Keeping Dylan in my thoughts, and happy for you that you have found this new vet.....it's bad enough when your cat isn't feeling well, who needs
on top of it all?
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Hepatic Lipidosis won't eat AGAIN
- Thread starter sbbeatnik
- Start Date
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #22
Thanks for the support...it means a lot to me right now!
Good news...Two things I would caution you about though:Originally Posted by sbbeatnik
Well, last night Dylan crawled up by my pillow to sleep, purring softly all night...(rather than curling up quietly at the foot of the bed as he has done in recent weeks) it was nice to have him showing that he felt a little bit better, if even for a little while.
I just took Dylan to the Hospital and checked him in for the day. I managed to get him to eat about a quarter of a can of food before we left...but don't feel as bad about that, because he finished off the other plate I put out for him in the middle of the night...and made me oh so happy to find it empty this morning!
Poor little boy was such a nervous wreck in the car going back to the doctor. I know he is much more upset when he stops meowing...than when he is talking at his loudest.
When I told the vet how well the subcutaneous fluids had worked for him last night, she decided to go ahead and add that to the list of his treatments today, and give him another round of that too since he responded so well.
By tonight I will know what the ultrasound shows, and will know the reuslts of several in house blood tests and the urinalysis....but won't know everything until tomorrow--as there will be several tests that have to be sent out to another lab.
But, I will atleast know difinitively if he actually does have Hepatic Lipidosis (which, again, is what the other vet told me after nothing but a blood test! And was treating him for with a high protein diet.)
So, the good thing in all of this is that once I know what is wrong, I can better take care of him...and so can the vetrinarians.
The In-House blood tests....very few vets have the time or the resources to maintain a totally calibrated lab, nor are they required to calibrate it. Whereas any company that runs a lab, is required to maintain the calibration of their equipment. This rarely causes problems for basic bloodwork, but when a doctor starts looking closely, the inaccuracies tend to distort reality. I've run into this before, and now insist that any bloodwork be done at a certified lab. My suggestion would be to have the lab that is doing the extra testing, to do a complete workup. Nothing against vets, they just rarely have the time to spend calibrating their equipment, they're better off devoting this time to working with their patients.
The second caution is a lot more personal opinion, but you mentioned a high protien diet as if it was part of the problem. I don't agree, an imbalanced diet definately, but not just a high protien diet in general.
Hepatic Lipidosis is an eating disorder, it can be strongly linked to an improper diet, however once it has manifested itself, what the cat eats is secondary to the fact that the cat is eating again.
Okay...Done with that
I'm glad to hear that you are seeing improvement, keep it up and you will beat this evil disorder. He's made it this far, which is a great thing, it means he wants to get better. And if he wants to get better, then with your help there is nothing preventing it.
Please keep us all posted,
Spotz
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #24
Well, I got my boy home last night around 8pm...I don't think he stopped purring until this morning. He was so tired from the long day at the doctor, and after eating went right to sleep.
Once he got home he ate (again...
now two nights in a row) almost an entire small can of the beef in gravy fancy feast.
His spirits are certainly up, and you wouldn't know he had even been to the doctor if it weren't for his newly shaven belly. (it is so cute and chubby
)
The vet was able to confirm that he does have hepatic lipidosis...and she said that is actually good news, because his levels are starting to imporve after the two day in a row vet trip and all of the eating he has done (and in comparison to his numbers from two weeks ago). I asked her when I could consider him "safe" again and she said not until he has been eating on his own for atleast 4 weeks. So, we have a long road ahead of us, as at breakfast this morning, I went through 5 cans of cat food before getting to a flavor that he was interested in. (and once he was interested, he gobbled it up!)
If Hepatic Lipidosis is good news...every one better sit down for the bad. She told me that when they did the ultrasound, it showed that his kidneys were smaller than they should be and said that we will know more about them today when the urinalysis results come back. But she said that he is in very early stages of I think Kidney disease. (I forget what she called this condition) But she said, once we get him past the liver problem and eating regularly again, then I will have to bring him for very regular checkups and he will have to go on a special diet.
She also put him on some sort of pills (taking him off of the amoxicillan and lixotinic--he hated them both anyway) which are in quarters and I have to give to him twice a day--thankfully they are so small when broken into quarters that it is pretty easy to give to Dylan. She said that he had some swelling in his stomach and that it is more than likely due to the kidney condition...and that the pills are basically kitty antacid and some other stuff mixed together. I will have to look when I go home to tell you what they are exactly.
