Author Topic: Robbie losing weight  (Read 21087 times)

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #70 on: January 22, 2018, 17:24:25 PM »
Unfortunately, it is not good news

The Vet diagnosed Robbie with Intestinal cancer and there is nothing that can be done.

Robert will have palliative care until he has no longer a good quality of life.

Needless to say I am numb  :'(
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Dawn F

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 18579
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #69 on: January 22, 2018, 13:01:11 PM »
hope you get some answers Stuart

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #68 on: January 22, 2018, 09:30:23 AM »
Thank's guys, that's Robbie dropped off, they will also be doing ultrasound
I hope this will finally give answers and it is treatable  :(
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Rosella moggy

  • Fundraising/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17191
  • Popeye & Elsa
  • Slave to: Noni Baroni, Dinah, Ruby, Groucho, Bobby. Popeye & Elsa
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #67 on: January 22, 2018, 09:15:17 AM »
Fingers and toes crossed here too Stuart  :hug: :hug: :hug:

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #66 on: January 22, 2018, 08:57:01 AM »
Fingers crossed it gives you some answers
Please spay your cat



Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #65 on: January 22, 2018, 08:44:13 AM »
Thanks Sue  :shy:
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Sue P (Paddysmum)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 27527
  • Paddy's Mum (Ginger Imposter) [Nov 90- April '11]
  • Slave to: Moray & Malt + my beautiful lost babies - Barley, Mac, Ross, and Tinks RIP babies.
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #64 on: January 22, 2018, 08:43:09 AM »
I hope they can ascertain what's going on, Stuart.  Thinking of you all.   :hug: :hug:

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #63 on: January 22, 2018, 08:29:29 AM »
I got home early, Robbie is going for an Xray this morning  :(
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Sue P (Paddysmum)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 27527
  • Paddy's Mum (Ginger Imposter) [Nov 90- April '11]
  • Slave to: Moray & Malt + my beautiful lost babies - Barley, Mac, Ross, and Tinks RIP babies.
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #62 on: January 22, 2018, 08:04:23 AM »
Stuart, am sorry this is happening, especially because you're away, which makes it really worrying for you both.  I would also suggest putting the Insurance forms in now.   :hug:

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #61 on: January 20, 2018, 08:09:22 AM »
Rosella, initially he got a steroid injection, then over December he got a course of steroids in the form of tablets
and yesterday he got another injection as he was not eating :(

Thanks Paula xx
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Rosella moggy

  • Fundraising/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17191
  • Popeye & Elsa
  • Slave to: Noni Baroni, Dinah, Ruby, Groucho, Bobby. Popeye & Elsa
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #60 on: January 19, 2018, 06:12:02 AM »

You mentioned in an earlier post that vet keen on steroid injections.  How long has Robbie been having them?  Just wondering if they are just possibly causing any side effects?

They are invaluable for treating all sorts of conditions but need to exercise care with longer term use.

Offline Rosella moggy

  • Fundraising/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17191
  • Popeye & Elsa
  • Slave to: Noni Baroni, Dinah, Ruby, Groucho, Bobby. Popeye & Elsa
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #59 on: January 19, 2018, 05:51:28 AM »


Suggest you put the insurance claim in now Stuart.  See no point in waiting.  Hope it's decent cover. 

Have been googling the hair loss symptom.  Unusual to have hair loss all over.  You must be so worried esp being away from home  :hug: :hug:

Wish I could help.  Guessing is pointless.  Fingers crossed that blood results clarify things more but imagine vet will encourage you to sanction scans esp due to lumps in abdomen.


Offline Judecat (Paula)

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 12736
  • Slave to: Emo, Bob and Pippa, Pirate and Merlin. Playing hard on The Bridge, Trouble, Jude, Mogwai and Pussmog
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #58 on: January 18, 2018, 23:55:28 PM »
I don't know what to say, just sending my best wishes to you all. :blow kiss:
Oscar Wilde on his adored Mog "The Mighty Atom that purrs and furrs"

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #57 on: January 18, 2018, 20:09:40 PM »
Things really turned around with the steroids, he was eating like a horse, one morning he basically ate 6 satchets :shocked:

But now we are in an even darker place, I am still away from home
OH told me she was concerned with Robbie and that he was out of sorts and not eating, she made an appointment with the vet today.

It was another Vet she saw local vet (same practice) he thinks there are several things going on at the same time
but does not know what?

He says there are Lumps in his abdomen, his blood results are pointing to liver disease, he has a thick jaw? and has lost all of his Guard hairs :(

More bloods have been taken and these are now being sent through to Aberdeen, Robbie has also been given another steroid injection and another to stop him feeling sick :(
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #56 on: December 22, 2017, 10:18:00 AM »
Thanks Sue  :shy:

and Thanks Rosella

Robbie doesn't have a litter tray, he just does his business outside, getting a P sample will be tricky but not impossible
He has never been one for scoffing his food down, in fact, he ate more when he first arrived, I think once he realized
the food would be there on a daily basis, that's when he became picky, for the last 6 years his eating habit's have
not changed, his personality has not changed, in fact nothing has changed apart from his weight loss.

I still haven't paid his initial bill + the 3 week course of steroids, vet has mentioned scans, I am still waiting to find out
what is going on as I have pet Insurance for Robbie, but do not know whether to pay bill or file for a claim yet

I just want to know whats going on with him?
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Sue P (Paddysmum)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 27527
  • Paddy's Mum (Ginger Imposter) [Nov 90- April '11]
  • Slave to: Moray & Malt + my beautiful lost babies - Barley, Mac, Ross, and Tinks RIP babies.
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #55 on: December 22, 2017, 08:25:53 AM »
Stuart, I have little knowledge of the issues here, but I do know you're very worried, and am sending my thoughts and best wishes for Robbie.   :hug: :hug:

Offline Rosella moggy

  • Fundraising/Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17191
  • Popeye & Elsa
  • Slave to: Noni Baroni, Dinah, Ruby, Groucho, Bobby. Popeye & Elsa
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #54 on: December 22, 2017, 06:11:16 AM »

Just a thought but has anyone suggested testing a urine sample which just may give a bit more info.

My vet would also be pretty unimpressed with that ALT result but think ALP is liver related. However his bilirubin level is fine   so maybe not.  Also I'm pretty sure that cats with liver problems usually eat very little as they feel nauseous.

Would have thought WBC would have been raised if it were an infection. I'm certainly no vet though.

Scans are very expensive Stuart. Been down that road with Billy this year.  Sadly we had to let him go as thought likely a blockage following scans caused by cancer and he would not be compliant for treatment but his liver values were far far higher than Robbies.

It was the urine test that alerted vet to seriousness of his problem though which is why I wonder if that could help?

« Last Edit: December 22, 2017, 06:31:30 AM by Rosella moggy »

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #53 on: December 21, 2017, 12:59:50 PM »
Thanks again for the replys guys

I was not overly correct when I said he wasn't concerned

I asked the mrs as it was she who spoke to the vet, results saying about the liver are low, but nothing significant for a cat
of 11 years old, it could be inflammation of the bowel/bowel disease, nothing he could diagnose from the blood results.

moving forward, Robbie has been put on a course of steroids with another course of bloods to be done when they are finished
then possibly a scan?
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #52 on: December 21, 2017, 12:12:46 PM »
I didn't know that Desley - so Robbie's symptoms do all point towards HT as the likeliest diagnosis?

No, because his T4 levels are fine, so infection/inflammation is more likely, partly as his urea is raised. Can understand the vet ignoring the other 3 highlighted values, as they are barely high/low. If your vet says normal, I would get a second opinion - I had a foster cat once who had more things wrong than right, the vet the police had taken him to had done bloods, mine did a consult where I just took the results rather than the cat, so you might be able to do that.
Please spay your cat



Offline Kay and Penny

  • Auction Staff
  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 5280
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #51 on: December 21, 2017, 10:52:39 AM »
I didn't know that Desley - so Robbie's symptoms do all point towards HT as the likeliest diagnosis?
Robert A. Heinlein:
How you behave toward cats here below determines your status in Heaven.

