Topic: Strange behaviour in cat with previous nerve damage (Read 6353 times)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #54 on:** May 02, 2014, 10:35:41 AM »

So sad for her and hope it can be sorted............may just be a temp setback

Lolarag · « **Reply #53 on:** May 02, 2014, 02:01:06 AM »

Hi guys.

She had another accident Wednesday and tonight, after going 5 days without any accidents

I'm going to keep an eye on her then I think I'll take in a urine sample.

SamMewl · « **Reply #52 on:** April 24, 2014, 23:07:59 PM »

excellent news lolarag and isn't she stunning!!

hope it continues, paws crossed for you xx

Lolarag · « **Reply #51 on:** April 23, 2014, 16:32:29 PM »

Thanks everybody! Very strange how it all turned out but happy nonetheless!

Lyn (Slugsta) · « **Reply #50 on:** April 23, 2014, 15:18:04 PM »

Fingers crossed that this was just a passing phase, for whatever reason

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #49 on:** April 23, 2014, 15:14:46 PM »

That's excellent

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #48 on:** April 23, 2014, 13:37:27 PM »

Thats good

Lolarag · « **Reply #47 on:** April 23, 2014, 13:36:33 PM »

Hi Rosella,

I didn't want to post anything in case I jinxed something but... She seems to be miraculously better! I didn't take a urine sample in because she just hasn't had any accidents since. Obviously if she does have any more I will get a sample tested but so far, she's absolutely fine! Been walking around the house lots and no problems whatsoever. Have no idea why it has suddenly got better but fingers crossed it stays this way!

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #46 on:** April 23, 2014, 07:38:36 AM »

Quote from: Lolarag on April 21, 2014, 13:50:17 PM

I will tell them how her behaviour has changed when I go in tomorrow, and will bring a urine sample with me.

How did you get on?

Lolarag · « **Reply #45 on:** April 21, 2014, 14:48:52 PM »

Hi MrsPurrfect, thanks for reading the thread

This is what is making me think it's not cystitis - at first she was doing it in multiple places but they were quite big amounts. Now she tends to do it in one spot and it is really a lot of wee - more than she does when she wees normally, actually. She's not a particularly timid cat either (her mum is the highly-strung one in the family) so I really can't see it being anything stress related. She is definitely able to hold it in, but seems like when she walks down stairs that's what triggers it off :/ Then again, the weeing in her sleep suggests that sometimes she can't hold it in. It's a conundrum for sure. Hope I get some answers tomorrow and it is easily treatable, whatever it is!

MrsPurrfect · « **Reply #44 on:** April 21, 2014, 14:31:21 PM »

Quote from: Lolarag on April 19, 2014, 21:36:12 PM

Here's a picture I took of her earlier, because I'm not sure if I've showed her off yet

Her eyes make me melt, I love her so much.

She is stunning

! I have just been quicky reading the thread so an not completely up to date on her medical condition.

I have a very timid cat, Milly. She gets stressed about anything and everything (even changing the litter used in her tray can start her off) and we have had the occasional bouts of cystitis. When this has happend she has had accidents all over but the amount of wee is very small. She would stay crouched down for ages but either nothing would come out or such a small amount you could hardly see it in the litter tray. She would jump off but withn 10 minutes or so would wonder back tot he tray and try again. Poor baby was obviously in some discomfort and because she could not go, that was making her more stressed. Luckily she has always responded quickly after a visit to the vets. I have never known her wee lots or meow really loudly and certainly never want to eat lots afterwards.

I do hope that whatever is wrong with Ragdoll turns out to be because she is actually getting better (if that makes sense). It is great that you love her so much and your mum is great for being so supportive

Lolarag · « **Reply #43 on:** April 21, 2014, 13:50:17 PM »

Thank you Rosella, that is sound advice.

I don't think I inferred anything specifically though - I only mentioned the stray cat because the first thing they asked me is if there were any new cats in the neighbourhood. I also suggested it may be related to her nerve damage, retaining urine in her bladder, also mentioned about her going into heat and whether it may be something caused by a bad spay job, but they seemed to just latch onto stress-related cystitis.

I will tell them how her behaviour has changed when I go in tomorrow, and will bring a urine sample with me. A part of me hopes it is just a bacterial infection, because that'd be so much easier to treat than a nerve related problem

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #42 on:** April 21, 2014, 12:59:52 PM »

I really don't know

I think you need to keep her in your bedroom though. I know it's upsetting that she pees on your bed but you can protect your mattress and get the duvet cleaned at a later point. I think the vets/vet nurses can only ever go by what we tell them. Consequently if you say inappropriate weeing and stranger cat stalking her, they will be led to thinking of cystitis. If however you concentrate on other behaviours, they may suggest alternatives

I don't have any experience of Your Vets so cannot say what they are like.

