Topic: Advice needed on my poorly girl! (Read 5886 times)

foxyangel · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2007, 22:38:15 PM »

She's just sleeping most of the time anyway now and she won't go out in any weather that is cold, damp, breezy, windy, blowing a gale, hailstones, thunder, snow, ice, fog and generally any kind of weather where the sun isn't shining! Lol!

Mind you, if any of your pussies like cosy beds, I bought her one from Wilkinsons, lined it with fleece and she loves it! Normally she hates pet beds and prefers the dining table on top of the ironing!

blackcat · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2007, 22:31:12 PM »

If you will not consider chemo - and I don't blame you, then monitoring her and making sure she has good quality of life, making sure she is not out when it is bitterly cold and wet and generally loving her to bits is really all you can do - treat the symptoms as they come along and when the time comes, be prepared to do what is best for your baby ...

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2007, 22:30:56 PM »

Thank you for the update, sorry it isn't positive news. Hopefully, the reason it has taken so long to diagnose is that it is slow growing. I personally wouldnt put a cat through chemo, but that is somethign to discuss with your vet, there are certain things it is good for. Suggestions are something you need to discuss iwth your vet, and ask why she would be fine on anti-biotics and not without. Good luck.

foxyangel · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2007, 22:26:50 PM »

Well I just thought I would give you an update.

Second biopsy/swab results are back and they confirmed it is a tumour. I cannot believe it has taken them almost 3 months to diagnose this. My mum is refusing to put her through chemo/radiotherapy, but I have to speak to the vet tomorrow.

Any suggestions if we don't go ahead with treatment? She's happy enough in herself and never sneezes when she's on anti-biotics, only when they have worn off, so I'm still not convinced it's a tumour. She's still so young so I wouldn't like to have her pts.

foxyangel · « **Reply #30 on:** November 29, 2007, 17:39:11 PM »

Well time for an update.

Rang the vet today who said the lab have confirmed infection, however she still wasn't convinced by what she saw on the x-ray and still believes its a tumour.Asked how she had been doing, so I told her she had been eating like a horse but refusing to eat anything with meds in, drinking fine, is her normal snuggly lovable self quite content with commandeering my dad's chair, sneezing very little but her nose was oozing a little. I described the oozing to her (a creamy colour mixed with blood) which suprised her and said it sounds like it could be fungal.

So she's back in tomorrow for another biopsy and some swabs. She's just come back in from outside and now she's sneezing like mad, so I'm wondering if the cold air is aggrovating it perhaps? When she's been inside in the warm she hardly sneezes at all!

So, I guess it's good news for now?!

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #29 on:** November 25, 2007, 19:16:46 PM »

Glad to know there are cats that like it!!

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #28 on:** November 25, 2007, 19:03:56 PM »

Quote from: Desley (booktigger) on November 25, 2007, 18:23:16 PM

I would go with a/d over Liquivite, haven't found a cat yet that likes Liquivite.

My Suzie liked it and its all I could get her to have, and Elsa drank it when she wouldnt actually eat anything. Oh and Joe loves it even though theres absolutely nothing wrong with him LOL!

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #27 on:** November 25, 2007, 18:23:16 PM »

I would go with a/d over Liquivite, haven't found a cat yet that likes Liquivite.

Felix (Caroline) · « **Reply #26 on:** November 25, 2007, 15:58:56 PM »

I don't know what I can say to help you but sending you both lots of love and hugs and hoping you can sort it out real fast xx

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #25 on:** November 25, 2007, 15:27:55 PM »

Its likely that her kidney values were a bit raised BECAUSE of the infected teeth and that the potential mass/infection in her nose is all related to the teeth, like Em suggested - an abcess perhaps. The bacteria from the infected teeth goes into the bloodstream, so as Gill said it would be better if those teeth could be sorted I would have thought. So its quite important to get the antitbiotics into her so at least they can reduce the infection before they operate on the teeth. If the kidney values are only a bit raised, then that would all be taken into consideration when they operate to remove the teeth, and she would probably be given extra fluids.

