Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Leanne on March 17, 2008, 12:49:57 PM

Title: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 17, 2008, 12:49:57 PM
Well Jess is back in the vets,

This morning he was slightly off his food, and in the space of 30 minutes he wee'd 4 times, each time there was less and less wee.

After about and hour and just as we were due to leave for work he started to wee in his bed, (he never does this but now I think his telling us his not well when he does it) each time he was taking long and longer to go and there was only tiny amounts.

I got him to the vets for 9 and Emma (our vet) said he has another partial blockage and a half full bladder. I took him straight to the hospital where he was admitted, they were going to put him on valium and try and get him to wee, if he does his coming home if he doesn't then his being catheterised again.

I know his in the best place, but I'm scared about where we go from here,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: blackcat on March 17, 2008, 12:55:15 PM
yes, Bob used to wee in inappropriate places, directly under my nose, when he had a blockage coming on. Good you spotted it so quickly! and fingers crossed for the vet trip. Once it is stabilised you will only have occasional probs, so don't fret too much. As long as you stay alert, you and Jess seem to have a good system worked out.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: alisonandarchie on March 17, 2008, 13:35:57 PM
Hope Jess gets on well at the vets :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: clarenmax on March 17, 2008, 14:44:50 PM
Hope Jess is back home again with you quickly  :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 17, 2008, 14:48:49 PM
Ah bless hope he is ok
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 17, 2008, 15:12:23 PM
Just spoke to the vets, Jess is spending the night with them again, the medication they are giving him doesn't seem to be working properly, so its trial and error. I'm waiting for the vet to call me back because I want to know what his on,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Mark on March 17, 2008, 15:34:26 PM
Glad you caught him in time again Leanne. At least he is the best place right now - even though he and you probably don't see it that way  :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 17, 2008, 15:36:55 PM
Glad you caught him in time again Leanne. At least he is the best place right now - even though he and you probably don't see it that way  :hug:

Thank you, thats the only thing thats keeping me going at the moment, we can't keep going on like this though we need to get him fixed, I'm very scared i'll lose him though,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on March 17, 2008, 15:47:43 PM
Thank you, thats the only thing thats keeping me going at the moment, we can't keep going on like this though we need to get him fixed, I'm very scared i'll lose him though,

As others have said, he's in the right place  :hug: - there are several things you can try to help prevent this from recurring, (dietary changes, increased water intake, cystaid etc) but I expect your vet will go through all possibilities with you.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: blackcat on March 17, 2008, 15:50:09 PM
agree Gillian, modern treatments are much more effective than we had when Tabitha Jane was alive, and Bob lived very happily with his problem for many years ... it is simply identifying the right combination of food and treatment - and you seem to be taking the right approach ... Hang in there, it is well worth it. I had Bob for another seven years from his first episode ...
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 17, 2008, 16:02:26 PM
Just spoke to the vet they are sedating Jess again to empty his bladder, despite the drugs his not weeing and his bladder is quite full,

I can't visit now as he'll be very sleepy and the vet thinks I'll get upset and stress him a bit more (which is likely to happen)

She is going to call me when its done
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: blackcat on March 17, 2008, 16:46:45 PM
It sounds heartless, and each to their own, but I never visit my animals when there are in care or at the vets. I think they are left feeling worse for the experience as they can not understand why you go away and leave them there. Better to do it once and only go back to collect them... The more so if you can not be sure you will not get emotional - stress is harder for animals to bear than pain ...
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: gibraltarcat on March 17, 2008, 18:48:00 PM
So sorry to hear about Jess and hoping that you soon have him home again, fit and well. I had the same problem with a boy of mine several years ago. He was catheterised on four different occasions, but lived to a ripe old age. I panicked each time, so do understand just how you must be feeling. Treatment is so much better now than it was in Miffy's time. My Vet wouldn't let me visit him which upset me at the time, but now I totally agree with what Blackcat has said.
Thinking of you  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 17, 2008, 18:52:59 PM
Fingers crossed for him, it can take a while for urinary issues to sort themselves out.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 17, 2008, 21:04:13 PM
Hope all goes well, fingers crossed
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on March 17, 2008, 23:40:43 PM
I am so sorry to hear that Jess is ill again and there is another thread on hear which may help cos there is so much that can be done. I will try and find it.

As far as visiting is concerned cats and dogs act very differently and vet advice is to visit a cat as much as possible because it helps them but not so a dog cos they get very upset.

It is also a good idea tomleave with your cat a worn shirt or something cos your smell halps them too.

When Kocka was in hospital , I used to visit her every night and I was updset to leave her but it did her good to know that I was still around and loved her.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on March 17, 2008, 23:47:14 PM
This is the thread I am thinking of

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,11348.40.html
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 18, 2008, 08:57:11 AM
Thank you Gill, that was really interesting to read,

I spoke to the vets and Jess had a good night has eaten and wee'd, and doesn't seem as nervous.

It's likely he can come home today, but with a cocktail of relaxing drugs,

The op was also mentioned to us, and I have to say after lots of discussion we are keen for Jess to have it.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 18, 2008, 09:07:30 AM
Glad it's good news from the vet and he can come home today.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: clarenmax on March 18, 2008, 09:09:43 AM
Aw, fingers crossed he can come home today  :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 18, 2008, 11:39:51 AM
Jess is coming home this afternoon, I am leaving work at 3 and going to get him,

His coming home with some drugs that should relax him, but I have to take him to the vets every night for the next week so they can feel his bladder and check for blockages as the risk of him blocking again is so high during the first week after a previous blockage.

Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Bazsmum on March 18, 2008, 12:16:29 PM
Yay! Hope everything goes fab for him once he is home!  :Luv:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: swampmaxmum on March 18, 2008, 13:03:07 PM
it'll be great to have him home. Come on Jess, stay unblocked! Poor little mite. All the best.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 18, 2008, 14:39:24 PM
Thanks everyone its good to talk to people who understand, I am really grateful for your support as well  :Luv: :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on March 18, 2008, 19:46:43 PM
Hope Jess is gonna be fine   :hug: :hug:

Please remember that its Easter weekend so dont for get to discuss what happens over that period with your vet...........I am sure you havent forgotten  ;D
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 19, 2008, 12:22:09 PM
Well I picked him last night and he was really chilled out even when we got home he was ultra cuddly and playing with Milo, he finally wee'd at 8pm which was a relief. He came home with Hypovase and Dantrium

When we went to bed and I couldn't settle I kept listening out for them, finally went off when they both came and slept on my feet, we got up at 5:30 and fed them but Jess hadn't wee'd over night, at 6am he went 3 times small amounts each time and the last time he was straining, I called the emergency vet who said I can bring him in but it'll cost £150 or i could wait till 9am and see the vet (as I'd planned to) so I did this.

We saw Alice who initally was going to admit Jess for the day again to see if he wees, but then after some discussion we decided it would be better and less stressful if he stayed at home. He might be straining because its still a bit painful so he had a Dexadreson jab this morning.

I'm leaving early again today and if he hasn't wee'd when I get in then we're off to the hospital. Its likely he'll be on anti depressants if he hasn't wee'd.

The vets have been brilliant and said its a very difficult thing to deal with and its very hard for the fur parents too.

If I don't have to take him tonight I still need to take him in the morning so shall discuss what to do over the Easter weekend,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: gibraltarcat on March 19, 2008, 12:37:45 PM
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time  :hug:

Keeping everything crossed for you and Jess x
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 19, 2008, 13:23:11 PM
I'm sorry too. hope there is a lovely wee when you get home
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on March 19, 2008, 16:13:58 PM
do hope he waters the tray  :hug:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 20, 2008, 07:43:08 AM
Fingers crossed for him - you might want to contact Roz at Securacats, she had problems with her Jet, and he had to have some kind of relaxants, she might be able to recommend something for you.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 20, 2008, 12:15:21 PM
Well I got home and there were no wee's neither had been  :Crazy:

I decided to feed them and give Jess 20 minutes to go or it was off to the vet, so I fed them and he promptly wee'd  :wow:

He went again at 4am and then at 7am both big long wee's (I've never been so happy to see cat wee)

But I did pop him back this morning as planned and his bladder was empty, Emma was brilliant and really pleased with him and as long as his having 2 long wee's a day we're okay, there is no need to pop him back over the weekend unless we're concerned, (might take him sat morning to be on the safe side). Basically he will block again at some point we just don't know when but we're hoping this is the end of this episode.