I suggest you re read through this thread thoroughly, take your time, from the beginning and make notes of what you now believe to be the important recent changes in Ragdoll's behaviour and insist on discussing these with the vet, not the vet nurse, when a vet is next available. It is very difficult sometimes to think clearly when you are dealing with a much loved pet that appears to be in distress. I do sympathise.

Lolarag · « **Reply #41 on:** April 21, 2014, 12:02:46 PM »

I don't understand what it could be unless it's a bacterial infection or just her nerves being funny. It's strange that her nerves would suddenly change like this though a couple of months down the line. She used to urinate before but not empty her bladder, now when she has these accidents she will need to wait a moment, it drips, and then comes out full force, wetting her back end. I don't understand if this means she truly knows what she's doing, or is only feeling the urge at the beginning? Is there any medication to help bladder issues like this? I don't understand if it's a progressive or regressive action

Sorry to keep going on, I just can't stop thinking about what it might be. I'm quite annoyed that my vets didn't take a urine sample in the first place and just shrugged it off as stress-related cystitis, since they know she's been retaining a lot of urine the past few months, and which would obviously make the bladder a breeding ground for bacteria.

Lolarag · « **Reply #40 on:** April 21, 2014, 07:04:33 AM »

Another accident this morning when I let her out into the hallway, and also she keeps wetting the bed, sometimes jumping off in mid-flow like she's scared

She also gets very wet around her bum area, this obviously doesn't happen when she is weeing normally

I think I will definitely have to go with the urine sample, but I'm terrified of what it will be.

Lolarag · « **Reply #39 on:** April 20, 2014, 15:56:39 PM »

Thank you Gill - her and her mum are so precious to me.

I did try to keep her in my room last night, but after 2 hours of constant meowing I carried her outside. She went straight to her normal patch and did a wee. When I bought her back in to my room, she tried desperately to get into the hallway. I tapped the litter tray and tried to persuade her that that's where she needs to go, but she just wanted to go out into the hall. She did eventually go in the tray, but the fact she waited before she went was proof to me that she can hold it, but for some unknown reason she really wants to wee in the hall. We thoroughly cleaned the carpet there and her litter tray is always kept clean, so I don't understand. It seems she would prefer to go outside, wee there, and then do the rest in the hallway. She's not pleased at all at having to be kept in the room and using the tray. Yesterday she did actually wee on my bed, either when she was asleep or just after she'd woken up. She seemed quite shocked by it anyway. It seems to me that most of the time she can hold it, but the odd time she can't. This is all so confusing! I wish she could talk!

EDIT: I've just thought that if it is cystitis she's associating the tray with pain and that's what is making her reluctant to go there, but wouldn't she just do it somewhere else in the room?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #38 on:** April 20, 2014, 14:07:16 PM »

She is beautiful and agree with Rosella and Sam and suggest a second tray for now so she can either get back there quick or you can pop her in.

Sounds like after releasing some urine she thinks she is finished and very quickly band she needs to go again big time. Still could be cystitus but also could be what you have siad

Lolarag · « **Reply #37 on:** April 20, 2014, 13:55:39 PM »

Thank you Rosella!

Yes she did mention something similar. I hope I'm right and it fixes itself soon!

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #36 on:** April 20, 2014, 09:21:53 AM »

Very unusual makings and a true beauty

Quote from: Lolarag on April 19, 2014, 18:06:03 PM

I'm starting to think it's not an infection at all, but she's just regaining more senses from her nerves but she isn't quite synchronising with them, ............What does everyone else think?

I think you know Ragdoll better than anyone. You could be right and as far as I recall, you have not had any evidence of an infection being present. I think SamMwel may have been suggesting something similar in an earlier post.

Lolarag · « **Reply #35 on:** April 19, 2014, 21:36:12 PM »

Here's a picture I took of her earlier, because I'm not sure if I've showed her off yet

Her eyes make me melt, I love her so much.

Lolarag · « **Reply #34 on:** April 19, 2014, 18:06:03 PM »

She's just had another accident, but it's making me wonder...

