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Advice: Collpase/Fainting Spells - Odd Leg Behaviour - Panting

Marvins Mom

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Hi everyone. I recently joined this forum for a specific reason .. I am babysitting my daughter's sphyx - his name is Marvin. We have had him for a few months while my daughter moved. We have had some health scares recently. I hope readers can share their experience and advice.

Marvin is about 3 years old (we think). We are the 2nd family for him - and trust that the previous owners told us his correct age. He is affectionate and loving and very active.

3 weeks ago - he collapsed - we found him passed out on the carpet- time was 8:45am. He was breathing but his head was down, he was cold and he had defecated. We picked him up - wrapped him in a blanket and I cuddled him. His breathing was very rapid. After about 5 minutes he started to pant. We rushed him to the vet. By the time the vet saw him he was breathing normal. The vet listened to his heart and she found nothing wrong. A very slight odd heart beat once every minute - but otherwise normal. This whole incident from start to finish was about 25 minutes and then Marvin was back to normal. The vet suggested we wait and see if it happened again.

Well - 13 days later it happened again. This time I was right beside him. Time was 7:45am. He was sitting on a kitchen chair. He let out a painful sounding yelp. His head fell forward / down, his body collapsed and he fell over. Luckily I caught him or he would have fallen off the chair onto the floor. I set him on the mat, and covered him with a blanket. He was breathing. Again he defecated. I cleaned him, and cuddled with him. This time he was breathing normal and did not want to cuddle with me. He ran away to be by himself. I covered him with a blanket and left him. After 20 minutes he came around. I took him to the vet later that morning and the vet found absolutely no abnormality with the sound of his heart.

We have an appt booked with a cardiologist - but not until Nov 14th. ( 5 weeks away) We live in fear that Marvin won't make it that long.

Since these 2 episodes, we have noticed odd behaviour with his legs. We have observed this twice in the past 2 days. He will stretch out his front paw as if it is stiff. It is just an odd behaviour and only last a few seconds. I actually video taped it this afternoon. When it happened today his front paw was stretched out- and when he tried to walk on it he limped. He ran and his back legs looked very odd - stiff. We followed him, and when he stopped, his heart was racing but he started to purr right away - like nothing happened.

I don't know if these are signs of heart problems (a bad prognosis) or epilepsy (a better prognosis). I have read a lot about FATE, Saddle Thrombosis Embolsims, Syncope etc. Is there a simple blood test that can rule out any of these? Has anyone had similar episodes with their kitty and what was the outcome? I realize you are not vets nor can you diagnose for me - but looking for people who have had similar experiences. 5 weeks is a long time away!

If I am permitted to - I will upload the video I took today. It is 25 seconds long.

Susan
 

Yoda mom

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@Marvins Mom , (((hugs))) and head smooches
I know Marvin has the best of love and care -
Amd I am glad you have a cardio appointment-
Perhaps they have a cancellation list to get in sooner

As we chatted before , I am glad you posted here and please feel free to upload the video.
Something I wish I had done with my girl that had similar episodes -
I know personally how frightening it is

We have some members kitties with fainting , idioapthic epilepsy Etc , and my own Yoda girls experience with
F.A.T.E -

I aM sure others will chime in with information on blood tests etc
to mention to your vet-
Were you able to call back and chat with the vet that listened to Marvins Heart ?
you mentioned a good sign they didn't hear anything obvious
Did they mention an extra heart beat at all?
(Fwiw, My mom had this most recently and they think it could have been the cause of her passing out couple of moths ago- her heart checks fine on monitors but has a weird heart beat pattern )



from my understanding clots can form in front and rear legs ..
I am sure others will send big hugs and Positve vibes and share experiences you can ask your specialist to rule out

All paws crossed it is nothing serious and Marvin gets a diagnosis and treatment plan
I would call and see if they can get Marvin seen sooner and let them know he has had more recent episodes.

If they do come back with it being possible clot experiences , definitely ask them about the strict aspirin therapy
Treatment plan thst my girl was given . For my girl it made a world of difference.

Are his front legs or rear legs cooler than the rest of his body during these episodes ?
Any vocalization ? Lose of bowels ?

