15 year old cat losing weight

[lmg1959]

My 15 year old cat Madison was having a problem with diarrhea starting about 4 months ago.  He was having explosive diarrhea that had the most awful odor. I brought him to the Vet and she didn't do any tests.  She just told me to change his diet and gave me an antibiotic.  Nothing changed till I started feeding him Natures variety raw meat, their dry food and now their can food.  He loves it and the diarrhea is gone but his movements are regular but he goes a lot.  Still losing weight.  It seems what ever he eats comes out even though it is a solid movement.  Can anyone help Madison?

 

[ginny]

What was his weight 4 months ago and now?

 

[lmg1959]

a few weeks ago he was 8 lbs and I knew he had lost weight.  I haven't taken him to the vet again so I don't know his weight now but he is slimmer.

Has anyone ever had this problem?

 

[Willowy]

He needs blood tests. Have the vet specifically test for hyperthyroid. Runny poop and losing weight are classic symptoms.

 

[ginny]

Sorry!  I fell asleep!

It would be good to keep a record of his weight to help with diagnosis.  Do you have a scale?  You could weight yourself and him and subtract your weight.  

Is he crying more for food?  Or is he happier on the raw diet?  It could be that when you switched to the raw diet, that you cut his carbs quite a bit.  That alone could cause the weight loss.  Nevertheless, at age 15, I agree he needs basic lab work that include thyroid panel.  

 

[lmg1959]

Thanks I will make an appointment with the vet for him. I have his mother too she is doing fine

 

[ginny]

Let us know how he is doing!

 

[lmg1959]

Thanks also if I feed them raw meat do I also give a supplement? If so what is it? They do like pumpkin

 

[lmg1959]

0223151758a~2.jpg

• lmg1959
• May 2, 2016

this is Madison

 

[ginny]

Thanks also if I feed them raw meat do I also give a supplement? If so what is it? They do like pumpkin

You are feeding Nature's Variety raw meat cat food, right?  Or do you mean just raw meat?  If it's NV it should have the complete nutrition in it already.  I know the canned and dry food does.  @Kat0121  what do you advise?  

I'll have to try pumpkin and see what mine do with it.  They tasted just a teeny bit in that one can of chicken and pumpkin (Soulistic) but not by itself. 

 

[lmg1959]

1462235339283.jpg

• lmg1959
• May 2, 2016

this is his mom Timmy

 

[ginny]

Madison and Timmy are very cute!  Thanks for sharing their pics.

 

[lmg1959]

I give them natures variety raw meat and NV can and NV dry food is this okay?

 

[ginny]

Sure I think it's fine.  I don't think you need to supplement then unless the vet tests for certain vitamins and minerals and finds them to be low.  The vet would have to advise you about that after looking at lab values.  

 

[lmg1959]

0424162107a.jpg

• lmg1959
• May 2, 2016

 

[lmg1959]

0403161107b.jpg

• lmg1959
• May 2, 2016

 

[lmg1959]

Madison went to the vet today he lost 1 pound since the end of March. Did a senior wellness lab profile and fecal ova and parasite test. Will get results tomorrow. Vet said it could be several things. Lymphoma, B12 deficiency, IBS. Just have to wait for test results.

 

[blueyedgirl5946]

Oh my. I am sorry you and your cat are going through this. It is so stressful. Congratulations on such a long life for this fur baby. How wonderful. I hope the problem is something easily corrected. Sending you lots of prayers and a big hug. :nod:

 

[lmg1959]

I was happy with the vet today, someone new. I have a good feeling. Thank you for caring.

 

[ginny]

Yes let's just hope it's something easily treatable! I'm glad you like your vet!