Undiagnosed cat with digestive issues. Stuck and not knowing what steps to take next. We need help.

[gatinos]

 
Those are good tests.  The PLI test is most effective if done when the cat is actively in distress, vomiting etc and its a test for pancreatitis.

The ultrasound is not done under anesthesia, think of when you do one on a pregnant woman.  In the cats case, shaved belly, jelly and a scanner.

Thickened bowel will basically confirm its either IBD or lymphoma, probably IBD

Stay in touch

I now understand the ultrasound procedure better. I think my vet recommended him to be under anesthesia because he gets so nervous when we go to the clinic.

I'm going to wait to get the results of the other tests back before doing the ultrasound. We're going in tomorrow afternoon. He is hardly eating at all. I was so desperate for him to eat I bought raw goat's milk and at least he was able to drink quite a bit of that. I can't wait to see him eat and happy again. Today has been a tough day. 

Thank you. 

 

[gatinos]

 
As I was reading through your first post and the symptoms, it also became clear to me that this is most likely IBD, and was glad to see @StephenQ  here to help with this.

I have also been through IBD with my girl.

I would highly suggest an ultrasound, but done by someone who is highly experienced and not the vet.

In the results, the technician will add their recommendations which the vet can follow for treatment.

A very uncomfortable illness for your kitty and uncontrolled can bring on much worse, not to mention the suffering.

I was very keen to do the ultrasound but considering it involves shaving his belly and knowing how wild he gets at the vet, plus considering his current state of health, I'm going to leave it for next week, until we get the results for the blood tests back and hopefully I can get some food into him. He is very stress sensitive so if I try to push him too hard now, I'll land up with an even more sick kitty... 

I look forward to getting those B12 shots on him, I've heard they have great results. Did your kitty ever get them?

How did you solve your kitties IBS? I hope he or she is doing well  

Thank you for your comment and support.

 

[artiemom]

I am going to jump in here. I apologize if I am not helping..or if I am not welcome. 

My guy has IBD... have been through a ton of this stuff.  I was an ultrasound tech, so I have an idea of the procedure, plus my guy has had a few ultrasounds. 

The ultrasound is not that big a deal; but it should be done by a Professional Person--mostly Vets who do this specifically. You do not want a regular Vet doing this exam. They only know real basics. You need a specialist to do it..

Yes, the belly is shaved--no big deal.. they will not anesthatize  him completely--- that is only done for surgery..not the same thing.. They will give him some medication to calm and quite him down. Depending on how antsy he is, they may have to give a bit more.. but he will not be 'out like a light'.. 

The ultrasound will probably give more information that the blood tests; a biopsy will give even more. 

It is entirely possible and probable that your cat needs to be seen and taken care of by an Internal Medicine Vet who specializes in this type of stuff. They are more well versed in the care of all of this, than your regular vet..

If I were you, I would forget playing around with your regular vet and See an Internal Medicine Specialist. In my thoughts, they are the only one who can help your cat.. You are playing around with his/her life if you continue seeing your regular vet..

I apologize if I sound nasty, but I have been involved in a bad situation lately, and do not want to see anything like that happen to anyone else....and a poor animal....

(((Hugs)))  to you..

 

[catwoman707]

I agree with @Artiemom  , I realize that most people have no choice but to trust that their vet has the knowledge and experience we need them to have but honestly vets vary a great deal and I personally would not continue my cat's care with this vet, at least with the current issue.

IBD has become very commonly seen, yet almost sounds like he/she is unaware of this or how to go about diagnosing/treatment.

Meanwhile what we read from you has pretty clear symptoms that likely point to IBD and are not being addressed by the vet. Nene is also still suffering with this.

More blood tests will not diagnose IBD, next should be an ultrasound.

It's not a big deal at all, in fact while most do get shaved (mine was not just had clear gel/lubricant put on her tummy) shaving the area is seconds, shaver is quiet and just a few quick swipes, no biggie.

When going for this test look for a highly experienced professional to do it. It's amazing the difference the results can be, one very basic, but someone who has done this and read many, many, will give very detailed information, which helps treatment recommendations a great deal.

My girl, I was able to gain complete control starting with stopping ALL of her food, treats, etc and fed turkey baby food only for a couple of days to get her tummy settled down and vomiting stopped.

I slowly started her on limited ingredient blue buffalo basics turkey dry and canned. I gave her 1/4 tab of regular pepcid-ac daily just in case, I struggled to find a canned turkey only grain free food since I had no idea whether it was fish, chicken, grain, or other that she acquired the allergy from. I ended up feeding her 1/4 cup a day of dry bb and 1/2 can twice a day of fancy feast turkey and giblets pate food, which she ate well.

I even found the blue buffalo turkey treats which she loved at bedtime. In time I was able to feed almost no dry too, as prior she was def a dry food addict over canned, which she has always had once a day but just wouldn't give up the dry. So that was good too since canned is much better for all cats, even more-so for IBD.

She was not given any meds or pred, and stayed great and her IBD very well managed with the complete diet change alone. Typical of IBD, over time maybe every 6-8 months she would start grass nibbling again then vomit, I'd give her a couple days of pepcid and she would be all good again.