Lair prayers for Marvin and big ((hugs)))

PM me anytime

@Marvins Mom , here is a link to help post a video
Share Social Media Videos

sorry about typos - I have a torn finger ligament Thst just won't heal . I hen peck with on the iPad


Love love your adorable avatar pic! So Regal!
 
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Marvins Mom

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Video: He was acting funny with his front left paw - so I started to video him. He runs away, but limps on the front left paw - and then as he runs you see his back legs are stiff. Click on the video below and see if you can watch it.

 
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Yoda mom

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@Marvins Mom , I am not able to see the video
Is it a link thru fscebook? I am not on fscebook so maybe why I can't view it @admin
Is there another way to post it?


How is Marvin tonight? Bet he is getting lots of lovin n snuggling !
 

Marvins Mom

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I just modified the way I shared the video in the above .. post. Please see if you want view it now. Marvin is cuddling with me as I type. He is wrapped in a blanket and sound asleep ! This is typical of our evenings.
 

Yoda mom

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@Marvins Mom ,Awh((hugs))) I watched the video several times
It looks different than my Yoda girls episodes
She would collapse , loose bowels , and couldn't move her rear legs which were very cold and she let out a gutteral groan like I neve heard in my life .

I do recall other members posting about seizures and a front paw sign /symptom

@Catzzzmeow - your thoughts? Does it look like your girls episodes?



Gentle head smooches to Marvin in his blankie :)
 
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nudieluvr

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Wow. Sorry that you are going through all of this. My immediate thoughts are a neurological issue. But it could certainly be seizure activity or heart related. I'm curious to learn what the scan says. I know my cat Bubbles has a vesticular disease that makes him have a head tilt. Its mostly unnoticeable. However, sometimes he will lose his balance. I wonder if it's something like that or a more extreme case? Please keep us updated.
 

Toa and Ross

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Sorry to hear Marvinis going through this. It sounds and looks like a neurological issue. But I'm no specialist in these kind of issues. Hope a specialist can help you.

Sending healing vibes to Marvin. And hugs to you, must be difficult to watch him having these episodes.

Natasja
 

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@Marvins Mom I am sorry to hear about this. You are doing the right thing in getting to your vet and check out the heart. I see that others already added my experience with seizures. I looked at your video and if you can get a longer one please try. Our girl was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy meaning no known reason. It starts with her putting her front paw over her head. She stiffens and walks out of it in the same way as in your video, but with 1-2 minutes not 20 and no panting. Ours also did not lose body fluids or defecate.

Keep a written log of the following. Time and dates of incidents you have seen and might see before your appointment, how long each lasts, do all start the same way with the paw out stretched? Does your cat make any signs they are in pain, screaming etc? Loss of fluids or decaying every time? Do they walk out of it the same way? Are any extremities cold during the time? Feel your baby’s extremities now when no issue so you can gauge at the time. Most including myself panicked and thought ours was cold, but after feeling when normal it was just my stressing out and imagining.

Get more videos if it happens again. Especially the panting. It could be the Cat is just stressing because they are aware something is wrong. Our girl knows her surroundings but I can tell she is uncomfortable not being able to control what’s going on if that makes sense.

In our case because the events always started the same way the vet ruled out throwing a clot. Said chances of clot being thrown to exact same spot it very rare, also no sign of pain and throwing clots usually is painful. Our vet did not want to start meds as she is young and long term seizure meds can have long term side effects and the episodes are very mild. If our episodes got more intense or changed in frequency he said we would start. We are fortunate that she does not have them often. We only saw 1 in the last 4 months.

Our vet in layman’s terms described that there these episodes happen because there is simply a loose connection somewhere in the brain that fires off incorrectly. Yours sounds somewhat similar but more more intense than ours. When we first had it happen we were told if it happened again within the week to go back. We did and we discussed how it was exactly the same. I would do the same in your case. They might start with seizure meds and try to regulate if your episodes are more severe. You can still see cardiologist later in the month.

Also if vet rules some form of epilepsy and you have any questions I’d be happy to try to assure you etc. I highly recommend trying to create a safe environment to accommodate less risk of falls. We moved our couch right up to the wall in case she were to stiffen and fall off the windowsill she would have a soft landing. We also have made sure the cat trees in the windows are not flat, they are curved or have platforms with walls so she cannot roll off etc. we also bought window seats the stick to the window that are supportive.

