Undiagnosed cat with digestive issues. Stuck and not knowing what steps to take next. We need help.

catwoman707

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
7,689
Purraise
2,263
Location
Vallejo, CA
Okay after doing some serious digging found this info from my early IBD journey days.

Either Renew Life Ultimate Flora (15 billion CFU) or Nexabiotic (also 15 billion CFU). You can give 1/2 capsule of the Renew Life 2x a day, and either 1/2 capsule or 1 full capsule of the Nexabiotic (I order it on amazon, and I prefer Nexabiotic because it contains S boulardii, which is anti-inflammatory and helps restore normal function to the GI tract)

If I remember right it was the human that I used.
 

mingsmongols

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
514
Purraise
100
How about liver as a protein source? You'd have to make sure it didn't have garlic or onion in it for flavoring, but most cats go crazy for liver.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #45

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
How about liver as a protein source? You'd have to make sure it didn't have garlic or onion in it for flavoring, but most cats go crazy for liver.
I'll keep that in mind next time we go to the butcher. I bought a whole rabbit, boiled it and added the U-Stew and he ate a bit of that today. I was very happy to see that :)
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #46

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
Okay after doing some serious digging found this info from my early IBD journey days.

Either Renew Life Ultimate Flora (15 billion CFU) or Nexabiotic (also 15 billion CFU). You can give 1/2 capsule of the Renew Life 2x a day, and either 1/2 capsule or 1 full capsule of the Nexabiotic (I order it on amazon, and I prefer Nexabiotic because it contains S boulardii, which is anti-inflammatory and helps restore normal function to the GI tract)

If I remember right it was the human that I used.
Catwoman707, you're a star!!! Thank you for staying so on top of our case. You have no idea what a huge help you've been for us!

I ordered the Nexabiotic and it should arrive by tomorrow.

Nené is now on 5mg of prednisolone and Tylan every 12hrs. He hasn't vomited or had diarrhea at all since yesterday. In fact, he hasn't actually had a bowel movement at all in the last 24hrs. (I hope that's ok.)

My vet is away for the weekend. He told me to try Tylan if his diarrhea worsened so I did. My question is: how long is Tylan normally used for? Should I stop it when the diarrhea is gone? I went to get a refill today, in case he got sick during the weekend and while the clinic was closed, and they recommended me to continue it.

I feel I'm giving him so much stuff: antacid, prednisolone & Tylan every 12hrs. I don't administer all at once, but still, it seems like quite a lot of meds for someone like me, who has never really been through this before.

Thank you again everyone.
 
Last edited:

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,098
Purraise
22,972
Location
near Boston
If I remember correctly, My guys prescriptions, at his diagnosis were: Tylan (Reglan), Pepcid, Prednisolone, Cerenia, (daily).

Add Mirtzapine occasionally. He suffered from constipation, and not diarrhea, so he got Miralax also.

Also a novel protein diet... wet food only

He was on the Cerenia for 5 days, skip 2 days, and back on 5, etc...  Artie was off his food and nauseous when he did not get the Cerenia, so we added Zofran on the 'off' days.

I think he was on this protocol for a few months. When he seemed to stabilize, we weaned him off some of the drugs.

The first to go was the Zofran, then the Cerenia, then the Tylan (Reglan)... he stayed on the Pepcid, Pred, miralax.  

It is a lot of drugs, especially when you are not used to it... however,   I think this is a Standard Cocktail for IBD. 

Good Luck, I am around if you need more help.. but I am just going from my own experience. 

IBD is so frustrating, and so hard to understand. It takes a long time to 'get' it'; even then, you are overwhelmed..

Good Luck
 
Last edited:

Freedom

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Oct 29, 2014
Messages
707
Purraise
430
Location
Methuen, MA
My goodness, what a sage you and Nene have been through!  I was initially puzzled as to why there was not a complete blood panel done; glad to see that happened.

I also think IBD is a good fit to many of these symptoms.  I just had my cat Emma diagnosed with this.  When I hold her, her abdomen feels 'doughy.'  My vet said that is a classic IBD symptom.

Emma was insisting on using my bathtub for her litter box.  NOT FUN.  After a long day, getting a nice shower and in to bed, the last thing I want is to find diarrhea in the tub!!  Of course, that is nothing compared to what Emma must have been feeling.

My vet prescribed Metronidazole ( which is Flagyl) for the diarrhea.  That helped within 5 days.  I switched the kibble to Natural Balance limited ingredient Green Pea and Duck.  And I changed the canned food to Natural Balance limited ingredient venison and green pea.  My vet advised it can take up to 12 weeks for a food test to work.  We are now in week 3, and things are much much better.  Stopped the Metronidazole after 10 days.  Funny thing -- all the other cats go in to eat Emma's food as well, so I now have the entire clowder eating the same thing.