I don't know what else to suggest about feeding, seems you've tried a lot of usual recommend already - I'd deffo give the pilchards in tom sauce a go, that always seems to work well with my lot - or you could try Liquivite liquid food. Your vet may have it or can get it for you - or you can buy online http://www.liquivite.co.uk/ but I guess you need something sooner than that.

So sorry you and puss cat are going through this, hope you can get her treatment sort out asap

Andrew · « **Reply #24 on:** November 25, 2007, 15:07:27 PM »

Hi

I have nothing else to add except I really hope your little one is getting better soon.

It is hard when our little ones are unwell and a few times I thought I couldn't cope with seeing him in pain. Teresa from Paws Inn was very supportive and from her, I realised I needed to be strong to help my boy Charlie.

Again, best wishes. Please keep us updated.

Andrew

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #23 on:** November 25, 2007, 13:19:19 PM »

Sorry to hear your little one is so poorly.
Do you think you could inject ? This could be an option for both the antibiotics and the pain killer !
Speak to your vet and if you are both happy about it i would try that, at least she will be getting the medication she needs.

I cant offer any advice re tumour or kidney problems so just sending your positive thoughts xxxx

(p.s Do you have Insurance ?)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #22 on:** November 25, 2007, 11:37:37 AM »

To be honest a new vet can get all test results from old vet and records so there will be no need to start again but I do think your cat is not maybe getting the right treatment, and I would definately get a second opinion.

This sounds like it needs sorting out urgently now and your vet is procrastinating and making loads of money by having you keep visiting.

blackcat · « **Reply #21 on:** November 25, 2007, 10:03:55 AM »

unless you are genuinely concerned that current practice is mucking you about, I would hesitate to change as it seems like it is a complex issue and they are simply making sure they have covered all the bases before they give an anaesthetic. Seems sensible to me, but can understand why you would be feeling frustrated. A new vet would have to start the process all over again ...

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #20 on:** November 25, 2007, 10:03:43 AM »

Glad she is drinking, shame you can't syringe food into her though.

I can see your vets point of view, but it sounds like you need a second opinion, good luck for that. If you post the general area you live in, we might have some members who could recommend something for you.

foxyangel · « **Reply #19 on:** November 25, 2007, 10:00:40 AM »

She's drinking fine, its just she's refusing to eat because of whatever is going on in her nose, and we can't get the meds into her, so I tried the suggestion of syringing it into her after I had mixed it with a little fluid, but that failed!

The vet wants us to keep seeing her all the time, so that things don't get confused! But I am going to have a search for other vets in the area, because I was chomping at the bit on Thursday and was totally ready to lay into the practice for wasting all this time! I don't trust the other practice in the area after I took my two ratties to see them just after I got them.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #18 on:** November 25, 2007, 09:54:20 AM »

I am so sorry you are having so many issues, I really dont have much to suggest, I find it odd they wouldnt do a dental if her kidney levels are only slightly abnormal, yet happy to put her on Metacam (which is also an anti-inflammatory as well as a painkiller) - interesting that they have given you Tramadol as well. i would be tempted to get a second opinion

Yvonne · « **Reply #17 on:** November 25, 2007, 09:50:23 AM »

Laura,

So sorry to hear about Portia, I do not envy you looking after a sick cat - been there done that just last year.
If you can try and get some fluid into her via the syringe all the better. I presume you will be back at the Vet tomorrow but if you do need a Vet today better to make up your mind sooner rather than later, it will cost but it may put your mind at rest one way or the other.

Keep us posted

to Portia

foxyangel · « **Reply #16 on:** November 25, 2007, 09:43:32 AM »

Well the syringe effort failed as she's now foaming it all back out again.

I honestly don't know how much longer I can watch her like this, its just breaking our hearts

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #15 on:** November 24, 2007, 22:54:53 PM »

I am sorry to hear about Portia and I am no expert so this is just a laymans view..........I feel your vet has been messing around for months and should have got those teeth out earlier.

