Older kitty losing weight, vomiting, all labs normal.

[kittygirl123]

Our beloved 15 (approximate/not sure is rescue) year old kitty started losing weight about 10 months ago.
She is down from 17 pounds to 11 in a year.
All labs were normal so we changed diet since she had constipation.
Last labs very slightly/borderline hyperthyroid.
We have her on meds 3 weeks but the vomiting and weight loss persists. She also is constipated it appears.
Vet said can send for $500 ultrasound and maybe biopsy, could be small cell lymphoma. Options are chemo or steroids.
At her age we would likely do steroids.
If labs are all good anything else possible aside from cancer?
Our poor girl.... playful, strong appetite, grooming but the vomiting and weight loss is worrisome.
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[di and bob]

Cancer is a real possibility, and I know no one wants to hear that. I would not do chemo unless it is confirmed. Steroids usually shrink tumors and would give her an extended period of feeling better. I have had cats with cancer on them for several years at a time, the secret is to find the lowest dose that still helps. My cats have leukemia and I have them all on Amazon's LifeGold for cancers and DMG which builds up the immune system. One has gone from being so bad the vet said he had 'days' (we even dug his grave) to 15 months later running around and enjoying life! It wouldn't hurt, though check with your vet first. You might keep some Hartz Delectable Lickables around too, it is a cat treat that is mostly gel and I give all my cat's supplements in it, plus it was the ONLY thing they would eat when they were so sick. Make sure to get the stew, they wouldn't eat the bisque. I really wish your little one well, I will pray that she gets to feeling better, and maybe it will be just a temporary bowel/stomach/nausea thing.......

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Has the vet mentioned IBD? From a lot of posts on this site and other articles/materials I have read on the internet, IBD can appear similarly to cancer in terms of symptoms, and I don't believe that blood tests would necessarily show anything to point to or refute the existence of IBD.

The other thing that seems to happen with a lot of cats who have IBD is that they also have a B12 deficiency, which can cause poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines, leading to weight loss. Standard blood tests do not include testing for a B12 deficiency, so please ask your bet about this aspect as well.

 

[LTS3]

Here's some info on IBD vs cancer and treatment options: IBD or Cancer? – IBDKitties

Bloodwork is great but not always helpful in diagnosing certain conditions. An ultrasound or biopsy can determine IBD or other GI issue. Some people opt to just treat the cat for IBD-like symptoms because a biopsy and ultrasound can be expensive.

Seek out a veterinary internal medicine specialist for more in depth knowledge. "Regular" vets often aren't very experienced with complicated cases. Your current vet does have the ability to consult with a veterinary school or other vets for more help in diagnosing what is wrong with your cat.

 

[kittygirl123]

Thank you all. Previous kitty had brain tumor and also IBD but "small cell lymphoma" and steroids gave us 2 more years but brain tumor prevailed. This kitty oddly head presses and often seems like something is trapped in her throat which is worrisome as well. Today they are doing x rays as mentioned the other tests are costly. She is just vomiting so much I worry. I will know more this afternoon. We are near a leading veterinary school so our vets mostly went there or have access to the best info. Thank you again.

 

[kittygirl123]

Here's some info on IBD vs cancer and treatment options: IBD or Cancer? – IBDKitties

Bloodwork is great but not always helpful in diagnosing certain conditions. An ultrasound or biopsy can determine IBD or other GI issue. Some people opt to just treat the cat for IBD-like symptoms because a biopsy and ultrasound can be expensive.

Seek out a veterinary internal medicine specialist for more in depth knowledge. "Regular" vets often aren't very experienced with complicated cases. Your current vet does have the ability to consult with a veterinary school or other vets for more help in diagnosing what is wrong with your cat.

Previous kitty had brain tumor and also IBD but "small cell lymphoma" and steroids gave us 2 more years but brain tumor prevailed. This kitty oddly head presses and often seems like something is trapped in her throat which is worrisome as well. Today they are doing x rays as mentioned the other tests are costly. She is just vomiting so much I worry. I will know more this afternoon. We are near a leading veterinary school so our vets mostly went there or have access to the best info. Thank you again.

 

[kittygirl123]

Hi. Has the vet mentioned IBD? From a lot of posts on this site and other articles/materials I have read on the internet, IBD can appear similarly to cancer in terms of symptoms, and I don't believe that blood tests would necessarily show anything to point to or refute the existence of IBD.

The other thing that seems to happen with a lot of cats who have IBD is that they also have a B12 deficiency, which can cause poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines, leading to weight loss. Standard blood tests do not include testing for a B12 deficiency, so please ask your bet about this aspect as well.

Previous kitty had brain tumor and also IBD but "small cell lymphoma" and steroids gave us 2 more years but brain tumor prevailed. This kitty oddly head presses and often seems like something is trapped in her throat which is worrisome as well. Today they are doing x rays as mentioned the other tests are costly. She is just vomiting so much I worry. I will know more this afternoon. We are near a leading veterinary school so our vets mostly went there or have access to the best info. Thank you again.

 

[kittygirl123]

Hi. Has the vet mentioned IBD? From a lot of posts on this site and other articles/materials I have read on the internet, IBD can appear similarly to cancer in terms of symptoms, and I don't believe that blood tests would necessarily show anything to point to or refute the existence of IBD.

The other thing that seems to happen with a lot of cats who have IBD is that they also have a B12 deficiency, which can cause poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines, leading to weight loss. Standard blood tests do not include testing for a B12 deficiency, so please ask your bet about this aspect as well.

Great info on B12, i know i have it!