Prayers that you get some answers, and that things settle down.
 

junifern

TCS Member
Kitten
Joined
Mar 19, 2017
Messages
5
Purraise
2
Feed him non complex foods and make sure he drinks alot of water. If this doese not work he may have bowl cancer. If he doese hospitalise him immediately.
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,098
Purraise
22,972
Location
near Boston
Feed him non complex foods and make sure he drinks alot of water. If this doese not work he may have bowl cancer. If he doese hospitalise him immediately.
not so sure what you are saying.. complex foods?  

I think you forgot that the OP stated that her cat has had a full work-up.  I assume the Vet is very through. She was asking advise about what to do and if the meds were appropriate. 

Sorry, but I think mentioning that he may have bowel cancer could be a bit premature. and frightening. 

@gatinos   If your cat has had diarrhea for a while, it is not uncommon for them to not poop for a couple of days. Anything longer than that, I would consult your vet. 

Take deep breaths, Breathe! It is so frustrating..  
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #52

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
I hope things continue to improve and go well. Keep us posted.
Thank you @lmg1959. Things have improved, yes! :) 

He's been eating quite well and sticking to primarily one or two foods, which I think is also helping his tummy settle down. It is such a reward to see him eating. I can't believe how much I've taken their health for granted all these years... It's sad that we only learn to appreciate things when we start loosing them. This experience is teaching me so much about life, appreciation and counting our blessings. I am grateful for that 
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #53

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
Good Luck, I am around if you need more help.. but I am just going from my own experience. 

IBD is so frustrating, and so hard to understand. It takes a long time to 'get' it'; even then, you are overwhelmed..

Good Luck
Thank you for sharing your experience @Artiemom  and for being around. It is very much appreciated  


Do you remember how long Artie was taking Pepcid for? Yesterday I went to see the vet on my own, after researching about meds and supplements, and we went through a review of his current treatment and possible improvements.
  • I read that Pepcid shouldn't be given for more than 14 days. I started reducing his dose yesterday from 1/4 of 10mg 2x day to 1/4 of 10mg 1x day (in the mornings) until Thursday, which will be the 14th day. Then, we'll be stopping it, but we started with Cerenia last night, to keep controlling his nausea and vomiting. Which by the way, he hasn't vomited for days now! 
  • We added Cerenia to the treatment (1/2 a 16mg pill every 24hrs.) It says in the box to only give it for 4 days or until the box is empty. That would mean it would only last us 8 days with his current dosage. After taking it his eyes were squinting a little and he sneezed for a while. Did you also notice these symptoms? 
  • He recommended to keep Tylan for now and probably for at least a few more weeks. Today he had his first solid and beautiful poop. I never thought poop could make me so happy! 
  • We're also staying with 5mg of Prednisolone every 12hrs. 
I'll keep the Zofran in mind, I haven't read or heard anything about it yet, I suppose it's also a treatment for nausea? 

I used to be very reticent to give him or even for myself to take any meds, but they are working so, so well. It has given me a lot of hope. Also, hearing about others that have gone through it makes all the med cocktail seem less frightening. So, thank you again for sharing your experience.

At the moment he's eating freeze dried dehydrated rabbit Mini Nibs from Vital Essentials. He seems to get tired of the smell so I've been switching from their treats to their food. I'm aware treats are not a complete diet, but their treats are basically rabbit, rabbit liver, rabbit kidney, rabbit heart  so I feel good about giving them to him. And very good about him eating!!! 

He doesn't stick to canned food, he doesn't like cans so much. He does like pouches, and I've found this food that I'm very excited to try: Backcountry Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts. I'm waiting for a call from a local pet store to see if they can get it for me by Friday. Otherwise, I'll try to order it through Chewy. 

Yes, it's been very frustrating, sad and tough, but every time that he seems to feel any better, it makes it ALL so worth the while! 

How is your Artie doing these days? 

Love, Silvia & Nené.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #54

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
Prayers that you get some answers, and that things settle down.
Yes, @Freedom  , it's been quite a ride for all of us! 

I was very ignorant about all digestive issues related when this first started and initially our vet wasn't too concerned, so the complete blood panel took longer than it should have, I guess. As you said, I'm also glad it's done now. We received another result yesterday, for pancreatitis, it came back negative, so that's also ruled out. We're still waiting for a few more results. 

I'm sorry to hear Emma has IBD, but she seems to be in good hands :) At first I was frustrated that he was sick. I'm slowly focusing on being grateful for being able to give him the best treatment I can and for him being alive. It really has changed the way I feel about it all.

I'm not sure Nene's abdomen feels doughy at the moment, it's actually quite firm right now, but it was doughy when I first took him to the vet.

