10/14/2025
Our Neurology team wanted to share this wonderful story of one of their patients Vincent, a written testimonal from Vincent’s owner below: 🐾
“Vincent came to me as a 6 year old stray cat in 2018. He was a silly cat who liked to snuggle and loved to play and I fell in love with him. Although he was FIV+, he remained healthy and full of life until spring of 2024 when subtle but troubling changes began – he stopped playing, became withdrawn and his gait and sitting positions seemed odd. He wasn’t himself. I knew something was wrong. Despite multiple vet visits, nothing definitive was found.
One late afternoon in August 2024, he started stumbling and falling and we rushed to an emergency vet who determined it was a dire neurological issue and he needed to see a neurologist NOW! The next day, my vets at Tavistock were able to get me an appointment at MOVEH.
We had the great fortune of seeing a wonderful neurologist at MOVEH Dr. Isabelle Ducharme. She examined Vincent and I could tell right away that we were in great hands and that Dr. Ducharme was brilliant. She already had some ideas of what it might be and said there were options which gave me hope.
Though an MRI was initially planned, concerns about Vincent’s lungs led her to choose a quicker CT scan, which revealed tumors near his spine likely affecting his mobility and also a possible spot on his lungs. While several treatment options were discussed, including surgery and radiation, we decided to begin with treatment with Cytosar the following week. The entire team took great care with Vincent which put me at ease.
Over the next couple days, I did a lot of soul searching over what was best for Vincent. We modified things at home to keep him safe from falling. His mobility became considerably worse and he began to deteriorate. I just felt that it wouldn’t be fair to put him through too much more. I called and spoke to Dr. Ducharme and her kindness and care for me and Vincent was evident. Dr. Ducharme suggested we try a conservative approach with steroids, carefully explaining the risks and limitations.
She cautioned me that this was not a cure but it could possibly work for a period of time and if we didn’t see any improvement in a few days, then I would have to make a very sad decision.
Remarkably, within a day, Vincent already seemed brighter. Within a few days, he was walking. After about a week, Vincent almost gave me a heart attack by appearing behind me downstairs which meant he had climbed over a baby gate and came downstairs which would have been impossible for him to do just a few days before.
Over the following months, his mobility steadily improved, and by fall, his playful and affectionate personality had returned. My prayers had been answered. Today, Vincent continues to do well under Dr. Ducharme’s expert care, and she also referred us to Internal Medicine for an ultrasound where we saw Dr. Brown who was very knowledgeable and helpful. We monitor his condition with periodic checkups. I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Ducharme and her incredible team for their expertise, genuine compassion, and for helping give my best friend Vincent a second chance at a happy comfortable life.”
We are happy to report Vincent is doing very well and as playful as ever!❤️🐾🐈