She had a wee in her litter tray and then was scratching the door like she wanted to go out. I let her out into the hall (just to see what she would do) and she stopped again, so I grabbed her and brought her back in my room. She did a massive wee on the floor (thank God for laminate) and afterwards I felt her bladder: it was non-existent and has never felt that small until she began having these accidents. I'm starting to think it's not an infection at all, but she's just regaining more senses from her nerves but she isn't quite synchronising with them, so she gets the sensation that she needs to go again, tries to walk somewhere to do it and then thinks "uh oh, I need to go now." How happy she acts afterwards could be because she feels elated at feeling completely empty for the first time in so long. I don't know, it seems kind of logical to me. What does everyone else think?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #33 on:** April 19, 2014, 17:56:20 PM »

This sounds good

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #32 on:** April 19, 2014, 17:02:04 PM »

Aah. £15.50 sounds much better for in house test. Am delighted that your lovely girl seems more at ease and hoping she continues in the right direction

Perhaps the Cystophan is kicking in at last?

Lolarag · « **Reply #31 on:** April 19, 2014, 15:55:36 PM »

The £35 was for the test that checks for crystals, etc. In-house one is £15.50 (I just double checked with them) Don't think it would have a consultation fee if I was just giving it to them to test. I'm now keeping her in and she's finally used the litter tray - she doesn't seem to be straining at all, doesn't cry, and seems fine really :/

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #30 on:** April 19, 2014, 14:42:10 PM »

Wish my vet was open so I could check prices. £35 does seem steep for an in house test but tbh I think my vet gives us quite a good deal as we are regular customers having 7 of the furry blighters eating us out of house and home

I wonder if £35 includes a consultation fee with vet? I've picked up a urine test kit before now for our Freddie angel RIP for under £5, brought it back and waited for vet nurse to use the dip stick on it or rang an hour or so later. If protein levels were high or sufficient blood detected, I made an appointment to see vet to discuss the way ahead which was usually a blood test to obtain further info.

Lolarag · « **Reply #29 on:** April 19, 2014, 14:02:07 PM »

Ahhh I see - it's £35 at my vet! (thought that was a little expensive)

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #28 on:** April 19, 2014, 12:35:43 PM »

Not sure about everything an in house urine tests are for but I know it tests for protein levels (one indicator of good/poor kidney function I think) and blood

Lolarag · « **Reply #27 on:** April 19, 2014, 11:39:47 AM »

I've just spoke to a nurse (a vet wasn't available) and they had a look at her history... They do think it's the tom cat exacerbating it, so even if the medication does work it won't cure it because the source of her stress is still there. They advised that I keep her in for a while just to see if her symptoms improve and in the meanwhile warding the other cat off with a bell and water pistol. They also said that the cystophan can take up to 4 days to take effect. Also, could someone tell me what the difference is between an in-house urine test and the one that checks for crystals, etc? What exactly does the in-house urine test test for?

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #26 on:** April 19, 2014, 10:58:27 AM »

Vets charge varying amounts for various tests. Please ring them and ask how much for a urine test and I would encourage you to discuss with the vet your concerns about the dramatic meowing, eating two bowls of food soon afterwards and then going for a lie down. Such behaviour doesn't sound like cystitis but I am no vet

If they are open, I would phone them now and not leave things until after Easter holiday

Lolarag · « **Reply #25 on:** April 19, 2014, 10:37:39 AM »

The vets I take her to now is who I initially brought her to after the accident (YourVets, in Birmingham) but they didn't provide any treatment for her up until when she needed enemas. The bulk of her treatment was done at Bell Brown and Bentley in Leicester, and YourVets in Coventry. I know that they understand the extent of her injuries though - all 3 vets have corresponded and the one I'm at now has a full history of her medication, etc, given by other vets.

I did mention the meowing but forgot to mention the food. It didn't really seem prominent to me at the time but it certainly does now and seems to be a fixed routine after she has an accident. It's really odd behaviour - just for about 5 minutes after she has an accident she'll act like this, then quieten down and go lay/sit down somewhere. I can't help thinking this isn't cystitis and must be something worse

I will try and keep her in but sometimes she just wants to go out. Yes, I will be taking a urine sample in if this persists. Does anyone know how much it costs to have a urine sample tested? Money is tight at the moment, and there's no point getting insurance at the minute because they won't cover this!

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2014, 10:16:09 AM »

I like to stick with one vet for each illness if possible so that vet can more easily spot signs of deterioration/improvement. Doesn't matter so much for vaccinations/chipping/neutering of course.

I've just read through your earlier posts briefly and now wonder if the various vets you have seen recently are at the same practice e that Ragdoll went to before following the car accident? I think you mentioned they were in Leicester? You need to be absolutely sure that any vet that sees Ragdoll is fully aware of her previous accident and the nerve damage.

