Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Rosella moggy on August 08, 2011, 09:39:01 AM

Title: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 08, 2011, 09:39:01 AM
He is worrying me. 

I had him booked in for sedation, thorough check up inc bloods and poss x ray a few weeks ago after vet gave him a quick look over but could see nothing wrong.  He was not eating much and has lost about 1/2kg (4.2kg to 3.7kg); could've lost weight over 2 years or 6 mths; no way of telling.  He's a nice weight now tbh for his size. 

I cancelled app't as he seemed to perk up.  He went downhill again recently.  Was playing like a kitten on Saturday morning and then back down hill.  Ate very little last night and wouldn't eat at 6am this morning.... but wolfed down exactly the same food offered previously at about 8am. 

I am feeding him AD atm to ensure he gets something nourishing when he will eat.  He seemed to really want to eat the chicken yesterday but kept chewing same little bit for ages and then left most of it.  Doesn't seem to have any great difficulty munching Dreamies though which suggests it's not his teeth.  On occasion he won't have a dreamie either  :shocked: ... and believe me he loves them.  Think it's him that is being sick (water not food) in the kitchen too but can't be sure.  He is not insured altho, if I thought he were really ill, I wouldn't even mention that.  I'm concerned that I am being too sensitive given what happened with Fred and a day at the vets will just completely freak our boy out. 

Ho hum.  I do what I always do and dither a while longer.  Meanwhile any thoughts please? 

Furball maybe?  It's been going on for some weeks...............
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: JackSpratt on August 08, 2011, 10:27:48 AM
Have you got anything to treat furballs? A little wouldn't hurt him to rule it out, would it?

I have the same dilemma whenever I'm worried about Sage - weigh up the stress it will cause her against the level of my concern. I'm currently psyching up to a check just to make sure she's OK.

 :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 08, 2011, 10:28:02 AM
Have you all the usual blood things tested and I would get his mouth looked at he may have a tooth that is ok so long as he eats right but it may be causing a problem you can't see, the do so like to worry us  :hug:

Have to say cost doesn't enter the equation either so long as we can fix them or know what we are dealing with ;D
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 08, 2011, 13:58:00 PM
I would definately speak to the vet but suspect that he needs to go.

Sadly for most of us cost does enter the equation, especially as I have nearly 2 years still to pay for Napoleon and Ducha is not insured, and although Lupin is insured his tummy may yet be an exclusion for life.

I would love to get Sasa to the vets but until she decides she likes me a bit again, there is no chance
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 08, 2011, 16:10:41 PM
Gill thats why you are paying up the vets as at the time cost wasn't the issue, and if we took everything in to consideration most of us wouldn't have them

We go without an awful lot of things to have our family and do it because we love them all

Rosella I would think about the vets visit then you will know what you are dealing with  :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 08, 2011, 17:17:05 PM
Billy is booked in for Thursday. 

I have typed a long letter for vet and will attach it to Billy's basket as unlikely to see vet and don't want to rely on vet's previous notes or VN passing messages on ...

Just hoping it provides answers ..... Also hoping they will apply his frontline while he is in  :innocent:

He just came in obviously wanting to eat but turned his nose up at AD and Gourmet Gold.  He managed 3 dreamies though  :-: ............ just ate a few bits of Orijen dry too.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 08, 2011, 17:43:54 PM
Dont forget to put about his Frontline in the letter Rosella.

Why wont you get to see the vet.............I would before and after!

Gill thats why you are paying up the vets as at the time cost wasn't the issue, and if we took everything in to consideration most of us wouldn't have them

We go without an awful lot of things to have our family and do it because we love them all


I see what you mean Liz, I read it different...........yes at the time I just wanted him to get better and at £800 they had aleady offered me a payment plan of my choosing. Trouble is I am very stretched now and Loopys costs building up.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 08, 2011, 17:54:23 PM
Rosella, does he really have to have bloods AND x-rays at the same time? Wonder if it might be better to get just the bloods first - see what those come up with, if anything and go from there. X-rays may not be needed if bloods throw up something obvious to be treated. Avoids all day at vets and sedation for now.  :)
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: cazzer on August 08, 2011, 20:00:14 PM
hope Billy is ok  :hug: x
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 08, 2011, 21:56:28 PM
Cheers for responses everyone  :hug:.

We are talking bowt Billy Whiz Gillian  :innocent:  Ya don't get to check his teeth, let alone take blood, without sedation I'm afraid  :shify:. 

