Sebastian's Vet Visit Today

You must be psychic I was just getting ready to post again. Thank you so much for asking

Took Seb back to the vet today because I thought he may be dehydrated. It is difficult to tell because of loose skin due to weight loss.

He was dehydrated and he has lost another 1/2 pound in the last two weeks. They gave him more subQ. He still eats a lot and drinks a lot and plays. Was playing with Da Bird last night.

Vet mentioned cancer again when I asked why he was eating so well if he was ill and why he was still losing weight so rapidly if he eats so much. She said that can happen with lymphoma (cancer).

Also told me to give him a 1/4 tablet of Pepcid AC twice a day for possible nausea. He has thrown up a few times in the past few months but it isn't constant.

He doesn't have a fever. Vet felt his stomach area really well and didn't feel anything noticable.

I have an appointment for the ultrasound and biopsy on Dec 15th. It is the soonest I can get the money together. I'll really hate myself if it turns out to be something that was treatable if detected sooner.

He is getting weaker, though. I have seen him stumble a few times. He moves more carefully, but he still moves. He just seems to be tired.

I tried several places to see if I could get financial help but any that may help would only do so with a diagnosed condition. I understand that and appreciate it. It just doesn't help us. He has to get diagnosed first, then we'll be able to treat.

I did wonder about something. I don't know much about human HIV but it seems that when the disease progresses to Aids that is when the person begins to get seriously ill. Can that happen with cats with FIV? Is there a stage where it becomes full-blown Aids?

I feel like I'm in a holding pattern. Not sure what to think or how to feel until that diagnosis is made. If it comes back inconclusive, not sure what we'll do.

He wants to be close to me all the time. He wants to lie across my heart and stick his big wet nose in my ear Silly guy. I have taken tons of photos of him lately. Am afraid I'll miss something.

I have rambled on and on again. I'll give him kisses for you.

The liver name you weren't sure of was 'bilirubin'. High ALP can actually be a sign of infection. I have dealt with intestinal lymphoma, and yes, they do have a very good appetite, although in my cats case it was pretty much going straight through her. FIV can develop into full blown AIDS, but not sure how common that is. Fingers crossed it is just a liver infection, as the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself.

Originally Posted by booktigger

The liver name you weren't sure of was 'bilirubin'. High ALP can actually be a sign of infection. I have dealt with intestinal lymphoma, and yes, they do have a very good appetite, although in my cats case it was pretty much going straight through her. FIV can develop into full blown AIDS, but not sure how common that is. Fingers crossed it is just a liver infection, as the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself.

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Thank you for your experience. Do you think I am doing him a lot of harm by waiting so long to get the ultrasound and biopsy? It's still two weeks away.

Originally Posted by Bonnie1965

He wants to be close to me all the time. He wants to lie across my heart and stick his big wet nose in my ear

Silly guy. I have taken tons of photos of him lately. Am afraid I'll miss something.

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This paragraph has me bawling. I know so well where you are at. I was at the same place with Stomper. The not knowing is so hard, because you can't make a decision one way or another.

I would like to send some money to help you get Seb tested. I have sent you a PM with my home email addy. If you don't to give out your personal information, please just send me the vet's name, address and phone number. Let them know that I will be calling with a credit card donation for Sebastion. I don't want you worrying until the 15th and would like to help as much as possible.


It would seem to make sense that kitties would be more prone to cancers and a full blown immune deficiency like humans. I know they are more succeptable to viruses and other bacterial infections.

I'm keeping Seb in my thoughts. He sounds like a sweetheart.

I wouldnt like to say, I have never done anything that invasive with mine, it wasn't suggested with SNowy (who had liver problems), or Mabel (intestinal lymphoma) and I do currently have a cat with liver problems, but he is so thin (and has other health issues) that I am not putting him through any more testing, he will just be getting palliative care for however long he wants to fight. I think the best thing to do would be to ask your vet if he can wait.

He wants to be close to me all the time. He wants to lie across my heart and stick his big wet nose in my ear Silly guy. I have taken tons of photos of him lately. Am afraid I'll miss something.

