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#1
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Update: Benny's cloudy eye
My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's
cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene |
#2
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"Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene Rene, Thanks for updating us. I am so glad that you took Benny to an ophthalmologist. That gives him his best chance. The news you report has some glimmers of hope, but I can see why you are concerned about it. I hope there will be some improvement. However, I would like to offer this information on the "bighter" side, in case things do not improve -- even if this were eventually to be a worst-case scenario and Benny were to lose all vision (something I desperately hope will not happen), Benny can still have a great life. As you know, Duffy is totally blind and has been since birth -- yet he is truly a delight! He is a loving, wonderful, active, playful, *happy, happy* cat. He can do almost anything a sighted cat can do, and I sometimes call Holly his "seeing-eye cat" because Duffy will dash through the house at full speed if Holly is in front of him. If you notice that Benny seems to be having more problems with his sight, I would like to recommend that you give him *vertical space.* Duffy loves to climb, and he can maneuver carpeted poles easily even without vision. Get at least one very sturdy cat tree (*tall*). Please take a look at my pictures (second link below my signature) to see some of the carpeted "poles" I had built. Holly enjoys them, too, but it is Duffy who really loves them because he is so quick and agile in climbing -- I think he has compensated for what he has lost in moving on the ground by becoming a little gymnast on the poles. He also loves one of those circular toys with a corrugated cardboard center and a ball in a track mounted on the exterior. He bats that ball around and jumps after it -- and never loses it because it is always in a solid track. I hope this does not sound negative. I hope with all my heart that Benny's sight will stabilize or improve, but I did want to offer you the knowledge that Benny can have a happy and healthy life even if his vision does deteriorate. Please feel free to send e-mail if you have any questions. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: 'o' http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") |
#3
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"Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene Rene, Thanks for updating us. I am so glad that you took Benny to an ophthalmologist. That gives him his best chance. The news you report has some glimmers of hope, but I can see why you are concerned about it. I hope there will be some improvement. However, I would like to offer this information on the "bighter" side, in case things do not improve -- even if this were eventually to be a worst-case scenario and Benny were to lose all vision (something I desperately hope will not happen), Benny can still have a great life. As you know, Duffy is totally blind and has been since birth -- yet he is truly a delight! He is a loving, wonderful, active, playful, *happy, happy* cat. He can do almost anything a sighted cat can do, and I sometimes call Holly his "seeing-eye cat" because Duffy will dash through the house at full speed if Holly is in front of him. If you notice that Benny seems to be having more problems with his sight, I would like to recommend that you give him *vertical space.* Duffy loves to climb, and he can maneuver carpeted poles easily even without vision. Get at least one very sturdy cat tree (*tall*). Please take a look at my pictures (second link below my signature) to see some of the carpeted "poles" I had built. Holly enjoys them, too, but it is Duffy who really loves them because he is so quick and agile in climbing -- I think he has compensated for what he has lost in moving on the ground by becoming a little gymnast on the poles. He also loves one of those circular toys with a corrugated cardboard center and a ball in a track mounted on the exterior. He bats that ball around and jumps after it -- and never loses it because it is always in a solid track. I hope this does not sound negative. I hope with all my heart that Benny's sight will stabilize or improve, but I did want to offer you the knowledge that Benny can have a happy and healthy life even if his vision does deteriorate. Please feel free to send e-mail if you have any questions. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: 'o' http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") |
#4
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"Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene Rene, Thanks for updating us. I am so glad that you took Benny to an ophthalmologist. That gives him his best chance. The news you report has some glimmers of hope, but I can see why you are concerned about it. I hope there will be some improvement. However, I would like to offer this information on the "bighter" side, in case things do not improve -- even if this were eventually to be a worst-case scenario and Benny were to lose all vision (something I desperately hope will not happen), Benny can still have a great life. As you know, Duffy is totally blind and has been since birth -- yet he is truly a delight! He is a loving, wonderful, active, playful, *happy, happy* cat. He can do almost anything a sighted cat can do, and I sometimes call Holly his "seeing-eye cat" because Duffy will dash through the house at full speed if Holly is in front of him. If you notice that Benny seems to be having more problems with his sight, I would like to recommend that you give him *vertical space.