PJ has a sore face :(

[prairiepanda]

Good thinking! Stuff like that can be sneaky. If that doesn't tell us anything then I'll probably have the nerve specialist take a look too, because it won't cost much more than a regular checkup(apparently the specialist actually works at a clinic just a few blocks away from the one I go to)

I still have lots of breathing room in my vet budget(I put some aside every year, but never touched it until this year, and I got a lot of free treatments, so I have a nice buffer), so I'm not too worried about cost right now so long as there's still a decent amount around for emergencies. Not sure about a CT scan, though. We'll see how everything else goes.

 

[stewball]

PJ gets to help me study for finals over the next couple weeks by chilling on my lap, so we've got plenty of relax time lined up

I'm really eager to get the results from the bloodwork back now, though, because suddenly PJ is mega drooling! She's always drooled a bit in her sleep, but today she keeps waking up with a soggy face! I'll have to call the vet and let them know.

It may all be down to her teeth. If she has a problem with an upper tooth that could be what's causing her the pain. Better get those checked especially if she's drooling :teeth:t.

 

[prairiepanda]

It may all be down to her teeth. If she has a problem with an upper tooth that could be what's causing her the pain. Better get those checked especially if she's drooling :teeth:t.

Yeah, they looked at her teeth already. It was one of the first things they looked at. She had dental work done at the end of August, though, and everything was perfect except for 1 tooth that had to be extracted due to cavities. I was pretty amazed, because it was the first time in her life that she ever had dental work!

I'm glad her teeth are good, though. I'd like to avoid putting PJ under anaesthetic if I can.

 

[stewball]

Yeah, they looked at her teeth already. It was one of the first things they looked at. She had dental work done at the end of August, though, and everything was perfect except for 1 tooth that had to be extracted due to cavities. I was pretty amazed, because it was the first time in her life that she ever had dental work!

I'm glad her teeth are good, though. I'd like to avoid putting PJ under anaesthetic if I can.

That's very understandable. Before lotto went st age 18 he had terrible stinky breath but I didn't even check them. He had all his teeth. They'd been cleaned a course of times but as he was crunching away at his food. No problem I just put up with it.

 

[djoe]

Have you noticed if she is sensitive to light?

 

[prairiepanda]

Have you noticed if she is sensitive to light?

She hasn't been bothered by lights or sounds. I almost wish more symptoms would pop up to get us pointed in the right direction...

 

[stewball]

I presume ears and eyes were checked. Were his teeth exrayed? It could be a root. Of you've probably thought of that. I'll ask whisky what he thinks.
He said he doesn't know but that kitty should get well quickly and he sent you a

ImageResizeServlet-8.bin

• stewball
• Dec 6, 2013

 

[prairiepanda]

Aww, thanks Whisky! I never actually looked at the x-rays myself, so I'm not sure if they got a good look at the teeth or not. I'll bring that up next time I talk to the vets.

 

[stewball]

Aww, thanks Whisky! I never actually looked at the x-rays myself, so I'm not sure if they got a good look at the teeth or not. I'll bring that up next time I talk to the vets.

Maybe that's the problem? If it is it'll be sorted out quickly.
It's 3am here and whisky and blighty are racing round the house like mad elephants. I can never get over how loud their paws are!

 

[prairiepanda]

Okay, haven't updated this thread in a while as we haven't really made a lot of progress, but I have some questions.

We've confirmed that PJ's teeth are healthy, including the roots, as well as her nerve functions around her face. Blood pressure and everything is fine. I talked to the vet about  checking blood pressure at home at regular intervals for a couple days to look for patterns, but since PJ's sensitivity is a constant thing and I haven't seen any other side effects the vet doesn't think this is necessary.

We haven't started an elimination diet, but an allergy blood test didn't show any unusual antibodies. Food allergies are still a possibility, but it is something we will return to later if nothing else comes up.

PJ had super dirty ears(but no infection) so the vet thought that maybe buildup in the ears was causing pressure. I've been cleaning PJ's ears 2 to 3 times a day for a couple days now, and it has reduced her ear scratching substantially. She is on buprenorphine again(after proving that PJ was feeling pain, the vet extended the prescription because it had a profound effect on PJ), so I'll stop administering it and see how she does when it wears off. If her head sensitivity improves with the ear cleaning, then I'd be quite happy!

