I adopted a 5 year old Devon Rex about a week ago. I knew he probably had some health issues as he's extremely thin, basically just skin stretched over bones and a very prominent abdomen. The vet found that he has one very small kidney and the other is very large, but his renal function is fine so she feels that his odd-sized kidneys are probably congenital. He's afebrile, his thyroid function is fine and he is clear of mycoplasma. However, he is anaemic (low RBCs and pale gums), detected twice this week in separate tests. He's getting tested again in a week, assuming I don't see an obvious deterioration before then. He's quite lethargic and spends most of the day asleep in his cube/my lap/my bed. I'm trying to keep him as warm as possible as it's cool at the moment and he has minimal hair. Right now he's on my lap wrapped in a jumper. He's separated from our foster cat so she's in no danger if this turns out to be viral.
He lived on dog food for the 4 months before I got him . Needless to say, I put a stop to that! To provide extra calories and protein I'm giving him Whiskas kitten pouches 3 times per day, which he usually eats all of, and RC Sensible always available. I also add a capsule of fish oil to his breakfast. He has a good appetite but I think sometimes he feels nauseous and can't face eating until it passes. The Sensible is just about gone so I need to decide whether to continue with it or give something else. I'm hoping to have time tomorrow to go hunting for better wet food. He looks like he's starting to gain some weight.
I know there's not much I can do until we get a diagnosis, but if anyone has tips for supportive care in the meantime I'd love to hear them.
Getting comfy in my daughter's lap the day we brought him home.
He lived on dog food for the 4 months before I got him . Needless to say, I put a stop to that! To provide extra calories and protein I'm giving him Whiskas kitten pouches 3 times per day, which he usually eats all of, and RC Sensible always available. I also add a capsule of fish oil to his breakfast. He has a good appetite but I think sometimes he feels nauseous and can't face eating until it passes. The Sensible is just about gone so I need to decide whether to continue with it or give something else. I'm hoping to have time tomorrow to go hunting for better wet food. He looks like he's starting to gain some weight.
I know there's not much I can do until we get a diagnosis, but if anyone has tips for supportive care in the meantime I'd love to hear them.
Getting comfy in my daughter's lap the day we brought him home.