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I brought my 18 year-old cat to the vet because she was getting a little thin. She was otherwise just as affectionate, playful and voracious as she had always been. The vet diagnosed her with hyperthyroidism and prescribed 2.5mg of felimazole twice a day.

Approximately a month after starting this treatment, my cat's lower body suddenly became paralyzed and she now completely refuses to eat. I immediately went back to the vet. She said it had nothing to do with the treatment and recommended I euthanize or, if I refused, that I should continue the treatment supplemented with pain-killers.

The official sources I found for this treatment don't list paralysis as a side-effect although I did find pet-owners who had the same experience on related forums.

I first got my cat when I was only 10 and I care very deeply for her. I know she doesn't want to live in pain but I also know she doesn't want to die. She wants to play, chase after strings and climb on my shoulders. I want nothing more than for her to be healthy again.

Should I discontinue the treatment against the vet's recommendation? Is there any way for her to recover?

Rebecca RVT
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manta7190
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1 Answers1

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It sounds like your cat had a stroke. This isn't an uncommon at that age. I had that happen to a dog and a parakeet. The parakeet was paralyzed from the neck down and yet he still ate, drank, sang, and enjoy his neck pets. Just because he's paralyzed doesn't mean he's not happy. I'd keep giving him his pain meds and not worry about euthanasia until he looks unhappy and suffering.

Cally in Cali
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