Tinkie: Detached retinas

Question
Our 15 year old cat Tinkie was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about a year ago in CT. Shortly after this we moved to a rental in NH (where we still are) while we await the completion of our new home. We had Tinkie on Methymazol/Tapazol which we added to her food.  She seemed to do quite well on it but when we found there was a transdermal ear treatment (around April) we switched to it because we thought it was easier and the certainty of getting the dose was more reliable. A few days ago we realized that Tinkie was acting strangely and that her eyes were badly dilated. When we got her to the vet he said "This is not good!" several times and gave her a blood test that indicated a count over 10 that he said should be under 2. I don't remember the name of the test. He also took her blood pressure which was 159/45, apparently okay. We were told that not all cats successfully absorb the medication transdermally that we had been giving.  No one had ever informed us of this nor even suggested when we made the change that we should get her blood checked.  So, now our beloved cat is wandering around bumping into walls. We feel so guilty and of course are very upset. From research on the internet it seems that laser reattachment for such severe cases is highly unlikely to have any success.  Tinkie is in no pain and unlike humans can't feel sorry for herself.  She is just trying to cope with a situation that is new for her but for us to see this is heartbreaking. And, with our new house ready in early Nov. a difficult situation awaits Tinkie...territory she has never seen with no remembered reference points.  Do you have any ideas, recommendations or suggestions?  

I forgot to mention that the vet prescribed two doses of 5mg of tapazol per day for the next two weeks (I assume to get her eye pressure down) at which time another blood test will be done.  He said that sometime cats will regain some sight but with the severity of Tinkie's situation he didn't hold out much hope for her.  

Answer
HI there!.

Well shame on your vet for not following up on her bloodwork every 2 weeks starting a new drug. YES, transdermal tapazol is not easily absorbed. Its usually the last resort for cats that refuse to be pilled.

What happened is that she may have had thyroidtoxcicity. SOMETIMES they do get their eye site back.

MOST cats get along fine even in new places with no sight at all. Set her up in her own room or YOUR room when you move to your new place.

The thyroid level will need to be checked in 2 weeks to see if her dose is currently working, or to drop the level or change the MG as needed.  MAKE sure he takes her blood pressure every time! Many cats need to go on NORVASC (blood pressure) meds if the blood pressure is not controlled by the tapazole.

Good luck!