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hlee223 · Mar 18, 2012, 09:17 AM

My cat is a persian cat that is going to be 6 years old this year and has polycystic kidney disease. He has always been very active and vocal. A very cheery fella. However, 2 nights ago, I came home to find that he could barely use his hind legs. He could no longer walk more than 3 steps (his hind legs would give way in a sliding motion) and nor could he jump up the stairs (cause his hind legs would give way). Through out the night, he just stared into space barely responding to sounds or calls. When he sat down, his right leg would stick out too. I brought him to the vet the next day and the vet couldn't find anything wrong with him. I guess it was cause of his fear to the vet that 'woke' him up and he could walk again, sniffing around. However, vet did some scans and found kidney stones in his right kidney and urinary tract. As I didn't want to put him through surgery, I took some pain killers for him.

After the vet visit, he managed to eat his entire bowl of food and drank some water. He seemed all right. But today, (2 days after the episode) his personality has totally changed. He no longer meows. He just sits and stares out of the window looking for something. He's extremely skittish (wanting people to be around). He doenst play with his favourite toy nor meows for fish. Its as though he is experiencing an acute memory loss and he can't seem to recognise me and he's often in a daze. I am not sure what is going on with him. However he does recognise his name. Please help.

Ps: vet says his blood flow is good (so can't be blood clotting probs) couldn't be nerves as well and neither could it all be attributed to the kidney probs. His eyes are not dilated.

LadySam · Mar 18, 2012, 09:28 PM

So, no more problems with the legs since the vet visit? I would keep a close eye on this.
By urinary tract, do you mean urethra?
I would monitor the litterbox closely. A blocked cat can get very sick pretty quickly.
As far as the staring and not acting himself, some pain meds can cause an almost stupor or grogginess just as with us humans. I would give them a call in the morning and let them know how about this personality change.
What did your vet put him on?

Illusion · Mar 18, 2012, 09:31 PM

It sounds like you are doing everything you can for him. I would take him back to the vet and explain everything like you wrote here. Can you consider the surgery? And if he has the surgery are his chances for recovery good? Maybe with the surgery he will make a full recovery - but talk to your vet. Or - if you will not consider the surgery - can you get a 2nd opinion by another vet? I hope your cat will feel better soon. He sounds like he is a delight.

hlee223 · Mar 18, 2012, 09:54 PM

Hi Lady Sam and Illusion,

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it.

Yes I do apologize, it's the urethra. He is able to walk better although with a sligh wobble (he doenst run or jump anymore though)

He has been urinated this morning with a slight tinge of blood (although, it is to note that for the past 4 years ever since he was diangosed with PKD, he has occasionally urinated blood wheneve he had infections). He had also diarrhea-ed yesterday.

I would also like to add that I've been feeding him at least 20-30 syringes of water daily due to his PKD to clear any infections.

On a side note, I am not sure whether this could have caused him trauma resulting in all this problems but 4 days ago (a day before his hind legs gave way), I believe he may have been confronted/attacked by a family of wild monkeys that came into my house. There are no visible signs of injuries though. He seems very skittish lately and is always sitting down staring out of the window and needs company wherever he goes. A total 180 degree change from the vocal and active cat that he was..

The vet prescribed some painkillers called tramadol (to be taken 1/4 twice a day). I've only given him 1/4 yesterday.

I have not considered surgery for him because spotty (my cat) is an extremely sensitive cat (who hates visits to the vets) and gets easily distressed and depressed which leads to him getting sick, not eating etc. the vet has said that its risky having surgery and even so, his kidneys are eventually going to fail. The reason why I didn't bring him in is because I want him to be comfortable and not put him through anymore stress. I'm hoping I have made the right decision though.

I did get a 2nd opinon from a different vet and she is equally dumbfounded..

And yes, he has brought me immense joy in my life. This episode is truly heart breaking for me.

LadySam · Mar 19, 2012, 06:41 AM

Wild monkeys! Where are you located?
Persians, unfortunately, are a breed that is predisposed to kidney problems.
Here is some information for cat owners from Cornell University, it is pretty simply stated and easy to understand.
Understanding Kidney Disease | Partners in Animal Health
Is he on a specially formulated kidney diet? Although not a cure diet is important to help the kidneys by helping to decrease the toxins that the kidneys filter out.
I understand the hesitance regarding surgery, but the problem with the stones in the urethra is in that if the stones are too large to pass then they can cause a blockage and he is unable to pass urine, of course your vet that can actually see the stones on x-ray is a much better source than I for guiding you there.
And the tramadol can cause some grogginess and mental changes, but I would still ring the vet and let them know about the changes in his attitude.
Good luck and best wishes with your buddy.

hlee223 · Mar 19, 2012, 07:45 AM

Yea wild fierce monkeys. I live near a forest and unfortunately developers are cutting down the forest (their habitat) so the monkeys are terrorizing the neighbourhood. I don't blame them..

And yes he's on a special renal diet for the past 4 years. Luckily the stones on his urethra are small and so far he is able to pass urine.

Spotty is surprisingly better today. He is almost back to his normal self although still slightly cautious (been begging for fish during dinner and eyeing the lizards on the wall again!) . I will be keeping a close eye on him to see his progress.

Once again, thank you for your time in helping me. I really appreciate it :)

LadySam · Mar 19, 2012, 11:18 AM

Well you are doing a good job staying on top of things it seems.
Glad he is feeling a little better today, fingers are crossed for his continued progress.
And I can't say as I blame the monkeys either, I just hope in the future they'll stay away from your Spotty cat.
Best wishes to you and him.

Illusion · Mar 19, 2012, 10:38 PM

I hope he feels better soon too. Working closely with your vet will continue to be really important. I know how stressful it can be to have a sick kitty. He is a lucky kitty to have someone who loves him so much. Write back and say how he is doing.

hlee223 · Apr 12, 2012, 07:39 AM

Hi Illusion,

I'm sorry I didn't know you replied till now..

But yes, spotty is back to normal now :) he is running up and down the stairs as before although his leg does give way at times. He is eating well and has healthy bowel movements. We are very lucky to have him back as before. :)

Thanks so much for your concern :)