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #50 on: December 21, 2017, 07:34:55 AM »
my Trigger had Alt at that sort of level, but the speicalist vets who treated him for HT weren't interested in it at all

but he did have malabsorbtion problems, which only stopped when he was on regular Metacam towards the end of his life, so could well be some pancraeatic or liver inflammation going on with Robbie

could even be a simple food intolerance, if your're lucky Stuart

I can understand them not being concerned about Trigger as Hyper -t can affect liver values and they often go down when thyroid levels are under control
Please spay your cat



Offline Kay and Penny

  • Auction Staff
  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 5280
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #49 on: December 21, 2017, 00:07:28 AM »
my Trigger had Alt at that sort of level, but the speicalist vets who treated him for HT weren't interested in it at all

but he did have malabsorbtion problems, which only stopped when he was on regular Metacam towards the end of his life, so could well be some pancraeatic or liver inflammation going on with Robbie

could even be a simple food intolerance, if your're lucky Stuart
Robert A. Heinlein:
How you behave toward cats here below determines your status in Heaven.

Offline heather sullivan

  • Distinguished Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 658
  • Slave to: Simon & Tom (Tabby, Silvie and Moses RIP)
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #48 on: December 20, 2017, 23:19:51 PM »
That is far too high, he has a problem with his liver and needs to be investigated further. Could just be an infection, inflammation or hopefully not, a tumour. I would speak to your vet about what to do next or get a 2nd opinion.

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #47 on: December 20, 2017, 21:21:41 PM »
Am surprised the vet wasn't concerned, ALT and ALK being high indicate liver issues which could improve with steroids but I'd question it - a high urea with normal creatnine could indicate an infection
Please spay your cat



Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #46 on: December 20, 2017, 21:10:56 PM »
Thanks Paula  :-[

Here you go Desley BT
« Last Edit: December 20, 2017, 21:11:42 PM by Stuart »
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #45 on: December 20, 2017, 20:01:28 PM »
I'd be interested in his results '
Please spay your cat



Offline Judecat (Paula)

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 12736
  • Slave to: Emo, Bob and Pippa, Pirate and Merlin. Playing hard on The Bridge, Trouble, Jude, Mogwai and Pussmog
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #44 on: December 20, 2017, 19:43:36 PM »
I hope that you find out the cause Stuart, that is a helluva lot of weight to lose. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Oscar Wilde on his adored Mog "The Mighty Atom that purrs and furrs"

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #43 on: December 20, 2017, 19:20:00 PM »
Thanks Guys,
and Thank you, Kay and Mark
Yes, I initially took him in and requested a blood test "due to Robbie's weight loss"

they proceeded to do a normal blood test, spoon fed them that I Wanted bloods done
checking thyroid too, then stood there naively at the counter, thinking that they were
looking for an appointment for me to come back or something, then they turn round
and ask for payment  :shocked:

Just got back home yesterday, Robbie is now more steroids - eating like a horse
hasn't been sick, so thats good

Just away to scan the blood results, maybe stick em on CC
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Desley (booktigger)

  • Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 17863
  • Molly, my wonderful babe
  • Slave to: Lucy
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #42 on: December 15, 2017, 21:21:36 PM »
Would be interesting to know his T4 results, if they are in the upper quartile, they can actually be hyper-t, would need a Free T4 test to confirm
Please spay your cat



Offline Mark

  • Purrs Registered Cat Rescue
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 33326
  • Clapton
    • AnimalAid - Support Humane Charities
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #41 on: December 15, 2017, 21:16:11 PM »
Hi Stuart, I got Kay's message. I'm not really that up on blood results, but as others have said, the firs tthing I would think of would be thyroid too - obviously that wouldn't show up on a regular blood test. Surprised that the vet hasn't suggested testing for it.

I hope you can get some answers.
DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE

I believe I am not interested to know whether Vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't. To know that the results are profitable to the race would not remove my hostility to it.  Mark Twain

Offline Kay and Penny

  • Auction Staff
  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 5280
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #40 on: December 15, 2017, 20:29:20 PM »
I've emailed Mark via CatChat directing him to your post, Stuart - I've done this before for another poster and I'm sure he'll respond when he sees the message
Robert A. Heinlein:
How you behave toward cats here below determines your status in Heaven.

Offline Sue P (Paddysmum)

  • Moderating Staff
  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 27527
  • Paddy's Mum (Ginger Imposter) [Nov 90- April '11]
  • Slave to: Moray & Malt + my beautiful lost babies - Barley, Mac, Ross, and Tinks RIP babies.
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #39 on: December 15, 2017, 20:25:15 PM »
Stuart, I think Mark is activactive on Facebook.  Liz might be able to give you his details.  You must be feeling so worried and frustrated.

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #38 on: December 15, 2017, 19:50:57 PM »
I Actually managed to get Robbie to the vets to get checked over and bloods taken, He was a Trooper and put up with all the man handling and injections of Steroids and vitamins etc, the results of the Blood test are back, but they are not showing anything untoward for a 11 year old cat
(age guessed as Robbie's birth date is unknown) so Robbie is currently on more steroids (vet seems to enjoy dishing these out?)
so as it stands just now, we still have no idea why he has lot over 3kg over his usual weight, the steroids of course, are making him eat like a
horse, but there must be something else causing the weight loss? he has also been treated for worms.

Me, I am Still stuck offshore, due home on the 19th December

Is Mark still active in here? as I am told he knows quite a lot about blood results, I'll try and get them up when I get home (for a whole 9 days this time  :censored: )
« Last Edit: December 15, 2017, 19:51:36 PM by Stuart »
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #37 on: September 25, 2017, 15:21:46 PM »
Still not had a chance to take him to the vets  :doh: He is still his normal self - never see the little butter unless he's wanting food
or sleeping on the carpet / cushion on the settee is also a favorite place
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

Offline Judecat (Paula)

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 12736
  • Slave to: Emo, Bob and Pippa, Pirate and Merlin. Playing hard on The Bridge, Trouble, Jude, Mogwai and Pussmog
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #36 on: September 08, 2017, 17:47:38 PM »
Any news Stuart? :hug: :hug: :hug:
Oscar Wilde on his adored Mog "The Mighty Atom that purrs and furrs"

Offline alisonandarchie

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 15500
  • Archie's mum
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #35 on: August 30, 2017, 08:26:16 AM »
Sending Robbie lots of get well wishes :hug:

Offline Judecat (Paula)

  • Purrrrrfect Cat
  • ******
  • Posts: 12736
  • Slave to: Emo, Bob and Pippa, Pirate and Merlin. Playing hard on The Bridge, Trouble, Jude, Mogwai and Pussmog
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #34 on: August 29, 2017, 22:14:39 PM »
I really hope so too. :cat rub: :cat rub: :cat rub:
Oscar Wilde on his adored Mog "The Mighty Atom that purrs and furrs"

Offline Kittty_Galore

  • Kitten
  • **
  • Posts: 5
  • Slave to: Kitty Galore
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #33 on: August 29, 2017, 21:36:24 PM »
I just hope it is nothing serious  :(

Offline heather sullivan

  • Distinguished Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 658
  • Slave to: Simon & Tom (Tabby, Silvie and Moses RIP)
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #32 on: August 29, 2017, 19:29:59 PM »
Hmmm def sounds like a thyroid problem. THat's how my Silvie was, she was eating 4 sachets a day and she is quite small. She would have eaten more if I let her.  I would get him checked out as soon as you can, as if its thyroid it can affect the heart as well and blood pressure :)

Offline Stuart

  • Honorary Cat
  • *****
  • Posts: 4250
  • Hamish, Misty, Olivia & Robbie
  • Slave to: none :'(
Re: Robbie losing weight
« Reply #31 on: August 28, 2017, 21:40:39 PM »
Thank you so much Kitty G, but it's not that he's eating less, Robbie is eating more, a horrendous amount more - nearly a whole box of sachets in one day at one point :O
I get home this Sunday and may be home for a while, I'll see about getting his thyroid checked out then ;) 
Dad to Bridge babes Hamish, Misty, Olivia and Robbie :'(

 


Link to CatChat