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Retinal Bleeding in Cats
What is Retinal Bleeding?
Depending on the severity of retinal bleeding, there may be no obvious symptoms of the condition until blindness occurs. Regular veterinary check-ups increase the chance that potential vision problems will be detected in time for treatment to be effective. If a cat displays abnormal behavior that may indicate a loss of vision it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The retina is the internal lining of the eyeball that interprets light impulses and sends visual information to the brain. When bleeding occurs in this area it is known as retinal hemorrhage. The condition usually indicates the presence of an underlying disease which is often more serious than the hemorrhage itself. Bleeding may occur in one eye or both and is often accompanied by inflammation. Retinal detachment may occur and is likely to lead to blindness if not addressed immediately.
Retinal Bleeding Average Cost
From 421 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Retinal Bleeding in Cats
Cats displaying any of the following symptoms may be experiencing retinal hemorrhage:
- Vision loss / bumping into objects
- White pupils
- Dilated pupils
- Reluctance to go outside
- Body bruises
- Bloody urine or feces
If blood from the retinal area spreads forward, inflammation may be visible in the front of the eye. It may appear red or cloudy and squinting is likely to occur. If vision impairment affects only one eye, the cat may not show any signs of abnormal behavior.
Causes of Retinal Bleeding in Cats
Retinal bleeding may be caused by genetic disorders such as a deformity of the retina or problems with eye lubrication. Other possible causes include:
- Trauma or injury
- High blood pressure (more common in older cats)
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Abnormally high thyroid levels
- Clotting disorders
- Increased steroid levels
- Chemical exposure
- Fungal or bacterial infection
- Cancer or Leukemia
- Blood disorders
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Blood vessel inflammation
- Radiation therapy
Diagnosis of Retinal Bleeding in Cats
Prior to completing a complete physical exam, the veterinarian will want to review the cat’s full medical history and discuss details regarding onset of symptoms. If owners have theories regarding possible causes of the symptoms, this should be shared at the beginning of the appointment. Standard lab tests will likely be ordered to assess the cat’s overall health and check for underlying medical conditions. This includes a complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, blood pressure test, urinalysis, and thyroid test. Heart and/or abdominal ultrasounds may also be recommended.
A full ophthalmic exam will be needed, and the vet is likely to use a slit lamp microscope to visualize the back of the eye and measure electrical activity in the retina. An ultrasound of the eye and lab testing of eye fluid samples may also help with diagnosis.
Treatment of Retinal Bleeding in Cats
Treatment recommendations will vary depending on the severity of the bleeding, whether the retina has detached, and the underlying causes associated with the condition. Hospitalization and intense care by a veterinary ophthalmologist is likely to be necessary. In most cases, corticosteroids will be prescribed to address inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) should not be used as they can cause the condition to worsen.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
A variety of medications may be used to treat underlying conditions. High blood pressure is a common cause of retinal bleeding that must be controlled for a variety of reasons. Blood pressure medication, I.V. fluids, and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed. Other medications and treatments include antibiotics or antifungals, blood clotting treatments, insulin for diabetes, and thyroid treatments. Chemotherapy may be needed for leukemia or other forms of cancer.
Repairing Retinal Detachment
If the retina has detached, surgery will be needed. The veterinarian will assess the condition of the eye to determine if reattachment is an option. If the eye has suffered a serious injury or tumors are present, removal of the eyeball may be necessary. Cats generally adapt to the loss of an eye within a few weeks.
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Recovery of Retinal Bleeding in Cats
Frequent follow-up appointments will be needed to track the condition of the retina and the progression of the underlying disorder. Small hemorrhages usually resolve on their own within a few weeks or months. If the bleeding is more extensive, it may take longer to heal and the possibility of retinal detachment will continue to be a concern. Bloodwork and eye exams will be needed on a regular basis.
If surgery has been performed, the cat should rest as much as possible and be kept to a confined area while recovering. Once the condition has been resolved, any associated pain should subside. If blindness has occurred, the condition will be permanent. However, cats with vision loss are often able to adapt by memorizing the layout of their environment and should be able to maintain a high quality of life. Blind cats will be extremely vulnerable to unseen conditions, so it is critical that they remain indoors and are kept out of the reach of other pets and young children.
Retinal Bleeding Average Cost
From 421 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Retinal Bleeding Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
short hair
Alexis
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Swollen Eye
My cat just came in and her eye is swollen and filled with blood. It is steady dripping. We have no 24 hour vets around my area and its around the holidays. What can I do?
Dec. 24, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Alexis. Unfortunately, without seeing her, and without knowing what happened while she was outside, I can't advise you on how to treat it. If there is no 24 hour vet in your area, you may need to drive to the nearest 24 hour vet to have her seen, as that does sound like it needs attention. If it is actually dripping blood, there may have been some sort of trauma to her eye, and it needs medical attention. Your regular veterinarian should have a 24 hour contact number if you don't have an emergency clinic, and calling your clinic would be a good first step to finding someone to help her. I hope that she is okay.
Dec. 24, 2017
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Domestic short
Tia Maria
20 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
Blood
Bloody
Blood Behind Eyes
Good afternoon,
My name is Rachael, I'm writing regarding my 20yr old American Domestic cat Tia. Unfortunately she has been blind for past 3 months, her eyes are really dialated always. Today I noticed blood behind both of her eyes. Also she has retreated to her litter box, her vet says it's a familiar place. Today she doesn't even want to be in box, she's having g a hard time getting around,even though she has been eating a lot, she has lost weight.
Today wen I gave her sardines, her favorite, she ate a small amount , drank a little water, I took her and sat her in front of litter box but she found her way back to the side of fridge.
I'm aware that she not gonna be with us much much longer, it's hard, Tia's family, she very loved and been treated like a queen. I'm going to miss her presence when time does come. Thank you, I apologize for rambling.
Retinal Bleeding Average Cost
From 421 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