 

[lmg1959]

Have your vet do a blood test for pancreatitis it has to be sent to Texas A&M. It saved my cats life.

 

[lmg1959]

My Madison had pancreatitis which caused his liver to stop making enzymes. Once diagnosed in Texas I give enzymes on his food.

 

[gatinos]

If I were you, I would forget playing around with your regular vet and See an Internal Medicine Specialist. In my thoughts, they are the only one who can help your cat.. You are playing around with his/her life if you continue seeing your regular vet..

I apologize if I sound nasty, but I have been involved in a bad situation lately, and do not want to see anything like that happen to anyone else....and a poor animal....

(((Hugs)))  to you..

 

[gatinos]

She was not given any meds or pred, and stayed great and her IBD very well managed with the complete diet change alone. Typical of IBD, over time maybe every 6-8 months she would start grass nibbling again then vomit, I'd give her a couple days of pepcid and she would be all good again.

 

[gatinos]

Have your vet do a blood test for pancreatitis it has to be sent to Texas A&M. It saved my cats life.

Thank you @lmg1959, I'll definitely keep this in mind for our visit tomorrow. I'm glad your kitty was able to recover

 

[catwoman707]

It may take prednisolone to get her inflammation down and cerenia given for nausea and appetite too.
Used on a temp basis at least to get her settled and eating again.

Dont let anyone tell you a biopsy is needed to differentiate between IBD and lymphoma.
Biopsy is major surgery and recovery and to me your kitty is too low on reserves now anyway.

Good luck and will look forward to update.

 

[mingsmongols]

Was your fecal test sent out for a full diarrhea PCR panel or done in house on a fecal float?

 

[gatinos]

 

[gatinos]

Was your fecal test sent out for a full diarrhea PCR panel or done in house on a fecal float?

Both sent out for a PCR panel and also had an in house fecal float. I was recommended this by my vet and also by Lisa Pierson, from http://catinfo.org. 

 

[mingsmongols]

The PCR is pretty thorough, will a negative result doesn't always mean that their parasite free it is a pretty accurate test. The diarrhea worsening after you gave him the pouch leans more towards a food allergy but if it's gravy he wants it's gravy he's gonna need to get. I'm no cook so i can't give ya any pointers but you might be able to make your own 'gravy wet food' mix. Maybe using baby food of some kind as the sauce, with A/D high calorie, and a wet food single protein. Just make sure that none of it has onions or garlic in it as that will lead to hemolytic anemia.

 

[gatinos]

The PCR is pretty thorough, will a negative result doesn't always mean that their parasite free it is a pretty accurate test. The diarrhea worsening after you gave him the pouch leans more towards a food allergy but if it's gravy he wants it's gravy he's gonna need to get. I'm no cook so i can't give ya any pointers but you might be able to make your own 'gravy wet food' mix. Maybe using baby food of some kind as the sauce, with A/D high calorie, and a wet food single protein. Just make sure that none of it has onions or garlic in it as that will lead to hemolytic anemia.

Honestly, we've tested for absolutely everything there is to test. We ticked all the boxes, not only to find a diagnosis but also to rule out others and narrow down the possibilities. 

Yes, that's also been my thinking: as long as he eats, that's good. 

That is a wonderful idea @MingsMongols! I will look into it. I've read it being recommended often but like you, I'm no cook, but hey, this could be it!

Thank you!

 

[catwoman707]

Loved your update!

You sound so much better and having the vet on board is a huge plus.

Vitamin B12 as well as probiotics are VERY good for intestinal wellness.

My choice not to start pred with my girl was based on the same thinking as you have too, although I was able to get her settled down and stop reacting with full diet change, where you have not, and it's extremely urgent that inflammation be reduced asap so my thought was possibly a quick way of reducing it with pred for a short 10 day course, but as long as the vomiting isn't ongoing I would def agree not to use it at this point, so good decision there.

YES, let him eat what he wants as much as he wants, regardless of it's quality, stabilization is top priority now. Excellent that he is eating!

You mentioned poultry, I agree as a real possibility but also keep in mind that it's likely not all poultry as it is chicken that is used so commonly, turkey and other fowl despite their being closely related are quite different which I found to be a big relief since it was turkey that I was able to stabilize my girl's IBD with, lucky me for that since she wasn't having any other canned that was good for her, so just an FYI on that.

On the turkey note, it reminds me that since your boy loves the gravy food, something also to keep in mind is making his food may be helpful too, that is of course the very best and really only true way of controlling just what his body takes in. Reminds me of a McDonald's burger having like 50-something ingredients in it, I mean wait..what?? lol

It's incredible the list of who-knows-what that goes in to their foods....

An example of making his food is browning the protein you choose and adding U-Stew and water, which is an all in one for cats that is complete with all nutritional needs and balance, everything they need is there, and it makes like a brown gravy.

Another little FYI

Also regarding biopsy if it is ever chosen down the road, does not have to be a full on surgery, this can also be done with an endoscopy procedure. Just another tidbit.

