Opinions, please? Is Flowerbelle having a mild asthma attack or a weird purr?

[feralvr]

I know how you feel about the "not fixing" part. Some things we cannot and can only manage/treat the symptoms hopefully keeping them feeling good for a VERY long time. :cross: My thoughts go to Wendall on that one. TONS more love, rubs and vibes to Flowerbelle today that she is able to eat her meals right away without any episodes. :cross: :rub: :heart3: Give her a gentle kiss from me too

 

[angels mommy]

Aww Laurie, I'm sorry to hear this is happening more w/ Flowerbelle.  I wish you luck with the second opinion. Sweet little Flowerbelle will be in my prayers, & that they will also be able to pin point 

what is causing these episodes.

 

[ldg]

OK, saw Stan today. As I described the problem, he suspected a mass or cyst in her nasal passage or under her soft palate (he has the records from the local vet). He had a kitty with this just two weeks ago. However, upon viewing the videos, he said that was "not at all" what he was expecting. He's never seen anything like it before.

Next step - CT scan. We could do a nasal endoscopy - but given the expense and that it may not indicate the problem, as it does not affect her breathing (unless anything changes, or it just becomes too frequent), we can wait until we've saved up the money for it. The CT scan is even more expensive than the nasal endoscopy, but it should provide a more "definitive" answer. :cross:

 

[angels mommy]

Well that's good news that you will hopefully at least be able to finally get a diagnosis & go from there.

 

I will keep Flowerbelle in my prayers!!

 

 

[otto]

Flowerbelle :heart3:

 

[ldg]

Latest update. We took Flowerbelle to see Stan for her annual today. Had full body x-rays done (we're doing that at all annuals now). No sign of asthma (which isn't surprising, because she's been having no coughing episodes! :dk: ). Blood work will be back tomorrow. It was a "senior" panel, and hopefully all looks good. :cross:

We've saved up the money for the CT scan or MRI - he's not sure which one will be indicated. I'm going to upload a couple of the videos of these "revved purring" episodes to YouTube or something (have to bring the laptop out with me so we've got the bandwidth somewhere to do that. :lol3: ). I'm going to send the links to Stan, who will send them on to the specialist. The two of them will chat, and decide whether she should have an MRI, a CT scan - or not. :lol3:

She still has these events several times a day, usually at meal time, always precipitated by purring, when she's especially excited or happy.

 

[ldg]

Flowerbelle's blood work is "perfect." Well - her glucose was slightly elevated, but that's normal for her (stress).

Stan consulted with the specialist. Because there is a huge difference in price between the MRIs and the CT scans, they want us to see a neurologist first to determine how to proceed.

Apparently we are going to meet superwoman. She has a black belt in Karate, is a concert pianist, a mountain climber, and "an absolutely brilliant feline neurologist and neurosurgeon."

 

[vball91]

So glad to hear that Flowerbelle's bloodwork looks great! I really hope superwoman is able to figure it out.

 

[angels mommy]

That's good news about her blood work! I was wondering how she was doing. I haven't been around as much (thankfully busy working), but hadn't seen anything  new.

Wow, that woman is impressive! I hope she figures out what is going on.  Little FlowerBelle is still in my prayers!

 

[goholistic]

Flowerbell's breathing episodes are just as mysterious as my Boo's trembling/twitching episodes! I, too, hope " superwoman" is able to figure it out.

I've always wondered if purring in some cats triggers an underlying nasal/throat/breathing issue since it uses the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Here's a snippet from Scientific American (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-cats-purr):

Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz.

What's really interesting is that there is something called "laryngeal paralysis" in cats and dogs, which can cause a narrowed airway and affect a pet's breathing. Perhaps Flowerbelle has partial paralysis? It's more rare in cats. I found a PDF online that describes it: http://www.bestfriendsvet.com/pdffiles/Laryngeal Paralysis 2010.pdf

You may have already discussed this. I'm just trying to think outside the box here.

 for Flowerbelle!

 

[ldg]

GH, I am just now seeing this post. :anon: It's a good thought - a really good thought, and I can't thank you enough for that piece from Best Friends. With the pharyngeal scope, they don't see any damage... but ... :dk:

I got her appointment with the neurologist scheduled for October 3rd.

 

[goholistic]

LOL...no worries! 

 

[angels mommy]

Good to see an update. I was wondering how her appointment went w/ the specialist, "super woman."

Flowerbelle is one that is always in my prayers, along w/ a few others!

 

[feralvr]

MUCH, MUCH luck tomorrow with Flowerbelle's check up with the Super Woman Neuro. She sounds amazing, all around.

:rub: FLOWERBELLE :rub: :heart3:

 

[peaches08]

Hope it's nothing serious!

 

[ldg]

Thank you!

I've got the videos on my phone, ready to go. Stan has transferred the information over there. I have the disc with the imaging.... I've also printed out her diet and supplements and explanation, just in case diet comes up. :lol3:

And Flowerbelle can't eat after midnight - and our appointment isn't until 11:30am! Poor thing! They want her tummy empty in case they want to do any imaging there.

 

[goholistic]

Good luck! 

 

I'll be thinking of Flowerbelle while I'm sitting at court for jury duty! 

 

[otto]

for Flowerbelle today.

 

[feralvr]

And Flowerbelle can't eat after midnight - and our appointment isn't until 11:30am! Poor thing! They want her tummy empty in case they want to do any imaging there.

OH DEAR..... I DO know how much it means to her to help you with prepping and checking everyone else's bowls. Hopefully the morning will fly by and you are already on your way. Thinking of you!!!!!!! :cross: :heart2: :rub:

 

[vball91]

Lots of vibes for you and Flowerbelle. Thinking of you both right now as you head into the appointment.

  for answers with good news.