Sudden onset paralysis and subsequent death in feline

[KittyMcD]

The other  night my kitty got outside for the first time in the three-plus years she's been with us.  I was unaware that she'd gotten out but when I found a big dead mole on the floor by her escape route (a torn window screen), I tossed the mole outside and began calling her name.  I initially noticed the mole when I heard what sounded like a low gutteral growl coming from the ground-level window with the torn screen, so after calling her name a few times I looked out that same window and to my horror there she was, lying motionless just outside the window!  I ran out and picked her up and she was completely limp but warm; her eyes were wide open and her pupils dilated.  We rushed her to the emergency vet and although they tried to revive her, she died shortly after we arrived.  She made no sounds and remained motionless during the entire 25 minute drive to the ER.  She had no signs of external trauma and, except for pale gums, looked completely normal.  The vet thought perhaps she'd had a stroke, and I've read online of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as it relates to paralysis, but I can't help but think her death was a result of something that happened to her outside.  I know she was only out for an hour or two--long enough to kill that huge mole, bring it in the house and go out again.  Could the mole have had anything to do with it?  The vet doubted she'd ingested poison as the paralysis was too sudden and there were no signs of vomiting.  Snake bite was another thought that crossed my mind but we live in Western Pennsylvania and I don't think there are any very deadly snakes here.  Do you have any suggestions?

[KittyMcD]

Thank you for writing.  As I mentioned in my original writing, I too have looked and looked for information regarding my Sophie's sudden-onset paralysis and subsequent death but to no avail.  I am sorry you have experienced the distress of a similar loss.  If I do learn of a possible explanation for these symptoms I will gladly pass it on to you.  Again, I am very sorry for the loss of your dear Wesley.

Sincerely,
Lori

[lindi623]

Hi Kitty -

It may not be the mole.  I had the very same thing with my 4 year old cat, Wesley.  I have been researching the internet trying to figure out what may have happened (I didn't want an autopsy done - it was just too hard for me to do).  

He came upstairs and went limp on the landing, eyes wide and limp as a cooked noodle.  He coughed twice when I  brought him downstairs to get him away from my other cat that was having a fit over him.

I feel as though I need to have an idea of what happened, but I can't find any disease that specifies complete paralysis like that.  I think he was gone in the first fifteen minutes but I drove around with him looking for help (not knowing that our emergency vets were between 25 and an hour away) for two hours knowing by then that he was long gone.

If you find anything out, please let me know.

[zodiacqueen]

You're more than welcome! :D  I'll be watching for your thread when ya post!!!

[KittyMcD]

Thanks, Staci.  I'll ask the vet on Med Help as soon as I can.

[zodiacqueen]

Darn, I was hoping that would've explained it!!  I have no clue what could've caused your cat's death.  The only thing I can think of is a possible poisoning.  I've never heard of a poisonous mole.  I have had cats bring me these mole "gifts" in the past, and nothing has ever happened.  Unfortunately, the gifts have been brought in alive.  I'd rather have the dead "gifts" lol.

You should try the "ask a vet" forums also on medhelp-ask her what she thinks.  The vet seems very cool and really sweet.  I don't blame ya at all for wanting some kind of answer.  I promise you, the pain will ease with time.

Staci

PS-Sorry, I just reread your post and I did see you had said ground-level window,  oops.

[KittyMcD]

Thanks for commenting and for your kind words.  As I mentioned (though on re-reading my question I guess it wasn't clear) she escaped through a ground-floor window.