The vet was some what optimistic that he will be ok..and said that even with this kidney problem, he will have atleast a "few" good years left in him once we get over the Hepatic Lipidosis.
I can tell you one thing...this is going to be one even MORE pampered kitty. This may all be challenging news, but it is certainly better than finding out that he has a tumor in his liver or something else untreatable.
A worse case scenario that we discussed was the possibility of a feeding tube, but she said that it didn't seem likely that it would be necessary.
Once he got home he ate (again...
His spirits are certainly up, and you wouldn't know he had even been to the doctor if it weren't for his newly shaven belly. (it is so cute and chubby
The vet was able to confirm that he does have hepatic lipidosis...and she said that is actually good news, because his levels are starting to imporve after the two day in a row vet trip and all of the eating he has done (and in comparison to his numbers from two weeks ago). I asked her when I could consider him "safe" again and she said not until he has been eating on his own for atleast 4 weeks. So, we have a long road ahead of us, as at breakfast this morning, I went through 5 cans of cat food before getting to a flavor that he was interested in. (and once he was interested, he gobbled it up!)
If Hepatic Lipidosis is good news...every one better sit down for the bad. She told me that when they did the ultrasound, it showed that his kidneys were smaller than they should be and said that we will know more about them today when the urinalysis results come back. But she said that he is in very early stages of I think Kidney disease. (I forget what she called this condition) But she said, once we get him past the liver problem and eating regularly again, then I will have to bring him for very regular checkups and he will have to go on a special diet.
She also put him on some sort of pills (taking him off of the amoxicillan and lixotinic--he hated them both anyway) which are in quarters and I have to give to him twice a day--thankfully they are so small when broken into quarters that it is pretty easy to give to Dylan. She said that he had some swelling in his stomach and that it is more than likely due to the kidney condition...and that the pills are basically kitty antacid and some other stuff mixed together. I will have to look when I go home to tell you what they are exactly.
The vet was some what optimistic that he will be ok..and said that even with this kidney problem, he will have atleast a "few" good years left in him once we get over the Hepatic Lipidosis.
I can tell you one thing...this is going to be one even MORE pampered kitty. This may all be challenging news, but it is certainly better than finding out that he has a tumor in his liver or something else untreatable.
A worse case scenario that we discussed was the possibility of a feeding tube, but she said that it didn't seem likely that it would be necessary.
It is good news to hear that Dylan is feeling better and eating a bit better.
Let us know when you find out if he does indeed have Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)...I have a cat (Patrick) celebrating 2 years since his diagnosis of this, and have several websites and food lists I can highly recommend for you. Plus there are members here who have in the past or are currently dealing with this, so there is lots of experience here to share with you!
Let us know when you find out if he does indeed have Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)...I have a cat (Patrick) celebrating 2 years since his diagnosis of this, and have several websites and food lists I can highly recommend for you. Plus there are members here who have in the past or are currently dealing with this, so there is lots of experience here to share with you!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #26
Thanks for the info on the CRF...I hope to have more clarity about that today.
The vet told me that the kidney problem was actually fairly common in cats of Dylan's age (almost 11) and told me that it can be managed an a decent life expectancy is possible as long as he is monitored closely.
Susan
The vet told me that the kidney problem was actually fairly common in cats of Dylan's age (almost 11) and told me that it can be managed an a decent life expectancy is possible as long as he is monitored closely.
Susan
Hi Susan,
Yup, it's not uncommon in older kitties. The crf support list I belong to has a number of kitties who are 2-4 years out from diagnosis....key is catching it earlier versus later and then instituting appropriate therapies. Sounds like you have a very knowledgable vet...makes *all* the difference with crf.
Keep us posted,
Yup, it's not uncommon in older kitties. The crf support list I belong to has a number of kitties who are 2-4 years out from diagnosis....key is catching it earlier versus later and then instituting appropriate therapies. Sounds like you have a very knowledgable vet...makes *all* the difference with crf.
Keep us posted,
I just read this thread, and I am so sorry for all you and Dylan have had to go through! I'm sending up prayers his way.
And if this doesn't ring the bell for the importance of a second opinion, I don't know what does! Even though the diagnosis was the same, the treatment you're now receiving sounds so much better, you really must be feeling so much better about a difficult situation.
