Question about recent vet visit and cat behavior afterward

[thegdog]

I have an older cat, about 16 years old, who has hyperthyroidism. He's a somewhat active cat who wanders about the house, meowing very loudly when he wants attention, and able to manuever quite well (jumping up on the bed or the couch, climbing in and out of the litterbox, running to catch me as I carry his food, etc.)

I took him to the vet this weekend for a checkup and they did blood work on him (as I expected).

When they returned him to the consultation room, they explained they first tried to get blood from his jugular (neck) but they couldn't, so they got some from the femoral artery (leg) instead. That's why he was wet in both places.

They also gave him some subcutaneious fluids as they felt he was dehydrated.

When I got him home, he went and hid under the bed (something I did not find unusual since he doesn't like going to the vets). He didn't come out for food until late that night and I noticed he was stumbling, like he was drunk. It appeared as if his back legs were going to go out on him. I also noticed he wouldn't lift his head. Normally when I am opening the can of cat food, he looks up at me and meows, but he just looked at the floor. When he walked, he looked at the floor.

He had no problems eating and drinking water (though he ate a lot less than normal). Its been two days and his behavior hasn't changed. Is this something "normal" after a bloodwork is drawn? I find it odd that the two places he had blood drawn (or tried to be drawn from) now show some sort of problem. Do I have reason to be worried?

Thanks for any insight you can share.

[kate & kobi]

I think your insights are correct, something does not seem right. I'd call your vet back immediately, or call an emergency vet tonight, and explain what is going on. They'll be able to determine if it's serious enough that he needs to be seen immediately, or if it's okay to wait until tomorrow. If you don't have an emergency vet in the area, call your vet back first thing in the morning.

I hope everything works out, prayers for your kitty to feel better soon!

[Traci]

Its been two days, you need to get your kitty to the nearest emergency vet IMMEDIATELY.....do not wait on this please, there is obviously something seriously amiss here.

No, a blood draw would not cause these symptoms. What did the bloodwork reveal, was it all normal? Was a thyroid panel checked as well? If not, why? Have you skipped his medication at all recently? Was a heart workup done?

Get him to an ER vet ASAP please! You don't have time to waste...

[Mona]

I agree this is an EMERGENCY !! The stumbling could be neurological or even heart related. Please find another vet to help you with this. Did your vet reveal the results of the bloodwork yet. At 16 it is crucial to have tests run to determine organ and body functions.

Please go or call and make an immediate appointment. Mona