Senior Cat with liver disease - Need Advice

Hello and thank you for having me in your forums.

My senior cat, Xena, was recently diagnosed with liver disease and slight anemia and doesn't seem to be doing better.  She is at least 15 years old, as she joined our family in '99 and was considered an "Adult Cat" by the ASPCA.  I would really love to hear what you think about her condition.

Xena has been living out of state with a family member for the past year, but has always been a tiny cat.  She moved back in with me around two weeks ago, and since then I noticed that she was walking kind of strange (on hocks), was drinking a ton, and always seemed to be hungry.  I took her to the vet a week ago, and after running some tests they decided that it was liver disease and Anemia, perscribed milk thistle, and sent me on my way.  She weighed 7 pounds.  Also, they said to bring her back if she stops drinking for x rays - which unfortunately, i cant afford.

Fast forward to today, Xena has been drinking TONS of water, eating a bunch, but walking very strange.  I have also noticed that she will spasm or twitch uncontrollably while drinking.  She still purrs, acts affectionate, etc...but her movement seems very staggered, she seems wobbly and out of it sometimes.  

I have been feeding her better food, and giving her liquid milk thistle daily, but beyond that I am not sure what to do.  about an hour ago she drank water for around 10 minutes straight...

Anyway, that was long winded.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks again.

Doesn't sound to me like liver.... Did they do blood tests? Her symptoms, coupled with her age, make me think of low potassium caused by kidney disease..... I would go straight to another vet and get a senior panel on this kitty.... Make sure to test her thyroid!

What all did they test for with the blood work, and can you get a copy of the results? Was her blood glucose checked? What about her T4 level?

First of all, thank you so  much for the quick responses.

Carolina, see I totally agree.  From everything I have read, liver disease/failure is accompanied by an unwillingness to eat.  Xena eats like a monster.  In fact she wakes me up around 7am meowing, jumping on my face for food, etc.  She just ate a full can of fancy feast and is now back to her normal routine of pounding water.

Unfortunately I do not have her test results, only my memories of what the vet told me in person.  Maybe it should be noted that the vet seemed very young.  While I know that doesnt necessarily mean anything about skill, maybe it warrants another opinion.  She was probably around my age (mid 20's).

The itemized receipt is as follows:

Exam - Diagnostic - $53.50

Convenia Injection - $35.00 [antimicrobial]

chemistry - electrolytes - $133.18

thyroid profile - $67.00

CBC - Lasercyte - $45.84

SQ Fluid injection - $35.54

Their statements to me after the tests we that the results indicated that she did not have diabetes, that she likely has liver disease/failure, and that she was extremely dehydrated.

If I call them, do you think they will send me the actual results?

Carolina, I noticed you are located in Dallas.  I am actually in north dallas, maybe you have a good cat vet recommendation for my ol' lady?

,If Xena were my cat I would take her to a different vet immediately.  From the symptoms you're describing, she could have something called ketoacidosis which is very serious and needs treatment ASAP.  

It's possible that Xena has other problems in addition to the liver disease.  What you're seeing could also be kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes.  All of these things are treatable but need attention now.   

BTW, milk thistle is excellent for cats with liver disease, but not all milk thistle is effective.  You need silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle) combined with phosphatidycholine.   Enzymatic Therapy is a company that produces this type of milk thistle in a capsule.  The specific product that I used for my Mickey was called Silybin Advanced.  I can give you more info about how to use that but right now I really think the best thing to do is to get Xena to a different vet for immediate care and a second opinion.

Thanks KTLynn.

Unfortunately (and this sounds bad), I wont have any time to take her in today due to major presentations for my last week in College.  I will try to take her in tommorow, because I agree.  The Vet said that she wasnt a diabetic but I am beginning to doubt their prognosis.

When she perscribed milk thistle, she said they were out and to go to walmart to just get capsules for humans.  I did this and eyeballed the dosage for a few days, but ended up being extremely uncomfortable about it.  I ordered some liquid milk thistle for cats on Amazon, the brand is animal apawcathery (sp?), milk thistle + dandelion.  


