u/Aspurrgatory

Previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/CATHELP/s/fzmKfoJmUE

Not entirely sure why my previous post was locked, but I’m posting an update since so many of you asked for one.

The attached video was from before we took him to the animal hospital, but I’ve added it for reference of what a focal seizure looks like, in case anyone has a kitty experiencing the same symptoms and is looking for information.

I’m 31F. My boy Monty is a male, neutered DSH. We’re in South Africa. All the tests we are doing has been made possible through pet insurance. I cannot recommend it enough.

Monty was admitted to the animal hospital yesterday. The vet diagnosed these episodes as focal seizures, and they are now trying to figure out the underlying cause.

From his initial examination of reflexes and responses, the vet said it shouldn’t be neurological. FIV, FelV, diabetes, and thyroid tests came back clear. His blood work looked good, and his kidney functions have returned to normal. He did however have another seizure last night. He was given midazalam which he responded well to and the seizure subsided.

They have done a first test on bile acids to test his liver function, which came back clear. Another bile acid test will be done in 2 hours. Because the first test was clear, they expect the second will also be. He is therefore booked for an MRI 6 hours from now. He will stay at the hospital another night.

If the MRI is clear, then they believe it may be epilepsy, which is apparently less common in cats than it is in dogs, but it should be manageable.

So for now, we’re kind of going through a process of elimination. Please keep him in your thoughts and send him whatever good vibes or prayers you can 🙏🏼 I really really appreciate the comments, support, and feedback.

UPDATE: the MRI has come back - my boy has meningitis. The next step is to perform a CSF analysis/spinal tap to find the cause to determine what treatment we can do.

The vet says it could be toxoplasmosis or feline infectious peritonitis. If it is either of these, then they expect an 80% recovery rate. The alternative is that is could be FIV or FelV, even though his initial tests said he was negative for that, it is possible that this can come up in the fluid analysis. If it is one of these, then the prognosis is not good.

I’m 31, based in South Africa. My cat is a neutered male DSH, 6 years old. I have access to a vet and pet insurance.

Okay, bit of background for context. I will try keep it as brief as possible.

- mid-March I took him to the vet because of blood in his urine. He was diagnosed with cystitis and given meds. His kidneys were checked and they were fine, but urine analysis confirmed an infection in his bladder. We noted he weighed 4.3kg.

- last week Tuesday, May, I noticed he was isolating himself, low energy, and he had lost a lot of weight. Took him back to the vet. Vet noted he now weighed 3.5kg, and he had lost about 22% of his body weight. Bloods showed his kidneys were borderline, and there was another infection his bladder. He was kept for observation until Wednesday.

- we switched him to Hill’s c/d urinary care diet. He was given petcam and gabapentin, an anti inflammatory and antibiotics.

- he improved significantly and seemed back to his normal self, eating well, purring, very affectionate and lively.

- yesterday, Monday morning, he started having episodes of temporary lameness in his front right leg, then all his legs. He would miss steps, and his paws would ‘knuckle’ underneath him.

- rushed him to the vet, this time a different vet due to appointment availability. The vet noted that the gabapentin may have caused an adverse reaction. She retested kidneys and their values were back to normal. She tested electrolytes and notes his potassium was low. She advised to stop gabapentin.

- he improved throughout the day, but then last night he had an episode which I can best describe as him having hallucinations. He was very easily startled, seemed disoriented, kept swatting and biting at the air and shaking his hind leg as if he was trying to chase away small flies that were bothering him. Motor functions seemed okay, no lameness. But it’s like he was in a different place, rapidly looking around and constantly bothered by something.

- this morning I woke up with him having another episode like that, and also attacking his tail. He has never chased or played with his tail before. He is still eating and drinking well. At this point it’s been at least 36 hours since I last gave him gabapentin. Could the vet’s hypothesis still be possible? Would it still be in his system?

I will be calling the vet as soon as they open. In the meantime, please, does anyone know what could be wrong with my boy?

UPDATE 1: I have a vet appointment scheduled for 3 hours from now.

UPDATE 2: I spoke to the vet before the appointment after he had another episode. The vet said they don’t actually have the facilities to do scans, MRIs, etc. so the appointment wouldn’t really be all that constructive. I have also noticed he is not particularly happy with me touching his head, which is unlike him. I have cancelled the vet appointment and am currently en route to an animal hospital (unfortunately an hour away from where I stay). He has a referral for all necessary tests, including an MRI. Will keep you all posted. Thank you for your thoughts and support 🙏🏼

UPDATE 3: I took him to the animal hospital. The vet gave him a thorough look over, tested his mobility and reactions, knocking on his knees, hips, front paws, etc. checked eye dilation and how his ears reacted. The vet says while it does look like a focal seizure, it doesn’t look neurological. He believes the seizures are likely caused by an organ issue. My little boy has been admitted to the hospital and will be monitored overnight. They will rerun all blood tests to check his organs, and possibly also do ultrasounds of his organs. If nothing is picked up then, we will progress to an MRI.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, replies, and support 🙏🏼 it looks like so far, I’ve done everything I can, and he’s in the vets’ hands now. Without the MRI, cost estimate is coming to around R20,000 which is about 1200 USD. With an MRI, it’ll be R30,000 so about 1800 USD. It looks like my pet insurance will probably cover all of it (including the R8,000 / 500 USD I’ve already spent on the other 3 vet visits). Just a general PSA to get pet insurance.