The DE you have started will help the diarrhea if it is a hidden parasite.

His current diarrhea is expected of course with the drastic food change for an already unhappy system so that should calm some soon too.  

 

[gatinos]

 
Loved your update!

You sound so much better and having the vet on board is a huge plus.

Vitamin B12 as well as probiotics are VERY good for intestinal wellness.

My choice not to start pred with my girl was based on the same thinking as you have too, although I was able to get her settled down and stop reacting with full diet change, where you have not, and it's extremely urgent that inflammation be reduced asap so my thought was possibly a quick way of reducing it with pred for a short 10 day course, but as long as the vomiting isn't ongoing I would def agree not to use it at this point, so good decision there.

YES, let him eat what he wants as much as he wants, regardless of it's quality, stabilization is top priority now. Excellent that he is eating!

You mentioned poultry, I agree as a real possibility but also keep in mind that it's likely not all poultry as it is chicken that is used so commonly, turkey and other fowl despite their being closely related are quite different which I found to be a big relief since it was turkey that I was able to stabilize my girl's IBD with, lucky me for that since she wasn't having any other canned that was good for her, so just an FYI on that.

On the turkey note, it reminds me that since your boy loves the gravy food, something also to keep in mind is making his food may be helpful too, that is of course the very best and really only true way of controlling just what his body takes in. Reminds me of a McDonald's burger having like 50-something ingredients in it, I mean wait..what?? lol

It's incredible the list of who-knows-what that goes in to their foods....

An example of making his food is browning the protein you choose and adding U-Stew and water, which is an all in one for cats that is complete with all nutritional needs and balance, everything they need is there, and it makes like a brown gravy.

Another little FYI

Also regarding biopsy if it is ever chosen down the road, does not have to be a full on surgery, this can also be done with an endoscopy procedure. Just another tidbit.

The DE you have started will help the diarrhea if it is a hidden parasite.

His current diarrhea is expected of course with the drastic food change for an already unhappy system so that should calm some soon too.  

Thank you for your post @catwoman707, 

It makes a huge difference to have our vet on board, for sure. Also, my husband has been a lot more understanding and patient about our situation, so that's also been very helpful. 

Today I received part of the test results and they seem to have improved since the ones we did in January. There were only 2 small abnormalities:

1) He had a slight high absolute monocyte count. Which I learned today it is caused by inflammation of some sort. I also learned that fish oil is a great anti-inflammatory so we're buying some capsules tonight and will start feeding them to him ASAP. Anyone knows what is a safe level of fish oil to feed a 9lb cat?

2) Slight low blood creatinine levels which tend to be caused by weight loss, so that makes a lot of sense. In any case, I also read that a high protein diet and exercise are great ways to increase these levels and maintain good health so as soon as he starts feeling better, we're upping those outdoor walks & playtimes! 

I also think that him eating is a great thing, although his diarrhea is now completely liquid... It has been a major food change though, like you said, so yes, fingers and toes crossed that it will improve a little. Any idea how long it would take if it was due to the food change?

I want to find a good probiotic as well, apart from the goat's milk. I think that could help a lot. Any suggestions?

Following your advice, yesterday I tried feeding him a different can of turkey: didn't eat it. So I guess we're still stuck with the chicken, for now. Thank you for your advice, though. Any little helps!

I'm definitely going to try that U-stew you mentioned. Thank you so much for the tip! That could really be very helpful! 

It's really nice having someone on the other side. Thank you again for your comments @catwoman707.

 

[gatinos]

An example of making his food is browning the protein you choose and adding U-Stew and water, which is an all in one for cats that is complete with all nutritional needs and balance, everything they need is there, and it makes like a brown gravy.

Another little FYI

Just bought a trial bag online. I look forward to trying out this method!

Have you ever tried it yourself?

Thank you.

 

[catwoman707]

 
Just bought a trial bag online. I look forward to trying out this method!

Have you ever tried it yourself?

Thank you.

Yes I have, I also got the trial size, and while she liked the gravy, she wasn't happy with the plain boring turkey meat, so she just ate the gravy, which was fine but not for long term, she needed a protein source too.

Also you asked of a good probiotic? Nexabiotic, excellent. Prob the best.

However I can't give you the dosage info because I can't find where I put that darn bottle to save my life!  

 

I will keep looking....

 

[gatinos]

@catwoman707,

Thank you so much again for your advice. Unfortunately Nené has done a lot worse since our last post and I had to start him on Prednisolone and antibiotics asap.

I am very keen to get that probiotic you mentioned, to counter the effects of the antibiotic. I've seen there's a pet one and a human one, which one should I get? I saw the human one has cow's milk as a base so I thought maybe not that one? Would you care to share a link with me please, just to be sure which one I must get?

Thank you!

Yes I have, I also got the trial size, and while she liked the gravy, she wasn't happy with the plain boring turkey meat, so she just ate the gravy, which was fine but not for long term, she needed a protein source too.

Also you asked of a good probiotic? Nexabiotic, excellent. Prob the best.
However I can't give you the dosage info because I can't find where I put that darn bottle to save my life!  :doh3:  
I will keep looking....
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