Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Baggy on February 14, 2007, 13:28:43 PM
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If anyone has any spare good vibes today please can you share them with the Proot?
He had blood tests again on Monday to see if his liver levels were now ok so his anaemia could be treated with a steroid. Good news is that his liver levels are now normal, bad news is that his anaemia is now so bad the vet is surprised he's kept going.
He's at the vet today while they try to decide if a blood transfusion will help, and is on steroids and an antibiotic in case it's feline infectious anaemia.
He's still managing to eat little amounts, still been pottering around the house and using his newly-found skill with the litter tray so am hoping the treatming will be just in the nick of time. The vet also seems to be really thinking about the best type of treatment so he's in good hands.....
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Good luck Proot :luck:
Hope they can sort him out quick, im going through a similar thing with one of mine and its horrible so :hug: to his mum/dad
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Sending support to the Proot and to you too, Baggy. Keep us posted.
:hug:
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I will keep him in my thoughts today, fingers crossed they can sort him out
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Sending lots of positive healing vibes Proots way
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Sending lots of Love and healing thoughts to brave Proot. :ahh: :wish: praying that the vets find the best treatment for him.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Good Luck Proot (such a wonderful name!)! Hope he is soon better :hug:
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Sending lots of get better vibes to the Proot :hug:
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|Hope the vet can help Proot, healing vibes being sent :hug: :hug:
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Really hope the Proot will be OK, please keep us posted on his progress. Tiggy sends her largest healing head kiss his way...
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:thanks:
Thank you everyone and your moggies for your wishes, hugs, rubs and head-kisses.
Better news - the steroids seem to have started working, the Proot has eaten quite a lot at the vets and his nose and pads look less pale than they have been so the vet decided not to do the transfusion (and apparently they didn't have an appropriate donor today) and to see how he goes on the steroids.
He's very pleased to be home :Luv:.
Going back for a check up on Friday.
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Excellent news ;D Do you know what type of steroids he is on, anabolic or cortico? Tiggy is on corticosteroids and has been for over a year now, they are quite literally life changing for her and when she's had her junkie fix she is like a differerent cat.
Do keep us posted on how he is doing, will keep fingers and paws crossed for Friday's check up ;D
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The steroid is Prednisone - corticosteroid.
Now I've posted good news he is of course refusing to eat anything :P
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I don't know about the tablet version but the injectible version of corticosteroids take 36 hours to fully kick in. After 12 hours there is normally some improvement, 24 hours - eating normally and by 36 hours you need to lock the cat food cupboard!
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Thanks for that - it's 24 hours since his first dose and he's definitely eaten more than he has for days - I think tablets in general take a bit longer. Here's hoping he'll be wearing a path to his food dish tomorrow.
He had mostly dried food at the vets and has drunk quite a lot this eve, so suspect his tum is probably quite full.
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This sounds promising ;D
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Aww, fingers crossed the vet is pleased with him tomorrow.
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How's the Proot? How did it go with the vet?
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Hope Proot is doing ok? I love his name - makes me smile every time.
Poor you and little Proot. Hope the steroids kick in big time to make him feel a lot better. Does he have to be on dry foods? When mine started not feeling great I found they ate wet food more easily as it pongs more.
all the best.
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We're going back to the vet this afternoon - have the afternoon off work so the Proot can have lots of fuss first....
The last 24 hours haven't been great, I think the steroids are stopping him from sleeping properly and they don't seem to have had a huge impact on his appetite. He's still eating small amounts, purring and and using his tray. We've also collected some rainwater so he doesn't want to go out and brave the neighbours!
Does he have to be on dry foods? When mine started not feeling great I found they ate wet food more easily as it pongs more.
Thanks, we've been trying really stinky foods - he went off dry food about a month ago so has been on wet - but just to be contrary when he spent the full day with the vet he ate Whiskas biscuits all day (but has since has only about 10 mouthfuls of at home... :P)
Ham is the only thing he'll eat much of at the moment, I know it's not great for cats but it's better than nothing.