And if this doesn't ring the bell for the importance of a second opinion, I don't know what does! Even though the diagnosis was the same, the treatment you're now receiving sounds so much better, you really must be feeling so much better about a difficult situation.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #29
on my way home from work tonight I stopped of at Petco and bought Dylan bunches of goodies.
Thanks again for the bonito flake suggestion...I bought a jar of them, and tonight when he decided he didn't like the flavor of dinner I had set out, instead of throwing it out and opening cans till he did like on..I sprinkled bonito flakes over it. WOWEE did he eat his dinner. I was so proud of him.
I also bought him a new kitty bowl especially for his soft food diet. (shallow actual bowl.) He had been eating of a teeny tiny set of plates that I had...and half the food always ended up around the plate on the floor. He seemed to like the bowl and have an easier time eating and getting the food in his mouth.
I bought both flavors of the "Kitty Gravy" in both Chicken and Salmon flavors--he already expressed that he didn't care too much for the salmon. I may save these products for when I am home and can spend more time with hime when he eats, and experiment with putting some on the crunchy food to entice him back to eating that again too.
I read in the Grooming and care posts some information nabout these bath wipes, and picked up some of these as well since Dylan has gotten a pretty fierce case of dandruff since his diet was so off. They seemed to work well enough, atleast reduced the amount of dander on his black fur.
I am just happy, happy, happy since finding this group, I feel as if I have not only friends in my corner but a few good tricks up my sleeve so that I no longer feel so helpless in this tough time. THANK YOU--Dylan appreciates all of the new goodies that you have suggested for him too.
I just let my family know that I won't be visiting them in SC in June as originally scheduled, and they were very understanding. Unfortunately, in order to transfer the ticket, I have to book another date before this trip would have happened (june 12-19) So feel that it will be safest to push it off until mid August to insure that Dylan is back up to speed by then. Worse case scenario, I can always postpone it again if need be.
But..I am not going anywhere till my baby is back to his happy healthy self again, and not a second sooner.
Thanks again for the bonito flake suggestion...I bought a jar of them, and tonight when he decided he didn't like the flavor of dinner I had set out, instead of throwing it out and opening cans till he did like on..I sprinkled bonito flakes over it. WOWEE did he eat his dinner. I was so proud of him.
I also bought him a new kitty bowl especially for his soft food diet. (shallow actual bowl.) He had been eating of a teeny tiny set of plates that I had...and half the food always ended up around the plate on the floor. He seemed to like the bowl and have an easier time eating and getting the food in his mouth.
I bought both flavors of the "Kitty Gravy" in both Chicken and Salmon flavors--he already expressed that he didn't care too much for the salmon. I may save these products for when I am home and can spend more time with hime when he eats, and experiment with putting some on the crunchy food to entice him back to eating that again too.
I read in the Grooming and care posts some information nabout these bath wipes, and picked up some of these as well since Dylan has gotten a pretty fierce case of dandruff since his diet was so off. They seemed to work well enough, atleast reduced the amount of dander on his black fur.
I am just happy, happy, happy since finding this group, I feel as if I have not only friends in my corner but a few good tricks up my sleeve so that I no longer feel so helpless in this tough time. THANK YOU--Dylan appreciates all of the new goodies that you have suggested for him too.
I just let my family know that I won't be visiting them in SC in June as originally scheduled, and they were very understanding. Unfortunately, in order to transfer the ticket, I have to book another date before this trip would have happened (june 12-19) So feel that it will be safest to push it off until mid August to insure that Dylan is back up to speed by then. Worse case scenario, I can always postpone it again if need be.
But..I am not going anywhere till my baby is back to his happy healthy self again, and not a second sooner.
Yay
Smelly, tickle the nose, tastes fishy bonito flakes do it again!
Glad to hear he's having a good day
Glad to hear he's having a good day
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #31
The pills Dylan is taking is the next trick to conquer! But have already gotten some good advice in another thread on subject.
Pills he is taking are 10mg Famotidine given twice a day 1/4 of pill. He hates it and fights me all the way! ARRRRgh.
I'm working on it though. Just a small hurdle, once I figure out the trick.
(towel trick only helps, but still tough.)
Pills he is taking are 10mg Famotidine given twice a day 1/4 of pill. He hates it and fights me all the way! ARRRRgh.
I'm working on it though. Just a small hurdle, once I figure out the trick.
