Tuxie's anemia

I think most of you know that Tuxie has an autoimmune disease that looks very much like feline hemolytic anemia (simply put, his immune thinks his red blood cells are a virus and attacks them). We/he fought for four years with a lot of ups and downs, and on the right steroid (depomedrol, used to suppress his immune system) he stabilized. Still some ups and downs, but for the most part his RBC (red blood cell count) has been in the normal range, and he's been able to go longer and longer between depo shots. He's at the vet about every 6 months to keep an eye on his RBC, but the last time he actually needed a depo shot was July of 2009 - and then it was half the amount he'd been receiving. (For quite a while he needed them every two weeks, and then the time between shots began lengthening to a month, several months, &etc.).

Today, his RBC was the lowest its been in years. It had fallen to 28 - which would explain why his appetite has been a little off the last few weeks. BUT the vet was really pleased with everything else, especially his organs (nothing's enlarged, and when he's been running on anemic, his heart, liver and spleen become enlarged).

He received his shot of depo this morning. It seems to already be affecting his appetite. (He'd fallen from 12 pounds 3 oz to 11 pounds 10 oz, but the vet thought that was great given we stopped free feeding three months ago, and they're on a primarily wet food diet).

Tuxie, we hope the depo continues to be what you need.

My goodness what a trying time for you and Tuxie it has been! I sure hope he continues to do so well. I know what it's like to live on pins and needles.

He will be in my prayers.

Tuxie, you are a tough little guy!!

We feel very lucky, and very blessed, that's for sure.

This problem arose before he was two, and he'll be turning 9 around April-sometime. There were serious doubts he'd see two - or three - or four. Once we made it through that patch, we were pretty confident he'd keep going. He is a tough little guy!

Wow Tuxie has been through a lot, I hope the depo works!

The world needs more owners who care like you do, LDG. God bless you and Tuxie! May he have many more wonderful years with you.

AC

Oh, of course lots of vibes for Tuxie! I know how it feels when the count goes down!

Thanks for the vibes. We're still worried (or getting more worried). He is eating a bit better, but he's still choosing to lie in a corner of whatever room he's in with his back to everyone (one of his symptoms). Normally he perks up pretty quickly after a depo shot. Although I guess it has been a while since his RBC was this low.

It's just hard not to stress and watch every little thing. We're just used to him becoming "crazy cat" the day after a depo shot.

Oh, my! Poor Tuxie, and you!

Sending lots of out your way that he's feeling better very soon.



Robin

Laurie you have done an incredible job monitoring Tuxie's health all of these years and I wish there were more cat owners like you in this world. I know there are on the TCS site, but I mean everywhere else. Tuxie would have not made it this far without your love and care. I sure hope as the day goes on you see an improvement in his mood since his depo shot this morning.

You have come this far with him and he seems like a real trooper so I am sure this can get under control again. Thoughts and healing wishes to Tuxie today. He is a little fighter .

Healing vibes are coming your way Laurie I know this is very worrisome but Tuxie is a tough little guy.
love
Marina

Unless things change dramatically in the next few days, Tuxie is going back to the vet on my birthday (the 17th). That's exactly two weeks after he was there for the depo shot, and that's technically the length of time the depo shot lasts (though for a time he was getting weekly shots).

He did get up to come when I called "dinner" this morning (they don't know "breakfast" and "lunch" LOL), so that's an improvement. And he's not holed up in the corner (which he only started doing about three days before his vet appt, or we'd have been there sooner!). But he's not doing the "crazy cat" thing, and unless his nose looks like Rudolph in a few days or a week....

(The brightness of the "pink" in his nose, gums, and paw pads being indicative of his RBC).

He sounds better. And that's a good thing. Maybe another shot will put him right.


Robin

Yes, better. But given that the last time between depo shots was over 1 1/2 years, this is kind of freaky. Well, actually, it's completely freaky, I'm just trying really hard not to freak out. I really hope it's just taking longer for him to perk up, or for the steroids to kick in than (what had become) normal.

We always feared we'd hit a time when the depo stopped working. I really hope this isn't it. (Breathe, Laurie)

PERFECT, Tuxie will be giving you a special birthday present then, A GOOD report at the vet's that day . Happy to hear he is a bit better today and not in his corner...

Originally Posted by LDG

Yes, better. But given that the last time between depo shots was over 1 1/2 years, this is kind of freaky. Well, actually, it's completely freaky, I'm just trying really hard not to freak out. I really hope it's just taking longer for him to perk up, or for the steroids to kick in than (what had become) normal.

We always feared we'd hit a time when the depo stopped working. I really hope this isn't it.

(Breathe, Laurie)

Click to expand...

I don't know that much about depo. Can it become ineffective after so much time? I sure hope that is not the case, just hang in there , I am hoping the depo will still get him stabilized again. I think it will

Yes, breathe, Honey. If it wasn't working, he wouldn't be better, would he? I know you want it to work fast.

Let's think positive. I think Tuxie's going to pull through.

Here's lots of for him and you and Gary.

Robin

Yes, I need to be positive!

Originally Posted by Feralvr

I don't know that much about depo. Can it become ineffective after so much time? I sure hope that is not the case, just hang in there

, I am hoping the depo will still get him stabilized again. I think it will

Click to expand...

The initial steroid given was prednisone. It worked for ... I'd have to look it up. But something like a year. Then it stopped working. That was when the vet said he was out of bullets (Tuxie had already received a blood transfusion and his body had rejected a 2nd, meaning he couldn't be given any more blood transfusions). We just assumed the same thing could happen with the depo.

But you're both right - he IS doing better, so it must be doing SOMETHING. that it is ENOUGH.

Sending you and for Tuxie! And want to let you know that you helped me out a greal deal this week, without even realizing it (see my most recent thread in the CL!) Thank you for being you and for doing what you do!

For Tuxie:

I'm just now seeing this Laurie!

Sending tons of vibes your way and keeping Tuxie in my prayers

Sending lots of for Tuxie and a big :hugs for you.

Sometimes we have to start with the small victories and I think the fact that he's improving with just one shot is a a good sign. Keeping up the good thoughts for all of you.