Oh, man! I can relate to how you felt when you found that she'd used the bathtub as a litter box. Even though this has never happened to us, I've had many long days doing research, or going to the vet, or both, getting up to feed him during the night and then being woken up again during the night with vomiting or diarrhea to be cleaned. All I want is to hug him and go back to bed but there's cleaning to do... It's tough! As you said, nothing compared to how they must be feeling.

For us Flagyl and Prednisolone worked inmediately, the watery diarrhea stopped right away. I also think this was caused by him eating chicken, which we think he is allergic to, so that was stopped all together. He's only had diarrhea one more time, yesterday, and it was less liquid and more like pudding. Today he had a great bowel moment, it looked really healthy. I was the happiest cat mom :)

I just had to return a can of the Natural Balance limited ingredient venison and green pea that you're feeding Emma, he didn't like it. I'm glad it's working for your girl. I'm thankful that he's been sticking with the freeze dried rabbit for now. It feels like kibble, so he likes it. 

I'm very glad to hear things are already improving your side. Way to go!!! 


It's great that all your cats are now eating the same thing, it makes it easier on you and they're all eating better now, I'm sure. My other kitty, Asha, has been following Nené on his food trials and she is now on Ziwi Peak canned food rabbit & lamb and plain lamb. It's working for her, she loves it. I've started giving her a little bit of the freeze dried nibbles so she can start getting used to them as well. 

Thank you very much for your prayers. Like my good friend said the other day: "you must also work on the spiritual side of his illness and pray, and relax, and spend time with him." There is so much truth in that. I am grateful for all the support I've received.

Best wishes and our prayers to you too. 

Silvia & Nené.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #55

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
Hi @junifern  , 

Thank you for your input and concern. I must admit your post did leave me a little shocked at first and I'm glad they didn't get me off-guard. If I'd been a little more upset, it probably would have scared me quite a bit. I'm sure it came from good intentions and again, I appreciate your concern. 

My vet told us it could also be lymphoma. I am aware of this sad possibility but of course, at the moment, nothing can be ruled out. I have decided to stay positive though and work through and with whatever it is. My approach is as the saying: "If you're going through hell, keep going!" 

 
not so sure what you are saying.. complex foods?  

I think you forgot that the OP stated that her cat has had a full work-up.  I assume the Vet is very through. She was asking advise about what to do and if the meds were appropriate. 

Sorry, but I think mentioning that he may have bowel cancer could be a bit premature. and frightening. 

@gatinos   If your cat has had diarrhea for a while, it is not uncommon for them to not poop for a couple of days. Anything longer than that, I would consult your vet. 

Take deep breaths, Breathe! It is so frustrating..  
@Artiemom  , thank you, thank you. Staying positive and taking deep breaths is also part of the treatment and it's thanks to all the support here and from my friends and my husband that I've been able to stay strong and hopeful. 

You were right, he didn't poop for a bit but he then pooped the day before yesterday (formed but soft), then again yesterday (pudding diarrhea), and today (PERFECT!). I've learned that it's important to remain patient. 

 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #56

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
 
Okay after doing some serious digging found this info from my early IBD journey days.

Either Renew Life Ultimate Flora (15 billion CFU) or Nexabiotic (also 15 billion CFU). You can give 1/2 capsule of the Renew Life 2x a day, and either 1/2 capsule or 1 full capsule of the Nexabiotic (I order it on amazon, and I prefer Nexabiotic because it contains S boulardii, which is anti-inflammatory and helps restore normal function to the GI tract)

If I remember right it was the human that I used.
Hey @catwoman707  , today I started both my kitties on Nexabiotic, the human one. Once a day, half a pill each (for now.) I read that it could unbalance their tummies if they had a probiotic started too quickly, so I was thinking of giving them half the powder 1x day and increase to a full capsule after a week. What are everyone's thoughts? 

Also, for anyone interested on starting with a probiotic, I found Nexabiotic's recommendations to be quite useful when it comes to administering (when and how) :

Q: Does Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] require refrigeration?


A: No, but refrigeration may help preserve the shelf life of the product.

Q: Can I take Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] by opening the capsule and consuming the contents?


A: Although the capsule is enteric coated to protect the probiotics inside from stomach acid, you may take it in that manner. Keep in mind that doing so may diminish its effectiveness even though some probiotic strains are acid-resistant.

Q: Is Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] available in retail stores?


A: No, it is currently only available online.

Q: Can I give Nexabiotic to my child or infant?


A: We are currently working on a toddler-friendly pearl. The current formula is encapsulated but can be opened and emptied. We recommend 1 capsule per day for infants and children.

For bottle fed infants you empty the contents of the capsule into your infant’s formula. For breast-fed infants the contents can also be placed on the nipple.

For toddlers and children the contents can be mixed with food or milk.

Q: How long does it take to notice results?


