome. Which my Vet believes was brought on by an ear infection. Treatable with antibiotics. We go back February 3rd for the follow up. Also the Dr. said Phoebe looked amazing! Her coat was beautiful! Her weight was ideal! That she's come along way from when she went DKA. That made me feel good because sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough.
     
  24. mary hornbeck

    mary hornbeck Member

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    Hi Eric, I totally understand how you feel. I am raising a 14 year old by myself and make, on a good week, no more than $200 a week, thank god taxes comes around every year. I use this to put a dent in any running tabs that I have. It’s so hard as I want to do everything for my marmalade and accepting that is a hard pill to swallow. Right now I am also dealing with a Melanoma in my cats eye On top of the diabetes maintenance stuff.
     
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  25. mary hornbeck

    mary hornbeck Member

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    I’m glad it was just hornets syndrome and nothing more serious
     
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  26. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Wow - great news. Phoebes story is heartwarming. Eric, you should give this good news update to DCIN, and maybe they could showcase Phoebe's story - shows how a little help at the right time can mean so much

    I'm really happy for you and Phoebes
     
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  27. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Carol thank you for the positive thought you sent Phoebe's way!!! Im slightly relieved!!! :) Are we even allowed to speak of DCIN on here? I remember I received a warning from the admin on here. With that being said DCIN are aware of today.
     
  28. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    That's great - Your's is definitely a success story. Wonderful vet report!!

    I also had horner's some years back from a horrendous sinus infection
     
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  29. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Jenna and Jillian at DCIN are God's send as well as all involved with DCIN!
     
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  30. Becky & Baby Girl GA

    Becky & Baby Girl GA Well-Known Member

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    :cat:Oh I’m so glad that this is treatable! Yippee for you & Phoebes! Great job well done!
    I’m sorry if I scared you! I just wanted to save someone else going through what I did. I totally get it & thanks to those that helped you in your time of need!
     
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  31. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Eric,

    I know only too well what tricky financial situations are like and I am so, so, so glad that the universe moved to help you and Phoebe. (((Eric and Phoebe)))

    I'm also glad that your vet was so impressed with Phoebe. That's down to the love and care you give to her, and you deserve a humungous pat on the back! :)

    :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  32. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thank you so much Mogs! That is re
    Hi Mary! Thanks for your encouraging words. Life can be hard on our pets as it can be hard on all of us all. But luckily more ups than downs!
     
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  33. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thank you Mogs! Phoebe is doing great! I was impressed with Phoebe's evaluation as well! Glad she's healthy. That's all I can ask for and be thankful for the days, weeks, months, and years I've had with her.
     
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  34. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    20180127_082252.jpg Phoebe today looking and feeling wonderful!
     
  35. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Phoebe is looking most regal, Eric! Mistress of all she surveys!!! :cat:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  36. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Phoebe's follow up this morning went well. Continue with antibiotics. She got to hiss at the Dr. one last time! Hahaha!
     
  37. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    That's great, Eric
     
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  38. EricH.

    EricH. Well-Known Member

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    Thank you Carol!
     
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