I'll report back later but have the feeling that he might end up having a transfusion on Monday.
Even though I'd seen the thread on the Hill's liver diet we tried some of that, too but he took one sniff and looked at me as if I were a cat poisoner.....
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I'm so sorry about Proot - the steroids making him manic is pretty usual I think. My Swampy went a bit frootloops on them and yowled at night, v agitated. He also purred constantly; who knows but I thought it was anxiety. When he finally came off the steroids he calmed down quite fast.
Really hope that you can sort out something that works for Proot on Monday. Hills are complete morons with their new l/d. I'm not surprised Proot thought it was vile. You poor thing, doesn't sound like you are going to get much sleep this weekend. Purrs to Proot x
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The news I have is not good - this afternoon Proot refused to eat anything, his back legs are really weak and he's starting to get a bit withdrawn. The vet thinks he can feel fluid on his belly and as he's not responded to the steroid suspects the underlying cause may be lymphoma. He is booked in for an x ray tomorrow morning, but unless it shows anything they've missed I think it's time to let him go with dignity.
I can't believe this has happened so fast.
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:hug: I shall be thinking of the Proot and you tomorrow. Keep us posted...
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Oh God I'm so sorry, this was not the news I expected to hear. Proot has really captured my heart, will be thinking of you both tomorrow :hug: You have given Proot a magnificent life over the last few months, he is very lucky to have you and vice versa xx
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I`m so sorry to hear about the Proot. I`ve just found this information about Felimazole.I`m not sure if this is the medication you are using to treat Proots hyperthyroidsim so i don`t know if it is useful to you or not.
"Haematology must be monitored due to risk of leucopenia or haemolytic anaemia.
Any animal that suddenly appears unwell during therapy, particularly if they are febrile, should have a blood sample taken for routine haematology and biochemistry. Neutropaenic animals (neutrophil counts <2.5 x 109/l) should be treated with prophylactic bactericidal antibacterial drugs and supportive therapy.
Immunological side effects (anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, serum anti-nuclear antibodies) can occur. Treatment should be stopped immediately and alternative therapy considered following a suitable period for recovery."
It`s from this site http://www.animalmedicines.co.uk/product.php?productid=451&cat=180&page=1
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Do hope that Proot will be OK
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I just found this link which has some interesting information on it http://www.theveterinarian.com.au/clinicalreview/article502.asp
It is unusual because you said that Proots liver enzymes are now normal but you might like to read some of this.
Here is a link on feline infectious anaemia http://www.chaptanservices.com/purrs/index.php?action=post;topic=2051.0;num_replies=25
This is best diagnosed by doing a blood smear and looking at it under a microscope. What antibiotics did the vet give you to try and treat possible FIA? As far as i know the one used to treat this is called Ronaxan.
Does your vets perfprm ultrasounds as this might also be a useful thing for Proot to have.
I have my fingers crossed for him.
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Well, the Proot had a reasonable night, we slept downstairs with him. He joined us briefly for a Very Big Purr at 5.20am, but wasn't up to biting my head or trampling over my pillow. Not exactly feeling optimistic, but he's brighter and more comfortable than yesterday evening, said "Proot?" this morning as a greeting and has eaten a little. I think he's wondering why we're both snivelling all the time....
Amanda, many thanks for the info - we had asked about Felimazole, but the vet doesn't think it's contributing, and thinks if he comes off the Felimazole now it would be dangerous as his system couldn't cope if his heart rate increases.
He's on Oxycare in case of infectious anaemia, the vet changed him off another antibiotic. Vet didn't do a blood smear on Monday he wanted to give Proot a break from sticking needles in him and started the antibiotics on the basis that they wouldn't do any harm, but might do some good.
Going in at 11am. We're seeing a different vet so will have a good discussion with them.
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I really hope things have gone well for Proot today.