Vet will sedate me lad and perform thorough check up (esp mouth/teeth).  If nothing found, will do blood tests.  If still nothing found, he will then do x ray.  The point is to try and get to the bottom of his problem in one visit without having to sedate another time. 

I'm not expecting to see vet Gill as spoke with him early July when he examined him and suggested these tests as he could not see anything obviously wrong but weight loss a concern.  Just trying to cover all bases and avoid another consultation fee with the letter.  I imagine he will ring me to discuss results of any tests carried out but have a feeling he will discover a tooth problem when he is able to get a proper look.

I'm afraid Fred has been my main concern for some time and I hope Billy has not been in discomfort as a result ....
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 08, 2011, 22:04:32 PM
If he finds a tooth problem will it be sorted while he is under?

Sending lots of big vibes for Billy  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Angiew on August 08, 2011, 22:33:37 PM
Good luck for thursday.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 08, 2011, 23:04:40 PM
If he finds a tooth problem will it be sorted while he is under?

Blimey Gill, I hope so!  He's a good vet.  He's da boss of da practice now.  I trust him.  He doesn't rip me off with high charges..............  I shouldn't have said that should I  :shify:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 08, 2011, 23:08:21 PM
Ahhhh thats good then  ;D ;D
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on August 08, 2011, 23:12:31 PM
Fingers crossed for Thursday  :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 09, 2011, 08:15:33 AM
We will be thinking of Billy and his Mum on Thursday

Not sure what you mean about Billy and folks looking at bits like teeth with out an Anasthetic - thats how the vet looks at most of mine if we think there is a problem :rofl:  Perfectly normal here so Billy is in very good company ;D
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: JackSpratt on August 09, 2011, 08:31:42 AM
Billy is a really flighty boy, Liz. I think it's been decided it's a little less stressful and dangerous.....Good luck for Thursday, Rosella.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 09, 2011, 08:58:28 AM
Don't want my vet to get a bad name  ;)  He is the main vet at Birmingham Dogs Home so will have come across far worse than our Billy Whiz! He did manage to look at Billy's teeth for about 2 seconds and said they looked in good nick but sedation will allow a clearer view. 

To be fair to Billy; he isn't aggressive, just gets terribly anxious ... like his mum  ;)  He ate a little last night but only a smidgeon this morning.  This cannot go on.  I should have done something before now but Thursday will have to do.  It would be very awkward before then ....
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: sheilarose on August 09, 2011, 11:13:27 AM
Get some zylkene down him today and tomorrow if possible, this might help to de-stress Billy a little before his trip, he may even allow a little examination on Thursday without drugging him.

Our Theo is a b*gger at the vet - lashing out and growling, snarling -  yet he's quite sweet with us. He's had some awful experiences there though (broken cruciate for eg) so it's quite understandable he gets angry.

Zylkene was a new product to me but I used it on Theo just once and although it might be co-incidence, he was much less aggressive that time, so I'm defo going to use it on him again.

I think it was Liz who put me on to it, or was it Gillian....so much good advice I get mixed up - but  :thanks: to whomever it was.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 09, 2011, 11:56:07 AM
I've got quite a stash of Zylkene Sheila  :) I agree it can be good stuff.  Thanks for mentioning it. 

Getting it in him will be the problem as he won't eat ..... well 3 dreamies and 1/2 a webbox stick today but that's no good .....  I'll give it a whirl though....

Poor Theo  :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 09, 2011, 13:43:53 PM
How about some nice Felix as good as it looks kitten food heated in the microwave, is working for our sick girlies the snot goblins

I dodn't mean to offend but if the cat is flight/nervous or feral have to say knocking out and doing everything in one hit is far less stressful than several trips for each thing

Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Jiji on August 09, 2011, 14:24:29 PM
It's awful when they won't eat, I remember how distressing it was when Algie was hardly eating for weeks while undergoing various treatments, I still don't know how he managed to survive. Have you any Liquivite or could you try liquidising some food or mixing a pate type food with water so he can lap it up? I also used to 'rehydrate' dried food with hot water and make a sloppy mush as well.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 09, 2011, 23:51:55 PM
I mix gourmet ocean fish pate with water for Ducha and also did for Napoleon, Ducha is now getting the water he needs and finds it easier to lick it. He is a grazer and can take hours for him to eat.

I hope that Billy is Ok but eating is a necessary evil  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Zenith (Liz) on August 10, 2011, 00:11:50 AM
All the best for Billy!
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on August 10, 2011, 11:47:17 AM
Just wanted to say - all the best for tomorrow and sending lots and lots of good vibes for Billy Whiz for his visit to the vet :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 10, 2011, 16:17:42 PM
 :thanks: :thanks:

A bit of shredded pork chop yesterday.....

Doing rather well today with mushed up tuna in spring water with more water added .... might get 1/2 tin in him before 8pm if we're lucky.  Not ideal but....

He is to be starved from 8pm.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 10, 2011, 17:17:07 PM
It makes me cross when they say they have to be starved from so early, its not usual for ops to start untl about 1100 at the earliest.

My vets say midnight as did the one in London.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 10, 2011, 22:05:05 PM
Have to say here we fed till 10pm and then jail the poor unsuspecting child

8pm seems awfully early but he may be first in the queue, I know our vets start at 9am so they can start discharging after 2pm somehow they like to get the Clan home early :shocked:

We are sending all the best wishes for Billy and his Mum for tomorrow and will cross paws acordingly :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 10, 2011, 22:45:39 PM
 :thanks: :thanks:

TBH, if he would eat a decent amount, start of starving time would be more of an issue.  The fact he hasn't eaten properly for such a long time tho makes me less concerned.

I must admit, if hisappetite were better, I would not worry about extending nosh time a few hours.  But, if his appetite were better, he wouldn't be going in at all  :(

He's been locked up in back bedroom since 9pm. After I've fed others, I am setting flap to "in only! and hoping it's only Dinah knows how to get out on that setting  :innocent:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 11, 2011, 02:27:06 AM
Hope all goes well  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Jiji on August 11, 2011, 08:46:03 AM
Thinking of Billy Whiz today, hope it all goes well  :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 10:33:13 AM
Cheers.  I've "popped him in" (I've stopped shaking now  :innocent: )and will ring at 2pm for an update unless I hear from vet beforehand ......
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Jiji on August 11, 2011, 10:42:58 AM
 :hug: :hug: :hug: for you Rosella, when I took Algie in to have his teeth out I burst into tears as I was convinced he would not survive the op as he had eaten hardly anything for weeks and had been on so many different meds, within a couple of days it was like having a kitten again  :)  I hope they get Billy Whiz sorted and he is soon back to causing mayhem and mischief.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: JenGeorgieBob on August 11, 2011, 11:38:35 AM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
good luck and hope the day does not feel too long for you and he is home soon
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: JackSpratt on August 11, 2011, 12:27:15 PM
 :hug: :hug: Rosella. :catlove2: from a distance for Billy W.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 11, 2011, 13:04:45 PM
Only an hour to go Rosella  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 14:15:02 PM
 :-: :-: :-:  Vet rang me at 1pm to say cannot find anything wrong at all.

Not only are bloods absolutely fine, X ray showed nothing and Billy's got a great set of gnashers so, per vet, can only watch and wait.....

I'm obviously delighted and relieved but completely baffled.  What's he living on?  Surely new neighbours not feeding him?  Whilst Billy incredibly shy and wary, he seems to like new neighbours and they like him.  I'll drop them an email I think.  Otherwise perhaps he just prefers the local wildlife altho I've seen no recent evidence of him hunting.

Hope to pick him up in an hour or so.  Feel awful for putting our lad through such an ordeal for nothing, not to mention me purse (don't know how much yet).  At least am hoping he's been frontlined  :innocent:



Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Dawn F on August 11, 2011, 14:26:35 PM
good news but yes agree very odd
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on August 11, 2011, 14:27:30 PM
Hopefully all will be well now  :hug: just incase it might be prudent to get vet to record his weight now.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 14:28:35 PM
He has Theresa.  3.7kgs.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 16:08:39 PM
Have collected him and he is a lively little beggar................ hungry too  >:( >:( >:(  Think I'm gonna throttle the little sod ............ ;)
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 11, 2011, 16:46:02 PM
Very pleased he is OK and he must be eating somewhere  :innocent:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 17:00:38 PM
£200 nicker but there ain't much he wasn't tested for.

I am however very relieved to see him looking so chipper  :) :) :)

Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Jiji on August 11, 2011, 17:15:44 PM
Pleased he is back home and has found his appetite  :)
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 17:31:35 PM
Not sure it's him tbh  :-:.  It looks like him but I think it's really a little black furry pig  :innocent:.  It's astonishing. The remains of the tuna (a fair bit)and a 1/2 pouch of cat food ....