Also Emma asked me whether we would be interested in trialing a new complimentry tablet, that has been used in France on stressed cats and has had amazing results. Her friend (who is a vet) is trialling it here as its just been licenced, I've agreed to it.

Emma has also agreed to arrange a behaviourst consultation as we need to sort out Jess's stress as this is the problem.

So all in all at the moment I feel positive about everything.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on March 20, 2008, 12:34:33 PM
Excellent news  :)  What a clever boy jess is doing those nice big long wees  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 20, 2008, 14:10:49 PM
Well done Jess
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: clarenmax on March 20, 2008, 14:26:14 PM
Well done Jess, you've made your meowmy very happy with your big wees  ;D
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 21, 2008, 10:55:20 AM
Fingers crossed for the new meds, it doesn't stand to reason that he will block again, especially if you can get his stress levels sorted. Have they recommend a change in diet or anything like Cystaid or Cranberry?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Millys Mum on March 21, 2008, 17:04:24 PM
Quote
Also Emma asked me whether we would be interested in trialing a new complimentry tablet, that has been used in France on stressed cats and has had amazing results. Her friend (who is a vet) is trialling it here as its just been licenced, I've agreed to it
Whats it called? I have a stress related bladder cat, i can only manage the symptoms but would love to be able to help him more.
Taz hasnt blocked yet but i get paranoid that he will  :scared: :scared:

Cystaid seems to be helpful.

Did Jess block with blood etc again?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on March 22, 2008, 00:54:20 AM
well done jess, now try to stay calm my man  ;D
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 24, 2008, 10:09:55 AM
Fingers crossed for the new meds, it doesn't stand to reason that he will block again, especially if you can get his stress levels sorted. Have they recommend a change in diet or anything like Cystaid or Cranberry?

His curretly taking 2 cystease a day and is on a urinery diet but haven't tried anything else
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 24, 2008, 10:12:59 AM
Quote
Also Emma asked me whether we would be interested in trialing a new complimentry tablet, that has been used in France on stressed cats and has had amazing results. Her friend (who is a vet) is trialling it here as its just been licenced, I've agreed to it
Whats it called? I have a stress related bladder cat, i can only manage the symptoms but would love to be able to help him more.
Taz hasnt blocked yet but i get paranoid that he will  :scared: :scared:

Cystaid seems to be helpful.

Did Jess block with blood etc again?

I don't know what its called, but Emma is going to call me this week to arrange everything so will find out and let you know.

It was blood again that Jess blocked with, I've been paranoid all weekend, (touch wood) at the moment we're getting 2/3 wee's a day that are reasonable. His stopped the dantrium and hypervase yesterday so now its the time to be watching closely.

How is Taz? when did he last block?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 24, 2008, 10:18:11 AM
Fingers crossed for him.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 24, 2008, 11:39:00 AM
I have my fingers crossed for Jess too
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Millys Mum on March 24, 2008, 18:12:07 PM
When you find out more info it would be great to know more.
Taz hasnt blocked yet but has sporadic attacks of bloody urine, he doesnt always get the cysitis type symptoms of regular peeing either. Sometimes he has pink wee but the next one is clear  :Crazy:
Hes had urine analysis & cultures, x rays, ultrasound scan, multiple courses of antibiotics, a drug used for arthritis in dogs called Cartrophen and has been on Cystaid since day one. Hes offically a raving looney  :evillaugh: I dont like the idea of doping him up tho  :(

I use feliway, have a water fountain, feed mainly wet food and have lots of catnip and valerian about. Everything is done in mind of him in the hope not to upset him. I have to smuggle cat baskets in and out  :sneaky: and all visitors have to remain calm at all times  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 26, 2008, 07:45:52 AM
How's Jess doing?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 08:58:59 AM
Well yesterday morning we had to get a sample out of him, which was no mean task! I changed the tray put the special litter stuff in and waited, well Milo was keen to use it so I kept dashing to the entrance to get him away, whilst Jess was pacing so I knew he needed to go. I brought the litter tray down from upstairs and plonked Milo in it and he did his business then plonked Jess in the other tray and he wee'd.

