Cat sick 11 days NOW! SCARED and Vet advising put sleep

Here is where we are with our 12 year old Sassy. On the week of April 1st her appetite started having changes. 2 days eat, 2 days no eat then on Friday April 5 around 4 pm she had what looked like a seizure episode. This was about 20-30 seconds and in slow motion the entire time. Was in sitting position bringing each paw one at a time up then slowly went down on side. After she then got up & walked. Immediately rushed to emergency Vet. Checked her over said she was acting normal, no breathing problems, alert. However did find a double ear infection, weight was 9 lb 8 oz. Did bloodwork, came back normal however white blood cell count was a high (21K) and glucose (200). Treated with fluids, Clavomox, ear drops & ear flush. Vet said either Vestibular Disease, brain tumor or possibly FIP.

Next day, Sat Apr 6 took her to my regular Vet. Noticed a cough sound through night and read could be allergic reaction to Clavomox. My Vet then stops Clavomox and administers the Convenia injection to last 14 days. She also had a fever. Basically slept and weak and at this point and still no drink or eating. Called my Vet next day, Sunday she then suggested treat with Prednisone for increas appetite & thirst & OTC 12.5 mg of Bonine for nausea. . She basically left me feeling this more likely a tumor. I started the steroid & Bonine together and that night Sassy was eating & drinking and with us in living room in her normal behavior.

Monday~ Back to sleep and no eat & drink

Tuesday~ April 9 back to the Vet and saw a different one.~ Gave fluids, and changed steroid from pill format to injection to last 5-7 days. STILL not eating & drinking! Steroids NOT working enough in the 2 days! Also administered a naseau injection as this Vet seems to think she had Vertigo and from the licking of mouth has nausea and room spinning feeling causing the lack of appetite. Fever STILL and was 103.5, weight went down. Got home within the hour she ate and ate all night and even ate her favorite treats! Not so much drinking since fluids that day.

Wed~ April 10 again no eat or drink, sleep

Thursday Apr 11~ Back AGAIN to Vet~ Fluids again, nausea injection & now she completely constipated. Gave her an enema and she did have a significant bowel movement. Vet comes in after speaking  with other Vets there and tells me this is a battle cannot win. Weight loss again & fever was 104.5. So after I completely lost it in the room with that news also with my 11 year old daughter with me we take her home and thought that was it. Sassy looked horrible after enema and threw up liquid foam and they said was from enema. I prayed all night long for a miracle! Around 2 am she jumped on my bed woke me and looked at me weird and then jumped off to throw up again. After that she was alert, purred all night long and by morning was the most alert I had seen her since this started. Actually being Sassy rubbing on my leg and walked around the house a bit. Late morning she then got lethargic and slept but still alert. Got her to eat, No drink since fluids day before.

This past w/e she pretty much slept. I got her to eat very little Saturday & Sunday but other than that no activity.

Monday~ Apr 15 BACK again to the Vet! Weight Loss, now 8 lb 2 oz, fever was 103.9. After examining Sassy she let out a cry in abdomen area now Vet thinks cancer, Pancreatis. again another guess on another visit. She received fluids. Suggested $400 ultrasound but pretty advised put her to sleep.

Here I am on Wednesday and Sassy is no better! Will NOT eat, yesterday started to eat then stopped. I think she is hungry but something stopping her. Naseau? Tumor?? I have cried ever night and devoted 24/7 care to my Sassy. I read that Convenia has a side effect of lethargy, loss of appetite and nausea. Is this why the steroid never worked? Is there another antibiotic that could possibly take the fever away? I read stories sometime it takes a few tries of antibiotics. That has never been mentioned from my Vet as a next recourse but only advise to put to sleep.

Saturday will be the 14 days since the Convenia. I know this doesnt sound good at all. Her weight loss, fever and weakness. She still is using litter box and alert but thinks he is getting at the end. Has anyone had a problem like this with their cat? This was so sudden! I read stories of people almost taking their Vets advice of putting to sleep & then find the problem & it gets treated and cat is fine. I know I could be in denial right now BUT I am still hoping for a MIRACLE for Sassy! SHe is the best cat ever and we went through this exactly 1 year ago with our Misty.

OH my. I am very, very sorry for everything you and Sassy are going through. Hun, I don't see in your post - did the vet do an XRAY!!!!!!!!! Good grief, I mean they have done so much to her but honestly, I think that would be the first thing to be done since she has not gotten better sooner. I would go ahead with that ultrasound at this point, hun. That is what I would do today - an xray or the ultrasound. All my best for you and Sassy. Please keep us posted.

The vet was going to do the Xray the day of the Enema and after the costs and her telling me wouldnt be able to see mas much with it. We have spent $1000 and NO definitive answers at this point! The bond I have with this cat I have never had with any other animal in my life. My Vet basically said we could do the ultrasound but feels pretty positive something in there and wouldnt be able to be fixed. 