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Originally Posted by kittymonsters

This paragraph has me bawling. I know so well where you are at. I was at the same place with Stomper. The not knowing is so hard, because you can't make a decision one way or another.

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It got my water-works going, too.

I can sure relate to both of you, having to deal with Maverick's liver problems. Lately, I've been getting rather obsessive with pix & videos of him - "just in case".

I hope something can be done for both your babies.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.

Plenty of are headed your way!

Many for Sebastian. I hope he makes it through and you find out that what he has is treatable. He looks like such a sweety.

Kittymonsters is a sweet person for wanting to help you. I wish I could help too.

oh goodness, I am just seeing this, Bonnie many many vibes for Seb that this is an easily treatable infection

Kittymonsters ... thank you so much for the offer. Your support is priceless

Just had the ultrasound and liver biopsy done.

He has an enlarged liver and spleen with spots on both. No large masses that they could see. Tomorrow, my vet will call with the results. The people who did the ultrasound wouldn't even give me a hint.

They wanted to do two biopsies - one each of liver and spleen but I only had enough money for one. So they did the liver.

Seb was a good boy. Did not try to peel any skin off the techs. They said he seemed to love the drugs they gave him They didn't have to knock him out, just gave him the happy gas.

He had to fast for the appointment so made a mad dash for the food dish as soon as I opened the carrier.

One more night/day and I hope to have an answer. I just hope there is an answer. I don't want to lose him while trying to figure out the problem.

He is still the same as before. He plays, sleeps, eats too much, drinks too much, losing weight. Wants to cuddle a lot. It amazes me just how much I love this guy.

Thank you all for the support and healing vibes

I've been thinking about you and the big guy all day. So glad to hear the US went well and Seb was a good boy.

Lots and lots of that tomorrow brings good news of a firm dx and a treatable condition.

It is amazing how these little balls of fur can take up such a huge space in our hearts.

Originally Posted by mews2much

I hope he gets good results and you find out what he has.

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I'll be keeping Sebastian in my thoughts & prayers, too.

Fingers crossed for positive results today.

Many many Prayers and for Sebastian

Many, many healing for Sebastian.

for you. I know how hard it is waiting to find out test results and a final dx.

Ok, vet called and woke me up. Offered to call back in a couple of hours with the info. I said no way! So, took notes (since it takes me forever to come awake) and hope to have questions formulated for her next call.

There is no evidence of cancer based on the aspirate (biopsy). It could still show up in a couple of months. Vet said it may still turn into cancer.

He has lots of inflamed white blood cells. He has a little fluid in the abdomen. Think this is from the liver.

Ultrasound place wants to do another ultrsound/biopsy in 6 weeks. That is not going to happen.

Vet is calling an internal medicine specialist in Seattle for a consult. Will hear back from vet on Thursday. The weather here is crazy right now and no one is working full days.

Vet thinks it could be hepatitas. Thinking she may put him on steroids, antibiotics and perhaps SamE. Said this would run about $100 a month.

So, I have some questions. First, is hepatitis contagious to other cats?

Is hepatitis the same as hepatic lipodosis (fatty liver disease)?

Thing is, after researching a bit, it seems that lack of appetite is a symptom. He does not have this problem.

I remember, right after I brought Daphne home, Seb lost weight. I though it was because he was actually moving around some. I can't remember exact dates but he got sick a couple of months later - not eating, lethargic and so on. Former vet gave him antibiotics and he perked right up. I am wondering if that was the start of hepatic lipidosis. They say that's caused by some upset in their lives. While I thought Daphne was good for him, because he is so social, maybe it wasn't?

Also been looking at the triaditis - again, he doesn't have decreased appetite nor IBD that I have noticed.

Sorry, thinking out loud here. Cancer (lymphona) is the only thing that fits his symptoms. I am so so so SO happy they are saying that isn't it.

I am hoping meds can help!

hepatitis is not the same as fatty liver. I hope this helps.
http://www.catchow.com/catcarecenter...mbinedID=20356

Thank you - that was a great article. Good to know it isn't contagious.