Whilst I was collecting the wee Jess went again in his bed, and in hindsight I think he got a bit freaked out about the changes in litter trays, once normality was restored though he kept weeing so I decided to take him to the vets (good job my vets aren't charging for each visit), then I had a real battle to get him in his box he was growling at me and running under the bed, I ended up almost tipping him out of his bed to get him.

We saw Emma at the vets who was pleased with him, his bladder was normal, empty and not inflamed, his sample was also clear no blood at all. So back home we went with the instructions that Jess might not wee for 24 hours due to the stress, but last night and this morning his had enormous wee's  ;D and I am so pleased, Hubby says his never seen me so excited  :rofl:

I'm speaking to Emma hopefully today to complete a questionnaire and to get Jess on to these trial drugs.

Fingers crossed calm and normality is restored for the time being, saying that Milo was sick this morning, but he does seem okay
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Maddiesmum on March 26, 2008, 09:14:37 AM
Glad he seems to be doing well with his wees, keep it up Jess.  It's awful when you have to get them out of their bed to go in the cat carrier.  I always make it a rule to try not to disturb them in bed and felt guilty on the one occasion I had to take Dragan from his bed.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: gibraltarcat on March 26, 2008, 09:14:54 AM
What a relief for you, Leanne!
Well done Jess and keep it up ;D
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: clarenmax on March 26, 2008, 09:24:57 AM
Keep it up Jess, this is brilliant news  ;D

You're lucky you managed to get a wee sample that easily too.  When I tried to get one from Max recently he refused point blank to use the funny litter, so I ended up taking his tray away for a few hours, then putting it back and when he went to pee, putting a shot glass under the stream to get some  :rofl:  I'd never seen such a look of disdain on my boys face  :rofl:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 26, 2008, 14:07:10 PM
Aww, fingers crossed for him. I did read something on another thread about tuna - you arent' giving Jess tuna are you? Fish is something to avoid with cystitis due to the magnesium contents.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 14:47:19 PM
Aww, fingers crossed for him. I did read something on another thread about tuna - you arent' giving Jess tuna are you? Fish is something to avoid with cystitis due to the magnesium contents.

I asked the vet whether small amounts of tuna in spring water was okay and she was happy with it, as it'll help him drink more, his only having tablespoons full as a treat,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 26, 2008, 14:57:04 PM
That's surpising, as it is normally banned in cats with UTI issues in case it makes them worse. My vet bans that and dry food.
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 15:08:43 PM
I wonder if she is letting him have it because his cystitis is stress related, as there is nothing medically wrong with him. I've been adding filter water to it as well so its really wet,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 26, 2008, 15:17:54 PM
Toms was stress related too, but I was still told to stop giving him tuna (I did it cos it was the only way he woudl take his MEtacam at first, but then he got a taste for it!!)
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 15:22:18 PM
Strange, don't know what to do now,   :-:
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 26, 2008, 15:24:17 PM
With how severe his has been, I wouldnt risk it - Tom was never that bad, and I wouldnt even feed him fishy flavoured tinned food. Maybe the water from cooked chicken would help him drink more?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 15:37:20 PM
He won't touch cooked chicken, his a fussy devil, looks like it might be back to plain renal food for Jess for the time being,
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 26, 2008, 15:40:48 PM
Would he not drink the water it has been cooked in?
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Leanne on March 26, 2008, 16:18:29 PM
Would he not drink the water it has been cooked in?

Nope his a funny devil with water full stop, his getting better now as he likes the water fountain, but in the past couple of weeks I've resorted to dipping my finger in the water bowl and rubbing his mouth with it so he licks the drops off!
Title: Re: Jess is back at the vets again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on March 26, 2008, 17:28:21 PM
I wonder if she is letting him have it because his cystitis is stress related, as there is nothing medically wrong with him. I've been adding filter water to it as well so its really wet,

I reckon thats probably right Leanne - a bit of tuna water isnt going to excacerbate cystitis that isnt due to struvite crystals.