Rexy's issue is not cancer (now have knowledge to try and manage her issues)

First vet was wrong in her xray interpretation (basically said Rexy probably had tumor and needed ultrasound to confirm). She went to specialist center and the possible tumor was just her gall bladder in a lower position in her xray. Ultrasound showed no signs of cancer anywhere!!

Rexy has some serious issues in the pancreas and gall bladder area but there is hope to forge a management plan. When I have the formal written report from the vet (so I understand this better), I will post about it on here with lots of questions no doubt. Fingers crossed that we can get this managed. This will probably not be easy, but this has more hope than a large tumor diagnosis.

That's wonderful news!  (that's it's not cancer).  that you and the specialist can come up with a working plan for whatever ails her.

Thank you!!

She is not in good shape, but this much more hope to get back quality of life than the other option. So much to learn about her issues now as these are not issues that I have encountered before in my past experiences.

Scarlett : I have been following your posts about Rexy and am really pleased to read that she doesn't have cancer. Thank goodness for small miracles! (mistake with the x-ray). You must be quite relieved.

I hope that you are able to find out the cause real soon and that it is something that can be managed/cured, so Rexy (and you) can get back to a happy, healthy place again.

Today has not been a particularly great day. She won't eat soft feed, only some kibble (I'd sooner eat soft but she has to eat something). I am syringe feeding some soft to supplement. She is getting subq fluids. Not sure how long before I expect to see some improvement in her energy and eating.

I could put her into clinic on Monday for a day of IV fluids. She gets extremely stressed on the clinics, so I have to tradeoff how much the IV fluids could help vs. how much severe stress will cause flareups and hinder her recovery. Sigh.

I'm so glad it's not cancer!!! I can only imagine your relief! And I agree, I'd rather her eat dry kibble than nothing at all.

Why does she need IV fluids?

So does she have Pancreatitis?  We are dealing with chronic pancreatitis in DeeJay, it took her several weeks to get her mojo back.  Is she on any medications?

cprcheetah said:

 
So does she have Pancreatitis?  We are dealing with chronic pancreatitis in DeeJay, it took her several weeks to get her mojo back.  Is she on any medications?

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I have not had the bloodtest yet to confirm as we just noticed this on the ultrasound on Friday. But yes, everything points to pancreatitis and other related things in that kind of area of her body (some pancreatic inflammation, distension in some ducts around there too). Minor bloodwork abnormalities are consistent too (although they are not definitive for this issue). Symptoms are consistent too.

This fancy vet center that I had her at on Friday is often a tad "reactionary" to things and would hospitalize a cat before I sometimes think is necessary, and they did not even mention hospitalization for her to me, so clearly this is not considered and acute attack but presumably a bad spell of a more chronic issue.  

I've been doing my usual intense sleuthing and I think her treatment protocol is pretty standard (frustratingly my usual very good vet is away until January 6 for vacation).

- prednisilone

- antibiotics

- appetite stimulant

- subq fluids

(+ her usual asthma meds not related to this)

I have buprenorphine which I used yesterday, but not today. Just kind of playing that by ear.

I want to take her in Monday to begin VitB12 shots.

She is eating some on her own - strangely she is preferring dry kibble over wet food - I know wet is better for this issue, but right now we need to jumpstart her eating. She is mildly engaged in family life - clearly not her healthy self, but not sitting in a heap staring at walls. She is using scratching pole, walking around to different rooms and such.

First of all, I'm SO glad it's not cancer!     X-rays are helpful for some things, but an ultrasound (albeit expensive) can really be what is needed.

My Sebastian is also a pancreatitis kitty. (He has is own really long thread.) He was hospitalized for several days, but his first pancreatitis attack was pretty severe. Sebastian's pancreatitis wavers between severe and mild. I had to syringe feed him when he wouldn't eat and "give him whatever he'll eat," the vet said. The first thing he ate on his own was Kitten Chow dry food and 9 Lives Flaked Tuna canned food. Yuck! But hey, it was better than nothing. I transitioned him away from the junk food the more he felt better.

I would definitely recommend the pancreatitis test (spec fPL) for a confirmation of diagnosis (or to rule it out).

If it is pancreatitis, I found this Idexx document very helpful: http://www.idexx.com/pubwebresource...pec-fpl-treatment-for-feline-pancreatitis.pdf

Thank you for the words of advice.

Rexy is doing REALLY well. Almost back in routine, good energy, seems to be eating well, not losing any more weight, holding steady maybe even gained an ounce or two (I have a baby scale at home).

Are Vitamin B12 shots a good idea for this condition?

That's great!

Yes, B12 shots can be used. I give these to Sebastian.

Glad to hear she is improving.  Yes B12 shots can be great for this condition.