But something else has come to our attention with the use of painkillers. PJ has arthritis, which has gone unnoticed because the changes in her mobility have been so gradual over the years. She appeared to be much more flexible and comfortable while taking painkillers, and the vet confirmed that PJ has arthritis. It is not severe, but it is clear that it is causing her discomfort. I talked to the vet about diet supplements and pain relief.

The vet said that we could do a reduced dose of buprenorphine for the rest of her life(or as needed on days when the discomfort seems to be the worst), and I could afford it but I think PJ is a bit young(14) to be taking painkillers every day. I'm concerned about whether the drugs would shorten her lifespan... Has anyone here used buprenorphine for long term pain relief? It already made PJ constipated with short term application, but that's easily remedied. Any other major concerns that would make me want to say no to this? It really does make her comfortable and happy...

As for diet supplements, I took home some samples of Sashas Blend powder and Sashas Flex treats. PJ refused to touch either of these, regardless whether they were mixed with kibble, home-made food, Fancy Feast, cheese, or even bacon. The vet apparently doesn't have any supplements in tablet form. They have capsules, which I definitely could not administer by mouth for PJ, but I can open the capsules and put them in her food. PJ was fine with this, but I wonder about the effectiveness of it if given this way. Will it be okay? I'm going to look for some krill oil to see if she would like that as well.

I'd like to modify PJ's diet a bit to address these needs. I'll probably switch her over to the Nutrience Grain-free Chicken formula, which has a lot of omega 3s, glucosamine, and chrondoitin added(it actually contains more of these than the prescription mobility diet, which I turned down because the ingredients look like goat food) for kibble and add supplements to the home-made food, in whatever quantities the dieticians at the vet would recommend. Do you think this will make a significant difference?

My vet can also do laser therapy, but they suggested I try the supplements first because laser therapy would be expensive. The lady at the front desk told me stories about how it worked miracles for her 3 dogs, but she also has them on supplements so I can't judge from her experience how effective laser therapy really is.

My Chinese roommate told me to feed PJ my snake's next shed skin to "cure" arthritis, but despite her confidence in traditional Chinese medicine I'm pretty sure that would have zero effect. All the keratin in there might be good for her eyes, but for arthritis? I don't think there's any component in snake skin that would have any effect at all on joint health 

 

EDIT: By the way, I've found that if I sneak up on PJ when she is sleeping I can administer the buprenorphine quite easily. By the time she realizes what's happening and starts to protest, it's time for a treat! Definitely a much better experience for both of us this way.

 

[goholistic]

So glad to hear PJ got a passing grade on her teeth and blood pressure!  

I don't think you'd want to have PJ on bup as a long-term solution for arthritis. It is just hiding a symptom, not addressing the problem. Like you've mentioned, a supplement like krill oil can help reduce inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin help rebuild cartilage. I would definitely try to develop a regime along these lines. It's fine to look for foods that contain these types of perks, but the amount is probably so small. I would opt to choose a decent diet in general and use the supplements separately.

 

[cprcheetah]

I would definitely avoid the Buprenex for long term arthritis only give it when it's severe.  I had my cat DeeJay on it and it made her constipated.  I have her on Cosequin (glucosamine/chondroitin) for her arthritis.  Just started her on a homeopathic remedy called Traumeel and am going to add Zeel when I get paid. I am also going to add Krill oil.  As for the diet, I really don't think there is enough of the glucosamine/chondroitin in the foods to make that much of a difference.

 

[mservant]

Thank you for the update, it is great to hear PJ has a clear bill of health as far as her teeth are concerned, and also the alergy testing and BP. I would go with your vet advice about not doing repeat BP over a period of days, if it showed normal when there I don't think it is likely to be high and show up over a few days.  It is more something to keep checking every 6 months to make sure it hasn't crept up in future.  In other ways though it is OMG she is still in pain and you want to be able to fix it for her. There a chance of further improvement with clearing her ears so I hope that goes well and if it does resolve the pain she's showing when her face is touched that will be brilliant.  It sounds good that your vet is now thinking around the issue and has taken her pain seriously.  