Thoughts?  And yes, this has solidified the fact that she needs to be taken to a new vet.

Omg, you are SO lucky to be in North Dallas!
The absolute BEST vet ever! Dr. Mike Escobedo, at Cornerstone Animal Clinic.
1456 Preston Forest Square, Dallas, Tx. 972-385-3555
Cornerstoneanimalclinic.com
Dr. Lopez is VERY good too, but Escobedo is sensational. He will go above and beyond the call of duty to diagnose and treat your baby.... He is not a vet to follow protocol, and you will never have an unanswered question; if he doesn't know, he will take the time to research, talk to his peers, and get back to you with an answer. I am looking into moving to Denton, but no way I am changing vets! Your baby will always come first for him.... You next, then money. He is just a caring vet on the top of being very knowleageable. I really can't recommend him enough.
Tell your current vet to fax them your baby's records, or if you feel bad about doing that, when making an appointment with cornerstone, give them your current vet's phone # and they will get it for you.
Ask him every question you have in your mind, don't keep anything for yourself..... He takes the time with you for that, so take the opportunity to write a list with all the symptoms, what she eats, questions, etc. That's really helpful.
I hope you go there.... Good luck! 

Thanks!

Yeah, funny that you mention moving to Denton, that is where Xena and I are currently located

Thank you so much for the recommendation.  I will reach out to them and see if at the very least i can get the documents sent over there before attending.  How are his costs?  Clearly I want to take the best care of Xena as possible, but as close to a college student budget as possible

I am really amazed at the community on here, so glad I found the cat site.  Have a fantastic morning everyone

By the way, Xena is sleeping soundly in her bed under my desk, and snoring quite loudly..so cute

First TImer, I feel bad tellling you this because you already ordered it, but don't use that milk thistle.  It contains alcohol - not good for cats.

The form I used comes in capsules and is, of course, for humans and more expensive.  But it's also effective and there's no sense throwing money away on things that just won't help. 

You can find it at www.enzy.com.  The last time I bought it was about 3 years ago, and it was around $30/bottle plus S & H.  It lasts a long time because you'll need to break the capsules down to a smaller dose.  But in the meantime, you have more immediate concerns.

I'm really sorry you can't get Xena to the vet today.  Glad Carolina was able to recommend a good vet for you.  Please call him ASAP if you haven't already to get an emergency appointment for tomorrow. Make sure they understand your kitty is having serious health problems.  And please don't just "try" to take her in tomorrow but make it your mission to get her seen by another vet, whether or not it's the recommended one.  You don't want to look back at this with regret.

Fingers crossed for you & Xena that she feels better soon.

FirstTimer said:

Thanks!

Yeah, funny that you mention moving to Denton, that is where Xena and I are currently located

Thank you so much for the recommendation.  I will reach out to them and see if at the very least i can get the documents sent over there before attending.  How are his costs?  Clearly I want to take the best care of Xena as possible, but as close to a college student budget as possible

I am really amazed at the community on here, so glad I found the cat site.  Have a fantastic morning everyone

By the way, Xena is sleeping soundly in her bed under my desk, and snoring quite loudly..so cute

Click to expand...

For what I can see from what you are paying, simmilar. They also have a coupon for new patients, here it is:
http://static.petwisewebsites.com/eNrTT87PLUjMq9Q3NDbSLy3IyU9M0U81TrU0N0ky0StISQNcMLCGCm4,.pdf

Also, check this:

http://www.felinecrf.org/potassium.htm
http://www.felinegood.co.uk/treatments/en/potassium.shtml
http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm
http://www.felinecrf.com/comm0.htm

I am not saying your kitty has CRF.... I hope not :cross: But she is 15.... And at that age it is cause for concern.... I would do some careful screening on her with a good vet. Be very careful with any medication you give to her at this point as anything can affect both her liver and kidneys.
Cut the dry food and give her wet food only for the time being - she needs all the wet she can get