Female not eating

Hello all,

We have an 11 year old Tortie (spayed, 14 lbs) that has suddenly stopped eating nearly all food after vomiting 2 mornings ago.

All bloodwork & exam came back normal. Teeth & gums checked, seem ok.

Being treated for hyperthyroid (5 mg Methamazole / day), since April 2010. T4 levels normal.

Will drink regularly; will reluctantly eat small nibbles of favorite treats.

Other behaviors seem normal and acts hungry, but then refuses to eat when the bowl is offered.

Any thoughts? Our next plan is a 2nd vet appt tomorrow for x-ray and possible endoscopy referral.

Try offering her a different brand of food? It's very important she eats something, even if it's not what your normally feed her.

Have tried dry and wet, as well as turkey lunchmeat, chicken, and other typical favorites. Pretty much no dice. I will try some other brands.

She'll eat Laxatone (a gel-like substance) no problem.

Perhaps a cut or some other problem inside her mouth or throat?

She does seem to sit in front of the forced air heat vent more often than usual too.

You could also try baby food, as long as you make sure there's no onion in it. See if that works. Or canned pumpkin as well.

If she isn't eating anything at all, you might have to force feed her.

You said she had a second vet appointment. Did they find anything?

She definitely needs to eat. I would check her teeth and mouth for ulcers. Is she smacking her lips a lot? She could be nauseous. The vet can give her a shot to help settle her stomach. How are her kidney numbers (BUN, Creatinine) and kidney function?

Sounds like you are really trying to do all you can. How did the today's vet visit go?

Is it possible the thyroid meds are affecting her appetite? I hope you find a solution. She does not need to go long without food, even if you have to force feed her. Ask for instruction on how to do that is you decide to proceed. There is some danger of aspiration.