Help! I need advice regarding my sick cat.

genesis_cat

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My precious 7-year old male Himalayan (Merlin) has been diagnosed with bacterial hepatitis for the 2nd time. He is on antibiotics and this is helping. However, he has food allergies and I don't know what food to feed him. He won't eat canned low allergen food and the dry Z/D low allergen food isn't working for him now. He was eating venison and green pea dry food, but after one month, he can't tolerate it. He is an absolute doll, and I can't stand to see him unable to keep his food down and with itchy ears.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Best regards,

Genesis_cat
 

sharky

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Have you run all other blood test s.. to elimanate everything but allergies??? I know that is a stupid question ... also how long were each of the foods used??
What foods are known allergies?? I would advise if you havent finding a kitty specialist
 

dawnofsierra

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I'm so glad you've joined us, welcome!
Poor little Merlin. Jennifer makes a good point to be sure you've ruled out other issues, and seeking the guidance of a Feline Specialist is definitely a smart thing to do.

You have a great idea trying an alternate protein food for your little boy in your quest to find the best food for him. Pinnacle carries a line of holistic, low allergen dry formula which I've known to be helpful. California Natural is often tolerated by cats with allergies due to its single, high quality protein source in each product.

Single protein foods are a good idea since the only effective way to manage food allergy is to avoid the offending allergens. First, though, you must determine what that allergen is, best accomplished by simply eliminating the suspected food from the diet and watching to see if the symptoms disappear. To complete the test, you can always check to see if the symptoms reappear when the food is introduced again. The majority of food allergens are proteins found in the diet. As you know, the first step is to change the cat food you are using. If your cat has been having reactions to a food based on beef, switch to a food made of chicken. If the problem is a chicken-based food, try lamb food, etc.

It must be so frustrating searching for the source of your little boyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s sensitivity. I wonder if you would want to considering trying a home made low allergy diet? There are several recipes available online and even in books on the subject.
 
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genesis_cat

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Originally Posted by sharky

Have you run all other blood test s.. to elimanate everything but allergies??? I know that is a stupid question ... also how long were each of the foods used??
What foods are known allergies?? I would advise if you havent finding a kitty specialist
Yes, blood tests have been run - they show high liver values (hepatitis). He was doing well on the venison, but then he started to throw up after eating it, so I tried rabbit - he wouldn't eat it. I currently am trying Eukanuba's lamb and rice. He seems to be okay with it so far, but he is also taking anti-nausea medicine (last dose taken last night). So without the anti-nausea medicine, I'm worried that he won't be able to tolerate the lamb and rice - I should know within a day or two. He seems to be allergic to chicken, beef, and venison. Thanks so much for your help.
 
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genesis_cat

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Originally Posted by dawnofsierra

I'm so glad you've joined us, welcome!
Poor little Merlin. Jennifer makes a good point to be sure you've ruled out other issues, and seeking the guidance of a Feline Specialist is definitely a smart thing to do.

You have a great idea trying an alternate protein food for your little boy in your quest to find the best food for him. Pinnacle carries a line of holistic, low allergen dry formula which I've known to be helpful. California Natural is often tolerated by cats with allergies due to its single, high quality protein source in each product.

Single protein foods are a good idea since the only effective way to manage food allergy is to avoid the offending allergens. First, though, you must determine what that allergen is, best accomplished by simply eliminating the suspected food from the diet and watching to see if the symptoms disappear. To complete the test, you can always check to see if the symptoms reappear when the food is introduced again. The majority of food allergens are proteins found in the diet. As you know, the first step is to change the cat food you are using. If your cat has been having reactions to a food based on beef, switch to a food made of chicken. If the problem is a chicken-based food, try lamb food, etc.

It must be so frustrating searching for the source of your little boyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s sensitivity. I wonder if you would want to considering trying a home made low allergy diet? There are several recipes available online and even in books on the subject.
Thank you so much for the info. I would love to try a home made low allergy diet - can you recommend a website or a specific book? Thank you!
 

dawnofsierra

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To get you started...At the bottom of this page is a feline hypoallergenic diet containing lamb. Here you will find a variety of diets. Many of these contain beef or chicken, but you could substitute the protein for something more easily tolerated, such as lamb. It's important, of course, that you clear any changes with Merlin's Vet, and I really do recommend seeking the expert opinion of a Feline Specialist. Please keep us updated how Merlin is feeling.
 
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genesis_cat

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THANK YOU! I am absolutely going to try this. I'll let you know how it works out for him.
 

damaz3s

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Good luck with the little man. When cats are sick it sure does put your life on hold, doesn't it? It's all you can think about! I hope you find a solution. Keep us updated
 
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genesis_cat

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I am VERY happy to report that my baby boy, Merlin, is doing wonderfully!!! I gave him another round of antibiotics with anti-nausea medicine so he would keep it down - but he still wasn't doing very well - he still hacked up hairballs at least twice a day and he was itching all over. His skin around his ears was bright red. SO - I took him back to the vet and asked that they do another blood test for his liver values and also give him a antihistimine shot. Well, his liver values came back NORMAL - however, my vet suggested a steroid shot instead of an antihistimine even though he said that he didn't think it would really help. Nevertheless, I stood my ground and he gave Merlin the steroid shot. Amazingly, within 5 minutes, Merlin's bright red, irritated skin began to turn pink and then light pink and then almost normal. Merlin looked up at me with those big baby blue eyes filled with gratitude. He then laid down in his cat carrier and fell asleep stretched out long. He is now able to eat the Science Diet Z/D low allergen food and is having a wonderful life.

Now, my only concern is that he might need more steroid shots down the road and I know that can't be good for him. Any suggestions? Thank you all so much for your help. It's so nice to know that you listen and care.
 
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