* Duffy loves to climb, and he can maneuver carpeted poles easily even without vision. Get at least one very sturdy cat tree (*tall*). Please take a look at my pictures (second link below my signature) to see some of the carpeted "poles" I had built. Holly enjoys them, too, but it is Duffy who really loves them because he is so quick and agile in climbing -- I think he has compensated for what he has lost in moving on the ground by becoming a little gymnast on the poles. He also loves one of those circular toys with a corrugated cardboard center and a ball in a track mounted on the exterior. He bats that ball around and jumps after it -- and never loses it because it is always in a solid track. I hope this does not sound negative. I hope with all my heart that Benny's sight will stabilize or improve, but I did want to offer you the knowledge that Benny can have a happy and healthy life even if his vision does deteriorate. Please feel free to send e-mail if you have any questions. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: 'o' http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") |
#5
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Hi Rene,
Getting those eyedrops in can be difficult. I had to get my cat to look away from the dropper tip (he would fixate on it) as the drop went in or it was wiggle city. Try not to be too discouraged while waiting for progress. Benny is a lucky cat for having caring owners. Marla "Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene |
#6
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Hi Rene,
Getting those eyedrops in can be difficult. I had to get my cat to look away from the dropper tip (he would fixate on it) as the drop went in or it was wiggle city. Try not to be too discouraged while waiting for progress. Benny is a lucky cat for having caring owners. Marla "Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene |
#7
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Hi Rene,
Getting those eyedrops in can be difficult. I had to get my cat to look away from the dropper tip (he would fixate on it) as the drop went in or it was wiggle city. Try not to be too discouraged while waiting for progress. Benny is a lucky cat for having caring owners. Marla "Rene" wrote in message om... My b/f went to the opthamalagist (sp?) today to check on Benny's cloudy eye. We had noticed it had definately got cloudier in the last few days. After a number of tests, dilating the pupils, etc we learned that he has a cataract in his left eye, most likely a genetic flaw that has been there since kittenhood. The doctor didn't think it was going to get worse; in fact, it might get better. The right eye, the one we were concerned about, definately has a cataract and also uvietis (again, sp). The doc didn't know which came first, and since Benny is so young (3), she was puzzled. She didn't think surgery was a good idea, as very few cats have had it done, and some develop glaucoma and they'd have to remove the eye. We are to give him prednizone drops and he will be rechecked in three weeks. The prednizone is to reduce the pressure in the eye. I'm not very thrilled about the news. He is most likely mostly or all blind in that eye. My b/f is worried his other eye will give him troubles. I know cats can and have done well with one eye (I have a childhood cat whose had one eye for most of her life, and she's almost 17), but I can understand his frustration. It has not caused him any less quality of life that I can see, except for being a bit more clumsy on occasion. I'll keep you posted on his followup visit, Rene |
#8
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"Rene" wrote in message om... Hi Marla, Luckily, since Benny doesn't have much sight in that eye, giving him the drops has been pretty easy. He can't see it coming. I also have a treat waiting for him immediately after, which seems to help. Poor guy had a rough night. He wasn't eating much (the doc said the dilation stuff can leave a bitter taste in the mouth) and his kitty-pal Tucker was hissing and swatting at him because of the doctor's-office smell. At least he played with me some, and this morning he seemed to have a bit more appetite. I think *we're* more upset than he is! Rene Poor Benny. He's lucky to have you to take care of him. I wonder if eye problems like that are hereditary? I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. He is so young. |
#9
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"Rene" wrote in message om... Hi Marla, Luckily, since Benny doesn't have much sight in that eye, giving him the drops has been pretty easy. He can't see it coming. I also have a treat waiting for him immediately after, which seems to help. Poor guy had a rough night. He wasn't eating much (the doc said the dilation stuff can leave a bitter taste in the mouth) and his kitty-pal Tucker was hissing and swatting at him because of the doctor's-office smell. At least he played with me some, and this morning he seemed to have a bit more appetite. I think *we're* more upset than he is! Rene Poor Benny. He's lucky to have you to take care of him. I wonder if eye problems like that are hereditary? I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. He is so young. |
#10
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"Rene" wrote in message om... Hi Marla, Luckily, since Benny doesn't have much sight in that eye, giving him the drops has been pretty easy. He can't see it coming. I also have a treat waiting for him immediately after, which seems to help. Poor guy had a rough night. He wasn't eating much (the doc said the dilation stuff can leave a bitter taste in the mouth) and his kitty-pal Tucker was hissing and swatting at him because of the doctor's-office smell. At least he played with me some, and this morning he seemed to have a bit more appetite. I think *we're* more upset than he is! Rene Poor Benny. He's lucky to have you to take care of him. I wonder if eye problems like that are hereditary? I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. He is so young. |
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