Your vet should know the effects of Metacam on kidneys, especially as thats the reason you have been given for not operating before, and you should have been told about this and asked what you wanted to happen.

I would be tempted to get an immediate second opinion from someone who is very good with cats.

I hope that what ever happens the result is good for Portia and takes away all her pain and allows her to eat happily, sending best wishes to both of you

foxyangel · « **Reply #14 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:58:26 PM »

She has been given Tramadol 50mg as a painkiller and Claviseptin 50mg antibiotics.

That make any sense?

Yvonne · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:56:41 PM »

Hi Laura and a very warm

to Purrs

Sorry that you are having health problems with Portia, I am afraid that there are far too many symptoms there for me to comprehend. I think that the advice that Emma has given is sound. Please keep us updated on Portia's progress.

emma_vn · « **Reply #12 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:56:04 PM »

I can't think what pain killers come in capsule form, so whats the name. I would ring your vet to ask them about Metacam withher kidneys tomorrow.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:55:23 PM »

Quote from: foxyangel on November 24, 2007, 21:42:57 PM

Do you think I should stop then?

I would discuss this with the vet first, xx

foxyangel · « **Reply #10 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:42:57 PM »

Do you think I should stop then? As she has painkillers in tablet form, those capsules that you break open with the powder inside, so really she shouldn't need the Metacalm as well should she?

emma_vn · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:39:03 PM »

You should probably know that Metacam will do more damage to her kidneys if they are already damaged. But in this case maybe the pain managememt side of things is more important.

foxyangel · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2007, 21:36:19 PM »

Thanks Emma.

I can't remember the name of the antibiotics but they have put her on Metacalm and she was in overnight on fluids.

We are going to try the syringe route first, then take her back in Monday if we can't get them into her.

So I honestly don't know what to think because they have told us so many different things in 6 weeks! But they said the results on her kidneys were only slightly abnormal, and as she isn't drinking more than usual, they aren't too concerned with it at the moment to put her on a special diet or medication for it, which is a good thing I guess!

I will let you know how we get on tomorrow!

emma_vn · « **Reply #7 on:** November 24, 2007, 20:47:28 PM »

I was also going to suggest Hills a/d heated up. Have you tried warm cooked meat? If you are not getting the medication into her I suggest you ask your vet to inject her as she will be in some degree of pain. What is the name of the painkiller? Because she has kidney problems she will not be able to have Metacam which is a liquid.

If the mass is an infection/abcess related to her teeth, then she'll need to have dental work. Obviously this will put her kidneys at great risk so its a bit of a catch 22 situation. Ensure if she does get an anaesthetic she is on a high IV fluid rate throughout and has Propofol anaesthetic agent without sedation. She should stay in overnight afterwards on a drip and have her bloods tested the next day.

If you feel she is suffering and does not have quality of life, or if the mass turns out to be a tumour, then you may have to think about humane euthanasia. It's never easy to think about, and your girl is still relatively young which makes things like this much harder.

Please keep me updated.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2007, 20:45:58 PM »

Poor Portia and what a worry for you

What antibiotics is she on? With the powder, I use a credit card and get it in as even a line as possible and quarter/half it, whatever is needed

It might be possible to crush the antibiotics, some have a coating on them, the idea of this is so they dissolve slowly rather than having a quick hit. If they can be crushed, I would try mixing with the powder, drops and a small amount of water and syringe them down her, but try mixing in the food option first. The other thing you could try if you haven't already is Sardines in tomato sauce, I've also used Pate in the past, but some cats are very sneaky and do know when you've hidden medication in their food. Good luck and keep us posted, xxxx

Millys Mum · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2007, 20:40:07 PM »

Theres a food called a/d thats meaty and smooth and may interest her, you can buy it from your vets.

