Cat_neurological symptoms-not eating_all tests normal

[Cachoo]

1st symptom started a couple of years ago: he would ripple his spine near the tail, flick it up and down, get quite irritated and get the zoomies after.
On mid July '22 got his 3yr rabies shot(Merial). In August, he gradually started eating less and less
Last week of August, all his behavior suddenly changed: hid constantly, stopped eating at his usually place, but did eat, stopped hanging around with me- he would aways lounge where ever I go.
On 9/3 completely refused food. That evening i force fed.
9/4 urgent care, did CBC test..all normal. They did not know what was wrong. His physical was normal too.
9/6managed to find a vet that would see him, they did not know what was wrong either(he was still not eating or drinking) but still using litter box. So, they thought it was dental as he has gum inflammation. Gave him onsior in injection and some opium based pain killer..said it should last four days. He started eating as soon as we went home. He was extra happy, communicative and affectionate..but still hiding
Next day early morning he ate..and that was the last time he ate. He stopped right after. In the evening, I force fed him..he looked very ill after, so much so that I thought he won't survive the night. His 3rd eye lid was always visible. And his eyes had sunken, dulled look.
9/7 called the vet and asked them to reevaluate him. They called back 9/8 and said fully booked won't see until 9/12. Also, now they don't think it's dental.

9/12 kept calling every vet, and found one that would see him next day. They did every test possible and did not know what was wrong with him. CBC. Urinalysis, thyroid, ultrasound, xrays. They gave some subQ and some anti nausea+appetite stimulant and sent him home. He was now only eating through syringe.

9/14 informed the current vet about his condition, they reevaluated him and still did not what was wrong. Gave him more subQ and sent him home. Now he is getting weaker, lethargic, hiding, still using litter box. He has also now started pacing constantly. His head has a tilt. He is very anorexic too.

9/16 take him to his primary vet for one more eval with the hope of finding out why he is wasting away. Finally git a diagnosis- neurological
Brain infection or tumor. To rule out infection, he was given antibiotics and steroid, anti nausea and appetite stimulant. Did not work at all, infact after the medication, friday and Saturday peed outside the litter box, Sunday did not pee/poop. Has become very lethargic and sleeping all the time. Waiting to be seen by spca again.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Did the vet also run a Chemistry Profile to see if there was anything amiss from that standpoint? How did they determine this to be neurological? Did they x-ray or ultrasound his head? MRIs are more effective when looking at the skull, as far as I know.

I would consult with a specialist at this point - either internal medicine and/or neurology. Most vets can recommend a nearby specialty group; many of them have a staff with multiple disciplines - and your vet can then send them your cat's records for reference.

Have you considered a feeding tube while you continue to look for answers? Sounds scary, I know, but many members on this site have administered lifesaving nutrients/fluids in this manner. In the meantime, get some cans of Hill's A/D recovery food from one of these vets - and syringe feed him those. They are high in calories to help offset his lack of eating.

 

[Cachoo]

Thank you! I know they did CBC blood test several times, no MRI has been been done. Ultrasoun, xrays were done of the stomach,, ki, liver -all normal. His main symptom is that he stopped eating completely. Later on, as he got weaker, his head developed a tilt. And the vet said something about iris movement ( have to look up the term), and the constant non stop pacing ( he did not walk like that when he was well) even when his body is so weak.
Yes giving him the a/d hill food, manage a to give him 3-4 to, he spits of most of it. Then also give him electrolyte by syringe. And have in the past administration subQ myself, he hates the needle very much.
There are no seizures yet, no vomiting..I just wish he would start eating. The internist would have to do a biopsy, am afraid he might not make it out of the anesthesia, he is so weak.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I know they did CBC blood test several times

A Chemistry panel is separate from the CBC and measures minerals/enzymes. The vet appears to be pretty thorough, so maybe it was done and is just being labeled as part of the CBC, although that is not normally how the printed report is laid out.

Later on, as he got weaker, his head developed a tilt. And the vet said something about iris movement ( have to look up the term), and the constant non stop pacing ( he did not walk like that when he was well) even when his body is so weak.

Any chance that these things are being brought on by malnutrition?

Yes giving him the a/d hill food, manage a to give him 3-4 to, he spits of most of it.

Are you watering it down a bit? If so, maybe try not watering it down to see if he is less inclined to spit it out. Or - vice versa. What about the tube feeding?

There are no seizures yet, no vomiting..I just wish he would start eating. The internist would have to do a biopsy, am afraid he might not make it out of the anesthesia, he is so weak.

So, the internist doesn't think an MRI would help any without a biopsy? I would think an MRI could be done with a small amount of sedation vs. full on anesthesia. But maybe I am wrong.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I am sorry your cat is so sick.
Any recent flea medications or collar used?
Talk to your vet about cryptococcus. See if it is prevalent in your area.
it is definitely time for a specialist.
How soon after the Onsior was the Prednisolone given?