Please Help! Sick Older Cat

Thanks Kt and allmadeofstars, and everyone else,


Yes, Lenny has definitely improved since his first two days home when he scared us by hiding and vomiting. As I said he seemed to be doing better every day last week, until Thursday night when he vomited a little, and then again on Sunday and Monday. When I awoke this morning, I found 3 spots of vomit in my dining room.

Lenny spent most of the night and this morning under the bed. He finally came out for my wife this afternoon and he ate about 2 helpings of wet food, but just a tad of dry food. He still will not play with his brother Jimi who is definitely in need of some "Lenny Love." He did however manage to kick Vinnie the Ragdoll off of his chair (a usual Alpha cat trait of Lenny missing for the past month).

Before his meds tonight, he ate more wet food, and then a little bit of KD dry. He then went under the bed again (making daddy stressed ) But then, about 15 mins ago, he came out and wanted more food, so he ate a bit more wet tuna. He is now under the table (fairly normal) and has not vomited! I am just hoping that he really is improving and that he will be more alert and playful as he was until this started. I am totally thankful that he seems to be on his way, and I guess I need to chill-out and not worry as much when he has these setbacks.

I spoke with the vet early this evening who wants me to put him back on the Pepcid in his fluid line, to stay with the Ursidiol and small dose of Pred, and the Methimazole/Ciprohetadine tans-dermal, as she doesn't think it is causing his upset tummy. She also said she may prescribe some pain meds for Lenny and, as I noted earlier, he is extremely hard to pill.

If he can just make it through the night and tomorrow day without vomiting, I would be so much more relaxed then i am now.

: KTLynn,

The Trans-dermal meds come from this pharmacy in AZ :

http://www.diamondbackdrugs.com/

Apparently they can make tans-dermal meds out of many different medicines. They are very professional and cool to deal with. I highly recommend them. Ok, I have to get some sleep now. I just hope that Lenny does not wake us up again getting sick.

G...Night

I was just reading over this thread and it is very sad, I feel so for you and your kitty.........
We just lost Sweety of 16 years suddenly past Christmas, Jan. 1st., diagnost with either conjestive heart failure or cancer. She became symptomatic suddenly and within 3 days was having extreme difficulty breathing. Sweety was my best friend! I was a reck prior, during and after the entire experience! We had to bring her into the emergency vets at 4 am to find out the 2 possible problems. I promised her she would better, and did'nt want to leave her side! When we were told what was happening I was hysterical, all my boyfriend wanted to do was anything that would make her better............
I, in tears fighting myself with the idea, said we can not put her through what would make her better, but not herself again, for us. This cat was struggling for air and obviously so uncomfortable, yet when I was crying and freaking out inside getting ready to take her to the e.m.v., got up and walked to me purring and tail up smileing, like she knew I was upset and all she wanted to do is make me feel better!
I heard her howl downstairs during Xrays, I just could'nt do that to her. I truely believe, though I miss and think of her everyday, it was the best to say goodbye. Sometimes we need to think less of our wants and more what is maybe best for them with older cats. All the pills and meds, this is not natural..........injuries maybe better treatments, but when it comes to body functions shutting down, we are not god..............
just a thought , goodluck and blessings...........

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Sweetie

Yes, I know I have to face up to the fact that Lenny is getting older and that these problems may exist in some form for the rest of his life. But I know that Lenny still has some lives left in him, and I am hoping that he will stabilize even more.
This past week has been very trying on us, as Lenny is almost back to his old self, except that he is not really playing with his brothers like he used to. After he vomited the other day I freaked out and called the vet and she suggested we put him back on the Pepcid for his stomach, either with fluids or just directly under his skin. She also, to my suprise, wants him to go back on the Beytryl antibiotic, which he seems to dislike when we put it in the fluid line. I spoke with another vet there yesterday and explained that since that day, he has not vomited and has been eating like a pig.

Last night I forgot to give him his Pred and Pepcid, and today when awoke I saw a rather big pile of vomit. So I am a bit perplexed , as to what I should keep him on. He was supposed to also be on Clavamox, but he is really hard to give meds to.