It is possible to have nasal growths without any external signs/loss of balance, have known 2 such cats.
Fingers crossed for good biopsy results

puddypaws · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2007, 19:25:40 PM »

Hi Laura

to Purrs. Sorry you are having such a worrying time with Portia, but BC has given you the best advice. There are loads of people on here with huge experience in dealing with cats and I'm sure they will be able to help you.

By the way, I also have a small black cat called Portia.

foxyangel · « **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2007, 19:20:38 PM »

Thank you so much

I really don't fancy the option of forcing the tablets into her, because the antibiotic is tablet form, the painkiller is capsule form with the powder inside which we need to divide into quarters (don't ask me how you are spose to do that with powder!) and her anti inflammatory is drops. I also feel that by forcing it into her it will stress her out and upset her more.

Plus last time we tried she started foaming at the mouth and looked like she had rabies!

blackcat · « **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2007, 19:16:06 PM »

Hi Laura, try a PM to Lynn or Em vn, they are both vet nurses and can give you advice, you really do seem to be having a bit of a saga there and not fun for you or poor Portia

BTW, welcome to Purrs and please hang around and chat, cos we want to follow your wee girl's progress

foxyangel · « **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2007, 19:11:49 PM »

Hello all,

I got recommended to post here for some advice on my girl, and I apologise in advance for the length of the post, but any advice would be very gratefully recieved!

My cat Portia (approx 11) has been a bit poorly for a while. We took her to the vets back in September for her boosters and cos she was sneezing a bit every now and again. The vet said she had a couple of infected teeth which is why she wasn't eating a lot and the cause of her sneezing. He gave her a course of antibiotics for a week, then took her in to take the teeth out.

We had a call saying they weren't going to operate cos her bloods were slightly abnormal on the kidney side of things and they wanted a urine sample. So we provided that and they told us to wait another month before re-testing and going ahead with the op.

2 weeks ago Friday we went in to settle her down for the night and I noticed she had a bubble of blood coming from her right nostril. I rang the emergency vet for advice and he was very dismissive. So I booked her in on the Saturday to have her checked out. She was also a total mess as she had a severe case of the runs a few days before so she was very sore and inflammed and smelt awful! The vet said she wasn't concerned as the area didn't smell and it was probably something stuck in her nose. So another course of antibiotics via a long lasting injection and got told to bring her in about day 10 for her op.

So we took her in Weds and hadn't heard anything, so we got home, checked the answerphone and found they hadn't operated again cos she was too dehydrated and her kidneys were still showing slightly abnormal, so they were keeping her overnight on a drip to rehydrate her and decide in the morning. More bloods tests showed her kidneys were still slightly abnormal, so did the urine test, so they decided again not to operate. They sedated her quickly to x-ray her face, which showed a mass, so they took a biopsy. We should get the results next week.

Now all this time she is in pain with her teeth, sneezing horrendously (its horrid to watch) and now she isn't eating again, so we can't get her antibiotics, painkillers and anti inflammatories into her. She ate like a horse Thursday night - she had a bowl of Whiskas before she left the vets and when she got home she had a tin of food (one of those mini Sheba like ones) and a sachet. We got advised to warm it up so it smelt stronger, but she's still not taking it.

Now they said it's either going to be a tumour or infection, but I cannot understand how it can be a tumour as big as they say, in the position they have said (the right side of her face) without noticing any obvious changes in her. There's nothing protruding outwards to indicate a mass, so if it was going inwards, surely it would be pressing on vital areas like her optical nerves, her muscles and nerves feeding her brain and her vocal cords? Therefore surely we'd notice co-ordination and balance problems etc? The other option is infection, because the vet we saw on the Saturday said she had lost two teeth from that side. I also can't understand the kidney problems as she is drinking a bit less, not more, than normal.

If anyone could provide any advice on how to at least get food into her with her tablets, I'd really appreciate it. We have tried cheesy scrambled eggs, tuna, mackrel and fresh chicken as well as her tins and sachets.

Laura x

Author Topic: Advice needed on my poorly girl! (Read 5886 times)