Baggy, i`ve checked and if it is FIA then that is extremely serious and has to be treated with Ronaxan and possibly Oxyglobin treatment which is similar to a blood transfusion but is actually a blood plasma expander. You would only really know that he has this by doing a blood smear and examining the cells under the microscope. We had a cat in recently that had this and it`s gums were the palest i`ve ever seen due to the anaemia.
I`ve also heard of a lot of cats having a problem when on Felimazole and i know a few of the cats where i work that have been put on it have had to come off of it. I didn`t realise until i was reading up on it last night that when the company that makes it did their studies 20% of cats had to come off of it. I wouldn`t have guessed it would be that high. In cases like this they can go onto Neomercazole instead which is the human treatment for hyperthyroidism. This is what vets used to use long before Felimazole came about but the law states that a vet must use a treatment specifically made for animals where possible unless it causes problems so these days cats have to go onto Felimazole and then can change onto Neomercazole if they have any side effects.
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Much to our relief things did not go too badly today so the Prootly one is back home and relaxing on the bed in the lounge.
Good Proot news first:
Vet can see no signs of lymphoma and the x-ray showed his chest cavities are clear. His blood count is up slightly.
Bad news:
He does have an enlarged heart due in part to the hyperthyroidism and partly because it's been working so hard because of the anaemia. This is making fluid build up in his abdomen. They also still cannot figure out what the root cause of the anaemia is.
As he's still eating (more ham this afternoon and some bacon fat!) small amounts and still looking bright the vet says carry on doing what we're doing, he doesn't think he's in any pain and to see how the next 24 hours go.
We asked about the Felimazole, vet reckons it doesn't cause depressive anemia like the Proot's (I don't know how many types of anaemia there are). Wil ask about the Neomercazole on Monday anyway.
Have had a rummage on the Oxycare - it's oxytetracycline which can be used for FIA but is not as effective as Ronaxan, so that's another thing to ask about, thanks! When they next take some blood I'll ask them to do the smear. Have also noticed online that calcium inhibits the absorbtion of both drugs. What does the Proot most like to drink at the moment? Yes, you guessed it, milk :'( (which he tolerates well). Suppose we'd better stop or at least water it right down. The vet asked if he was drinking milk but didn't mention this.
He's certainly a fighter anyway!
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Glad to hear the good part of the Prootly news: fingers crossed for him.
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I`m so pleased that Proot is still fighting on.
Baggy, i`m sorry to keep on bombarding you with information but it`s just in case it helps! Has the vet mentioned to you what the Proots PCV is? This is called the packed cell volume and shows what fraction of the blood volume consists of red blood cells. It`s usually between 30-45% depending on the reference book you read!
It`s fantastic news that they can`t see any signs of lymphoma. I know you can never say 100% but i doubt it would be FIA if his blood count has come back up because this doesn`t usually happen but you never know.
I suppose ideally the vet needs to find out the reason for the anaemia. I`ve looked in my feline medicine nursing book again (it`s such a good read!) and the main causes include:
- Secondary to chronic renal failure (such as kidney failure but Baggy already said it isn`t this)
- Anaemia associated with FeLV infection (has Baggy been tested for FeLV/FIV?)
- Associated with blood loss from somewhere
- Feline Infectious Anaemia
- Haemolytic anaemia (immune mediated where blood cells destroyed by the body)
It is important to find out whether it is regenerative or non regenerative anaemia which can also be seen on a blood smear. I think it depends on the amount of in house laboratory work that your vet does. They can look under the microscope to find out some of these things but if not then they might need to send samples away.
Also, has the lovely Proot had his thyroid levels re checked since being on the Felimazole and is his heart rate still fast?
Sorry for all the questions and good luck the Proot!
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So pleased that Proot is back home with you, I really hope you can get to the bottom of whatever is causing the anaemia. He sounds like a little fighter, I for one am rooting for him too.
I don't know whether or not the injectable corticosteroids would be better for him. The change in Tiggy is remarkable after her jab, I go from thinking about having to make THE decision to having a new cat in 36 hours! The steroid is called Depo Medrone, I know you have a lot of things to discuss with your vet but it might be worth asking if switching to this would help Proot.
Tiggy is sending Proot the largest healing head kiss ever known :Luv:
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:thanks: am passing on all good wishes and big head kiss from Tiggy :Luv:. I really appreciate the help - and am compiling list of questions to ask the vet so I don't forget anything. If Tiggy reacts so well - it's worth me asking them.
Proot has just eaten more in one sitting than he has done for about 3 days, probably due to the steroids (he had a shot of anabolic steroids earlier) and he's still only eating ham but it was so good to see him enjoying food.
They didn't mention the exact PCV - on Monday they said it was shockingly low. I will ask!
The anaemia has had time to get a real hold as when he was last tested for thyroid T4 they ran full bloods as we thought he looked pale (over 2 weeks ago). Back then he was slightly anaemic but his liver enzyme was high (thyroid related - it had been coming down slowly) so they didn't want to give him steroids straight off. His liver got the all clear on Moday so they started the steroid but in the interim the anaemia has worsened rapidly.
He is on his 3rd T4 since diagnosis. Am not sure what the first level was in November but it went untreated for a month (long story - he wasn't our cat then :(), second time it was 165 and now it's around 70. The high liver enzyme was thyroid related.
His heart rate came down when he started Felimazole but has gone up again now.
Re: causes think we can rule out the first three - again I'll check about FIV as it's not been mentioned specifically. Vet thinks the most likely cause is immune related.
I don't think the vets have the most sophisticated surgery - most stuff is sent away. If Proot holds steady over the next 48 hours I'll ask for more tests, I know it's (possibly) the only way we'll get to the bottom of it but I hate the idea that we're taking blood faster than he can make it!
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Fingers crossed you can figure this out.
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Just so you have the information Baggy, you have to really watch the PCV as if it goes below 15-20% it can be hard to get it back up when it is so low. Most vets have the equipment to do a PCV test in house as it`s one of the things us nurses have to practise over and over again for our exams! It is usually included in one of the tests they have on their blood machines but a manual one can be done using a little sample of blood and some special blood tubes.
It`s good to hear he`s getting food into him. If he gets to sick then as i might have already mentioned it might be worth him going onto Oxyglobin therapy although this is very expensive (approx £200) and a lot of vets need to order it in. Blood transfusions are a bit tricky with cats because you have to do cross matching etc with the donor as they can have bad reactions.
It sounds like he`s not doing too bad at the moment though!
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Thanks again all.
Amanda, having said most stuff is sent away, you're right the PCV at least they do in house as the results were ready this morning from last night's test - the liver test was quick too. But the full bloods and T4 took about 4 days. Thanks for looking into all of this - nurses rule!
I'll ask about the PCV level - have a feeling it might be pretty low indeed. Will also mention Oxyglobin. We don't care about the cost! I asked the vet so many questions today but feel like they were the wrong ones...
He's just eaten even more ham and I've escorted him for a rather wobbly tour of the lawn for a drink of delicious puddle water :sick: and a giant sized wee (tray obviously not good enough). He's still interested in pottering about outside (with an escort in case he conks out or our horrid neighbour has a go), bless his wooly Proot socks.
(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s320/Bagonabike/Sadleg-1.jpg)
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Proot is so gorgeous , like a small Misa ;D
I do hope that Proot can be sorted out, have you tried AD diet with him, dont know if it would be bad for him, not being a medical person but it was the one thing Kocka would more or less eat continuously for about the last 3-4 yrs of her life. Mind you I had to hand feed it off my finger cos she would not eat it out of a dish, she also then consumed jelly and gravy she would lick off the chunks and turkey and giblets pate...........HiLife .......and anything else I could get her to eat. My vet said to just let her eat what she wanted, cos it was better than her not eating at all. She was hyperthyroid with kidney probs, and on BP medicine for the last 7 months.
