Rodent Ulcers

[rosiemac]

I used the dropper from the Rescue Remedy bottle because that's all l had and l wanted to get some fluids into him quickly. But an eye dropper will be just as good, but obviously a sterile one.

I laid Jack's front part on my lap and held onto him, and I gently inserted the tip of the dropper into the side of his mouth and dripped it in slowly that way, pausing inbetween while he swallowed. I did that for about 20 minutes in the morning, then in the afternoon, then again at bedtime.

And yes, you could make a slurry with his food and do the same

 

[essayons89]

Thank you, Susan.

 

[rosiemac]

Keep us updated

 

[essayons89]

The vet called with the blood results. His kidneys are fine, but his white count is up, and he it showing that he is anemic. I'm taking him in at 2pm for more fluids, food, and to get a better grasp on what the vet told me. He's going to need more testing. Something else is going on with him. Will post back later with more information.

 

[ldg]

When you said his lips and gums were looking better, I was wondering if you meant "pinker" - and I was wondering if he was anemic, but that's just my own paranoia about it because one of our cats has dealt with an autoimmune disease that causes anemia for 7 years now, and his brother was just found to be anemic, and we're dealing with that right now. Given he didn't respond to the depo, there's probably a different reason for your kitty's anemia.

With the elevated WBC, he's probably dealing with some kind of infection. Please let us know what course of treatment they suggest.

What was the RBC or the hematocrit?

More !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[essayons89]

He's at a specialist now and will be there for at least the next couple of days.

The RBC and the Hematocrit are both low: 3.580 and 15.4.

The doctor said they need to find out what is causing the anemia before a specfic treatment can be given. He out Everest on a medication that attacks blood parasites (started with a D) and they are starting him right away on an IV to get fluids and nutrients in him. He said if the hemo count drops to 10 then he will need a blood transfusion. I'm scared. I have no idea what to expect. He's only five. I keep crying. Thank you for the vibes for Everest.

 

[essayons89]

Sorry guys.

I just talked to the vet tech at the clinic. The doctor was going to put on Doxycycline but they are holding off on that for the moment until they run some more tests. His Hematocrit level from their test is higher than the previous test at 21 compared to the 15.4. Right now they have him on fluids and gave him something to stimulate his appetite.

 

[ldg]

Hang in there!

Yes, those numbers are low. I don't know how much the vet explained, but a normal hematocrit is usually 30-40%. Above 25% is OK. Below 25% is anemic. Our Tuxie got down to as low as 7%. We never found the cause of his anemia. That's usually called "Feline Hemolytic Anemia."

Tuxie had to have a bone marrow aspirate done to determine whether or not his anemia was regenerative (when they're still able to produce red blood cells), or non-regenerative (meaning the bone marrow isn't working correctly).

His bone marrow still worked - but his immune system was attacking the red blood cells. He did receive one blood transfusion. If it is a blood parasite (there are actually a number of them that could cause the condition), then a strong antibiotic like Baytril or a shot of Convenia will likely work, and it's usually the first course of treatment to see if they respond.

Here are some links for you to learn about anemia:

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/anemia-cats-types-symptoms
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in...m/bc/10200.htm
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/anemia.html

They'll probably test him for Leukemia and/or FIV, and if he's negative for those and no blood parasites, they'll likely check his kidney and liver functions, his B12 levels, and his iron levels.

If they're unable to diagnose the cause and treat that, frequently treatment with steroids (to suppress the immune system) will stop the body from attacking the red blood cells. Our Tuxie will be on depomedrol for life. He used to need the shot every two weeks - it slowly went longer and longer, and now he only seems to need them annually.

I hope being armed with some information will help.

!!!!!!!!!

 

[essayons89]

Thank you for the links and support.

I just called to check on him and nothing has really chaged as of yet but he has only been there a few hours. The tech said his temp did drop a little but that it could have been from the administration of fluids, but that the temp is slowly starting to go back up. The appetite stimulant hasn't had any effect yet either. He hasn't show any interest in food or water as of yet, but she also said that this is normal for a cat in his condition that has only been there for a short while.

The vet told me about his levels and the normal range a cat should be in. I feel so sorry for my baby boy. I cried when I got off of the phone, I just want him to be better. I miss him terribly.

 

[lunatuna]

Are all of these problems linked with his ulcers or are they a separate illness?

I don't have any expertise but I wanted to send well wishes to your boy! I can relate to your worries, only a few weeks ago my dog was in the hospital for 3 days and they were doing a lot of tests to find out what was wrong with him and all I wanted was for them to hurry up and make him better!

I hope you have a good vet office! My vet and the techs were all very supportive and didn't mind if both my husband and I called several of times to check on him.

 

[essayons89]

Thank you.

They haven't said whether they are linked or not. This place seems to be very well respectd and good at what they do.

Laurie, can you describe what Tuxie was like when his level was down to 7%? They are checking his temp every hour. He is also in an incubator. I think they said he was due for another round of tests around 11pm or so.

 

[rosiemac]

Bless his little heart, he's in the best place though so they can monitor him properly.

More mega healthy coming for your little boy, and like Laurie said, hang in there Bryan!

 

[essayons89]

Thanks, Susan.

I just called to get an update. The doctor will be reevaluating him later today to see what to do next. Everest is still in the incubator in an effort to get his temp up to normal. At one point it fell to 96F, right now it is at 99.1. His hematocrit number saw a slight increase and is at 24 (it was at 21 before they tested again last night). Even with an appetite stumilant he's showing no interest in any food or water. The tech that this is normal for a cat in his condition. I'm worried sick about him and afraid.

 

[essayons89]

The doctor called a little earlier to give me an update. He's unstable.


Everest's bone marrow is producing new red blood cells. He is still in an incubator to help keep his body temp up. There is another problem. They noticed some fluid buildup in his abdomen and they said that since he was an older cat his kidney condition isn't the best (he's five in people years). The are testing the fluid in his abdomen to find out where it is coming from and gave him a diuretic. They won't have the results back until tomorrow. I asked the vet what hi prognosis is and he said it was "guarded" right now, that they would know more tomorrow. They said he wasn't suffering and that I could come down and see him. I want to see him before I have to go to work.

I'm heartbroken to see him like this. He is a cat so full of life, so energetic, affectionate, and playful.

 

[essayons89]

I was on my way to visit Everest when the vet called. Everest stopped breathing and they couldn't resuscitate him. He passed away sometime around 2pm. I went down there to pet him and say my goodbyes, and to tell him that I loved him.

Charlotte is pretty subdued right now. I told her Everest was gone, but I think she can sense that.

Thank you all for your support during this time. It is truly appreciated. My heart is broken. I miss him more than I can put into words.

 

[jcat]

Oh, no. Bryan, I'm very, very sorry that you lost Everest. Many for you and Charlotte. RIP, Everest.

I'll close this thread now, and when you feel up to it, you can start a thread about Everest in the Crossing The Bridge forum.