advice re my deaf blind cat

[thetruespacecadet]

Hi, my old tom cat who is 20 and arthritic and fairly deaf has recently gone suddenly blind.  We have taken him to the vet who said he has hypertension (he was already on treatment for kidney disease) and he is now on amolodipine.  The vet said he has responded well to the kidney treatment and seems otherwise healthy and should adapt to his blindness in 3-4 weeks.  My problem is he has given up trying to find his litter tray/food/water and howls (he did this as he went deaf but it is now more frequent).  He will stand up and urinate on anything he is sleeping on and I am constantly taking him to his litter tray/ food/ water (He is eating and drinking well once placed there but howls until I check his needs rather than trying to find anything himself). He is generally mopey. In the morning I have to bathe him as he has sat in his own urine.  I guess my worry is that I should not be putting him through all this and he will be on his own most of the day as I work full time normally.  I would really appreciate advice / guidance / opinion from anybody who has experienced similar.  How long should it take for any signs of improvement?  I dont want him to be put to sleep unless this is the kindest option for him as he is much loved, but equally I dont want him to suffer. Thanks.

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

There may be other health issues affecting your cat such as feline diabetes for example. High blood pressure can affect vision as can diabetes and result in blindness. Baytril, an antibiotic often given for feline urinary tract issues can affect vision as well.
If you are able to post your cats complete blood and urine results as well as dosages and current meds I am glad to review and offer you my specific suggestions
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM

[thetruespacecadet]

Hello, just to let you know that Coco went to sleep today after taking a downward turn over the last few days. Thankyou for trying to help us.  Kind regards, Julie.

[thetruespacecadet]

Thanks very much for your offer I will speak to the vet and get all his results etc for your opinion.  He is very thin and does not keep weight on despite contantly being fed / eating a lot, and I wonderered about his thyroid but the vet does not think his thyroid result is 'too bad' and has not put him on any treatment.  He also has a fast heart rate.  His weight loss has been over the last 3 years.  He tends to normally sleep alot, and is slow on his feet due to the arthritis. His only meds are fortekor 2.5 mg once a day for his renal failure, amlodipine 1.75 mg a day for his blood pressure, and Ipakitine powder on his food (approx 0.5 g).  Thanks very much for your help and advice.