Eat eat my little Proot ;D
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Gill - you must be psychic! :shify: Husband and I (very royal!) have literally just been talking about Hills AD - we're going to try and get some tomorrow. The Proot has also gone off bowls and saucers but will eat from fingers or off the floor (or duvet, or pillows - our standards are falling as long as he eats....)
When I joined CatChat (just before it closed down) I remember you posting about Kocka and thinking she sounded like a fantastic mog - she reminded me of our our family cat Cheeky, a cute, wilful and determined individual!
Proot is snoozing now....
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Just to let you know more fingers and toes crossed for little Proot.
He's a beautiful cat and I gather he didn't have a pleasant life before he came to live with you. The best vibes are coming your way. Also would second Kocka's liking for Hi Life's Turkey and Giblet Pate if the Hills A/D isn't to Proot's liking. Our Tom loves it. Hope Proot has a lovely sleep and wakes up with more of an appetite
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Hope that you able to get some AD, it only comes from a vet or online maybe. I used to buy it in trays from vet. yes you summed up Kocka very well, very determined, cheeky, cute and wilful :rofl:
Loads of special loving vibes for Proot :hug: :hug:
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The a/d sounds like a good idea to get some more nutrition into the Proot. He is so lovely, that picture of him is very sweet!
I know i posted up the link to the veterinary compendium yesterday (here it is again just incase http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Arnolds_Dechra/Felimazole_5_mg/-37183.html) where it says one of the side effects of Felimazole is anaemia. But i have just been reading in a nursing book and it says the same in there, that it can cause blood cell problems. I can honestly say i have never seen a cat with this due to Felimazole but that doesn`t mean anything as i guess there must be some for it to be mentioned in the compendium.
Obviously your vet will advise you but it might be worth Proot coming off them and going onto the Neomercazole just in case.
I really should try and get some sleep now!
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The Proot had a good night. He was up for his 6.40am Big Purr and settled on the bed with us for a few hours. He's eaten some more ham, most of an egg yolk and some more bacon fat today. Wish he'd eat something less salty - we've tried pate cat foods (including the giblet one - yuk!), etc but no interest. No AD as yet.
Am a bit concerned as he's not had a poo for over 24 hours and still looks very fluidy around his middle....but he seems comfortable enough at the moment, is still interested in his surroundings and purring when we're near him.
Obviously your vet will advise you but it might be worth Proot coming off them and going onto the Neomercazole just in case.
I really should try and get some sleep now!
I will ask again about the Felimazole tomorrow evening when he goes in!!
Hope you got some sleep. We're wrecked :Crazy:
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Glad to hear that His Beautiful Prootness had a good night. Amanda and the others can give you much better advice than I can but I just wanted you to know I'm rooting for the Proot.
:Luv:
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I`m pleased the lovely Proot had a comfortable night. I did eventually go to sleep!
The vet might decide to put him on some diuretics for the fluid build up but it`s a bit of a difficult one because that can lead to dehydration etc etc.
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I think Proot knows everyone is rooting for him :Luv: :thanks:
He's had a good sleep today, and just finished the biggest wash he's had since Friday. He's used his tray and at the risk of too much information, his poo looked a normal colour instead of orangey. He's a little less bloated and looks more relaxed and comfortable.
Maybe false hope, but it's great to see him looking relaxed.
:Luv: He's just come and asked to sit on my lap for the first time in days. If the prognosis doesn't improve at least we've all had a good weekend together.
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Obviously i haven`t seen his poos but orangey sounds very much like it`s linked with the liver/pancreas. My poor cat Ralph had orangey poo and he had problems to do with the liver/pancreas. Maybe if his poos have gone back to normal then this is a good sign.
Hang in there Prooty!
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Excellent news, I always think a cat washing itself is a sign that they are feeling good ;D I have a lovely image of him having a 'tour of the lawn' before stopping for that gorgeous puddle water!
Sending todays healing head kiss from Tiggy, she apologises for the delay but it's been a bit hectic here with all the sleeping that's been going on.
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Sending todays healing head kiss from Tiggy, she apologises for the delay but it's been a bit hectic here with all the sleeping that's been going on.
The Proot understands just how demading being asleep can be, and asked me to thank Tiggy and everybody else for their kind wishes and advice before he turns in for the night :hug:
Edited to add that he's just taken my husband for a 'tour of the lawn' in the drizzle :evillaugh: and has now settled in front of the gas fire which has been lit specifically for him. We are cat slaves.
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Aww, it sounds like he is feeling a bit better, fingers crossed you can get him to start eating normally now, and the vet can figure out what caused this.
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Sending positive healing vibes Proots way, hope there is some good news today.
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I'm very sorry to have to say that we said goodbye to the Proot late this morning.
His breathing became laboured in the early hours, so we took him to the emergency vet who managed to stabilise him and make him comfortable.
He came home and thoroughly enjoyed an egg yolk and a cuddle, but shortly afterwards took a turn for the worse and we knew it was time to let him o peacefully.
Thank you all so much for your support and good wishes - I'm sure the Proot is doing a special Very Big Purr at the Bridge by now.
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RIP Proot, hugs to you Baggy
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I am so sorry to hear this Baggy. The Proot did not suffer and that's the important thing.
xC
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i am so sorry to hear this, RIP little one, at least you were taken in by good people and given lots of love and the right treatment for the end of your life. Baggy, please take some comfort from the fact that he was allowed to go peacefully and with people who knew him, which might not hve been the case if it wasn't for you.
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:RIP: Darlin Proot. :owwww: You were sooo brave and loved by us all. Play hard and have fun with all our babes up on the bridge sweetheart. :catluv:
:candle:
Baggy sending lots of :hug: to you. He will always be with you in your heart. :group:
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You and OH must be in bits :hug: to you both. You did the right thing and you also gave Proot a wonderful home for the time he had with you. Beautiful creature. So so sorry Baggy. RIP sweetheart.
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So sorry to hear the sad news about Proot, he may not have had the best start in life but you certainly gave him the best end, he had a fantastic loving home and when the time came you made the right decision for him.
RIP Proot, have fun at the Bridge, my Benji will take care of you until your Mum and Dad come for you xx :hug: to you and your Husband Baggy, a very sad time for you both.
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I am so sorry, as you know I really do know how you must be feeling. Hopefully Proot will be playing with Badger at Rainbow Bridge.
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Oh Baggy , I am so sorry, was hoping that the vet would be able to work a miricle.
RIP Proot, much loved for ever
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I'm very sorry Baggy about your little Proot.
xxx
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I`m so sorry to hear about the lovely Proot. At least he is at peace now.
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so sorry, many :hug:
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Sorry to hear your news, thinking of you at this sad time. RIP little Proot.
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So very sorry Baggy, Proot is at peace now :hug:
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:( Baggy so sorry to hear the sad news about dear ole Proot. I have been following his story since your first post on CC and like everyone else have taken this special little boy into my heart.
I have always said that cats instictively know good people and the fact that Proot decided to adopt you and your OH shows what good peole you are.
RIP Proot play hard at the bridge with your new friends baby. You may have only been with your mummy and daddy for a short time but you were very much loved and will be greatly missed.
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So sorry Baggy, thinking of you - you did everything possible for little Proot.
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Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and words, some of which made me cry!
I think it was Sam who said on CC that it was a wonderful thing when a cat chose you, and it certainly is, we felt honoured to have such a fun and characterful old cat come to us with his generous gifts of cat wool and dribbly purrs.
Myself and OH have taken some comfort from the fact that the Proot was spoiled rotten for the 6 months he had with us and we were able to do the right thing for him at the end.
The house is very, very quiet without him. I'll put some pics up on the Rainbow Bridge soon.
Hugs to all of you and your gorgeous cats :Luv:
xxx
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Im so sorry to hear about Proot, he and George will be hanging out together at the bridge, 2 newbies together. George also made that special proot noise, although we called it a perp.
:hug: