Vet not treating anemia

lilblu

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So my 13+ y/o cat (Nani) was recently diagnosed with anemia and possible liver cancer or liver disease. The vet gave me medicine for other unrelated, minor stuff but not for the anemia. I called and left a message that I wanted to find out why. I recall the vet indicating that Nani's condition was bad, but I'm a bit unclear as to how bad. Honestly, I was a bit in shock at the diagnosis because I assumed the symptoms were related to CRF. I think the vet said she could live six months or she could die next week. Nani is still fairly perky. She lays around until she sees me and then she's all over me wanting attention. I think she's got some fight left in her and I think treating the anemia would help. I don't know anything about anemia or feline cancer. I'm wondering if you all think that treating the anemia would help? Right now she has abdominal distention, so I don't know exactly what that means as far as how bad this situation is.

I forgot to add that the vet doesn't think it's necessary for me to bring Nani back in for a checkup. That tells me that the vet thinks Nani will die within the next few weeks or less.
 

mews2much

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Get a 2nd opinion.
I have had a few cats that had anemia.
My 18 year old CRF cat had it 8 years ago.
The vet gave her Pet Titic sp
Stripe had it and got blood transfusions.
Meeko had it also.
There are treatmenats for anemia.
I forget what she had for it.
 

snickerdoodle

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Mews 2 Much I think that is what my vet gave me for Boo's anemia too, Pet Tinic is what they called it at my vet, it is an Iron supplement and Vitamin B complex supplement.

Lilblu I would get a second opinion. Your vet sounds like some I have dealt with before. They are not very proactive and you sort of have to dig for yourself and go to them with information. That is the only reason I ended up with a supplement for Boo, because I asked about it first. And he was diagnosed in March, so I should've been doing this to begin with.

You really may want to find a 2nd opinion, check around, see if any friends you trust go to a different vet and rave about them or what not... that is how I found my 2nd opinion vet. I have to push my vet sometimes, write down questions and symptoms and things to show them so I won't forget anything.
I hope your baby gets the treatment she needs and does well
it does sound like she has fight left in her
 

farleyv

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I hope your little friend has a long time yet. Yes, go check with another vet. Your kitty deserves it.
 

otto

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By all means find another vet! You want a vet who will answer your questions and work as a team with you in Nani's care. They are out there, sometimes it takes a while to find them, but there is bound to be a vet who will take more interest in you and Nani and help you give her the best quality of life possible.

My vet never says things like "she's only got six months". She is honest, but knows that cats are fighters.

Please keep us posted on your beloved Nani. (that's my sister's name!
)
 

blueyedgirl5946

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Did the vet give you a copy of the blood work with the numbers. I am assuming that is how your cat was diagnosed with anemia and liver problems.
There are several numbers that are associated with liver damage or disease.
My cat Muffin is not sick, but has high liver numbers on the bloodtest. He has been on a supplement called Denamarin for his liver. It is not a medicine but a supplement which consists of Sam E and milk thistle for liver enhancement. Something like that might help your cat. It is not that hard to give. My Muffin gets his pill first thing in the morning and then waits one hour at least for his morning feeding. It has reduced his high liver numbers by 90 pts. Another thing is, has the vet offered any opinion as to what is causing the anemia. Get a copy of the bloodwork and run to the next vet for a second opinion. Your cat deserves it. I am sorry you are having to deal with this. Your vet may be giving up too soon.
 

mews2much

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My Oreo had surgery last monday and her liver numbers were high.
We will have them checked in a few weeks.
Blue,
That is the med Coco had for Anemia.
 
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lilblu

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This is a quick post, because it's past my bedtime.

The diagnosis of liver cancer/disease was made based on palpatation and an x-ray. The anemia was diagnosed based on the blood work and because she ate litter.

There was another vet there who looked at everything and made the same diagnosis. The situation with the anemia looks really bad based on a well-known and popular CRF website. I don't know if it matters in regards to getting a biopsy done, but the platelets were low. The normal range is 175-600, and Nani's was 55.

Do you all think I should get a specialist to look at the tests results and then go from there?

I wonder if it would matter whether this is cancer or liver disease?

This sucks.
 

ldg

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All I know is that if my kitty didn't appear to be in pain or suffering, I would definitely see a specialist if one was within a reasonable drive (and that depends upon how stressed your kitty gets from traveling).


At a minimum I'd get a copy of the file and x-rays and get a second opinion from a different vet practice.

 

blueyedgirl5946

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What did your vet think is causing the anemia. Is the cat having internal bleeding? Also what are the numbers on the blood work that relate to liver disease. High levels in alt, bilirubin, alkp, ggt and amylase all can indicate liver problems. Low levels in albumin also indicate liver problems. Do you have a copy of the bloodwork so you can see what his numbers were. Alos what does your vet think is causing the low blood platelets.
 
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