Feeding Tube

My 5yo tabby cat has a feeding tube that has been in almost two weeks.  He will not eat on his own, and I have tried every food known to man.  The vet has done blood work, xrays, and a contrast study to check for blockages and found nothing.  The only thing they can come up with is possibly pancreatis.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  I dont know whether to remove the tube or not.  Thanks.

One of my kitties was on a feeding tube for fatty liver, the root cause of his anorexia was IBD.  You don't want to have the feeding tube removed until he is eating well on his own.  Does he have high liver enzyme values that usually goes with fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis?  The main number my vet watched was the ALT.  If he has fatty liver he won't eat on his own until his liver comes out of hepatic lipidosis which can take awhile.  I didn't try to make Patches eat I just let him start eating on his own when he was ready.

Some kitties need the feeding tube for longer. My Sebastian has chronic pancreatitis. It it usually diagnosed via an ultrasound and the Spec fPL test (https://www.idexx.com/smallanimal/reference-laboratories/testmenu/innovative-tests/spec-fpl.html). Has your kitty had an ultrasound by a specialist?

Denice said:

 
One of my kitties was on a feeding tube for fatty liver, the root cause of his anorexia was IBD.  You don't want to have the feeding tube removed until he is eating well on his own.  Does he have high liver enzyme values that usually goes with fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis?  The main number my vet watched was the ALT.  If he has fatty liver he won't eat on his own until his liver comes out of hepatic lipidosis which can take awhile.  I didn't try to make Patches eat I just let him start eating on his own when he was ready.

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Conner is at the vet this morning and I am sure she will want to do more blood work to check his levels.  My main concern right now is that he throws up when I offer him food, and then again when I start the tube feeding.  How long was your kitty on the tube?

GoHolistic said:

 
Some kitties need the feeding tube for longer. My Sebastian has chronic pancreatitis. It it usually diagnosed via an ultrasound and the Spec fPL test (https://www.idexx.com/smallanimal/reference-laboratories/testmenu/innovative-tests/spec-fpl.html). Has your kitty had an ultrasound by a specialist?

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They want to do an ultrasound, but after $2000 I dont have the $500 to do it.  Pancreatitis is the best guess, as there is no blockage, as determined by xray.

KittyConner said:

 
They want to do an ultrasound, but after $2000 I dont have the $500 to do it.  Pancreatitis is the best guess, as there is no blockage, as determined by xray.

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I understand. The Spec fPL blood test I mentioned is also a diagnostic tool that tests specifically for pancreatitis and it is not as expensive as an ultrasound.

Here's a good document that outlines how pancreatitis is treated:

https://www.idexx.com/pdf/en_us/sma...pec-fpl-treatment-for-feline-pancreatitis.pdf

Are any treatments being done? Any medications or supportive supplements to help your kitty?

GoHolistic said:

 
I understand. The Spec fPL blood test I mentioned is also a diagnostic tool that tests specifically for pancreatitis and it is not as expensive as an ultrasound.

Here's a good document that outlines how pancreatitis is treated:

https://www.idexx.com/pdf/en_us/sma...pec-fpl-treatment-for-feline-pancreatitis.pdf

Are any treatments being done? Any medications or supportive supplements to help your kitty?

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We are on an antibiotic, pain meds, zantac, and an appetite stimulant.  He throws up when I feed him, so he is not keeping all of these meds down.  He seems to be in pain as he whines when he knows I am going to feed him and whines during.  I will mention the blood test to the vet tomorrow.  I just have such a heavy heart watching my baby go downhill.  Thanks for the advice....

I would ask about a steroid to reduce any inflammation.  I would also ask about an anti-nausea med like cerenia.  It normally is given 5 days on and 2 days off and the vet can start her with a shot.  I would also ask the vet to check the tube placement, I think it means paying for an x-ray but I would get it checked.  Acting as though it is painful when she is fed could mean there is an issue with placement.

 Did they check the placement of the tube when they put it in?  That is done with an xray.

I have decided to have the tube removed.  He is not responding well and seems to be in pain, in addition to vomiting everything up.  I cannot sit by and watch him suffer any longer.

KittyConner said:

 
I have decided to have the tube removed.  He is not responding well and seems to be in pain, in addition to vomiting everything up.  I cannot sit by and watch him suffer any longer.

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I'm so sorry. I'm afraid to ask...where do things stand now? 

(hugs kittyConner) as my heart tells me I would do the same...

GoHolistic said:

 
I'm so sorry. I'm afraid to ask...where do things stand now? 

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MnM said:

(hugs kittyConner) as my heart tells me I would do the same...

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He is home without the tube and is not eating or drinking.  I rubbed water on his lips last night and he retched and tried to throw up.  Sadly, I am making an appointment for tomorrow to send him to the Rainbow Bridge, although I am procrastinating on making that call.  I know he is suffering and I cannot allow it anymore.  My heart is broken to pieces.

I am so very sorry.  Trying to vomit when water is rubbed on his lips is very extreme.

KittyConner said:

He is home without the tube and is not eating or drinking.  I rubbed water on his lips last night and he retched and tried to throw up.  Sadly, I am making an appointment for tomorrow to send him to the Rainbow Bridge, although I am procrastinating on making that call.  I know he is suffering and I cannot allow it anymore.  My heart is broken to pieces.

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I'm so so sorry, @KittyConner. If you know he is suffering, then it sounds like you are making the right decision. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Thanks all for the kind words.  We spent the last two hours snuggled up and he did not whine or act like he was suffering.  I know he is free to eat and run and play now.

My heart is broken that you have to go through this, it tears you up inside and leaves you feeling shattered. You were right to end the suffering, there was no cure, just pain and agony. Bless you for going through so much and loving him that much too, it hurts so bad because you loved so much. He may have left your life, but he will always have a special place in your heart, never to be forgotten. Please let us share your sorrow, you need to surround yourself with people who understand your grief and can give you comfort. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, take care........ RIP beautiful Conner!

My heart breaks for u. I went through almost the exact same thing with my KittyBoy. They never gave me a diagnosis either.. I made the same choice you did.I'm comforted knowing he is free of suffering and that I will see him happy and playing again.So sorry for your loss :'(

I'm so sorry for your loss. 

On behalf of the TCS Team, we are so sorry for the loss of Connor.  As a sign of respect, your thread will be locked now.  Please feel free to post a tribute to your kitty here:  http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge.