Vibes for Hulio

kailie

TCS Member
Thread starter
Veteran
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
9,025
Purraise
25
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Hi guys,


Hulio is one of my Nan's kitties. Late Saturday night, my Nan called me all in a panic saying that there was something wrong with Hulio. He is a big, beautiful, playful tuxedo kitty. She said there was a "white film" over his eyes and that he was lethargic and not himself at all. I asked if he was still eating and drinking, and she said he was, but not as much as he normally does, and he hasn't been playing with Annie, their kitten they've had for a month, and he and Annie were ALWAYS playing. She asked me if I could come to check on him the next morning and see what I thought.
Yesterday morning Dana and I go over. As suppected, the "white film" were his third eyelids, which Nan knew nothing about. Hulio obviously wasn't feeling well, was a little warm and not active at all, although he IS still eating and drinking some. Nan and her husband are seniors on a fixed income, but I told them to make sure he continues to eat and drink, and as long as he is and doesn't get any worse, he can hold off seeing the e-vet and they are going to call their regular vet first thing this morning.
We have no idea what the issue could be. This hit Hulio very suddenly. He's still a big, beautiful boy, Nan doesn't know anything he could have gotten into, and he's only 6 years old. (I took them to the shelter to adopt him 6 years ago as my Christmas gift to them.
) At first I was thinking maybe something came with the kitten, but she has been there a month now, is fine and so is their other cat, Kizzy.
Anyway, they are calling their vet and trying to get him in first thing this morning. Any vibes you could send would be greatly appreciated. I also told them I would help with the vet bills if need be. They adore Hulio... He's a wonderful boy, so hopefully it isn't anything too serious.
 

stephanietx

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
14,772
Purraise
3,490
Location
Texas
Sending up some prayers for Hulio and your grandparents. It is possible something was brought on because of the stress associated with the new kitty. Glad they'll be taking him in today and I hope it's nothing serious.
 

otto

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 7, 2008
Messages
9,837
Purraise
197
Did you ask them about his litter box habits? I always worry about a urinary tract blockage with a male cat going suddenly ill. Hope they get him to the vet quickly this morning,

Hulio
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

kailie

TCS Member
Thread starter
Veteran
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
9,025
Purraise
25
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Originally Posted by otto

Did you ask them about his litter box habits? I always worry about a urinary tract blockage with a male cat going suddenly ill. Hope they get him to the vet quickly this morning,

Hulio
Sure did, they said they hadn't noticed so they've been keeping an eye on him like I asked. Nan said she she noticed him pee and he seemed fine that way. She said there was poo but didn't know if it was his or not. She made an appointment with the vet for him, so she'll call me when she gets back and let me know how it went.

I don't think it's stress from the kitten though. He LOVES the kitten and they're real play buddies.
 

darlili

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,310
Purraise
14
Location
Illinois
Many prayers for Hulio and your grandparents - and many thanks to you for helping them all out.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

kailie

TCS Member
Thread starter
Veteran
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
9,025
Purraise
25
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Well $120 later and they're no further ahead than they were BEFORE the vet visit.

The vet checked Hulio all over, said his bladder wasn't hard for full, there was a little stool in there but nothing concerning, he didn't have a temperature, didn't seem to be in pain and tested negative for FIV/FELV. He told my Nan that if he didn't improve, to bring him back.

When I talked to Nan last night, she said there had been no real change in him and that he was still lethargic and had the third eyelids badly as well, but she said he WAS still eating and drinking and she got a couple cans of AD from the vet and he was eating that.

I just don't get it, because there is OBVIOUSLY something wrong with this cat, but the vet couldn't figure it out and wasn't concerned at all and now my grandparents, who have little money to begin with, are out $120 for really nothing.
I told them to keep me informed, and if this keeps up, I'll be taking Hulio for a second opinion myself.
 

farleyv

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
4,796
Purraise
36
Location
New York State
Wow, I can sympathize with your grandparents over those costs. You sure are a good grandaughter for looking after them.

Were other blood tests done? Do they have any blood left over to do more tests. Sometimes vets save some to do further tests.

Third eyelid is a sign of something going on. Yea, if I were you, I'd get a SO soon.

Still sending those vibes.
 

otto

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 7, 2008
Messages
9,837
Purraise
197
How old is Hulio?

I wonder why the vet did not suggest blood work? What on earth could have cost $120? $120 for an exam and a SNAP test? That outrageous.

It sounds like he may have a blockage actually, like he ate a piece of string or something I mean. I'd be asking for an x-ray, in addition to blood work I think. Perhaps there's something in his stomach that doesn't belong there.

Find another vet.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #11

kailie

TCS Member
Thread starter
Veteran
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
9,025
Purraise
25
Location
New Brunswick, Canada
Hulio is only 6 years old.
Yes, an exam and a SNAP test and I believe she said they tested for heartworm as well, but other than that, no further blood test, no checking levels, etc, which seems strange to me because I would think that would tell them a lot more. I think I'm going to bring him to MY vet.
 
Top