There's a lot going on here. I think right now, all these meds are making her feel bad. I'm surprised the vet hasn't suggested assist-feeding (either syringe feeding or a feeding tube) to help her get through this. She needs food in order to help her recover. I think she's losing weight and is weak because she hasn't been eating enough. An appetite stimulant and anti-nausea meds may help here.

Does she seem in pain? I'm not certain why the vet is advising that she be put to sleep at this point. If you're willing and able, there are other things to try. I would maybe get a second opinion, a feline specialist if you can.

Just saw your latest post. How does she know the problem can't be fixed if she doesn't know what the problem is? I would definitely do an x-ray at a minimum which is fairly inexpensive, but I would try to find another vet. This vet seems too willing to give up. If your cat is not suffering, then I would try to get a diagnosis and find out treatment options first.

Coming back to add that I think all of those medications and procedures the vet has done might be making Sassy feel worse. Like Vball added, did the vet suggest syringe feeding? If Sassy does not get food into her system then she will not have the energy to fight. I am confused as to why the vet would tell you that she would not be able to see much with an xray. That doesn't sit right with me. You could always gather up all of the information/records and go to another vet. I know it is expensive but another opinion may give you an answer and a way to help Sassy.

Dear Companion,

Every pet owner the world over could recognize and feel both your frustration and your pain. One of our inside cats, Jack, just crossed the Rainbow Bridge last week.  The Thursday before he was his silly, playful, always-ready-to-eat self, and by Monday, he was dead. Jack was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia...a nasty fast-acting killer.  There was no way to save, although we did try.   He was getting injections of antibiotics, and steroids and we were force-feeding him. He was still drinking and OMG, so very, very weak.  We didn't have the 1200 for a blood transfusion, but because we'd noticed that Jack was "off" so quickly, the vet thought we should fight for Jack.  Make no mistake, we LOVED Jack.....we'd had him since he was 6 weeks old and he was only 1.5 years old when he died.  I can tell you now that, if any of our other cats are ever diagnosed with hemolytic anemia, we will have them euthanized immediately. To watch poor Jack get sicker and limper over those few days was TORTUROUS for us.  According to the vet, Jack wasn't suffering, but I question that now.

So why am I telling you about our poor Jack instead of trying to answer your question?  Well because I wanted you to have someone who would stand behind you if you choose to grant Sassy a pass to the Rainbow Bridge.  Sometimes our friends will encourage us to try every single option available to us, even those that have million to one odds of helping our beloved animal companion. 

I wish I knew of some wonderful treatment that would cure Sassy and keep her going for another ten years!  I'm so deeply sorry to say that isn't the case.  Maybe her vet can come up with something that will help her.  I sure hope so and will pray for that to happen!! But should you ever begin to feel that she is suffering and that the odds of her coming

out of it are less than 50/50...don't feel like a bad person because you find yourself thinking about putting her to sleep. 

When we choose to add an animal companion to our homes, we enter into a bond of trust with them.  We are pledging to do our very best to give them as good a life as we can.  Knowing when to release them from suffering is part of that trust bond.  A gentle death is the very last gift we can give to the animal companions that we love so dearly. 

I wish we had done a better job of honoring the trust bond we shared with Jack. 

VERY GOOD luck to you and Sassy!

(((PWhite01)))

vball91 said:

There's a lot going on here. I think right now, all these meds are making her feel bad. I'm surprised the vet hasn't suggested assist-feeding (either syringe feeding or a feeding tube) to help her get through this. She needs food in order to help her recover. I think she's losing weight and is weak because she hasn't been eating enough. An appetite stimulant and anti-nausea meds may help here.

Does she seem in pain? I'm not certain why the vet is advising that she be put to sleep at this point. If you're willing and able, there are other things to try. I would maybe get a second opinion, a feline specialist if you can.

Click to expand...

I believe the Vets are looking at they tried Steroids and not working, They are seeing in 11 days she has lost over a 1 lb and that alot for a cat. They see the Convenia antibiotic isnt taking the fever away. I am looking at the side effects of Convenia and wondering if this a part of the problem. I am just afraid other medical serious issues can start with her not eating. I just dont know what food to try. She literally walks away from the water bowl. This is a cat that was my alarm clock sitting on my nightstand each morning to get up and feed her. My husband is pretty convinced by the Vet she has cancer and afraid to spend more money when what we have spent now gotten no better. I see her as a fighter and I have to fight with her and cant give up.

Toppi said:

Dear Companion,

Every pet owner the world over could recognize and feel both your frustration and your pain. One of our inside cats, Jack, just crossed the Rainbow Bridge last week.  The Thursday before he was his silly, playful, always-ready-to-eat self, and by Monday, he was dead. Jack was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia...a nasty fast-acting killer.  There was no way to save, although we did try.   He was getting injections of antibiotics, and steroids and we were force-feeding him. He was still drinking and OMG, so very, very weak.  We didn't have the 1200 for a blood transfusion, but because we'd noticed that Jack was "off" so quickly, the vet thought we should fight for Jack.  Make no mistake, we LOVED Jack.....we'd had him since he was 6 weeks old and he was only 1.5 years old when he died.  I can tell you now that, if any of our other cats are ever diagnosed with hemolytic anemia, we will have them euthanized immediately. To watch poor Jack get sicker and limper over those few days was TORTUROUS for us.  According to the vet, Jack wasn't suffering, but I question that now.