Hope this was of Help...stay positive.

Patti
 

Xandria

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I am so very sorry to hear about Marvin. He is so sweet and loving and I know he has the best care through you. Ihave no advice to give, but I do wish to send healing thoughts and virtual hugs.
 

NinaGato

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I would be worried too. Huga to you all. The one thing I would do is call the specialist office at least once a week to see about cancellations.
You really need someone who can do the right tests to get to the bottom of what is going on.
 

kauna

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((hugs))

From the video it looks more epileptic or neurologic in nature. I am not familiar with F.A.T.E.

When a cat has a saddlethrombis, generally the blood clot effects their hind legs rendering the pet immobile. Most often after one of these episodes the cat is dragging back legs and howling due to pain.

I second @Catzzzmeow prior to the appointment, keep a log of these occurrences, also length of time they happened. Show them the videos because likely he isn't going to have the episode at the vet and they can be hard to describe.
 

Marvins Mom

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Thank you everyone. I am sure we will get another video. My daughter said he had another episode today - similar to what I posted. 3 in 3 days. He does raise his front paw up . .stretches or shakes it a little - then walks and he has an obvious weakness in his limbs. It last at most a minute - maybe 2 and he purrs when we pet him after so I don't think he is in pain. The other two scares we had were severe in nature where he actually collapsed. Perhaps they were grand mal seizures (although I did not see him actually "seizure" - just collapse). I am going to try to video him again and take both to my vet to see what she says. I will check his leg temperature (now and when it happens) and try to check his heart rate when this happens again. I appreciate the feedback from everyone - good advice. I promise to post updates and video so we can all learn from this experience. And to those of you in Canada - Happy Thanksgiving today - we have lots to be thankful for! A pic of my marvelous Marvin:
upload_2017-10-8_20-23-26.png
 

Toa and Ross

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Marvin is so handsome and cute. Hope they can figure out what is going on with him. More healing vibes are sent
 

Yoda mom

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@Marvins Mom , goodmorning -
Sending comtinued positive vibes!

Any updates on vets advice and perhaps gettimg him to the specialist earlier with their cancellation call list?


Head smooches to Marvin!
He is Sooo handsome in his sweaters! Do you make them ? They are very nice!

Will be checking for updates often
 

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What a handsome boy. With the frequency of it happening, I would see your vet and discuss more as that is very often. If your vet knows how frequent he might decide neurological and start meds. Will keep looking for updates.
 

nudieluvr

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Unfortunately, you can't use purring as an indicator if he's in pain or not. Cats will sometimes purr as an indicator that they are in pain. Not saying he is just something to be aware of.
 

Marvins Mom

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Marvin has many sweaters - all custom made. My daughter taught herself to crochet and followed patterns online. He almost has more sweaters than I do!
She can whip one up in a few evenings.

Marvin had no episodes today. I have started a detailed log and hope to see our vet later this week for advice on next steps.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Marvins Mom

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Status Update: Marvin has had a good week. We didn't see any fainting or limb weakness episodes this week. He continues to be very playful. We have a little 7.5 lb Havanese dog (named Lola) and Marvin and Lola play and chase each other around. Both greet me at the door when I come home each afternoon. They both chase a ball when I throw it - The only difference is Lola brings it back. I swear sphynx cats are half dog - half cat ! I call him my cog! We will continue to monitor him. As soon as we have another video of an episode we plan to take him to our vet and see if she thinks the cardio appointment is necessary or if we should instead see a neurologist.
 

Toa and Ross

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Yay! This update makes me very happy. Good to hear Marvin is doing well this week. Lola and Marvin sound like the best buddies.
 

TheTopaz

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I am glad to hear you had improvement!

I would definitely consider a licensed cardiologist ASAP (and yearly HCM check ups), a former cat of ours had advanced Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and very similar back paw activity due to a partial hind limb paralysis - he would do this strange sort of fast hopping. And because it was an atypical paralysis and the CHF was atypical (plus he had asthma), a normal vets were not able to understand the symptoms with basic testing. The part that upset me the most was the cat seemed fine, he was happy, purring, eating lots and putting on weight (all things I was told was not normal for CHF).
 
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