dizzy!!! lol… I’ll save y’all a place in line when I find it..heehee…Marsha
>>Are you still cookin’ for AI? >Sure am. Got any good recipes?
Hi Char! I’ve been using my crockpot a lot more often these days. It sure helps, when I come home so tired and achy, to not have to deal with cooking supper. I’ve got a crockpot enchilada casserole recipe- want it? Have a great week! Marsha
Hi again Marsha! I’m not back to work yet…one more week. I’m doing well, especially the last couple of days have been good. I’m so glad you’re going to hang around more! I’ve come here on and off for awhile, but lately I’ve been hanging around more often. It kinda gets addictive! Take care! Carol
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s so nice to hear from you, too!! I hope you are recovering from the > surgery well..Are you back at work yet? I hope you are painfree and doing > well! I will start hanging around more…I was afraid I’d come back and no one > would know me..lol.. Take good care! Marsha
Hi Marsha!!! Of course we remember you!!! Good to see you back with us!!! Really glad to hear you have found an RD that you like and that is working hard for you. That is sooooo important. So, did she rule the lupus out? Hope so! Take care and again, welcome back!!! Donna G
>Mama Char says
I thought I said it was over Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together." Red Green
>Are you still cookin’ for AI?
Sure am. Got any good recipes? >How >are you doing these days?
Well, there is still more joy in my life than sorrow and pain, so I guess I am hanging in. >I love your quote- We’re all in this together– It’s comforting, isn’t it?
We are, indeed. And the sharing is what makes it all bearable. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together." Red Green
opps. quack >Mama Char says > I thought I said it was over > Char > "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. > We’re all in this together." Red Green
– _(‘> (_<_) _ _(‘< -quack (_<_) _ __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__) _(‘< "|,,|_" (_<_) _(‘< "AFLAC!" (_<_)
>>t does feel kinda like I’m coming home- >You are Sugar. You are. >Char
are you doing these days? I hope you are well. I love your quote- We’re all in this together– It’s comforting, isn’t it? Lots of hugs, Marsha
Hi Marsha, welcome home. Hope you have not yet reached that three disease limit. Mama Char says Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->about the lupus. >I feel for you teaching 8th grade. My DH taught 7th grade for a bit the year >before we married. He said the one advantage of it was that he realized his >7th grade daughter wsan’t nearly as spacy as some of her contemporaries! > Lol, Nann! > Actually, the kids are pretty good- Having teens myself has really helped > me to teach this age group. They know they won’t be able to pull too many > antics that I haven’t seen before..LOL.. I use humor to deal with most of the > discipline and keep them really busy, so it’s a pretty easy-going classroom > most of the time. I am ready for summer break, though.. > I hope my rd doesn’t find lupus, too..I don’t need any more fun added to > my already long list..lol > Take care..Marsha
– _(‘> (_<_) _ _(‘< -quack (_<_) _ __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__) _(‘< "|,,|_" (_<_) _(‘< "AFLAC!" (_<_)
It’s so nice to hear from you, too!! I hope you are recovering from the surgery well..Are you back at work yet? I hope you are painfree and doing well! I will start hanging around more…I was afraid I’d come back and no one would know me..lol.. Take good care! Marsha
>:-) It is a little more like home with Marsha in the house.
I’m glad you are doing well. I’m reading where Enbrel is really helping lots of folks..I hope it keeps that RA sleepin’! Good luck on your scope..not fun..but good idea.. Yep, those jrhi "raging hormones" keep us busy..lol..Take care! Marsha
>Is your year over at teh end of >May? We go until the end of June
Hi Rose! Yes, the year is flying by- I have a senior in high school this year, and the time is passing all too quickly..The last prom..graduation stuff…sigh..but he is ready! Yes, our year is over at the end of May. We start in the middle of August, so our summer is short, but it is so hot outside here in August that most folks are ready to stay inside the air-conditioned classrooms..lol Thanks for the info regarding the vasculitis..I don’t know what she’s found..She saw the rashes and immediately asked if I had been tested for lupus, but I think she’s just being careful to check everything out to get a clear diagnosis. I think treatment is about the same. Take care! Marsha
Thanks Patty! I hope you are doing well, too! Marsha
>about the lupus. >I feel for you teaching 8th grade. My DH taught 7th grade for a bit the year >before we married. He said the one advantage of it was that he realized his >7th grade daughter wsan’t nearly as spacy as some of her contemporaries!
Lol, Nann! Actually, the kids are pretty good- Having teens myself has really helped me to teach this age group. They know they won’t be able to pull too many antics that I haven’t seen before..LOL.. I use humor to deal with most of the discipline and keep them really busy, so it’s a pretty easy-going classroom most of the time. I am ready for summer break, though.. I hope my rd doesn’t find lupus, too..I don’t need any more fun added to my already long list..lol Take care..Marsha
>t does feel kinda like I’m coming home-
You are Sugar. You are. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together." Red Green
>Marsha, I too want to say hi to you. I wondered how you were doing. Don’t be >a >stranger, and I am so glad you finally have an RA that will help you. Take >care >Lady.
well. The weather here in south Texas is wonderful now…Wish we had everyone here for a Fiesta! Take care, and thanks for the note! Love ya, Marsha
>What is she doing to rule out/in lupus?
Hi, Melinda! She’s doing lots of bloodwork..Keeping up with CRP levels (I think that’s for inflamation of blood vessels?), as well as regular labs- CBC, liver and kidney tests, etc. She tells me that some people will get overlapping autoimmune symptoms that don’t "fit" into just one dx box…so I think I probably have the RA and Graves (autoimmuine hyperthyroidism) with secondary autoimmune symptoms, including the vasculitis? I need to ask her about all this when I see her next. I hope you are doing well- It’s good be back! I must be missing a Secret Sender round..lol…I’ll try to jump in next time 
Marsha
{{{{Melinda, Char, Harv, and Rose}}}} Thank y’all so much for the welcome. It made me feel so good to know y’all even remembered me! Update- I FINALLY found a rheumy that’s on my insurance list- She’s absolutely wonderful… After my first visit with her, I realized how little my internists knew about ra. She is very thorough, and she knew exactly what to look for, even though I wasn’t a happy camper when she dx’d vasculitis (that she thought might be indicative of lupus). I’m currently on pred (and always hoping to get off), mtx, and other stuff. She’s given my ankle injections that really helped me through a rough patch. I’m still teaching 8th graders- Well, I’m trying to teach 8th graders..heehee…you know, they know everything when they get to 8th grade! I hope you all are doing well. It does feel kinda like I’m coming home- Thanks! Lotsa hugs, Marsha
>re doing well. It does feel kinda like I’m coming home- Thanks! >Lotsa hugs, Marsh
Marsha, I too want to say hi to you. I wondered how you were doing. Don’t be a stranger, and I am so glad you finally have an RA that will help you. Take care Lady. Donna
Great news on finding the Doc, Marsha. What is she doing to rule out/in lupus? Praying it’s just RA. It would be grat to have you post more often Melinda
Thanks for the update Marsha. There is rheumatoid vasculitis as well as what is normally associated with lupus. It seems as though a few of us are going through vein problems. Glad to hear you are still "working with" those 8th graders. The school year is going by sooo quickly. Is your year over at teh end of May? We go until the end of June, but even so, that is just three years and a bit. Rose
Wonderful news about the RD Marsha and i hope she is wrong about the lupus. I feel for you teaching 8th grade. My DH taught 7th grade for a bit the year before we married. He said the one advantage of it was that he realized his 7th grade daughter wsan’t nearly as spacy as some of her contemporaries! — Nann remove the Gator cheer to email me I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. – Dr Suess
Hi Marsha!!! It’s so nice to hear about what’s going on with you! I’m glad to hear you’ve found an RD. I hope you start hanging around here! Hugs, Carol
It is a little more like home with Marsha in the house. LOL As for myself, doing fine. Just got through most of having a physical none. Still have the lower scope to do. Taking Enbrel now for my RA which is semi,,,,,asleep. After over 20 years, its good when it takes a nap. Oh my, 8th graders….. LOLOL That will keep you young or kill ya. LOLOL Harv
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> {{{{Melinda, Char, Harv, and Rose}}}} > Thank y’all so much for the welcome. It made me feel so good to know y’all > even remembered me! Update- I FINALLY found a rheumy that’s on my insurance > list- She’s absolutely wonderful… After my first visit with her, I realized > how little my internists knew about ra. She is very thorough, and she knew > exactly what to look for, even though I wasn’t a happy camper when she dx’d > vasculitis (that she thought might be indicative of lupus). I’m currently on > pred (and always hoping to get off), mtx, and other stuff. She’s given my > ankle injections that really helped me through a rough patch. I’m still > teaching 8th graders- Well, I’m trying to teach 8th graders..heehee…you know, > they know everything when they get to 8th grade! > I hope you all are doing well. It does feel kinda like I’m coming home- Thanks! > Lotsa hugs, Marsha
Welcome back Marsha! Sounds like you found a good RD. So glad for you! Hoping your hills are never too steep! Be well, Patty
>>Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are >eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but >that’s a starting point, IMO.
We had similar symptoms, but it was FIP in our case 
Brad
Yes. Take her to a different vet. Your vet is in la la land, in my opnion. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are > eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but > that’s a starting point, IMO. > Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a > problem, or take her to a different vet. > Cathy > — > "Staccato signals of constant information…" > ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon > Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her.
Nic, No one knows your cat better than you; her moods, behavior and general habits. If you feel something just doesn’t seem right but your vet says she’s fine, its time for a second opinion. Your first loyalty is to your cat, not your vet, since her life is entrusted to you. Increased appetite and weight loss are both signs of diabetes and hyperthyroidism (among other illnesses). Did your vet take a blood sample for CBC/chemistry – especially for glucose to check for diabetes and T4 for thyroid function – or even an instant urine sample to check for sugar and ketones while he waits for the results of the blood test? I’m leaning more towards diabetes than hyperthyroidism because most hyperthyroid cats have an increased heart rate – which I’m sure he would have detected via auscultation – unless he dismissed tachycardia due to excitment. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home.
That’s a reasonable assumption; it was a wise decision to take her to a vet when you noticed a continued loss of weight. I’m sorry to say, I think your vet erred. Please take her to another vet *tomorrow*. If her weight loss is a result of diabetes she may be at serious risk of diabetic ketoacidosis – which is a true medical emergency. Untreated hyperthyroidism also results in a multitude of systemic dysfunctions (including cardiac) since hyperthyroidism affects every organ system in the body. The bottom line is you need a second opinion *immediately*. *Please* do not hesitate – *Tomorrow* wouldn’t be soon enough for me! Good luck. Phil.
Hi, Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving to a new home. We really appreciate any advice. Thank you, Nic
Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but that’s a starting point, IMO. Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a problem, or take her to a different vet. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
>>Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are >eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but >that’s a starting point, IMO.
We had similar symptoms, but it was FIP in our case Brad
Yes. Take her to a different vet. Your vet is in la la land, in my opnion. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are > eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but > that’s a starting point, IMO. > Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a > problem, or take her to a different vet. > Cathy > — > "Staccato signals of constant information…" > ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon > Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her.
Nic, No one knows your cat better than you; her moods, behavior and general habits. If you feel something just doesn’t seem right but your vet says she’s fine, its time for a second opinion. Your first loyalty is to your cat, not your vet, since her life is entrusted to you. Increased appetite and weight loss are both signs of diabetes and hyperthyroidism (among other illnesses). Did your vet take a blood sample for CBC/chemistry – especially for glucose to check for diabetes and T4 for thyroid function – or even an instant urine sample to check for sugar and ketones while he waits for the results of the blood test? I’m leaning more towards diabetes than hyperthyroidism because most hyperthyroid cats have an increased heart rate – which I’m sure he would have detected via auscultation – unless he dismissed tachycardia due to excitment. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home.
That’s a reasonable assumption; it was a wise decision to take her to a vet when you noticed a continued loss of weight. I’m sorry to say, I think your vet erred. Please take her to another vet *tomorrow*. If her weight loss is a result of diabetes she may be at serious risk of diabetic ketoacidosis – which is a true medical emergency. Untreated hyperthyroidism also results in a multitude of systemic dysfunctions (including cardiac) since hyperthyroidism affects every organ system in the body. The bottom line is you need a second opinion *immediately*. *Please* do not hesitate – *Tomorrow* wouldn’t be soon enough for me! Good luck. Phil.
Hi, Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving to a new home. We really appreciate any advice. Thank you, Nic
Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but that’s a starting point, IMO. Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a problem, or take her to a different vet. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
>>Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are >eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but >that’s a starting point, IMO.
We had similar symptoms, but it was FIP in our case Brad
Yes. Take her to a different vet. Your vet is in la la land, in my opnion. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are > eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but > that’s a starting point, IMO. > Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a > problem, or take her to a different vet. > Cathy > — > "Staccato signals of constant information…" > ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon > Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her.
Nic, No one knows your cat better than you; her moods, behavior and general habits. If you feel something just doesn’t seem right but your vet says she’s fine, its time for a second opinion. Your first loyalty is to your cat, not your vet, since her life is entrusted to you. Increased appetite and weight loss are both signs of diabetes and hyperthyroidism (among other illnesses). Did your vet take a blood sample for CBC/chemistry – especially for glucose to check for diabetes and T4 for thyroid function – or even an instant urine sample to check for sugar and ketones while he waits for the results of the blood test? I’m leaning more towards diabetes than hyperthyroidism because most hyperthyroid cats have an increased heart rate – which I’m sure he would have detected via auscultation – unless he dismissed tachycardia due to excitment. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home.
That’s a reasonable assumption; it was a wise decision to take her to a vet when you noticed a continued loss of weight. I’m sorry to say, I think your vet erred. Please take her to another vet *tomorrow*. If her weight loss is a result of diabetes she may be at serious risk of diabetic ketoacidosis – which is a true medical emergency. Untreated hyperthyroidism also results in a multitude of systemic dysfunctions (including cardiac) since hyperthyroidism affects every organ system in the body. The bottom line is you need a second opinion *immediately*. *Please* do not hesitate – *Tomorrow* wouldn’t be soon enough for me! Good luck. Phil.
Hi, Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving to a new home. We really appreciate any advice. Thank you, Nic
Did the vet do blood work for hyperthyroidism? Classic symptoms of it are eating a lot, yet losing weight. Of course it may be something else, but that’s a starting point, IMO. Either bring her back to that vet, making it clear that she still has a problem, or take her to a different vet. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Our 6 year old cat has been eating more but has been losing weight for > the fast past few months. We took her to the vet who could not find > anything wrong, but I know something is wrong with her. > We moved a few months ago and thought her losing weight was from moving > to a new home. > We really appreciate any advice. > Thank you, > Nic
my 10 yr old cat stopped eating and drinking a little water for 3 days and dropping weight……took him to the vets this morning thinking diabetias only to find that his kidneys are shutting down….not reversible but i was told with the right food and medication he will have 2 to 3 yrs more with us God willing
Still a good idea to keep your appointment with the vet; I had an unhappy experience with my 15 year old cat who stopped eating. Good luck with your furry one.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hmmmm… > Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are > going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month > and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has > been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year > only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I > don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just > thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear > from anyone about this. > — > Lisa Gehl
I’d sure ask for a blood panel and make sure they do a thorough one. At that age, could be anything but get a thorough exam. Karen
> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid.
Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. — It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Well, thank you everyone for your advice. As luck would have it, not long after I posted my problem to you all, Maddie started eating again. We’ve been letting her eat a little at a time because we are afraid she will wolf it down and throw up again. But she’s been her old self since last night, walking around and being vocal that she’s hungry. So maybe she just had a passing sickness. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks again all. — Lisa Gehl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. > Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go > into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and > the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet > said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice > would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated > it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. > — > It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. > If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Hmmmm… Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear from anyone about this. — Lisa Gehl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking > *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them > in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t > sound like yours has yet stressed the importance > of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. > If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. > An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight > loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already > how to force feed her. > The behavior you are describing may be indicative of > polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither > you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was > the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up > with xrays either. Using an endoscope > would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper > obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer > you to a vet who has an endoscope. > You really need to realize the serious nature of > the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and > the additional health problems the cat is at risk of > due to not eating. Yes, even though in various > ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very > deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer > appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially > exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms > are often such that the owner can’t conceive there > is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false > perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, > can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. > Depending on what the current problem > turns out to be, time can be of the essence. > Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have > been done already. Depending on what they show, > could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
> Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. > The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the > throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using > a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be > anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets > shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). > In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or > surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be > treated in a cat.
With a cancerous tumor of the esophogus in a cat, it depends on the type of cancer. Lymphosarcoma can be treated with radiation followed by chemotherapy for the duration of the cat’s life. Lymphosarcoma is one of the more treatable types of cancer. The cat cannot be on prednisone however, barring for a couple/three days if it is going to receive chemotherapy. A week is too long. It will render them unsuitable for the chemotherapy they must have. It needs to be ascertained that cancer is definitely not a possibility with this cat before sticking the cat arbitrarily on prednisone.
A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t sound like yours has yet stressed the importance of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already how to force feed her. The behavior you are describing may be indicative of polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up with xrays either. Using an endoscope would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer you to a vet who has an endoscope. You really need to realize the serious nature of the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and the additional health problems the cat is at risk of due to not eating. Yes, even though in various ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms are often such that the owner can’t conceive there is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. Depending on what the current problem turns out to be, time can be of the essence. Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have been done already. Depending on what they show, could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual > behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … > during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is > trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Multi B vitamin tablets once a day will help to improve appetite. Marie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual >> behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … >> during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is >> trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions. > Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week > in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Since the cat is allowed outside, is it possible she has eaten (or continues to eat) something in the yard that is causing this behavior? I’ve noticed my cat will nibble on vegetation occasionally as if sampling different salads. He does the tongue-moving behavior when he samples something distasteful. Also, cats will sometimes develop a fondness for licking non-food objects, like something made of plastic. If you haven’t been watching your cat, you might try watching her from a window or place where she can’t see you to see if she’s doing any of these things. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. > [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens > her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, > feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. > Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended > anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There > was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat > her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an > educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing > apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; > sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see > how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw
[snip] This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) > when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other > flavoring.
If onion powder is in fact the harmful-to-cats flavor enhancer that I’m thinking of, it’s found in a lot of baby foods. I would guess the mixtures (meat & vegetables, noodle dishes, etc.) are the primary culprits. I also nursed a cat back to health by hand feeding with baby meats once. One just needs to really read the labels, as you obviously did. I wouldn’t want to generalize that all of the meats are free of other ingredients. — Diana http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-portaltomypages
> Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring. One has to check the labels – some have onion, some don’t. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
>>> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] >> The only unusual behaviour she has >> exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she >> opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit >> something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she >> is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next
Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be treated in a cat. — BadTux News’n'Views: http://news.badtux.net —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] > We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > [snip] > The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she > opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit > something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she > is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next > step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if > she does not start to eat on her own.> > [snip] > We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in > warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. > [and snip] > Oh, dear! I’m glad she doesn’t appear to be in distress, but this is > seriously worrisome nonetheless. Are you aware that cats can develop > life threatening complications from losing weight too quickly? I > would waste no time in taking more aggressive measures, unless her > eating is continuing to increase steadily. Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring.
> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own.
X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t wait any longer to have her x-rayed. Good luck. Phil.
I agree with Phil P. It may be her teeth bothering her. Did the vet check to see if the teeth were in alignment? My cat exhibited the same symptoms and there was tartar blocking his teeth when he chewed. In the meantime, try soft baby food that is soft enough to just lap up and swallow. Mary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that > cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. > Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t > wait any longer to have her x-rayed. > Good luck. > Phil.
I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost weight. She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have healthy appetites. She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a sample in to be tested yet. There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many times since myself, and found nothing. The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest in eating at all.
my 10 yr old cat stopped eating and drinking a little water for 3 days and dropping weight……took him to the vets this morning thinking diabetias only to find that his kidneys are shutting down….not reversible but i was told with the right food and medication he will have 2 to 3 yrs more with us God willing
Still a good idea to keep your appointment with the vet; I had an unhappy experience with my 15 year old cat who stopped eating. Good luck with your furry one.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hmmmm… > Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are > going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month > and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has > been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year > only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I > don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just > thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear > from anyone about this. > — > Lisa Gehl
I’d sure ask for a blood panel and make sure they do a thorough one. At that age, could be anything but get a thorough exam. Karen
> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid.
Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. — It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Well, thank you everyone for your advice. As luck would have it, not long after I posted my problem to you all, Maddie started eating again. We’ve been letting her eat a little at a time because we are afraid she will wolf it down and throw up again. But she’s been her old self since last night, walking around and being vocal that she’s hungry. So maybe she just had a passing sickness. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks again all. — Lisa Gehl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. > Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go > into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and > the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet > said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice > would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated > it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. > — > It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. > If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Hmmmm… Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear from anyone about this. — Lisa Gehl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking > *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them > in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t > sound like yours has yet stressed the importance > of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. > If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. > An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight > loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already > how to force feed her. > The behavior you are describing may be indicative of > polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither > you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was > the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up > with xrays either. Using an endoscope > would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper > obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer > you to a vet who has an endoscope. > You really need to realize the serious nature of > the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and > the additional health problems the cat is at risk of > due to not eating. Yes, even though in various > ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very > deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer > appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially > exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms > are often such that the owner can’t conceive there > is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false > perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, > can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. > Depending on what the current problem > turns out to be, time can be of the essence. > Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have > been done already. Depending on what they show, > could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
> Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. > The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the > throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using > a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be > anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets > shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). > In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or > surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be > treated in a cat.
With a cancerous tumor of the esophogus in a cat, it depends on the type of cancer. Lymphosarcoma can be treated with radiation followed by chemotherapy for the duration of the cat’s life. Lymphosarcoma is one of the more treatable types of cancer. The cat cannot be on prednisone however, barring for a couple/three days if it is going to receive chemotherapy. A week is too long. It will render them unsuitable for the chemotherapy they must have. It needs to be ascertained that cancer is definitely not a possibility with this cat before sticking the cat arbitrarily on prednisone.
A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t sound like yours has yet stressed the importance of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already how to force feed her. The behavior you are describing may be indicative of polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up with xrays either. Using an endoscope would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer you to a vet who has an endoscope. You really need to realize the serious nature of the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and the additional health problems the cat is at risk of due to not eating. Yes, even though in various ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms are often such that the owner can’t conceive there is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. Depending on what the current problem turns out to be, time can be of the essence. Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have been done already. Depending on what they show, could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual > behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … > during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is > trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Multi B vitamin tablets once a day will help to improve appetite. Marie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual >> behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … >> during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is >> trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions. > Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week > in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Since the cat is allowed outside, is it possible she has eaten (or continues to eat) something in the yard that is causing this behavior? I’ve noticed my cat will nibble on vegetation occasionally as if sampling different salads. He does the tongue-moving behavior when he samples something distasteful. Also, cats will sometimes develop a fondness for licking non-food objects, like something made of plastic. If you haven’t been watching your cat, you might try watching her from a window or place where she can’t see you to see if she’s doing any of these things. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. > [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens > her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, > feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. > Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended > anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There > was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat > her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an > educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing > apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; > sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see > how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw
[snip] This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) > when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other > flavoring.
If onion powder is in fact the harmful-to-cats flavor enhancer that I’m thinking of, it’s found in a lot of baby foods. I would guess the mixtures (meat & vegetables, noodle dishes, etc.) are the primary culprits. I also nursed a cat back to health by hand feeding with baby meats once. One just needs to really read the labels, as you obviously did. I wouldn’t want to generalize that all of the meats are free of other ingredients. — Diana http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-portaltomypages
> Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring. One has to check the labels – some have onion, some don’t. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
>>> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] >> The only unusual behaviour she has >> exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she >> opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit >> something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she >> is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next
Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be treated in a cat. — BadTux News’n'Views: http://news.badtux.net —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] > We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > [snip] > The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she > opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit > something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she > is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next > step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if > she does not start to eat on her own.> > [snip] > We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in > warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. > [and snip] > Oh, dear! I’m glad she doesn’t appear to be in distress, but this is > seriously worrisome nonetheless. Are you aware that cats can develop > life threatening complications from losing weight too quickly? I > would waste no time in taking more aggressive measures, unless her > eating is continuing to increase steadily. Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring.
> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own.
X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t wait any longer to have her x-rayed. Good luck. Phil.
I agree with Phil P. It may be her teeth bothering her. Did the vet check to see if the teeth were in alignment? My cat exhibited the same symptoms and there was tartar blocking his teeth when he chewed. In the meantime, try soft baby food that is soft enough to just lap up and swallow. Mary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that > cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. > Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t > wait any longer to have her x-rayed. > Good luck. > Phil.
I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost weight. She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have healthy appetites. She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a sample in to be tested yet. There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many times since myself, and found nothing. The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest in eating at all.
my 10 yr old cat stopped eating and drinking a little water for 3 days and dropping weight……took him to the vets this morning thinking diabetias only to find that his kidneys are shutting down….not reversible but i was told with the right food and medication he will have 2 to 3 yrs more with us God willing
Still a good idea to keep your appointment with the vet; I had an unhappy experience with my 15 year old cat who stopped eating. Good luck with your furry one.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hmmmm… > Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are > going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month > and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has > been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year > only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I > don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just > thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear > from anyone about this. > — > Lisa Gehl
I’d sure ask for a blood panel and make sure they do a thorough one. At that age, could be anything but get a thorough exam. Karen
> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid.
Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. — It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Well, thank you everyone for your advice. As luck would have it, not long after I posted my problem to you all, Maddie started eating again. We’ve been letting her eat a little at a time because we are afraid she will wolf it down and throw up again. But she’s been her old self since last night, walking around and being vocal that she’s hungry. So maybe she just had a passing sickness. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks again all. — Lisa Gehl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is > having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she > has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. > She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a > very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning > and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As > she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, > probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries > clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, > I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. > Julius had similar symptoms. WORK FAST; a cat that isn’t eating can go > into hepatic lipidosis fast. Julius went for an expensive endoscopy and > the doc found absolute evidence of irritable bowel disease. Our vet > said that had we not been able to afford the endoscopy, his next choice > would have been to try to treat for that. Because we found and treated > it early, Julius is in wonderful health now. > — > It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness. > If everyone lit just one little candle, the EPA would outlaw candles.
Hmmmm… Well hi all. I just signed up here cause my cat, who is 17 years old is having similar problems with not eating. It has been three days now that she has not been eating anything except for maybe a cat treat or two per day. She will try to drink some water and has eaten some grass. She is normally a very hungry cat, always ready to eat when my husband gets up in the morning and then meowing halfway through the day for more if she is low on food. As she has gotten older she has had the habit of vomiting once or twice a week, probably because she tries to digest her food too quickly or if she tries clearly out a hairball. The last couple days she has left a green substance, I don’t know if that is from the grass or it’s stomach acid. Anyway, we are going to bring her into the vet tomorrow. Her last check up was last month and the vet saw no major problems with her. She has also, in the past, has been getting these cysts that come and go. We had them checked out last year only to find it was clear fluid that looked harmless (so said the vet) but I don’t know. Could be she’s obviously old and getting sick. Anyway, just thought I’d share. I know this group isn’t too active but I hope to hear from anyone about this. — Lisa Gehl
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking > *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them > in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t > sound like yours has yet stressed the importance > of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. > If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. > An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight > loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already > how to force feed her. > The behavior you are describing may be indicative of > polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither > you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was > the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up > with xrays either. Using an endoscope > would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper > obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer > you to a vet who has an endoscope. > You really need to realize the serious nature of > the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and > the additional health problems the cat is at risk of > due to not eating. Yes, even though in various > ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very > deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer > appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially > exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms > are often such that the owner can’t conceive there > is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false > perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, > can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. > Depending on what the current problem > turns out to be, time can be of the essence. > Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have > been done already. Depending on what they show, > could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
> Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. > The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the > throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using > a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be > anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets > shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). > In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or > surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be > treated in a cat.
With a cancerous tumor of the esophogus in a cat, it depends on the type of cancer. Lymphosarcoma can be treated with radiation followed by chemotherapy for the duration of the cat’s life. Lymphosarcoma is one of the more treatable types of cancer. The cat cannot be on prednisone however, barring for a couple/three days if it is going to receive chemotherapy. A week is too long. It will render them unsuitable for the chemotherapy they must have. It needs to be ascertained that cancer is definitely not a possibility with this cat before sticking the cat arbitrarily on prednisone.
A cat can’t go that long not eating without risking *serious problems*. Any halfway decent vet will tell you to bring them in the second day they aren’t eating. It doesn’t sound like yours has yet stressed the importance of the cat eating, even if it is via forced feedings. If that’s the case, you need to find yourself a better vet. An occasional nibble doesn’t cut it, and visible weight loss is SERIOUS. The vet should have showed you already how to force feed her. The behavior you are describing may be indicative of polyps, or a tumor, somewhere in her esophogus. Neither you, or the vet, would be able to ascertain if it was the case by visual, or physical exam. May not show up with xrays either. Using an endoscope would ascertain if either were present, or any deeper obstruction. Most likely your vet will have to refer you to a vet who has an endoscope. You really need to realize the serious nature of the "not eating/visible weight loss" situation, and the additional health problems the cat is at risk of due to not eating. Yes, even though in various ways your cat appears "well" to you. That is the very deceptive nature of sick cats often. Cats with cancer appear totally healthy for months. Even when initially exhibiting symptoms of something wrong, the symptoms are often such that the owner can’t conceive there is anything seriously wrong with their cat. A false perception of your cat’s "well-being" on your part, can cost you much heartbreak down the road of life. Depending on what the current problem turns out to be, time can be of the essence. Locate another vet quickly. The xrays should have been done already. Depending on what they show, could lead to barrium xrays, or ultrasound. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty > of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem > normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she > simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost > weight. > She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have > healthy appetites. > She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry > gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All > the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically > wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet > (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ > eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat > hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a > sample in to be tested yet. > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). > Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a > desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no > stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or > hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have > something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to > make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see > if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many > times since myself, and found nothing. > The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water > or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always > been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular > dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest > in eating at all.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual > behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … > during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is > trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Multi B vitamin tablets once a day will help to improve appetite. Marie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. [snip] There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual >> behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … >> during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is >> trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV > fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal > movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of > gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been > extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and > her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication > is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of > increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no > interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no > idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. > We’ll see how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions. > Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Prednisone may take a few days to a week > in my limited experience but once it kicks in, it’s piggy kitty.
Since the cat is allowed outside, is it possible she has eaten (or continues to eat) something in the yard that is causing this behavior? I’ve noticed my cat will nibble on vegetation occasionally as if sampling different salads. He does the tongue-moving behavior when he samples something distasteful. Also, cats will sometimes develop a fondness for licking non-food objects, like something made of plastic. If you haven’t been watching your cat, you might try watching her from a window or place where she can’t see you to see if she’s doing any of these things. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. > [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens > her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw > [snip] > This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. > She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, > feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. > Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended > anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There > was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat > her age. > The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an > educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing > apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; > sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. > I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see > how it goes. > Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a > fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. [snip] > There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her > mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs > her face with her paw
[snip] This is just an update on Lily’s status for anyone who is interested. She has had an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital for IV fluids, feeding, and observation. She had relatively normal movements, considering. Her x-rays were clean, with the exception of gas build-up due to extended anorexia. Her mouth and teeth have been extensively examined, again. There was no sign of irritation, and her teeth are in excellent shape for a cat her age. The vet has given us a prescription for prednisone. The medication is an educated shot-in-the-dark, and also has the side effect of increasing apatite and drinking–started her on it today. Still no interest in food; sniffs at food and walks away at most. Still no idea what is wrong. I’ve picked up a bunch oral syringes so we can feed her manually. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
> Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) > when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other > flavoring.
If onion powder is in fact the harmful-to-cats flavor enhancer that I’m thinking of, it’s found in a lot of baby foods. I would guess the mixtures (meat & vegetables, noodle dishes, etc.) are the primary culprits. I also nursed a cat back to health by hand feeding with baby meats once. One just needs to really read the labels, as you obviously did. I wouldn’t want to generalize that all of the meats are free of other ingredients. — Diana http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-portaltomypages
> Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring. One has to check the labels – some have onion, some don’t. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
>>> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a >> tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a >> week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] >> The only unusual behaviour she has >> exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she >> opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit >> something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she >> is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next
Oh dear. This sounds like it may be a throat or esophagal cyst or tumor. The vet needs to check to see whether there is a blockage of the throat or esophagus (the tube from the throat to the stomach) using a little scope that they have for that purpose. Usually cats have to be anesthestized for this procedure because they don’t appreciate vets shoving little tubes down their throat (doh!). In a human, this is generally treatable via radiation therapy or surgery if it turns out to be cancer. I don’t know how it would be treated in a cat. — BadTux News’n'Views: http://news.badtux.net —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a > tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a > week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. > [snip] > We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she > is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. > [snip] > The only unusual behaviour she has > exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she > opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit > something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she > is rubbing her nose or mouth). [snip] The vet has suggested the next > step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if > she does not start to eat on her own.> > [snip] > We have tried various > different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in > warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. > [and snip] > Oh, dear! I’m glad she doesn’t appear to be in distress, but this is > seriously worrisome nonetheless. Are you aware that cats can develop > life threatening complications from losing weight too quickly? I > would waste no time in taking more aggressive measures, unless her > eating is continuing to increase steadily. Must warn you away from > baby food, by the way. Much of it contains an ingredient that is > harmful to cats — I believe it’s the onion powder. I do wish you > well, and hope your girl has a complete recovery. Let us hear.
Which baby foods have onion powder? I bought Veal, Chicken and Turkey (Gerber) when my cat wouldn’t eat and none of them have onion powder or any other flavoring.
> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own.
X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t wait any longer to have her x-rayed. Good luck. Phil.
I agree with Phil P. It may be her teeth bothering her. Did the vet check to see if the teeth were in alignment? My cat exhibited the same symptoms and there was tartar blocking his teeth when he chewed. In the meantime, try soft baby food that is soft enough to just lap up and swallow. Mary
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and > possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. > X-rays are an excellent idea – she may have a tooth or other problem that > cannot be seen by eye. Oral pain is one of the main causes of inappetence. > Prolonged inappetence can and does precipitate hepatic lipidosis; I wouldn’t > wait any longer to have her x-rayed. > Good luck. > Phil.
I have an nine year old female indoor tabby (goes outside on a tether in a fenced yard), who hasn’t been eating for at least a week. She drinks plenty of water, and seems healthy otherwise. Her behaviour and routine seem normal (craves the occasional scratch, wants to go outside, etc.), she simply doesn’t appear to have any interest in food. She has visibly lost weight. She is in close contact with two other cats I own, both of which have healthy appetites. She has been to the vet for an examination and blood workup (biochemistry gen. profile + electrolytes, complete blood count, and thyroid t4 vt). All the tests came up clean, and the vet was unable to find anything physically wrong with her. She did have something to eat upon returning from the vet (no doubt due to adrenaline from the stress of the ordeal)–so she _can_ eat. We now have her on an apatite stimulant (cyproheptadine hcl) and she is having the occasional, very, very small, nibble. She is having movements, and they seem regular (small, dark, and somewhat hard) considering the extremely small amount she eats. We haven’t brought a sample in to be tested yet. There is no vomiting or heaving. The only unusual behaviour she has exhibited is a strange scratching of the face … during which she opens her mouth, moves her tongue like she is trying to spit something out, and rubs her face with her paw (I can’t tell if she is rubbing her nose or mouth). Whatever it is does not appear to be causing her any pain… it is not a desperate movement, it appears to be more of an annoyance. There is no stomach or lung activity when she does this (i.e. no sneezing, heaving, or hacking). She does it most often a few minutes after she has tried to have something to eat. The vet saw this behaviour and didn’t quite know what to make of it. The vet examined her mouth, tongue, and nose extensively to see if there were any obstructions or signs of irritation. I have checked many times since myself, and found nothing. The vet has suggested the next step is to bring her in for X-rays, and possibly and IV feeding if she does not start to eat on her own. Has anyone seen this type of behaviour before? We have tried various different foods, including baby food, putting her regular food in warm water or chicken broth, various canned foods, and people food. She has always been a picky eater, and has never wanted anything other than her regular dry, Science Diet food. Now she behaves like she doesn’t have an interest in eating at all.
Cool! When I was attempting to give Dash Flagyl before, she wouldn’t eat it in anything. I tried baby food, tuna, chicken, deli meat, having it compounded into a fish mush, and finally a cream to rub on her ears. She wouldn’t take it. With the cream, she would run away as soon as she suspected I was coming to medicate her. Now, I’m just sticking the 1/4 tablet in the treat (Friskies chicken or salmon & shrimp treats). -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, > mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
>> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
Hi, I’ve been fostering kittens this summer and had 2 groups that needed Metronidazole. The vet said it tastes AWFUL. I haven’t tried it myself, but the kittens seemed to agree. An long time SPCAer recommended using Cheese Whiz. I made a little ball of Cheese Whiz, stuck the pill into the middle, then wiped the cheese ball into the kitten’s mouth, behind the teeth so it would stick to the roof. I only had one that could spit the pill out from the cheese whiz. They also liked the cheese whiz and probably wondered why I had to stick it on the roof of their mouths when they would gladly have licked it up. The cheese ball has to be big enough to hide the treat, but small enough not to choke the kitty. Give it a try. Debbie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly >> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality >> of > life >> are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is >> only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >>> Kelly, >>> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >>> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >>> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >>> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >>> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >>> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >>> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >>> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >>> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >>> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >>> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >>> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >>> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >>> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >>> accumulating rapidly. >>> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >>> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >>> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >>> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >>> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >>> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >>> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >>> opinions appreciated! > Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly > Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality > of > life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is > only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >> Kelly, >> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >> accumulating rapidly. >> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >> opinions appreciated!
Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. Antique
Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only > achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee > Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Kelly, just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Cool! When I was attempting to give Dash Flagyl before, she wouldn’t eat it in anything. I tried baby food, tuna, chicken, deli meat, having it compounded into a fish mush, and finally a cream to rub on her ears. She wouldn’t take it. With the cream, she would run away as soon as she suspected I was coming to medicate her. Now, I’m just sticking the 1/4 tablet in the treat (Friskies chicken or salmon & shrimp treats). -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, > mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
>> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
Hi, I’ve been fostering kittens this summer and had 2 groups that needed Metronidazole. The vet said it tastes AWFUL. I haven’t tried it myself, but the kittens seemed to agree. An long time SPCAer recommended using Cheese Whiz. I made a little ball of Cheese Whiz, stuck the pill into the middle, then wiped the cheese ball into the kitten’s mouth, behind the teeth so it would stick to the roof. I only had one that could spit the pill out from the cheese whiz. They also liked the cheese whiz and probably wondered why I had to stick it on the roof of their mouths when they would gladly have licked it up. The cheese ball has to be big enough to hide the treat, but small enough not to choke the kitty. Give it a try. Debbie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly >> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality >> of > life >> are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is >> only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >>> Kelly, >>> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >>> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >>> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >>> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >>> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >>> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >>> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >>> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >>> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >>> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >>> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >>> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >>> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >>> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >>> accumulating rapidly. >>> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >>> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >>> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >>> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >>> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >>> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >>> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >>> opinions appreciated! > Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly > Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality > of > life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is > only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >> Kelly, >> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >> accumulating rapidly. >> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >> opinions appreciated!
Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. Antique
Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only > achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee > Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Kelly, just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Cool! When I was attempting to give Dash Flagyl before, she wouldn’t eat it in anything. I tried baby food, tuna, chicken, deli meat, having it compounded into a fish mush, and finally a cream to rub on her ears. She wouldn’t take it. With the cream, she would run away as soon as she suspected I was coming to medicate her. Now, I’m just sticking the 1/4 tablet in the treat (Friskies chicken or salmon & shrimp treats). -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, > mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
>> Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, > specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of > cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique > Antique, I’m using liver sausage (‘Braunschweiger’) for O’Malley. He > is so keen on the stuff, he’ll even take a whole pill! Nordstjern.
Hey, guess what! My Vet received samples of a Metronidazole Treat (oxymoron) today and called me immediately. I went over there and got some and offered one to Kipling. He wolfed it down! I was so grateful I almost cried. Antique
Hi, I’ve been fostering kittens this summer and had 2 groups that needed Metronidazole. The vet said it tastes AWFUL. I haven’t tried it myself, but the kittens seemed to agree. An long time SPCAer recommended using Cheese Whiz. I made a little ball of Cheese Whiz, stuck the pill into the middle, then wiped the cheese ball into the kitten’s mouth, behind the teeth so it would stick to the roof. I only had one that could spit the pill out from the cheese whiz. They also liked the cheese whiz and probably wondered why I had to stick it on the roof of their mouths when they would gladly have licked it up. The cheese ball has to be big enough to hide the treat, but small enough not to choke the kitty. Give it a try. Debbie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly >> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality >> of > life >> are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is >> only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >>> Kelly, >>> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >>> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >>> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >>> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >>> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >>> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >>> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >>> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >>> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >>> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >>> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >>> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >>> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >>> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >>> accumulating rapidly. >>> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >>> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >>> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >>> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >>> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >>> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >>> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >>> opinions appreciated! > Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. > Antique
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t > know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and > saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible > to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no > problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing > it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have > become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! > The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have > been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. > -Kelly > Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality > of > life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is > only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee >> Kelly, >> just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for >> Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an >> injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation >> of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray >> with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on >> Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been >> getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed >> to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 >> pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. >> Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of >> his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, >> one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back >> positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a >> problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure >> accumulating rapidly. >> I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a >> course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as >> possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet >> trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the >> low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his >> systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with >> making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and >> opinions appreciated!
Kelly, I’m having a terrible problem with Metronidazole. What treat, specifically, did you use? Kipling can detect it in a piece of cheese, mushed up in baby food and everything I’ve tried so far. Antique
Actually, my vet just gave me some Metronidazole for Dash. I didn’t know it was the same thing as Flagyl until I looked at the bottle and saw it said "Flagyl" in parentheses on the label! It was impossible to give Dash Flagyl last time. But now, she’s been taking it with no problem. I’m giving her a 1/4 tablet twice a day, and simply mushing it into a treat. She eats it right up! Maybe her taste buds have become dull, or maybe she knows she BETTER take her medicine! The vet also recommended Vetalog, but in a pill form, which I have been unable to find. So she’s on Prednisone for now. -Kelly — Are you really bored? Check out my site www.snittens.com!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life > are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only > achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee > Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Sometimes the most loving thing is letting go. Comfort and quality of life are important to me so I would opt for that if quantity of life is only achievable at too much cost of quality, Good luck, Lee
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kelly, > just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for > Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection > of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of > Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with > IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to > supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his > diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food > several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little > less skin and bones. > Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his > clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one > treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for > hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with > multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. > I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course > of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without > stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of > medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his > heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so > maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as > possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
Kelly, just read up some of your posts – if Prednizone is not working for Dash, you might want to to talk to your vet about trying an injection of a corticosteroid (mine used Vetalog) plus dispensation of Metronidazole. It worked to stop the diarrhea for my sick stray with IBD symptoms – for five days so far. I’ve also put him on Felovite, to supply him with some of the nutrients he’d not been getting due to his diarrhea. As I am currently at home, I managed to feed him wet food several times a day, and he has now gained 4 pounds and looks a little less skin and bones. Unfortunately his blood test are not encouraging. Although all of his clinical signs point to hyperthyroidism (wouldn’t it be great, one treatment for all his symptoms), his blood work came back positive for hypothyroidism. Liver and kidneys ok. Heart is also a problem, with multiple signs of congestive heart failure accumulating rapidly. I think I’m going to talk to the vet tomorrow to try to find a course of treatment which makes him feel as comfortable as possible, without stressing the world out of him with constant vet trips, loads of medication and food he doesn’t like (like the low-sodium stuff for his heart). He’s an old cat, all of his systems seem to be failing, so maybe I should be content with making his departure as painless as possible? Any thoughts and opinions appreciated!
One *faint* possibility – has she had thyroid bloodwork? She’s young for the usual age (teens) of the onset of hyperthyroidism, & isn’t losing weight as is often typical, but one of its symptoms can be diarrhea. Hopefully, others will be along w/ other ideas. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to >have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her >to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, >diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her >back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting >effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our >other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even >though she has been getting vaccinated since we got >her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that >her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight >and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is >in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in >the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey >and I would be so grateful. Thanks… >Erin
Hi Erin. Has the vet considered a food allergy or intolerance? Sometimes intolerance to a specific food can cause chronic diarrhea. What diet changes did your vet try? Has your vet run a complete blood panel? You might also want to consider a second opinion, which can sometimes help find the cause to chronic problem. Good luck and keep us posted. Lauren Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Erin, I use to have a cat with the same problem. I didn’t want to give him any expensive antibiotics, so I went to a more natural method. I found www.petmedicinechest.com and found the best probiotic on the market. Check it out you might be surprise. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even though she has been getting vaccinated since we got her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey and I would be so grateful. Thanks… Erin
One *faint* possibility – has she had thyroid bloodwork? She’s young for the usual age (teens) of the onset of hyperthyroidism, & isn’t losing weight as is often typical, but one of its symptoms can be diarrhea. Hopefully, others will be along w/ other ideas. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to >have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her >to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, >diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her >back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting >effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our >other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even >though she has been getting vaccinated since we got >her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that >her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight >and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is >in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in >the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey >and I would be so grateful. Thanks… >Erin
Hi Erin. Has the vet considered a food allergy or intolerance? Sometimes intolerance to a specific food can cause chronic diarrhea. What diet changes did your vet try? Has your vet run a complete blood panel? You might also want to consider a second opinion, which can sometimes help find the cause to chronic problem. Good luck and keep us posted. Lauren Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Erin, I use to have a cat with the same problem. I didn’t want to give him any expensive antibiotics, so I went to a more natural method. I found www.petmedicinechest.com and found the best probiotic on the market. Check it out you might be surprise. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even though she has been getting vaccinated since we got her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey and I would be so grateful. Thanks… Erin
One *faint* possibility – has she had thyroid bloodwork? She’s young for the usual age (teens) of the onset of hyperthyroidism, & isn’t losing weight as is often typical, but one of its symptoms can be diarrhea. Hopefully, others will be along w/ other ideas. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to >have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her >to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, >diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her >back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting >effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our >other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even >though she has been getting vaccinated since we got >her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that >her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight >and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is >in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in >the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey >and I would be so grateful. Thanks… >Erin
Hi Erin. Has the vet considered a food allergy or intolerance? Sometimes intolerance to a specific food can cause chronic diarrhea. What diet changes did your vet try? Has your vet run a complete blood panel? You might also want to consider a second opinion, which can sometimes help find the cause to chronic problem. Good luck and keep us posted. Lauren Lauren =^..^= See my cats: http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043
Erin, I use to have a cat with the same problem. I didn’t want to give him any expensive antibiotics, so I went to a more natural method. I found www.petmedicinechest.com and found the best probiotic on the market. Check it out you might be surprise. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are > wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. > I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to > have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her > to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, > diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her > back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting > effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our > other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even > though she has been getting vaccinated since we got > her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that > her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight > and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is > in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in > the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey > and I would be so grateful. Thanks… > Erin
Hi and thanks for being here. I am new to these forums and I think they are wonderful. Maybe someone can help me. I have a 5 year old female DSH (Bailey) that for the last 2 years seems to have a chronic case of the runs. We have had her to the Vet on numerous occasions. She has been on 2 different antibiotics, diet changes and the latest attempt at getting her back to normal is the steriod Prednasone. None of these have had a lasting effect.We were at the Vet tonight with one of our other cats and he wants us to bring her in for a leukemis/aids test. Even though she has been getting vaccinated since we got her at 4 months old he says it could be a possibility. I do have to add that her appetite is not affected as she is not losing weight and she plays well with the other 2 cats. I can’t help but feel that she is in some sort of discomfort knowing how I would feel in the same situation. If anyone has any suggestions that might help, Bailey and I would be so grateful. Thanks… Erin
It ancient Roman times it was believed that if a dog had it tail docked it would prevent the animal for catching "Rabies".
Schizoaffective Disorder SYMPTOMS This disorder is characterized by the presence of one of the following: Major Depressive Episode (must include depressed mood) Manic Episode Mixed Episode as well as the presence of at least two of the following symptoms, for at least one month: delusions hallucinations disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence) grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior negative symptoms (e.g., affective flattening, alogia, avolition) (Only one symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person’s behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.) The occurrence of the delusions or hallucinations must be in the absence of any serious mood symptoms for at least 2 weeks. The mood disorder, however, must be present for a significant minority of the time. The symptoms of this disorder also can not be better explained by the use or abuse of a substance (alcohol, drugs, medications) or a general medical condition (stroke). Treatment American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Disorders Index — Walter E. Afield, M.D. testifying before the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, House of Representative, April 28, 1992 "
One thing in your favor is the fact that methadone remains in your blood longer than many other opioid-based analgesics. Perhaps you live in a state that allows you to purchase a schedule IV medicine that contains codeine, it comes in liquid form. Occasional nips of that would help get you through this. Good luck David D Lamborne Home: http://painlinks.org
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all… > I feel absolutely rotten right now…I ran out of meds yesterday > (Methadone) and can’t get in to the pain clinic until Thursday > afternoon…I am already having hot flashes, from both my meds and > from what the doctors have called "perimenopause" from my thyroid > disorder…I don’t know which is doing this to me right now, but I am > sure the lack of meds makes it worse, no matter what illness is > producing them- thyroid or withdrawals. > My pain levels are going up exponentially too, with every dose missed. > I don’t know how I can stand this, even another 48 hours! I am taking > handfuls of generic ibuprophen, 200mg tabs.. 6 at a time, usually, 2x > a day, just to keep the agony to a dull roar, because that is all I > have. No use going to the ER…we all know what they will do…send me > home after telling me I have withdrawal symptoms, and to see my pain > clinic asap….lol….sad, isn’t it? If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. > My kids are prepared for me to be doing nothing, but they aren’t > prepared for me to miss my appointment, because of the lack of money. > My hubby says he won’t have any money till Friday, so I won’t have the > cash for the gas to get there…it’s a 50 mile round trip, plus the > co-pays for the appointment and the meds. Time to call my dad, I > guess. Perhaps he will help me this time, since it is medical, and > necessary for me. I don’t know…. > Anyhow, thought I’d drop a line, since I don’t expect to feel up to > posting anything for the next 48 hours or so…depending on how I > feel, of course. I usually get so distracted from the pain, I can’t > concentrate on anything, so I don’t expect to be able to be online for > long until I get my meds and get back on track, and on top of the > pain. But, you never know…perhaps I’ll be online all the time! lol > Anyhow, thought I’d tell you all what a rotten day I’m having, just to > share the misery…. > Trailingvine > "To live happily is an inward power of the soul." > Marcus Aurelius
> No, I’m not…just a mistake with scheduling this time…couldn’t get > in on time..the clinic is very very busy….They do not allow anyone > to have more than what is prescribed, no matter how dumb it seems. > They are very strict about their med program. On top of that, they > refuse to prescribe breakthrough meds.
I’m glad your covered now, it’s a pain to be in pain isn’t it? When I lived in CA and had to go to a certain clinic because of my insurance the clinic was a training center for new Doctors, so every darn year I would get a new Dr. Sometimes they prescribed pain meds, sometimes they did not. It was up and down for me, I think it should be against the law to put patients through that don’t you? Take care and I hope you stay as pain free as possible (-: BF
No, I’m not…just a mistake with scheduling this time…couldn’t get in on time..the clinic is very very busy….They do not allow anyone to have more than what is prescribed, no matter how dumb it seems. They are very strict about their med program. On top of that, they refuse to prescribe breakthrough meds. So…here I sat for 2 1/2 days…but I am much better now. I got my meds this afternoon, and it only took about 4 hours and I felt almost back to "normal", as I feel when medicated. The problems I have with the pain clinic are the reasons why I am searching for a new doc to take over my case…but I don’t know if I can find a doc who will..I have an appointment next monday with a new primary care doc, and I am hoping he will be willing to take my pain case, with my clinic staying on as "consultants" to help back his prescriptions up, if there is a problem down the line. Maybe he will, maybe he wont, but it’s worth asking. Thanks for the input, Trailingvine > >Are you going through them too fast? My Doc lets me keep one week >ahead of my refills, that way if I have to head out of town, or she >gets sick I have enough Oxy to last me up to a week. If I am using too >fast them I’m up shit creek without a paddle, but I always use as >ordered, and if I am having extra pain I use my instant release Oxy. >inCORRigible
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
> Hi all… > I feel absolutely rotten right now…I ran out of meds yesterday > (Methadone) and can’t get in to the pain clinic until Thursday > afternoon…I am already having hot flashes, from both my meds and > from what the doctors have called "perimenopause" from my thyroid > disorder…
Are you going through them too fast? My Doc lets me keep one week ahead of my refills, that way if I have to head out of town, or she gets sick I have enough Oxy to last me up to a week. If I am using too fast them I’m up shit creek without a paddle, but I always use as ordered, and if I am having extra pain I use my instant release Oxy. inCORRigible
Thanks, Mouse. I had a backup supply, but I used it the last time I couldn’t get in on time…and I know its time to start saving again. I hope to get a new doc next week to take over my pain case, with my pain clinic staying on as "consultants", so the doc won’t get so worried about writing my scripts. It will make my life a lot easier, because its easier to get in to see my regular doc on time than it is at the clinic, and its much, much closer to home, too. I appreciate your advice, very much. I feel a lot better, now that I have a dose of Methadone in me, finally. One thing that being out did for me was to make me dream really wild stuff, which is great for my writing! I have one storyline already on the board, starting a true novel for the first time! I also decided to take charge of my life, for once. All aspects….its past time, really, and if I don’t do it now, I never will have what I deserve and have worked for. So..new me, new life…starting now! My dad gave me great advice…he said if I didn’t force a paradigm shift for myself, nothing would change…and after he said it that way, it was so obvious! Funny how things work sometimes….I just needed a good kick in the rear…so Here I go!!!!!!! Thanks again, to everyone, for being here for me…I always know I have someone to vent to here, and it really means a lot to me. Always your friend in pain, and out of it, too… Trailingvine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Trailingvine: >I wish that having good wishes for your current circumstances could be of >more help, but they aren’t going to do a thing to really help your >withdrawals. All I can say is that my heart goes out to you and if you need >to vent, you know how to reach me. I’m confused, you said your doctor added >an additional dose, but then he didn’t give you enough with that added dose >to get through to the next appointment? It’s circumstances like these that >reinforce my need for a backup supply! My doc gave me a 2 week backup >supply, which I’ve never touched no matter how bad the pain gets. It’s >there for ONLY times like these when I’d be facing withdrawal. If your >doctor won’t do this for you, please, take just 10 pills out of every script >and put them away until you have enough to last you for at least a week, >because you can spread out that loss every month and the small amount of >discomfort is NOTHING compared to waht you’re going through now! I’ve added >to my backup supply since because I fear losing my doc and having nothing >while I look for another doc, and that just happened to me where I eneded up >losing my doc on virtually no notice, a week before my next appointment, >with no known way of getting my scripts filled when they ran out. I had a >lot more leeway as a result, and was able to find a GOOD doc before things >got bad. It’s pointless right now, but once you’ve got your script again, >start hoarding a little at a time and LOCK THEM AWAY so you’re not at all >tempted to touch them! Believe me, that backup supply will save you from >this again someday. >Good luck, >Mouse
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
Not for me, I’m afraid. I can go about 1 day without, but then I get the sweats, shivers, nausea, all in succession. This is day 3, and I am having terrible pain in legs and back, topped off with the full withdrawal symptoms. I am absolutely miserable! So, perhaps this is true for some people, but not me. Maybe it’s because of my thyroid medications or something, but I have to take all 3 doses per day just to function. And more than 24 hours off, and I am in agony. I take 20mg tid, by the way…60mg per day. We added the middle dose because of breakthrough pain, which I still have, anyhow, but not as regularly. Trailingvine >Methadone stores up in your body, usually patients can go one-two or even more >days without horrendous effects. >It is a very long lasting medication. >Actually you will only be without for less than 40 hours, you should be ok.
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
Trailingvine: I wish that having good wishes for your current circumstances could be of more help, but they aren’t going to do a thing to really help your withdrawals. All I can say is that my heart goes out to you and if you need to vent, you know how to reach me. I’m confused, you said your doctor added an additional dose, but then he didn’t give you enough with that added dose to get through to the next appointment? It’s circumstances like these that reinforce my need for a backup supply! My doc gave me a 2 week backup supply, which I’ve never touched no matter how bad the pain gets. It’s there for ONLY times like these when I’d be facing withdrawal. If your doctor won’t do this for you, please, take just 10 pills out of every script and put them away until you have enough to last you for at least a week, because you can spread out that loss every month and the small amount of discomfort is NOTHING compared to waht you’re going through now! I’ve added to my backup supply since because I fear losing my doc and having nothing while I look for another doc, and that just happened to me where I eneded up losing my doc on virtually no notice, a week before my next appointment, with no known way of getting my scripts filled when they ran out. I had a lot more leeway as a result, and was able to find a GOOD doc before things got bad. It’s pointless right now, but once you’ve got your script again, start hoarding a little at a time and LOCK THEM AWAY so you’re not at all tempted to touch them! Believe me, that backup supply will save you from this again someday. Good luck, Mouse — ~~))))3> A dog has a soul of a philospher. ~Plato
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all… > I feel absolutely rotten right now…I ran out of meds yesterday > (Methadone) and can’t get in to the pain clinic until Thursday > afternoon…I am already having hot flashes, from both my meds and > from what the doctors have called "perimenopause" from my thyroid > disorder…I don’t know which is doing this to me right now, but I am > sure the lack of meds makes it worse, no matter what illness is > producing them- thyroid or withdrawals. > My pain levels are going up exponentially too, with every dose missed. > I don’t know how I can stand this, even another 48 hours! I am taking > handfuls of generic ibuprophen, 200mg tabs.. 6 at a time, usually, 2x > a day, just to keep the agony to a dull roar, because that is all I > have. No use going to the ER…we all know what they will do…send me > home after telling me I have withdrawal symptoms, and to see my pain > clinic asap….lol….sad, isn’t it? If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. > My kids are prepared for me to be doing nothing, but they aren’t > prepared for me to miss my appointment, because of the lack of money. > My hubby says he won’t have any money till Friday, so I won’t have the > cash for the gas to get there…it’s a 50 mile round trip, plus the > co-pays for the appointment and the meds. Time to call my dad, I > guess. Perhaps he will help me this time, since it is medical, and > necessary for me. I don’t know…. > Anyhow, thought I’d drop a line, since I don’t expect to feel up to > posting anything for the next 48 hours or so…depending on how I > feel, of course. I usually get so distracted from the pain, I can’t > concentrate on anything, so I don’t expect to be able to be online for > long until I get my meds and get back on track, and on top of the > pain. But, you never know…perhaps I’ll be online all the time! lol > Anyhow, thought I’d tell you all what a rotten day I’m having, just to > share the misery…. > Trailingvine > "To live happily is an inward power of the soul." > Marcus Aurelius
Methadone stores up in your body, usually patients can go one-two or even more days without horrendous effects. It is a very long lasting medication. Actually you will only be without for less than 40 hours, you should be ok.
WHY CANT YOU CALL THE DOCTOR AND HAVE HIM CALL IN A SCRIPT FOR YOU , OR DEPENDING OPN WHERE YOU LIVE HE MAY HAVE TO GET YOU A HARD COPY, DOES HE HAVE PROBLEMS GIVING YOU SCRIPTS?
I go to a pain clinic, and they insist that we go to a meds check with at least a NP to get our scripts renewed every month. Even if we can’t get in on time, they will not write scripts till we have been seen. Period. One of the reasons I’m searching for another doc to treat my pain. Also, it is now illegal for a doc to call in a script for narcotics..it has to be hard copy. Trailingvine >WHY CANT YOU CALL THE DOCTOR AND HAVE HIM CALL IN A SCRIPT FOR YOU , OR >DEPENDING OPN WHERE YOU LIVE HE MAY HAVE TO GET YOU A HARD COPY, DOES HE HAVE >PROBLEMS GIVING YOU SCRIPTS?
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
Unfortunately, I have tried, even as an employee of a gas station, and was turned down…bad credit from my husbands, past and present… Bummer, I know…But thanks for the thought! Trailingvine >Hi, >I don’t even begin to know ( nor would I ever be so rude as to ask) but would >you perhaps be able to get a gasoline credit card? They are one of the easiest >to get. I know it’s of no help, and you are going through a very rough journey >right now, but maybe in the future? It has saved my butt a time or two. Hang in >there, Thursday"s coming. Lee
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
Trailingvine, I hope that your Dad comes through for you and lends you the money, it is VITAL that you get to that pain clinic appointment. What else can I say? Not a lot really except I am thinking of you and I hope that you get this sorted really soon. Best Wishes Spiney
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all… > I feel absolutely rotten right now…I ran out of meds yesterday > (Methadone) and can’t get in to the pain clinic until Thursday > afternoon…I am already having hot flashes, from both my meds and > from what the doctors have called "perimenopause" from my thyroid > disorder…I don’t know which is doing this to me right now, but I am > sure the lack of meds makes it worse, no matter what illness is > producing them- thyroid or withdrawals. > My pain levels are going up exponentially too, with every dose missed. > I don’t know how I can stand this, even another 48 hours! I am taking > handfuls of generic ibuprophen, 200mg tabs.. 6 at a time, usually, 2x > a day, just to keep the agony to a dull roar, because that is all I > have. No use going to the ER…we all know what they will do…send me > home after telling me I have withdrawal symptoms, and to see my pain > clinic asap….lol….sad, isn’t it? If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. > My kids are prepared for me to be doing nothing, but they aren’t > prepared for me to miss my appointment, because of the lack of money. > My hubby says he won’t have any money till Friday, so I won’t have the > cash for the gas to get there…it’s a 50 mile round trip, plus the > co-pays for the appointment and the meds. Time to call my dad, I > guess. Perhaps he will help me this time, since it is medical, and > necessary for me. I don’t know…. > Anyhow, thought I’d drop a line, since I don’t expect to feel up to > posting anything for the next 48 hours or so…depending on how I > feel, of course. I usually get so distracted from the pain, I can’t > concentrate on anything, so I don’t expect to be able to be online for > long until I get my meds and get back on track, and on top of the > pain. But, you never know…perhaps I’ll be online all the time! lol > Anyhow, thought I’d tell you all what a rotten day I’m having, just to > share the misery…. > Trailingvine > "To live happily is an inward power of the soul." > Marcus Aurelius
Hi, I don’t even begin to know ( nor would I ever be so rude as to ask) but would you perhaps be able to get a gasoline credit card? They are one of the easiest to get. I know it’s of no help, and you are going through a very rough journey right now, but maybe in the future? It has saved my butt a time or two. Hang in there, Thursday"s coming. Lee
Hi all… I feel absolutely rotten right now…I ran out of meds yesterday (Methadone) and can’t get in to the pain clinic until Thursday afternoon…I am already having hot flashes, from both my meds and from what the doctors have called "perimenopause" from my thyroid disorder…I don’t know which is doing this to me right now, but I am sure the lack of meds makes it worse, no matter what illness is producing them- thyroid or withdrawals. My pain levels are going up exponentially too, with every dose missed. I don’t know how I can stand this, even another 48 hours! I am taking handfuls of generic ibuprophen, 200mg tabs.. 6 at a time, usually, 2x a day, just to keep the agony to a dull roar, because that is all I have. No use going to the ER…we all know what they will do…send me home after telling me I have withdrawal symptoms, and to see my pain clinic asap….lol….sad, isn’t it? If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. My kids are prepared for me to be doing nothing, but they aren’t prepared for me to miss my appointment, because of the lack of money. My hubby says he won’t have any money till Friday, so I won’t have the cash for the gas to get there…it’s a 50 mile round trip, plus the co-pays for the appointment and the meds. Time to call my dad, I guess. Perhaps he will help me this time, since it is medical, and necessary for me. I don’t know…. Anyhow, thought I’d drop a line, since I don’t expect to feel up to posting anything for the next 48 hours or so…depending on how I feel, of course. I usually get so distracted from the pain, I can’t concentrate on anything, so I don’t expect to be able to be online for long until I get my meds and get back on track, and on top of the pain. But, you never know…perhaps I’ll be online all the time! lol Anyhow, thought I’d tell you all what a rotten day I’m having, just to share the misery…. Trailingvine "To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. I’m either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting asleep and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. Dreaming has been a real problem. Now I’m dreaming that someone is chasing me and literally killing me with guns, arrows, knives, etc. All night long I’m being pursued. Whoever it is that is terrorizing me in the dreams hides in bushes and jumps me – just awful. I have improved since I started Neurontin and Zyprexa, but it could still get better. A few months ago I was dreaming the most comical stuff possible. The funniest was for approximately a month, I kept dreaming that I was a pilot. I flew 747s. I landed them on sidewalks. LOL. Who can get more insane than that? I wish I could nap. My mind is just to overactive to do that. I’d have to be drugged. Carrie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m bipolar, and am well medicated. I haven’t had a bad episode in a couple > of years now. > Still, I have this overwhelming need to take long naps even when I am not > tired. I like the idea of being unconscious for as long as I can. Even > though I have interests and things I want to do, time is taken away from > these things by my desire to hide in my bed for about 12 to 14 hours a day. > The meds keep me in a constant state of semi-somnolence, but the need for > sleep isn’t really there. When I can’t fall asleep for a nap, which happens > often, I still just lay there for two or three hours with my eyes closed. > If I have trouble sleeping later that night, I’ll just up the dose on the > Klonopin and let it knock me out. > I know it’s mostly an issue of will power, of which I have very little these > days. Anyone else have this problem? How do you combat it?
> I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. I’m > either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting asleep > and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. > Dreaming has been a real problem.
Big problem for me, too. In the past six months or so, I have trouble falling asleep because when I’m in that half-state between sleep and consciousness, I fear that I am going to stop breathing and I wake up and watch TV for a while. I hate dreams. Back when I had dreams about flying and wild stuff like that, it was fun. Not anymore. The meds knock all the fun stuff out, over time…
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. I’m > either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting asleep > and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. > Dreaming has been a real problem. > Big problem for me, too. In the past six months or so, I have trouble > falling asleep because when I’m in that half-state between sleep and > consciousness, I fear that I am going to stop breathing and I wake up and > watch TV for a while. I hate dreams. Back when I had dreams about flying > and wild stuff like that, it was fun. Not anymore. The meds knock all the > fun stuff out, over time…
The worst stuff I ever went through was that half-state! I’d be awake and able to hear stuff but was paralyzed. I’d have to literally force my self to jerk my body to become awake and leave that half-state. I wonder if dying in your sleep is like that? Sorry for the reference – but it feels like death, doesn’t it? I have had flying dreams that did not involve piloting airplanes, but flying like a bird. Some were nice, and some were horrific. I’ve been terrorized by nightmares since I was able to get out of bed and go crying to mommy and daddy. I’m sure nightmares started at age 2 or 3. Carrie
> I have had flying dreams that did not involve piloting airplanes, but flying > like a bird. Some were nice, and some were horrific.
My flying dreams are always the same. They always involve being back in high school (which was a nightmare for me), or a place I used to work (I’m your typical bi-polar job-jumper). When I get uptight or tense with whatever situation in the dream, I become lighter than air and I begin to float. What is odd is that for many years I was unable to "navigate" my flight in these dreams. I would fly too fast. I would crash into streets and mountain sides, or float into space, which always scared the hell out of me. In recent years, I have learned to control my flight. I fly about 30 feet in the air — high enough to see those below but too high for them to be able to touch me. That’s what it is all about. Independence. But since my Klonopin was upped I don’t fly anymore. I don’t know if there is any direct correlation or if it is just coincidence.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m bipolar, and am well medicated. I haven’t had a bad episode in a couple > of years now. > Still, I have this overwhelming need to take long naps even when I am not > tired. I like the idea of being unconscious for as long as I can. Even > though I have interests and things I want to do, time is taken away from > these things by my desire to hide in my bed for about 12 to 14 hours a day. > The meds keep me in a constant state of semi-somnolence, but the need for > sleep isn’t really there. When I can’t fall asleep for a nap, which happens > often, I still just lay there for two or three hours with my eyes closed. > If I have trouble sleeping later that night, I’ll just up the dose on the > Klonopin and let it knock me out. > I know it’s mostly an issue of will power, of which I have very little these > days. Anyone else have this problem? How do you combat it?
Me too – i feel the same way, but I think it has little to do with my really very good drug therapy – i think I am just tired of hassles in my life, and sleeping is like a cheap vacation to Hawaii. Squiggles — Truth has become a commodity. - Squiggles
I’m bipolar, and am well medicated. I haven’t had a bad episode in a couple of years now. Still, I have this overwhelming need to take long naps even when I am not tired. I like the idea of being unconscious for as long as I can. Even though I have interests and things I want to do, time is taken away from these things by my desire to hide in my bed for about 12 to 14 hours a day. The meds keep me in a constant state of semi-somnolence, but the need for sleep isn’t really there. When I can’t fall asleep for a nap, which happens often, I still just lay there for two or three hours with my eyes closed. If I have trouble sleeping later that night, I’ll just up the dose on the Klonopin and let it knock me out. I know it’s mostly an issue of will power, of which I have very little these days. Anyone else have this problem? How do you combat it?
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. I’m > > either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting > asleep > > and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. > > Dreaming has been a real problem. > Big problem for me, too. In the past six months or so, I have trouble > falling asleep because when I’m in that half-state between sleep and > consciousness, I fear that I am going to stop breathing and I wake up and > watch TV for a while. I hate dreams. Back when I had dreams about flying > and wild stuff like that, it was fun. Not anymore. The meds knock all > the > fun stuff out, over time… > The worst stuff I ever went through was that half-state! I’d be awake and > able to hear stuff but was paralyzed. I’d have to literally force my self > to jerk my body to become awake and leave that half-state. I wonder if > dying in your sleep is like that? Sorry for the reference – but it feels > like death, doesn’t it? > I have had flying dreams that did not involve piloting airplanes, but flying > like a bird. Some were nice, and some were horrific. > I’ve been terrorized by nightmares since I was able to get out of bed and go > crying to mommy and daddy. I’m sure nightmares started at age 2 or 3. > Carrie
Carrie, to me it sounds like you have anxiety; about the dying, the drug may be giving you dyspnea or you may be hypothyroidic; i had the same symptoms – i know what it feels like. You should report this to your doc. Squiggles — Truth has become a commodity. - Squiggles
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. I’m > > > either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting > asleep > > > and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. > > > Dreaming has been a real problem. > > Big problem for me, too. In the past six months or so, I have trouble > > falling asleep because when I’m in that half-state between sleep and > > consciousness, I fear that I am going to stop breathing and I wake up and > > watch TV for a while. I hate dreams. Back when I had dreams about flying > > and wild stuff like that, it was fun. Not anymore. The meds knock all > the > > fun stuff out, over time… > The worst stuff I ever went through was that half-state! I’d be awake and > able to hear stuff but was paralyzed. I’d have to literally force my self > to jerk my body to become awake and leave that half-state. I wonder if > dying in your sleep is like that? Sorry for the reference – but it feels > like death, doesn’t it? > I have had flying dreams that did not involve piloting airplanes, but flying > like a bird. Some were nice, and some were horrific. > I’ve been terrorized by nightmares since I was able to get out of bed and go > crying to mommy and daddy. I’m sure nightmares started at age 2 or 3. > Carrie > Carrie, > to me it sounds like you have anxiety; about the dying, the > drug may be giving you dyspnea or you may be hypothyroidic; > i had the same symptoms – i know what it feels like. You should > report this to your doc. > Squiggles > — > Truth has become a commodity. > - Squiggles
You’ve had this, too? I thought I was just – well – weird. You know, part of my make up or something. Forgive me, but, what is dyspnea. Like Apnoea (sp?)? Carrie ;-?
