Alternative to surgery for bile duct obstruction

[PrincessCardia]

Hello, I am in desperate need of help. I posted here a few days ago but thought I would make a new thread with new information. My 8-year-old cat, Winona, was not feeling well Friday morning. I took her to the vet and her blood work showed astronomical ALT (over 2000) and high BBIL. Friday night she was taken to the ER. She is currently on a feeding tube and receiving medicine, IV fluids, supplements, etc.

She has had multiple ultrasounds done and they seem to show an obstruction and are recommending surgery. They are only giving her maybe a 50% chance of survival. I am lost, confused, devastated, and terrified. Has anyone had experience with this before who knows of any other possible alternative?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi

My angel Poppycat had bile duct/pancreas/liver/gall bladder issues in 2019 that they were calling triaditis/cholangitis, but his issues were not to this extent of requiring surgery.

This is rough, no question about it, however you are doing everything you can on behalf of your cat. If you trust the vets who are treating her, you need to try and be a little more calm. You're a team for her. When she pulls through this (I'm not a vet, I'm saying you need to think positively) you are going to need to be there for her for the recovery process.

Has anyone had experience with this before who knows of any other possible alternative?

If the vets don't seem to be 100% confident in the ultrasound results, ask them to consult with a university medical veterinarian department.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Have the vets told you what they think the obstruction is from? There are medications that are used to try to dissolve gallstones, decrease inflammation in the pancreas/liver, and/or improve the consistency of sludged bile to allow it to flow freely to the small intestine. Check to make sure any and/or all of these meds are being given to your cat, as applicable.

If the vets you are working with are not internal med specialists, I would ask for one to get involved - and/or as suggested above, ask for a consult with a vet university.