Okay, here is the story (kinda long.) I took my 9 year old baby (orange tabby) to the vet nearly 2 weeks ago due to bloody diarrhea. The vet found Giardia, which evidently invaded my house when I adopted a new Bengal kitten from a breeder in January. While Bud (my baby) was at the vet, they noticed he was jaundiced. They ran lab tests and found abnormally high liver enzymes. He was sent home with antibiotics, and all 3 of my cats were treated for the Giardia.
WELL, a few days after I brought Bud home, I noticed he would not eat, even tuna fish, which is VERY abnormal for him. Usually he will eat anything, even if I drop an onion on the floor! He went back to the vet, and liver enzymes were even HIGHER, so ultrasound and x-rays were ordered.
Nothing significant in x-ray, ultrasound showed enlarged liver and small amount of fluid in the abdomen. Pancreas appeared normal. They performed a biopsy, which confirmed Hepatic Lipidosis, and no cancer cells were found. To make a long story short, the HL could have been caused by stress of new kitten OR Giardia.
After a day or so of ATTEMPTED force feeding, we opted for a feeding tube (the one that goes thru back of neck to tummy.) He has had the tube since Friday, and there has been no improvement. He looks depressed, does not purr, or want anything to do with me. After most of the feedings he vomits, although most of the food stays down. This morning he FINALLY pooped, which I am taking as a good sign.
I am wondering if any of you have ever dealt with this, and have any advice or suggestions. Does he have a good chance of recovery? Do most cats die from this condition? I have done tons of research, and everything I have read indicates a good chance of survival, but he just looks so horrible! Please help!
Holly
WELL, a few days after I brought Bud home, I noticed he would not eat, even tuna fish, which is VERY abnormal for him. Usually he will eat anything, even if I drop an onion on the floor! He went back to the vet, and liver enzymes were even HIGHER, so ultrasound and x-rays were ordered.
Nothing significant in x-ray, ultrasound showed enlarged liver and small amount of fluid in the abdomen. Pancreas appeared normal. They performed a biopsy, which confirmed Hepatic Lipidosis, and no cancer cells were found. To make a long story short, the HL could have been caused by stress of new kitten OR Giardia.
After a day or so of ATTEMPTED force feeding, we opted for a feeding tube (the one that goes thru back of neck to tummy.) He has had the tube since Friday, and there has been no improvement. He looks depressed, does not purr, or want anything to do with me. After most of the feedings he vomits, although most of the food stays down. This morning he FINALLY pooped, which I am taking as a good sign.
I am wondering if any of you have ever dealt with this, and have any advice or suggestions. Does he have a good chance of recovery? Do most cats die from this condition? I have done tons of research, and everything I have read indicates a good chance of survival, but he just looks so horrible! Please help!
Holly