So why am I telling you about our poor Jack instead of trying to answer your question?  Well because I wanted you to have someone who would stand behind you if you choose to grant Sassy a pass to the Rainbow Bridge.  Sometimes our friends will encourage us to try every single option available to us, even those that have million to one odds of helping our beloved animal companion. 

I wish I knew of some wonderful treatment that would cure Sassy and keep her going for another ten years!  I'm so deeply sorry to say that isn't the case.  Maybe her vet can come up with something that will help her.  I sure hope so and will pray for that to happen!! But should you ever begin to feel that she is suffering and that the odds of her coming

out of it are less than 50/50...don't feel like a bad person because you find yourself thinking about putting her to sleep. 

When we choose to add an animal companion to our homes, we enter into a bond of trust with them.  We are pledging to do our very best to give them as good a life as we can.  Knowing when to release them from suffering is part of that trust bond.  A gentle death is the very last gift we can give to the animal companions that we love so dearly. 

I wish we had done a better job of honoring the trust bond we shared with Jack. 

VERY GOOD luck to you and Sassy!

(((PWhite01)))

Click to expand...

I am so sorry about your Jack!!! I hear what you are saying & the tears immediately ran out of my eyes. I dont want her to suffer and will I know?? She doesnt cry and walks fine with no cry. My 11 year old is so heartbroken especially since went through this 1 year ago. Sassy is her buddy!  

If she's not eating enough, then yes, this can lead to other problems, the most serious fatty liver disease. Convenia has been known to give some cats serious issues as well.

While I agree that knowing when to release our pet companions from suffering is one of our responsibilities as guardians, I think this is a different case. Not all diagnostics have been done, so there is no diagnosis and therefore no treatment options. Antibiotics and steroids are not a cure-all for everything.

It could be cancer which may or may not be treatable. There are members here who have treated cats for cancer who are still with them today. My point is you don't know what's wrong, so how can you make an informed decision? If she is clearly suffering, then the choice would be more obvious even without a diagnosis, but that does not seem to be the case here.

Feralvr said:

Coming back to add that I think all of those medications and procedures the vet has done might be making Sassy feel worse. Like Vball added, did the vet suggest syringe feeding? If Sassy does not get food into her system then she will not have the energy to fight. I am confused as to why the vet would tell you that she would not be able to see much with an xray.

That doesn't sit right with me. You could always gather up all of the information/records and go to another vet. I know it is expensive but another opinion may give you an answer and a way to help Sassy.

Click to expand...

The Vet has never suggested syringe feeding. I did bring home fluids on Monday to do ourselves which my husband & I are a very nervous to do. What food do you feed with the syringe and is it too late since it been this long?? I mentioned her losing weight because of not eating & the Vet said no wouldnt lose that much that fast.

Oh one other crucial thing I forgot to mention is that on Monday now noticed her ear tips cooler and paw pads have gotten pale pink color and were always darker pink. Vet said concerned circulation not right and now circulating to abdomen area where she believes the problem is. Is this a sign she shutting down?

Here's a thread that has info on syringe feeding:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/227858/syringe-feeding-lucky-video-if-your-cat-is-not-eating

tjcarst said:

Here's a thread that has info on syringe feeding:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/227858/syringe-feeding-lucky-video-if-your-cat-is-not-eating

Click to expand...

Thank you!!!!! Now I see you can get the Hill's canned food she using at Petsmart but you need a script from Vet??

I believe you do need a prescription for a/d, so you can talk to your vet about it. However you can use other foods. A/D is good because of the consistency, but you can take any good high quality meat canned food and blend it with water (in a blender or food processor type thing) to get the consistency you need. Have you tried the meat only baby foods to try to tempt her to eat? Pretty much try anything that's not harmful in the long run: deli meats, tuna, whatever she may like.

You might be able to use Wellness Grain Free Chicken (I get mine at Petco) if you cannot get A/D from your vet.

I just went & bought baby food, chicken stage 1 and beef. Will be trying shortly but not optimistic. Also tried tuna earlier & NO luck! She actually put her face over the tuna and got close as if was going to eat then walked away. That what did yesterday as well. I spoke to the original Vet who treated her on the initial emergency visit and just filled her in with what going on. She suggested seeing the the internal medicine specialist there and I would spend like 2 hrs with her & she also can do an ultrasound. This may be my best choice since time is critical at this point. 

tjcarst said:

You might be able to use Wellness Grain Free Chicken (I get mine at Petco) if you cannot get A/D from your vet.

Click to expand...

Thanks!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how many cans I have opened in 11 days & thrown out!!

Good luck with the internal medicine specialist. Many, many vibes for you and your kitty to get a diagnosis and for your kitty to get better soon.

Please keep us posted.