So, I just want to know what everyone thinks in regards to starting him back up on antibiotics, as it is very hard on hius system. He has now been off of the antibiotics for 1 week. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone, from me, mom and lenny

Thankyou for your regards, you should do what your heart feels is best for Lenny.
As to the vomiting, usually older cats will vomit often due to ageing anyway. All the meds could also be putting more strain on his digestive system. Often older cats will binge up to 24 hours prior to vomiting due to lack of regular digestion.
Maybe look into something of a natural method to assist the digestion. As far as antibiotics, I have no long term experience ...............
My prayers go to you and Lenny.

My prayers to you and Lenny! You are so awesome for doing this for him.

GET WELL SOON, LENNY!!!!

Have been checking and hopeing for the best............
Maia and cheyenne

update on Lenny Love:Lenny is doing much, much better! after last week's vomiting, he has not vomited at all! He is back to being a little piggy, swiping at our dinner plates for any leftovers, eating his brother's wet food dinner, etc. While he is not running around our apartment at 50 mph, he is definitly displaying his alpha cat charecteristics. However he is gettting anoyed at Jimi (the black cat) whenever he tries to play roughly. in regards to meds, I never did put him back on the antibiotics (even though I bought them) , as I feel like his body needs a rest. I still give him .1 cc of Pred in a shotam along with the Ursidial and the Methimazole/appetite enhancer. the vet wants to recheck his ultrasound $$$ and blood next week. I am keeping everything crossed in the hopes that the results are good i'll be writing back soon, and thanks again to everyone for your good vibes

Wow, I just came across this thread, and I have to tell you--you are one good cat-Dad! I'm so glad Lenny is feeling better. I'm joining the crowd, sending good (((healing vibes))) to your little guy.

Lenny has seemed to be getting better for the past few weeks. As I said in previous posts, he has been eating up a storm, always begging for food and cuddling and playing with his brothers. My wife and i were so happy he was getting back to himself, and it was definitely helping ease our minds in our search for a new apartment (that accepts cats-- it's difficult in SF).

Anyway, I think I know Lenny too well, and I began to notice a difference in him yesterday, when we awoke and found a small pile of vomit that looked similar to what he was doing when he got really sick. Yesterday he did eat his morning wet food and a handful of KD. Last night, I noticed him being a little lethargic, but he did eat his dinner (and the remainder of his nbrother's food). Last night I noticed he was sleeping rather soundly and did not make his usual "grunt" noise when I move around the bed. This morning he will not eat his KD or wet food, and is now partially under the bed.

I had just spoken with the vet and told her how I was giving him the shot of Prednisone at night, along with the Methimazole and Ursidol, but no antibiotic. She did not seem concerned about the omission of the antibiotic, and from what I told her it seems like he was getting better. The only other thing about Lenny is that he has been sneezing a lot lately, in rapid fire succession, but not all of the time.

We made an appointment for Tuesday, but now I am kind of freaking out here and am about to call down to the vet to see if I can get him in today I can't really take off of work today but I guess i may have to do so , or I will sit there and worry about him.

Does anyone think that maybe I should have kept up with the antibiotic? Am I overreacting here and being a neurotic cat owner? I realized going through this stuff with him how much I truly love Lenny and how special he is to our family. I am already freaking out over trying to find a new apartment, which is a nightmare in San Francisco when you have cats. Please send Lenny all of the good vibes you can, as well as suggestions.

Thanks and I will write back when I can later today for an update.

Prayers and healing vibes to Lenny and hugs to you. Please keep us updated on how Lenny is doing.

Sending good vibes for lenny. If you are unsure about having stopped the antibiotics, call back your vet and ask if they want you to restart (assuming you didn't through out the rest of the prescription) them until his apt.

Of course, do not hesitate at all, if you feel he needs to be seen sooner, tell them you want to change that apt., even if it means coming in as an emergency.

Trust your instincts as to how he's doing.

