Sylvester (AKA Silly Vester), is a big, loveable boy who gives some of the best hugs and head bumps. He decided to move into a wood pile in his now owner’s back yard about 6 years ago. He was not sure about people at that time so his owner coaxed him into a cat trap by putting some smelly canned food inside. It took no time at all for him to take the bait. His owner brought him directly to the Victoria Veterinary Clinic to be examined, neutered, and vaccinated. He desperately needed a full shave down. He didn’t have just a few matts, but one large, solid, thick matt that covered his whole back! He spent some time at the clinic while trying to find his previous owners, but no luck. After 1 month, his present owner finally decided he needed to come home. It took no time at all for him to make himself comfortable with the other dogs and cats.
About 2 years ago, Dr. Shtuka examined him and found he had an eye condition called uveitis which is inflammation of the inside of the eye. This can be a painful condition and can cause blindness. He was started on a steroid pill and an eye drop called prednisone. The cause of his uveitis could not be identified. Extensive tests were performed including blood tests for feline leukemia and feline infectious virus, cbc/chemistry panel along with fluorescein test (staining the eyes with a dye) to check for ulcers, tear testing and pressure tests of his eyes. Some of his symptoms included cloudy red eyes, squinting and a protruding 3rd eye lid.
It wasn’t enough that he had uveitis but also developed glaucoma in his right eye which caused pressure to build up so another eye drop was needed. Due to long-term use of prednisone, he developed corneal ulcers that are painful causing him to squint. He often kept his eye completely closed due to light sensitivity. His eye would also have a watery discharge. To top it off he developed a rare condition called bullous keratopathy. Bullous keratopathy describes severe edema (fluid buildup) of the cornea (the outside window or surface of the eye) where blister like spots develop. Yet again another eye drop was needed (sodium chloride)!
Bullous Keratopathy
His eye condition worsened even with constant medicating and eventually left him almost completely blind. After years of twice a day medications using drops for his eyes and oral pills, which Sylvester hated!!! And many many trips to see his regular veterinarian, as well as the eye specialist from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bauer, Sylvester’s owner finally decided to enucleate (remove) both of his eyes. This was a very difficult decision for her but felt in the end it would be the best thing for Sylvester.
Dr. Patzwald performed his surgery, which went great (except the not having his eyes) and Silly has made a full recovery. It is amazing how quickly he has adapted. His owner tries to keep furniture in the same place and does not leave items in the way of his routine routes in order to make things a little easier for him. Although nothing seems to stop him if he decides he wants to go somewhere.