Quote from: Lolarag on April 19, 2014, 09:41:11 AM

I've noticed that when she does it, as well as the dramatic meowing, she is really hungry (will easily eat 2 bowls full of food within the space of 2 minutes)

Have you mentioned this to vet? When Dinah had cystitis she pee'd small amounts in various spots but there was no dramatic meowing or hunger.

Quote from: Lolarag on April 19, 2014, 09:41:11 AM

She still wants to go outside even when though she has a litter tray, and I've noticed that 'smell' outside (when there are frisky male cats about) I've noticed a new cat hanging around for a while now, and he does follow her

I think you should keep her in one bedroom so that you can reduce the area that she is peeing on, better monitor her, protect her from any outside threats, inspect her urine for blood (is it pink?) and get a urine sample. Suggest you ask vet for a urine testing kit and get the sample to the vet as fresh as possible. Preferably within an hour or so if you can.

To be honest, I think another vet visit may be needed. As SamMewl says, you need to have a thorough chat with a vet that is fully aware of Ragdolls' recent history. Write your queries down so you can discuss in detail. This thread will be a useful starting point for your list.

Sending a few

to poor Ragdoll and a

to you.

Lolarag · « **Reply #23 on:** April 19, 2014, 09:41:11 AM »

Another accident this morning

I've noticed that when she does it, as well as the dramatic meowing, she is really hungry (will easily eat 2 bowls full of food within the space of 2 minutes) She still wants to go outside even when though she has a litter tray, and I've noticed that 'smell' outside (when there are frisky male cats about) I've noticed a new cat hanging around for a while now, and he does follow her. Could this be possibly affecting her even though she's been spayed? I don't understand why the meds aren't working

Lolarag · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2014, 21:42:52 PM »

Unfortunately, I didn't have insurance! I will definitely be getting some soon, can anyone recommend who would be the best company to get insurance with? She is doing ok so far today - I've just started her on the loxicom and she's snoring away

If she has no more accidents tonight I will assume it's started working because she's had an accident everyday since it started. If it doesn't start getting better I will definitely compile some questions and arrange a time when I can talk to a vet - I don't have one vet (she gets seen by everyone! Everyone knows Ragdoll!) so not sure who to talk to. Shall I just talk to the one who last treated her?

She is confined to my bedroom at the moment, and yes mums are great!

Thanks so much for being there everyone, it really is a great comfort knowing I have other cat lovers to talk to, and I love seeing that I've got new messages on here! I will keep you all posted!

SamMewl · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2014, 20:36:28 PM »

shes still got some healing to do and i'm sorry its still difficult for you all. i wouldn't worry too much about incontinence just yet as she has some awareness of needing to go and this should only get better. in traumatic accidents like Ragdolls there is no definite way that the body heals and no guarantees but it looks, to me, like she has a good chance of making even more progress.

you (or you insurance company if your lucky!) has paid a lot of money for Ragdolls care and its part of the 'service' to discuss her treatment and to talk to you honestly about your worries. If you call and ask if you can speak to a vet and ask when its convenient for you to call back and ask questions. Then get all your questions listed. vets can be super busy but they should be happy to explain the treatment, listen to your your concerns and too to hear about Ragdolls reaction to treatment as it will help them treat her better.

good luck, she is lucky to have you xx

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2014, 20:13:34 PM »

Quote from: Lolarag on April 18, 2014, 12:16:55 PM

Yes Rosella, they took her temperature and it was perfect - does this eliminate a bacterial infection?

No I don't think so but, if she had a temp, this would be one indicator of possible infection.

Quote from: Lolarag on April 18, 2014, 12:16:55 PM

I've also read that bacterial cystitis is very rare, is this true?

From what I've read, it's just less common so I assume that's why vets generally assume no bacterial infection initially and see how the patient goes. Cystitis is very troublesome but usually clears up relatively quickly. I would try and keep her confined for a while to lessen the areas she can pee in. It seemed pointless trying to keep cleaning everything until Dinah had recovered. Duvet finally went to the drycleaners for a wash and came up lovely so no real harm done. Gill is right that Ragdoll may pick up on your stress so try and chill a little

I'm glad your mom is putting up with it. Mom's are great aren't they

Lolarag · « **Reply #19 on:** April 18, 2014, 12:16:55 PM »

Yes Rosella, they took her temperature and it was perfect - does this eliminate a bacterial infection? I was told that if this treatment doesn't work to take in a urine sample so they can test for bacteria. I've also read that bacterial cystitis is very rare, is this true?