For her arthritis and taking pain medication long term; I avoided it with Pal who had quite severe arthritis by the time she crossed the RB. My vets were not very on it either.  I feel happier about the glucosamine  / chondroitin route and if there is a way for her to get that through food rather than a distressing medication administration that is all the better. I'm not sure what forms you can get it in in terms of adding extra to a nutricious wet food.  Very interesting find on the food content!  These suplimetns have a more gradual effect and could take a while to know if it helps, but less harmful on her body. And she may get wise to that sneaky 'catch her before she's awake' technique. 

    

  still crossed that a resolution is found to PJs facial pain and she doesn't have to stay on the buprenorphine. 

 

 

[peaches08]

I saw a lot of improvement in my old Grey when I gave her Adequan. It's used off-label for arthritis in cats. Some members here have used Cosequin, Krill oil, and even heated pet beds can make a difference. I'd use those options first and consider pain meds as a last resort.

 

[prairiepanda]

Okay, I feel a bit silly now. Looks like the ear cleaner solved the problem! I am very glad to have PJ back to normal, but I feel like I could have prevented the problem altogether if I had paid more attention to her ears. I wonder why none of the vets have ever said anything about her dirty ears before? Yes, they're healthy, but I think somebody should have gotten on my case about cleaning them.

Anyway, at least this whole ordeal brought the arthritis to our attention. I'll do everything I can to make PJ more comfortable. I may look into Adequin in the future when PJ is much older

Thanks everyone for your help and input!

 

[djoe]

The first things my vet looks at when we go for general check up are teeth/gums and ears. I am super glad that it is only ears!!!

Don't feel silly at all, we re happy it's nothing serious.

 

[mservant]

 VERY  HAPPY, great news she's feeling better and nothing more serious than clogged up ears.  Wow, that must have been a lot of ear wax to cause her so much discomfort.

Never feel bac about noticing something different about your cat and checking it ous, and the presentation had us all stumped.  PJ is well and we have all learned something new if any other little cat come on the site with similar issues and ears can get checked off the list quicker.

I hope you are now enjoying some chill time and head cuddles with your cat - and then you can get back to that study and prep' for those finals of yours!  If PJ has any more diversion strategies under her paw tell her to go sleep for a while. 

  

 

[prairiepanda]

Indeed, it's great to know that PJ doesn't have some horrible mystery disease 

 And I'll be keeping her ears very clean from now on! She doesn't like getting her ears cleaned, but she's pretty cooperative anyway. Is it weird that I tried the ear cleaner on myself too? I can understand why PJ hates it so much. It's not a nice feeling! But it sure works well.

 

[mservant]

 
.................. Is it weird that I tried the ear cleaner on myself too? I can understand why PJ hates it so much. It's not a nice feeling! But it sure works well.

If you really want an answer from me - Yes! 

    Have you seen that I know I'm a Cat Perent Because..... thread?   I think you deserve a star place for wanting to connect and empathise with your PJ! 

 

[stewball]

Okay, I feel a bit silly now. Looks like the ear cleaner solved the problem! I am very glad to have PJ back to normal, but I feel like I could have prevented the problem altogether if I had paid more attention to her ears. I wonder why none of the vets have ever said anything about her dirty ears before? Yes, they're healthy, but I think somebody should have gotten on my case about cleaning them.

Anyway, at least this whole ordeal brought the arthritis to our attention. I'll do everything I can to make PJ more comfortable. I may look into Adequin in the future when PJ is much older

Thanks everyone for your help and input!

If you look back you'll see I mentioned ears and eyes. I did so because I remembered something when my kids were small. I friend told me when they are ill and I go to the doctor to make sure he checks their ears as some don't and often that's the problem and I now realise that vets don't check ears as a matter of course. Lotto had arthritis and for a time took the gluc....and c....stuff the names I can't remember although they're written above but for some reason they stopped importing them for cats. Dogs and people yes. I never gave him pain killers. To be honest I never thought of it. What s terrible mum I am. I'm glad that the ears have been sorted out and all is well.