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how do I know if my cat has had a stroke? If so, can she recover? cj


Sent to Cat Experts November 12, 2006 10:10 a.m.

she's not able to walk or stand up. she lost her voice. her eyes are clear. I'm feeding her and changing her bed. I believe she had a stroke about 2 weeks ago, but within a week had come out of it. She had the same thing happen again last week, but is not improveing at all. cj

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
November 12, 2006 10:49 a.m. (38 minutes and 7 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hello CJ,

Thank you for sending your question to Just Answer!

Strokes are possible in cats, however it is unusual. Your first concern is to have your cat accurately diagnosed by having your vet check her as soon as possible.

A good blood panel with a complete blood cell count including platelet
count and a complete serum chemistry panel including a total thyroxine
(total T4) level will help your vet determine what is going on with your cat.

A physical exam could help to rule out neurologic and cardiac problems.

Strokes often result in paralysis of one side, paralysis of facial muscles
or other discrete paralysis problems associated with the area of the brain
that is affected. With the symptoms you are indicating, such as "not able to walk or stand up" can be a sign of other neurological issues.

If you have already had lab work and physical examinations and there is no
diagnosis, then it might be a good idea to consider asking your vet to
refer you to a veterinary neurologist or internal medicine specialist.

The first step really is a good chemistry panel and blood count. There is a good chance something useful will show up in the blood work. You should discuss this with your vet as soon as possible.

I hope this helps. If you need further information, please feel free to contact me.

***If this answer was helpful, please go ahead and click ACCEPT. Thank you, Tammy ****



Edited by Tammy on November 12 2006 at 10:49am
PictureTammy  -- Consultant -- 95% Positive Feedback on 58 Cat Accepts
Animal Care giver 30+ years (Horses, Cats, Dogs, Hamsters)
Reply to Tammy
Sent November 12, 2006 1:32 p.m. (2 hours and 43 minutes later)

Tammy, my cat is 18 years old. cj
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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