Ragdoll has weed everywhere really

My mum is being very good about it considering she's extremely house proud! I'm trying to stay calm, I never shout at her and always give her fuss when she has an accident. She gives me the eyes and seems worried she's going to be told off, bless her. I feel so bad for her, it's just one thing after another.

She is also not eating any dry food and only on gravy food.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #18 on:** April 18, 2014, 12:02:12 PM »

One other thing is if you are stressed she will picj it up from you, very hard I Know..........think I am stressed all the time!

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #17 on:** April 18, 2014, 10:12:59 AM »

I'm so sorry you and Ragdoll are having such a problem

Cats need indoor litter trays even if they are indoor/outdoor. All 7 of our cats can come and go as they please but we have 3 large and 1 jumbo size trays indoor. They don't use them all the time, just when they need to. They are no bother.

I have no idea whether the diagnosis is correct or not but suggest you assume vet is correct for now. Our experience with Dinah some months ago was pretty bad. We confined to her to one bedroom with two litter trays for about a week until it all eased off as I didn't want her peeing all over the house and it meant she couldn't be bullied by Groucho who I'm afraid we blamed for it kicking off.

Meanwhile she peed on the duvet and rugs many many times. She had pain relief (injection followed by drops for a while) and was on two capsules of Cystophan a day for a few weeks. She is about 4.5 kg. Am fairly sure that vet took her temp which was normal so treated on basis of no bacterial infection. If it didn't clear up, I imagine next step would have been a blood test.

Dry food was withheld (great shame as she loves it) and we encouraged her to drink as much liquid as possible. She is fine now but it was a trial and no mistake. Vet wasn't sure that Cystophan would help but I believe it did esp as it has a calming agent in it that I am certain worked very well. Can't recall how quickly but 48 hours sounds about right.

Sending you both best wishes and hope it clears up quickly

Lolarag · « **Reply #16 on:** April 18, 2014, 01:51:32 AM »

Hi SamMewl,

Thanks :D It was a horrible few months but it was so worth it to make my baby well again!

I am actually worrying that her cystitis isn't exactly stress-related - as you said, with the issues she's been having, while she was recovering she did tend to hold urine in a lot. Would this not cause a bacterial infection, and would that not be the cause of it? If it is cystitis caused by bacteria, would she need different medication to clear it up?

I agree about the nerves. A part of me also thinks that if it isn't cystitis it may just be that she's regaining more sensitivity and not knowing exactly how to deal with it yet. There's no chance of her becoming incontinent, is there?

I will discuss with my vets re: dosage. How long do you think I should it leave it before I speak to my vet? If she hasn't improved with the one dose a day, that is. I'm surprised the anti-inflammatory injection hasn't had (seemingly) any effect on her thus far.

Sorry for all the questions, I've become a worry wart since her accident. She can't do anything without me breathing down her neck :D

SamMewl · « **Reply #15 on:** April 18, 2014, 01:39:48 AM »

Hi Lolarag so glad to hear your girl is so much better after she got herself so badly hurt. i remember your talking about it.

i too think that having a litter tray inside is a good idea.
until she is fully recovered and while she may have cystitis having an indoor loo will really help her.
whilst it can be convenient for cats to go outside litter trays are great for cats that have medical problems or are feeling a bit stressed. my lot go outdoors but my nervous bod would not consider toileting outside where the filthy butterflies can watch her ..and gasp....there might be..noises. oh no!

on a tangent here .... when i broke my jaw, i had nerve tingles and weird sensations in my face for nearly a year afterwards. i quite missed them when they went coz i could get my face to do funny tingles by touching my jawline anywhere. the (slightly relevant!) point is that nerves take a good while to fully heal.

so glad she is getting over the accident well xx

re dosing (we were posting at the same time!) I would discuss it with your vet. for example when it comes to pain releif our vet sometimes under doses them slightly if she thinks the pain is not severe as there can be problems with long term use of the pain killers. i think that your girl is not going to have a 'standard' cystitus as it may well be associated with the injuries she has had. your vet maybe taking this into account. if you feel you can discuss this with them do. if not please consider changing vet. i so much value having a vet who is very open with me about what she is doing, why she is doing it and will tell me when she is not sure of anything and why she has made the decision she has. she is 4 times as far away as my local vet and she is very much worth the extra effort

Author Topic: Strange behaviour in cat with previous nerve damage (Read 6353 times)