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Original poster

Nosebleed in elderly cat with hypertention. What happens next?

29 replies

LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 09:40

The poor old thing is already blind due to high bloodpresure. We gave up with medication because we just couldn't get it in to her. (Please, please don't give me a hard time about this - we really tried, and I feel bad enough already!)

She's also deaf, but quite happy, when not confused, and seems to get around by using her sense of smell.

DH thinks she might have bumped into something, but she never runs anymore, so I don't think that's the cause.

I think it's definately they hypertention.

I'm usually a panic and rush to the vet kind of person, but am trying not to freak out if this is the end.

I'm crying so please be kind to me.

OP posts:
Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 10:09

Anyone?

Blood is going everywhere as she keeps sneezing

DH wants to take her to vets.

I don't want to, as I think they can't help.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 10:18

If she's still sneezing and bleeding, I'd take her to the vet, Lynette. Sorry if this is not what you need at the moment.

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 10:20

But what will the vet do?

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 10:22

An elderly cat with hypertension and losing blood?

I don't know what they'll do - but it depends what's wrong. And that's something you need to find out. You can't leave the old girl sneezing and bleeding without trying to establish the cause.

cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 10:24

Why not give your vet a buzz first and check with them if you're hesitant?

Lonecatwithkitten · 08/12/2013 11:41

Cats do get nose bleeds from uncontrolled hypertension, usually BP is over 220. There is no specific treatment for nose bleed beyond basic keeping head still and cold compress. Getting the meds into your cat at this point is essential as at this level of blood pressure they are at very high risk for a brain bled.
Things to try tablet in primula, tablet in prawn, tablet in cheesy wotsit, tablet in piece of sausage.

Lonecatwithkitten · 08/12/2013 11:41

Cats do get nose bleeds from uncontrolled hypertension, usually BP is over 220. There is no specific treatment for nose bleed beyond basic keeping head still and cold compress. Getting the meds into your cat at this point is essential as at this level of blood pressure they are at very high risk for a brain bled.
Things to try tablet in primula, tablet in prawn, tablet in cheesy wotsit, tablet in piece of sausage.

cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 11:53

Thanks Lone.

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 12:19

The bleeding has stopped and she's sleeping.

Will try again with the tablets. She has perfected the art of eating the tastey morsel it's hiden in, and spitting out the actual tablet though.

Are there any other tricks, or ways to get the medication into her?

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 12:21

Try Lone's tips first. She's had some success with them - and I'm a busted flush as far as pills are concerned. My elderly boy can sense one at 20 paces and flat refuses.

Glad the old girl's bleeding has stopped.

poisonedbypen · 08/12/2013 12:48

We use a tablet giver followed by a treat. Could she have grass up the back of her nose?

Lonecatwithkitten · 08/12/2013 13:18

Primula is the best for this kind of cat as it sticks to the tablet making it impossible to eat the morsel and not the tablet.

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 14:34

Lonecatwithkitten my cat just licks the Primula off the tablet, leaving the tablet!

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 17:52

Sounds as determined as my boy - although with a different technique.

How is she doing?

SunshineSuperNova · 08/12/2013 18:06

We used to buy cheapo meat paste for our old boy who was on tonnes of meds. It worked a charm :)

cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 18:15

Seniorboy's vet has long given up on pills. If it can't be injected or put in his food, he doesn't get it - although, luckily, he's not really needed any pills to date.

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 18:31

She slept all day, but woke up just now, and took tablet disguised in pate. Smile

No more nose bleeding. Smile

The thing is I don't think of her as old, I think of her as just a baby, partly because she was 8 weeks old when we got her (I actually think she was less) and because she is so tiny, and unagressive. If I'd wanted a mouser I would have been disappointed.

Have told 8yo DD that cat is very old, and won't live for ever (cue DD crying) DD loves to lug poor cat around, and being blind and deaf, cat has been going along with it. DD has now been banned from anyting but stroking cat.

We have 2 cats (brother and sister). I don't even lparticularlyike this cat, but obviously I love her very much - as does DH. We've both had a good cry today. Sad

We've been through some crap in the past few years during which we've kept a stiff upper lip, and then the cat gets a nose bleed and we're in pieces! Grin

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 18:41

Oh well done for getting a tablet down her - by whatever subterfuge!

How old is she?

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 18:48

She's 16.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 18:50

That's not too bad - although complicated by her physical issues.

cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 18:52

PS - Seniorboy is 18 nearly 19, although turning out to be of surprisingly robust stock and only really suffering from some arthritis.

Original poster
LynetteScavo · 08/12/2013 19:02

Her brother, who is the same age, is fighting fit, and people are shocked when we mention his age.

Although he's given up bringing up squirrels and wood pidgeons as gifts these days (thank heavens!)

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 08/12/2013 19:05

Caught one wood pidgeon, caught the lot, eh? That's how getting on can take you.

Smile
SunshineSuperNova · 08/12/2013 21:36

Well done OP :)

My darling boy lived for 19.5 years, but he was always my baby.

timtam23 · 08/12/2013 22:03

OP I really feel for you, I have a 17 year old cat who also has hypertension and is blind, so far he is pottering around ok but I'm sure there will be some kind of crisis at some point and it is so upsetting to think about

My old boy is dreadful with tablets usually but the vet said I could crush the BP ones (amlodipine) so I grind them up and mix with a little bit of some tempting food (usually posh fishy cat food) he can't taste the tablet at all & polishes the whole lot off

I'm glad the bleeding's stopped now, will you be asking the vet's advice in case it happens again?