(towel trick only helps, but still tough.)
Ask your vet about a "Pill Popper", it's a slender, long syringe looking device. You put the pill in one end, and it is made of soft rubber that won't hurt the kitty...and you take it, and stick it into his mouth quickly, while pushing the back of it, and it basically "pops" the pill behind his tongue, and he will most likely swallow it before he can do anything else.
It makes the stubborn kitties so much easier to deal with, plus you usually get it the first time, so you aren't stressing them out so much.
Spotz
http://www.healthypets.com/pillgun.html
Also called a pill gun. Many places have these, ask your vet if they have one that they would reccomend.
Spotz
Also called a pill gun. Many places have these, ask your vet if they have one that they would reccomend.
Spotz
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- #34
This morning Dylan hid from me under the couch and wouldn't come out.
In frustration, and sheer determination to make sure he ate...I gave in to him and put his food bowl under there with him...bonito flakes and all, and crouched down with flash light to watch and make sure he was eating. (he was)
But, he hid, I am certain, to avoid me giving him his morning pill. When the vet called today to see how he was doing (yes, they are great like that...I already
this new place!) I asked about the pill gun and they sell them for $4.95 so I will pick one up after work tonight.
Poor little guy has taken to hiding to avoid the stress of meds. Arrrgh. Makes me feel so horrible. (but won't stop me from giving him the medication he needs nonetheless.)
I will have to fill the underside of the couch with something so he can't get under there. God forbid he get sick or stuck...it would be nearly impossible to get him out. My mission this weekend is to block passage to this new hideaway of his. Best if he sticks to hiding out in the laundry basket.
In frustration, and sheer determination to make sure he ate...I gave in to him and put his food bowl under there with him...bonito flakes and all, and crouched down with flash light to watch and make sure he was eating. (he was)
But, he hid, I am certain, to avoid me giving him his morning pill. When the vet called today to see how he was doing (yes, they are great like that...I already
Poor little guy has taken to hiding to avoid the stress of meds. Arrrgh. Makes me feel so horrible. (but won't stop me from giving him the medication he needs nonetheless.)
I will have to fill the underside of the couch with something so he can't get under there. God forbid he get sick or stuck...it would be nearly impossible to get him out. My mission this weekend is to block passage to this new hideaway of his. Best if he sticks to hiding out in the laundry basket.
I'm sorryOriginally Posted by sbbeatnik
This morning Dylan hid from me under the couch and wouldn't come out.
In frustration, and sheer determination to make sure he ate...I gave in to him and put his food bowl under there with him...bonito flakes and all, and crouched down with flash light to watch and make sure he was eating. (he was)
But, he hid, I am certain, to avoid me giving him his morning pill. <snip>
Poor little guy has taken to hiding to avoid the stress of meds. Arrrgh. Makes me feel so horrible. (but won't stop me from giving him the medication he needs nonetheless.) <snip>
Speaking just for my crew, I calmly get them, tell them what I'm going to do, get it done, tell them how wonderful they are for letting me, and give them a treat - both a verbal...good <insert name>, and a hug and kiss (if they'll allow), plus often an edible treat.
I try to make pill giving quick and not a big deal.
I'm so glad the bonito flakes are helping
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- #37
I bought the pill gun yesterday, but haven't yet gotten the hang of it. It seems almost as complicated as just holding him down and forcing pill in his mouth.
Advice on how to use it, anyone??
Vet told me the steps, but it just doesn't seem as easy since he thrashes about the way he does.
Advice on how to use it, anyone??
Vet told me the steps, but it just doesn't seem as easy since he thrashes about the way he does.
Depending on the kitty, it can be a bit of a ballet to learn! I cradle my cats on their backs in my arms, have the pill gun already loaded and next to me where I can quickly pick it up. Getting used to holding it will help
If they will not open their mouth or sit still enough for me to be able to gently do this, I do scruff them, then apply pressure with the tip of the gun and proceed.
If necessary, use the towel wrap first, so you don't have flying legs or a wriggling body going sideways on you!
I have a feeling others will express this better or have a better technique! but hope this helps. The main thing? Take a deep breath...you will get used to using this, and you will find it helps as it can help ensure your kitty doesn't end up chewing and just spitting out the medication.
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- #39
Dylan's eating crunchy food!!!
yay!!Originally Posted by sbbeatnik
Dylan's eating crunchy food!!!
