Fast moving illness--anyone seen this?

howtoholdacat

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I'm concerned about our cat Hemmy. Last Tuesday I found lumps under his nipples. We saw the vet on Wednesday who prescribed antibiotics and a painkiller/anti-inflammatory with instructions to follow up in one week. Her thinking is that it could be as simple as an infection and the treatment with the meds should clear it up but it also could be as complex as cancer so we also made a plan to have the places removed if the meds don't work.

Since he's had the meds, I'm seeing him deteriorate. He's eating and playing still but the places don't seem to be improving; they seem to be growing. Also, his belly feels bloated and hard and he really just doesn't seem himself. He still has several doses but my husband and I have decided to return to the vet Monday if there is no change (or change for the worse) over the weekend.

Has anyone experienced anything like this with their cat? I'm really very worried about him and it all seems to be moving very quickly.
 

catmom2wires

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I'd take him in right away. Cats can get sick so fast and it's just awful to have to make "snap decisions" when you are dealing with a suffering kitty.

Good luck.

Cally
 

yosemite

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I also would take him in now or at least phone the vet and tell them what you've told us here.
 

blaise

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Originally Posted by howtoholdacat

...We saw the vet on Wednesday who prescribed...a painkiller/anti-inflammatory...
It's very likely that this "painkiller/anti-inflammatory" is a drug called Metacam.

From your post it's clear to me that this Vet did not explain the dangers associated with its use in cats, nor that the oral form is explicitly contraindicated for cats by both the FDA and the manufacturer.

You can read more about it in this post.

Personally, I would have a problem with a Vet who, in the absence of a diagnosis, simply throws antibiotics indiscriminately at a problem, prescribes a contraindicated drug without advising the "owner" and says 'see ya in a week'.

I'd be looking for a competent feline Veterinarian...perhaps here or here.
 
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howtoholdacat

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Originally Posted by BLAISE

It's very likely that this "painkiller/anti-inflammatory" is a drug called Metacam.

From your post it's clear to me that this Vet did not explain the dangers associated with its use in cats, nor that the oral form is explicitly contraindicated for cats by both the FDA and the manufacturer.

You can read more about it in this post.

Personally, I would have a problem with a Vet who, in the absence of a diagnosis, simply throws antibiotics indiscriminately at a problem, prescribes a contraindicated drug without advising the "owner" and says 'see ya in a week'.

I'd be looking for a competent feline Veterinarian...perhaps here or here.
Wow that was really helpful while my cat is suffering. Thanks.


I called and made him a follow up appointment for Monday instead of Wednesday. It's clear that the meds aren't doing what we hoped so it's time to move on to the next step.
 

monaxlisa

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It's common for vets to prescribe antibiotics when they don't know exactly what is wrong. Although it does sound like maybe some blood work might be a good thing to do, you'll be able to see what (if any) levels are off and go from there.
 
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howtoholdacat

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He doesn't have a fever and he's behaving completely normally. That part's a bit baffling to me because from what I can feel on his stomach it seems like this may be a very serious illness. He has been sleeping a bit more but he still plays and eats (and begs, oh my, how he begs) normally. Frankly, I think the increased sleep is just from the meds because that has started since we began them.

I did ask about blood work for this in particular and they felt that it wouldn't tell them enough so it looks like surgery is in our future. I can say two things about that 1) their prices are very fair so that helps make this a bit easier to deal with and 2) they've done surgery on Hemmy and our dog Claire in the past. Hemmy's previous surgery was unrelated to this current problem but without it he would have died. I know they saved his life then and if it comes to that again I have great confidence that he's in good hands now. Claire's surgery was for cancer in her mammy glands and they did a great job with her too.

Peace of mind that I've got a great vet is worth all the money in my checking account.
 
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howtoholdacat

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Originally Posted by MonaxLisa

It's common for vets to prescribe antibiotics when they don't know exactly what is wrong. Although it does sound like maybe some blood work might be a good thing to do, you'll be able to see what (if any) levels are off and go from there.
Hemmy looks like Chester in your sig.
 

motoko9

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I can't offer any insight, unfortunately, but I hope you get more information and some reassurance on Monday. Best wishes to you and Hemmy.
 
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howtoholdacat

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Thanks everyone! Looks like I'll just have to wing this one without the good-ole TCS words of experience! I figured it was unlikely that anyone else would have experienced this with a cat but you never know until you ask. I'll post an update at some point to let you all know what they find out. Thank you all for your words of encouragement.
 

darlili

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It can be so hard for even the best vets to get a precise diagnosis - just like it is for human doctors - and here's hoping that something will reveal itself so your baby can get treatment for a quick return to health.
 
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