Mackerel's taken a turn for the worse. :(

This is why I find it so very, very difficult to make that final, loving decision for one of my brood. To me, unless the kitty is an old-timer, there's always that nagging question---"what if......?" I'm so glad Mackerel has shown some improvement and the vet feels more tests are in order. There are so many, many coming to you and your sweet girl; as others have said, maybe this will be one of those TCS miracles.

Keep fighting, Mackerel!

Thanks everyone! She's still eating a bit, still drinking and weeing which is a good sign for her kidneys.

She's currently plonked herself on top of the massive pile of folded blankets and quilts and pillows that I was going to sleep in tonight. XD Surveying her territory with a regal attitude, haha. She seems very comfortable... as one would expect, lounging on top of a four foot high pile of bedding. XD

I am SO HAPPY to hear this news. I am keeping the prayers (and "vibes") coming!!!

You got em.... I am glad Mackerel had a good day yesterday.

:vi bes:

If I could come "down under" and personally place vibes onto Mackerel, I would! I pray, pray, pray that a miracle is at work here.

I'm so glad she's doing well being back at home. Continuing to pray for you.

Thanks for the vibes everyone. and hahaha, thanks ThreeCatOwner. XD Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by otto

Perhaps this is the Miracle I was praying for.

Mackerel

Stronger than ever

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Mackerel

Oh my gosh I just can't believe this! in renewed amounts!

There is hope!!!!

The and prayers for Mackerel are coming your way from me, too.

That little face has touched the hearts of so many. Miracles happen every day, why not for Mackerel?



Robin

Mackeral, we are praying for you girl. Keep us posted about what the vet finds.

Hi,

I soooo know the feeling when things look bad and then there is some sudden improvement! My prayers for you and dear Mackerel that good things will keep coming your way!

Mackerel, girl, you keep on fighting!

Hoping for more good news!

Keith

Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and Mackeral too and crossing my fingers that somehow, the initial thought of this thread can be avoided!

Today's update finds Mackerel still eating and drinking. She still hasn't had any fits or any signs of ill health apart from her being skin and bones and quite weak. She is still extremely anaemic, though- I can tell because the vet told me to check the membranes that you see when you gently pull her lower eyelid down... and they're bleached white. But her last blood test on Monday showed that she was at 8.5%, and apparently you really can't get any lower than that without... well. Death. So she's not deteriorating or declining at all.

My friend K is going to come over tonight to look over her, so I might have new news for you all then.

Thanks so much for the vibes and the good feelings, guys. Mackerel says "Mieu." which I'm assuming means "thanks" too. I raised her to have good manners. ;-)

I am so glad to hear you got some potentially good news! I pray she continues to improve.

Still praying for Mackerel. If you do start a new happy update thread would you please post the link at the end of this thread so we can follow along.

Mackerel

and for you too

I'm glad to read Mackerel is still doing good!

So when my Mickey became severely anemic a few years back, due to a Bartonella infection, my vet mentioned he was close to needing a transfusion. Is this any kind of option for Mackerel? Mickey was actually having seizures due to anemia.

I'm so glad Mackerel is continuing to fight. More vibes and prayers! :

Originally Posted by threecatowner

So when my Mickey became severely anemic a few years back, due to a Bartonella infection, my vet mentioned he was close to needing a transfusion. Is this any kind of option for Mackerel? Mickey was actually having seizures due to anemia.

I'm so glad Mackerel is continuing to fight. More vibes and prayers!

:

Click to expand...

Our Tuxedo has (had) anemia due to an autoimmune disease. He did get down to 7, and had a blood transfusion. We control his anemia through steroids (to suppress his immune system). Do they think a transfusion would give her a chance, or "buy" her some needed time?

No matter what, it's so nice to hear that she's enjoying this time, eating and drinking, and being loved!

I'm going to bring it up with the vet tomorrow. :-) I did mention it on Monday but the vet we spoke to said it wouldn't do any good... after doing some research I'm going to mention it again.

The 'strangeness' that they saw in Mack's blood were signs of something called Haemonocrits? I can't remember exactly what they're called, but basically K says they destroy red blood cells, and they're treated with steroids.

The test tomorrow will tell us if she has those, and if she does we should be able to treat them and keep fighting for her kidneys.

She's been eating really well the last few days. :-) She ate a full packet of kitten food today, plus a bowl of milk (she really likes it, and it doesn't give her diarrhea, so K says it should be fine to keep giving her that for the time being.

She climbed up on my lap earlier... for cuddles? No. To steal my sushi. XD So I gave her some tuna as well and she ate a little bit of that.

Basically, she's eating really well. :-) She's still very anaemic though- the membrane below her eye is still bleached white. :-( Hopefully the test results tomorrow show that her anaemia is improving, and that her kidneys are still improving. :-)

I'll be asking the vet about blood transfusions, and medication to help RBC production, but I've also read something about a homeopathic treatment for anaemia in cats which involves a mega dose of Vitamin C and a raw meat diet for a while. Has anyone else heard anything about this?