Well it turns out that although Lenny has gained a little weight and his muscle tone has improved (i don't feel his back bones as much) he was actually dehydrated today when I brought him in to the vet. The rechecked his ultrasound and the vet said that his bile ducts are opened a bit more and do not look as swollen, but there is still some inflimation. He also still has cysts and an inflamed liver. She told me to immediately begin the same routine again with the fluids, shot of Pred, shot of Beytryl, and a shot of Pepcid. She has also given me a few needles of Pennicylin (sorry about the spelling i'm a bit sad today) and told me that if I can not give him the oral Clavamox, then I should give him the Pennicyclin every 3rd day in a shot. She also gave him a shot of pain killer and sent me home with 4 needles worth. Poor Lenny

I am going to do my best t give him the Clavamox but he is really difficult to administer meds to. I tried the towle, etc and he gets upset. I do not want t oupset him too much as he is eating fairly well. However, if anyone out there has a magic way for me to mix the Clavamox well enough in food so he does not sense it, please let me know.

Meanwhile, I think we may have found our new home here in San Francisco. It is defenitly smaller and there will be less room for Lenny, Vinnie and Jimi to run around , but I think they will like the hard wood floors. We are meeting with the landlady tonight and if all goes well, we will move in mid July ! Hurray ! I just hope that Lenny gets back on the road to recovery, as I am going broke with his bills (but he is worh every penny I spent). Today alon with blood work , ultrasound and meds for 2 weeks cost me $365.00

My wife said that when she came home this afternoon he was talking and following her around, so I am defenitly glad I trusted my instincts this morning. I'll let you all know how he is doing tomorrow.
Thanks again everyone for your concern and support. It really does help me

I just spoke with the vet about Lenny's blood work and the news is not good. She said his liver value skyrocketed to 2269 from 1550 in late May. She said that somehow his Thyroid levels went way up too, which is why he begged me to feed him about 5 times last night (I have not slept more than 4 hours in the past two days). Either the transdermal cream with Methimazloe is not working properly, or it's just that we need to raise the dosage from .25 to .30 2x /day, and she is omitting the Cyproheptadine from the next batch, as she said that may be causing him to feel irritable.

He was also crying intermitently last night along with his rather harsh sneezing.

This morning he came out from under the bed and miraculsously, I was able to mix the Clavamox in with his food and he ate most of it ! I just hope he will do the same tonight, otherwise I will have to force it down his throat.

I am sorry, but I am at a loss here as to what to do next and how long to prolong my heartache and his discomfort. It's weird becuase he seemed to be doing better until the other day. I guess stopping the Beytryl was not the best thing to do, aso now i am mad at myself for that one.

Please send some Good Good Vibes Lenny's way... I still think he has some "umphhh" left in him.

This could not come at a worse time either becuase we are moving in like 3 weeks. I spent the hours of 2:30 -4 AM today to talk with my Ragdoll Vinnie, telling him to nudge Lenny during the day when I am at work and to tell him how much he loves him and wants him to get better. I have never felt this sad in my life, even when i had to put my 1st cat to sleep 12 years ago. Lenny is the sweetest, kindest, most dear kitty I have ever seen, and I just can't think about him not being around.. I feel so helpless right now and I m thankful that my co-workers here understand what I am feeling right now.

I just had to increase Tyler's methimazole dose to double what it was, as his values skyrockted too...hopefully this will help Lennie feel better soon.

I hope you can try what helped me with Patrick (who went over the rainbow bridge in late March)..for almost 4 years of illness, during our last months, I made a huge effort to make time be in the "now". Every day, every good moment was it...time enough for sadness and tears after he was gone...we hugged, we snuggled, I kissed him and buried my face in his fur...I made him purr.

Just take it one day at a time if you can.

I am so sorry to hear the turn for the worse. It is amazing sometimes how much they fight to not show pain and just make us happy, ofcourse that is all we want to do for them as well.
Prayers to you....
I know Sweety is now Maia's guardian angel. Make the best of the time you have, Lenny will always be with you!

