Cat with large pupils

Re: Cat with large pupils

Stephen Courtney — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:07:02 GMT

Ask the owner if the pupils are always dilated at home as well, also question re visual acuity etc.

the nice thing about dilated pupils is that it usually makes it easier to see the retinae - but as you have a wriggler, suspect it wasn't that easy - but retinal atrophy is not unheard of.

I'd be rooting for hyperthyroidism, but of course it could be anything or nothing. What was the urine SG?

Re: Cat with large pupils

emerald — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 22:58:51 GMT

Pretty confident in my BP technique, so hoping this was an accurate BP reading.

The cat didn't seem particularly stressed.

Definitely will re-check when comes in for bloods!

Re: Cat with large pupils

Miriam Lodewyks — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 21:06:41 GMT

Yes, hypertension would have been top of my list too. So your brain still functions, despite the heat! I'd probably put it down to stress, but definitely book it in next week to stay in for few hours so you can take some blood, and do a repeat BP to be sure.

Re: Cat with large pupils

ChrisBVSc — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:21:02 GMT

Have you tested the vision e.g. cotton wool ball tracking, obstacle course, & does the owner think the cat can 'see' at home? Also did it have a dazzle reflex? Definitely needs another attempt at fundic examination, may be worth admitting the cat so it can calm down for a while, or if you need to sedate it for bloods that would be an ideal time! As the others have said it could be normal & just stressed, but well worth checking the eyes again.

Re: Cat with large pupils

fluffygirl — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:54:12 GMT

I agree - a stressed cat will often have dilated and fairly unresponsive pupils. I wouldn't overinterpret the lack of menace response either - again cats seem to have their own particular rules for this!!

Re: Cat with large pupils

Utlendigur — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:26:19 GMT

Are the pupils dilated at home? - could it just have been very stressed?

Re: Cat with large pupils

Linda Filshie — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:15:33 GMT

How confident are you in your BP technique? Right sized cuff used?

Do old cats get iris atrophy like old dogs?

Bah, definitely too hot for much thinking today, or much else indeed. Seems my clients thought so too as pretty much every afternoon appointment cancelled or moved to another day!