VN at surgery wondered if he might be helping himself to scraps left out for the birds by neighbours....  :shify:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Liz on August 11, 2011, 20:55:01 PM
I am so glad that there is nothing sinister and that he has been given a clean bill of health, somehow the cost is irrelevant to Peace of mind for his Mum :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: sheilarose on August 11, 2011, 21:14:33 PM
Hmm, how about a "Do Not Feed" collar for a few days, just to get the point across. E-bay, about £2.

Tell the neighbours he's on a "special" diet, and the vet is monitoring his levels so he's not to have any titbits, at all, by law, ever.

OK - only a tiny white lie,  :evillaugh: but it worked when Tufty was soliciting the neighbours here.

So pleased his results came back clear, but completely understand why you're still on pins.  ;)
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 11, 2011, 23:32:54 PM
Billy came from Cramar Cat Rescue in May 2006 with strict instructions of "no collar".  I never dared ask why Sheila but obviously never will put one on him............... even if I thought I could  :shify:

I've emailed neighbours.  Even though they like Billy, they're dawgie peeps so think it very unlikely they are feeding him.  My email will be just another reason for them to think me a crazy cat lady  :innocent:

I'm gonna ring vet tomorrow to see whether they tested for diabetes ...........  I obviously have an inbuilt neeeeeeeeeeed to worry  :scared: ;)  He was drinking tonight.  Yes I know.  I'd be worryin if he wasn't  :sneakin:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on August 12, 2011, 00:51:17 AM
Pleased to hear there's nothing untoward Rosella  :)
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on August 12, 2011, 07:51:36 AM
Pleased that he seems fit as a fiddle  ;D  It does sound as though he is getting food elsewhere.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 12, 2011, 09:42:19 AM
Not eating again this morning  :sigh:. 

VN (Emma) just confirmed diabetes test is done as part of standard blood test.  I've done all I can now ..........
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on August 12, 2011, 09:50:51 AM
Hmm.. that's puzzling then.   Wonder whether it would be worth trying some of these

http://www.petmeds.co.uk/p-8008-purina-veterinary-diet-feline-fortiflora-30-x-1g.aspx?=googleshopping&CAWELAID=533935710

I have used them as a probiotic (found them to be excellent) but I was reading one of the raw feeding article and the vet who wrote it said that she sprinkled this on wet food when trying to convert cats from dry food to wet food as it is similar to the stuff they coat dry kibble in to make it appetising.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: LesleyW on August 12, 2011, 10:18:34 AM
Hmm.. that's puzzling then.   Wonder whether it would be worth trying some of these

http://www.petmeds.co.uk/p-8008-purina-veterinary-diet-feline-fortiflora-30-x-1g.aspx?=googleshopping&CAWELAID=533935710 (http://www.petmeds.co.uk/p-8008-purina-veterinary-diet-feline-fortiflora-30-x-1g.aspx?=googleshopping&CAWELAID=533935710)

I have used them as a probiotic (found them to be excellent) but I was reading one of the raw feeding article and the vet who wrote it said that she sprinkled this on wet food when trying to convert cats from dry food to wet food as it is similar to the stuff they coat dry kibble in to make it appetising.


I've got some of these Ros.  They went out of date 5/2011 but I am still using them (got them from my work for free due to expiry) and I find them very good.  Will send you a pack if you want to try them.
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 12, 2011, 10:23:18 AM
That's very kind Lesley.  I'll PM you our address as not sure of you have it. 

If you just send a sachet hopefully it will fit in an normal envelope. I can try him with it and see what he thinks

Ta  :hug:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: LesleyW on August 12, 2011, 10:24:54 AM
No problems, they are very small so I will send you a few. :Luv2:
Title: Re: I really don't know what to do about Billy Whiz
Post by: Rosella moggy on August 13, 2011, 11:41:37 AM
Thanks a million Lesley.  I'll try him with a sachet at lunchtime today.

I locked him in with me overnight with his supper and continued lock down for his breakfast at 6am this morning.  Both meals eaten..... eventually.  I have to herd him into the bedroom closing escape routes on the way.  I hate it .....  If only he would let me pick him up  :-:

Will have to give this some thought and reconsider feeding arrangements ......  :um:  He'd be fine if we rehomed all the others I s'pose......   ;)

Just to add, neighbours are not feeding him.  They understand that is not acceptable.