A: Results should be seen within 1-2 weeks.

Q: Is Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] a capsule or tablet?


A: Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] comes in the form of easy to swallow capsules.

Q: What are the side effects of Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji]?


A: Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] may cause increased flatulence. If you are experiencing this, make sure you are taking it on AN EMPTY STOMACH, 1.5 hours before or after a meal.

Q: How many do I have to take a day?


A: The prescribed dosage is up to 2 capsules a day. For adults we recommend 2 and for children we recommend 1.

Q: How should I take the pills?


A: We recommend taking the product on an empty stomach throughout the day to maximize effectiveness.

Q: How big are the capsules?


A: The capsules are “1” size. They are approximately 2cm by .5 cm. A reference chart is available here.

Q: Is Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] lactose/dairy free?


A: Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] may contain trace amounts of lactose due to the medium that the probiotics are grown on. These amounts are small and should not cause GI discomfort.

Q: Is Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] gluten free?


A: Yes, Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] is a gluten free.

Q: How long does each bottle last?


A: Each bottle has 60 capsules and lasts 30 days if you’re taking the full 2 capsules a day dose.

Q: How do I pay via check?


A: You can sign up for a PayPal account which will allow you to pay via check electronically. You can also mail in a check or money order to:

BioProsper Labs
6137 Crawfordsville Rd #F103
Speedway IN 46224

Q: How long does it take for my order to arrive?


A: Your order ships via USPS First Class Mail and should arrive within 1-5 business days.

Q: Do you ship Internationally?


A: Yes, select your corresponding country on the checkout screen. International orders take approximately 2-3 weeks to arrive.

Q: Do you ship with a cold pack?


A: No we do not. Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] probiotics are freeze-dried and are room-temperature stable.

Q: How does your money-back guarantee work?


A: We have an industry-leading 60 day warranty because we want to see results as much as you do. It is important to give Nexabiotic[emoji]8482[/emoji] enough time to work. If you are still dissatisfied, return the product to us within 60-days and you will receive a full refund minus your cost for shipping and handling back to us. All returns must be postmarked within 60-days of the purchase date.

Q: Will my order be automatically renewed after I run out?


A: No, we do not offer automatic shipments or subscriptions for our products.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #57

gatinos

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
67
Purraise
6
Location
NC
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,098
Purraise
22,972
Location
near Boston
Artie has been on Pepcid continuously since 2015. You do not have to worry about the side effects. It is a routine dose for IBD Cats. 

Zofran is another anti-nausea drug which has to be used twice a day. It works on a different neurological pathway, but very similar to Cerenia

Cerenia is usually prescribed for 5 days on, 2 days off. You can use the Zofran on the off days. 

When Artie is in a bad flare, he has taken the Cerenia constantly--no days off. 

To me it sounds as if the steroid dose is a bit high. Taking 5mg twice a day is a total of 10 mg a day! That is a lot. My guy takes 5 mg per day--once. But I am not an expert or even an advisor. I am just going by my own experience.

Are you seeing a specialist? If not, I sincerely advise you to see one. Most regular Vets cannot manage an IBD cat, it is just too complicated for them. 

I think you should continue to stay away from all chicken products. Just my opinion. Artie is allergic to chicken also, and is extremely fussy with food. Right now I have him on lamb. I did have him on rabbit,  but I had to change brands because I did not think that brand was good for him.. each cat is different.. Artie's big issue is constipation, along with vomiting. The constipation is his major problem.

You need to find a vet you can trust. One who is willing to work with you, and not just prescribe because it is protocol..and one who is able to explain things, and really help you as you go through this journey with your kitty. One who is not turned off by you asking a ton of questions and questioning them on why they are doing so and so..

You need to find Someone who is willing to act as a 'guide'. 

There is a Facebook Group for IBD kitties.. they also have a website. Great information, and great people.. Do yourself a favor and look into it. IT is called IBDKitties...
 

Freedom

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Oct 29, 2014
Messages
707
Purraise
430
Location
Methuen, MA
Hey great update!  Glad to hear things are settling down.  I'm sure Nene is glad, as well.
 

catwoman707

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
7,689
Purraise
2,263
Location
Vallejo, CA
Great job you are doing, and I must compliment you on not only your vigilance but your patience.

When I first got Krissy's diagnosis of IBD I was a wreck, confused, scattered, ugh so much to understand. Not one solution fits for all cats either, so trial and error, on to the next......

I agree the nexabiotic can be started at half dose no prob.

Also agree with @Artiemom  about the pepcid ongoing is okay with no side effects. Your kitty may not need it continued though too, her's does, mine did not, so again it's an individual med for yours, and I am the same way, if I can get away without it, I do.

As for the homemade, freeze it in single portions and given as a change up your kitty will probably go for it. 
 
Top