Thank you everyone for your prayers and good vibes that you have sent Lenny's way. I don't know how he is doing , as he keeps giving us mixed messages. He is definitely a step down from where he was just two weeks ago. He is more lethargic, and he goes under the bed , and then out, and then back under the bed. He is talking a little bit but the weird thing is that he is not drinking too much water. He was eating like a piggy until yesterday when I think he figured out that the Clavamox was in his wet food. I really thought i had him this time since he took it for about 4 days. I don't know if I am going to be able to give it to him tonight - he is really hard to administer meds to. I am also giving him his fluids with the Beytryl antibiotic, Pepcid and a .20 shot of Prednisone directly under the skin. I wonder why he is not drinking water though and he is worrying me to no end. On top of Lenny's illness, my Ragdoll Vinnie (12) is now peeing outside of the box(about 4 times in the past week). I'm not sure if it is because he senses we are moving , or if he is upset that Lenny is sick. I wish I had more money as I would put Lenny in the hospital to see if he improves, but I can't afford it.

I am just totally confused as to why his Liver Values and Thyroid went so high. He seemed like he was getting better. I am one perplexed daddy

I am spending as much time as I can just giving him love and kisses. But it's hard

I'm just reading this and I feel for you and what you are going through right now. I understand this must be so hard for you and your wife. I will say a prayer for you and Lenny, you are both in my thoughts at this difficult time. I hope things start looking brighter for Lenny soon.

Lenny had been looking pretty good for the past few eeeks. He has been eating tons of wet food, and some KD dry and occasionally his regular dry food he shares with Jimi and Vinnie. He did have two small vomit's over the past week, but seemed to still be ok. He was hiding less under the bed, cleaning Jimi, knocking Vinnie off of the chair, etc.

Suddenly, last night when I came home he was on top fo the bed but was very lethargic. I tried to comfort him and was petting him ever so gently, trying not to cry, and then he jumped up and went under the bed. He did not eat his dinner and so I was resluctant to give him the Antibiotics, etc (called the emergency vet and they said to just give the fluids which I did). He then did perk up a bit and ate a small bowl of wet food. He spent the night on the bed in such a position that i did not want to bother him, so I let him sleep with my wife and I slept of the couch.

This morning he ater some wet food, used the litter box and then went under the bed. I am so upset right now becuase I am going to Big Sur for a 2 day camping trip to try clear my mind and saddle my depression and anxiety. As I had mentioned we are moving to a new apartment next weekend whcih is defenily adding even more stress on to us and our kitties. Jimi has been playing too rough with Lenny this week and really upseting him. I just hope that is not the ole' "cat notices his mate is sick or dieing routine."

Anyway, I found a vet tech I am hiring to administer his fluids and meds this weekend but she can't stay for more than an hour. My friend ad upstairs neightbor who used to look in on our babies whenever we wnet somewhere, just had to send his Princess Nichole Over The Rainbow the other night. I spent 4 hours with Nichole and him, crying and trying to keep it together but it hits too close to home. He is now trying to keep his other boy Elsa comfortable and may not be able to spend time with my boys.

I'm sorry if I rambled here but I am just feeling like I have no luck lately. I know that I have to face up to the reality that Lenny is sick, but I just can't believe that it is happening in the crucical time period when we are going through all of these changes. I am going to Big Sur becuase it is the most beuatiful place on earth, and it's usually the only place where I can relax (besides when I am at home hanging with my babies).

Now, I am very worried that I am not going to be able to enjoy myself, as I will be thinking of Lenny and his brothers the whole time

Please help me in sending the Best Vibes possible to Lenny that this is just a temporary setback and that he will be fine while I am gone and that he will be happy in his new home next week.

I wish everyone here a Happy and Healthy Holidy weekend, and please do cherrish every moment that you have with your kitties

Thanks for listening,
Howie

Howie, you poor man--you've been on such an emotional roller coaster! And poor sweet Lenny. Wish I had some miraculous words of wisdom for you. It does sound as if you need a break; all you can do is trust that Lenny will be okay while you're gone. It sounds as if you've made great arrangements for his care over the weekend.
I understand how you're feeling--I lost 2 of my babies within a 4 month period (one to CRF, one to liver disease)--and you're right. All you can do is love them & treasure every second you have them with you.
Please pass my sympathies on to your friend that lost his Princess Nichole. I hope the couple of days away from all the drama will give you some peace. Sending (((((positive, healing vibes))))) Lenny's way.