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > > I love to sleep, too. Problem is my sleeping is terribly erratic. > I’m > > > > either exhausted and sleeping 12 hours, or having problems getting > > asleep > > > > and then getting only 2 or 3 hours. > > > > Dreaming has been a real problem. > > > Big problem for me, too. In the past six months or so, I have trouble > > > falling asleep because when I’m in that half-state between sleep and > > > consciousness, I fear that I am going to stop breathing and I wake up > and > > > watch TV for a while. I hate dreams. Back when I had dreams about > flying > > > and wild stuff like that, it was fun. Not anymore. The meds knock > all > > the > > > fun stuff out, over time… > > The worst stuff I ever went through was that half-state! I’d be awake > and > > able to hear stuff but was paralyzed. I’d have to literally force my > self > > to jerk my body to become awake and leave that half-state. I wonder if > > dying in your sleep is like that? Sorry for the reference – but it > feels > > like death, doesn’t it? > > I have had flying dreams that did not involve piloting airplanes, but > flying > > like a bird. Some were nice, and some were horrific. > > I’ve been terrorized by nightmares since I was able to get out of bed > and go > > crying to mommy and daddy. I’m sure nightmares started at age 2 or 3. > > Carrie > Carrie, > to me it sounds like you have anxiety; about the dying, the > drug may be giving you dyspnea or you may be hypothyroidic; > i had the same symptoms – i know what it feels like. You should > report this to your doc. > Squiggles > — > Truth has become a commodity. > - Squiggles > You’ve had this, too? I thought I was just – well – weird. You know, part > of my make up or something. Forgive me, but, what is dyspnea. Like Apnoea > (sp?)? > Carrie ;-?
apnoea is lack of breathing, like anorexia is lack of appetite; dyspnea is disturbed breathing, like dysfunction is disturbed function; weight can affect breathing too – if you are overweight; Squiggles — Truth has become a commodity. - Squiggles
Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! Jennifer
You’re welcome. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! > Jennifer
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Ted Smith" >Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. >He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she >did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and >it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and >if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? >I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out >to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my >pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an >issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. >You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. >We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now.
Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you a better range of treatment options. If Bruin’s kidneys are okay, he should do fine with Tapazole. It’s not expensive, and I think there might even be a generic available. I’ve had limited experience with it, but I do know that sometimes cats react badly to the initial dose, do fine on half that, and then months later go back to the initial dose. There’s some adjusting in the first 3-6 months, but once a regular dosage is established, he should do okay. Another alternative is radioactive iodine, but it’s really expensive–$800-$2000 for the treatment, plus preliminary and follow-up bloodwork. It completely cures the condition; I had it done on my 12-year-old girl last summer. Her T4 levels are now normal, and I never have to medicate her. I can’t think of a single reason to recommend surgery, though I am sure there might be a good one out there; it only makes the cat hypothyroid and you still have to give medication. Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thank you so much for the info! We did have a complete blood panel done on him before Christmas, (I do not think a T4 was included) and other than the regular age related things, such as a benign heart murmur, he is perfect! He was kind of droopy, my vet’s word and he was hydrated for slight dehydration. That was it for the problem pre-Christmas. This problem has just presented in the last three or four weeks. > Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel > on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very > common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to > know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a > course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney > failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you > and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel > done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals > potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you > a better range of treatment options. > Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thanks for the kind words and information. Jennifer
The test you want the vet to run is a T4 test. Just make sure the medicine is the same as cats cannot tolerate many human meds, unlike dogs. Good luck and keep us posted. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows > constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to > the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her > cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me > what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in > cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would > rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not > that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be > less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue > here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. > You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a > wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we > have any medical problems with right now. > Jennifer
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
It’s simple blood work to check a cat for thyroid levels, which you could ask your vet to run – like the ones you get for your own thyroid checks. Cats whose thyroid is off kilter are hyperthyroid; they don’t become hypothyroid as a primary condition, as humans do. The only way I know of cats being hypo, is secondary – as an after-effect of thyroid surgery. So if you are hyperthyroid (Vs. hyp*o*thyroid), then yes, Tapazole – or the generic – is the drug used for cats, also. It isn’t an expensive drug, though, even without insurance. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! Jennifer
You’re welcome. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! > Jennifer
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Ted Smith" >Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. >He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she >did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and >it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and >if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? >I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out >to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my >pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an >issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. >You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. >We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now.
Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you a better range of treatment options. If Bruin’s kidneys are okay, he should do fine with Tapazole. It’s not expensive, and I think there might even be a generic available. I’ve had limited experience with it, but I do know that sometimes cats react badly to the initial dose, do fine on half that, and then months later go back to the initial dose. There’s some adjusting in the first 3-6 months, but once a regular dosage is established, he should do okay. Another alternative is radioactive iodine, but it’s really expensive–$800-$2000 for the treatment, plus preliminary and follow-up bloodwork. It completely cures the condition; I had it done on my 12-year-old girl last summer. Her T4 levels are now normal, and I never have to medicate her. I can’t think of a single reason to recommend surgery, though I am sure there might be a good one out there; it only makes the cat hypothyroid and you still have to give medication. Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thank you so much for the info! We did have a complete blood panel done on him before Christmas, (I do not think a T4 was included) and other than the regular age related things, such as a benign heart murmur, he is perfect! He was kind of droopy, my vet’s word and he was hydrated for slight dehydration. That was it for the problem pre-Christmas. This problem has just presented in the last three or four weeks. > Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel > on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very > common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to > know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a > course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney > failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you > and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel > done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals > potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you > a better range of treatment options. > Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thanks for the kind words and information. Jennifer
The test you want the vet to run is a T4 test. Just make sure the medicine is the same as cats cannot tolerate many human meds, unlike dogs. Good luck and keep us posted. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows > constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to > the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her > cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me > what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in > cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would > rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not > that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be > less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue > here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. > You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a > wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we > have any medical problems with right now. > Jennifer
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
It’s simple blood work to check a cat for thyroid levels, which you could ask your vet to run – like the ones you get for your own thyroid checks. Cats whose thyroid is off kilter are hyperthyroid; they don’t become hypothyroid as a primary condition, as humans do. The only way I know of cats being hypo, is secondary – as an after-effect of thyroid surgery. So if you are hyperthyroid (Vs. hyp*o*thyroid), then yes, Tapazole – or the generic – is the drug used for cats, also. It isn’t an expensive drug, though, even without insurance. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! Jennifer
You’re welcome. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the help people. I love this place!!!!!! > Jennifer
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Ted Smith" >Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. >He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she >did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and >it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and >if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? >I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out >to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my >pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an >issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. >You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. >We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now.
Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you a better range of treatment options. If Bruin’s kidneys are okay, he should do fine with Tapazole. It’s not expensive, and I think there might even be a generic available. I’ve had limited experience with it, but I do know that sometimes cats react badly to the initial dose, do fine on half that, and then months later go back to the initial dose. There’s some adjusting in the first 3-6 months, but once a regular dosage is established, he should do okay. Another alternative is radioactive iodine, but it’s really expensive–$800-$2000 for the treatment, plus preliminary and follow-up bloodwork. It completely cures the condition; I had it done on my 12-year-old girl last summer. Her T4 levels are now normal, and I never have to medicate her. I can’t think of a single reason to recommend surgery, though I am sure there might be a good one out there; it only makes the cat hypothyroid and you still have to give medication. Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thank you so much for the info! We did have a complete blood panel done on him before Christmas, (I do not think a T4 was included) and other than the regular age related things, such as a benign heart murmur, he is perfect! He was kind of droopy, my vet’s word and he was hydrated for slight dehydration. That was it for the problem pre-Christmas. This problem has just presented in the last three or four weeks. > Since Bruin is 17 years old, I’d have your vet do a full blood panel > on him, with the T4 (thyroid) test added on. Hyperthyroidism is very > common as cats age, and Tapazole can stabilize him, but you need to > know how his kidney functions are holding up before deciding on a > course of treatment. Treating a cat for Hyper-T can unmask kidney > failure, so knowing ahead of time that there is a problem can help you > and your vet prepare for that. Having the "senior cat" blood panel > done once a year is generally a good idea anyway, because it reveals > potential problems long before symptoms start to show up and gives you > a better range of treatment options. > Good luck to you and Bruin–I hope all goes well!
Thanks for the kind words and information. Jennifer
The test you want the vet to run is a T4 test. Just make sure the medicine is the same as cats cannot tolerate many human meds, unlike dogs. Good luck and keep us posted. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone and thanks for your input. > Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows > constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to > the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her > cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me > what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in > cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would > rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not > that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be > less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue > here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. > You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a > wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we > have any medical problems with right now. > Jennifer
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
It’s simple blood work to check a cat for thyroid levels, which you could ask your vet to run – like the ones you get for your own thyroid checks. Cats whose thyroid is off kilter are hyperthyroid; they don’t become hypothyroid as a primary condition, as humans do. The only way I know of cats being hypo, is secondary – as an after-effect of thyroid surgery. So if you are hyperthyroid (Vs. hyp*o*thyroid), then yes, Tapazole – or the generic – is the drug used for cats, also. It isn’t an expensive drug, though, even without insurance. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
Hello everyone and thanks for your input. Our Bruin is 17 years old and he has this thing…he meows constantly. He also pulls out his fur in clumps. We have had him to the vet but she did not investigate thyriod. A lady told me that her cat did the same and it turned out to be this. Can anyone tell me what the treatment will be and if the hormones used for thyroid in cats is the same as used in humans? I am on thyroid pills and would rather share mine with him if it turns out to be his thyroid. Not that I will if the vet says no, but I would think my pills would be less expensive than the ones from the vet. Money is, alas, an issue here. Thanks so much for all the help and ideas we get from this NG. You all make loving our furbabies, (or furBRATS at times), such a wonderful thing. We have five lovers and Briun is the only one we have any medical problems with right now. Jennifer
Hi Larry, You are always so dependable in the quality of information you give to people, and in your considerate manner to everyone; I was hoping I could hit you with another question again if you are still around: I got my TSH thyroid result today from my doc; it has slipped even lower from the last one 5.69 —- this last one is 12.9 — both the FT4 ones were in the normal range; Anyway, clearly I am on the hypo side, but my doctor is not too concerned, especially since taking the 0.125 Synthroid instead of the normal 0.112 I take, gave me palpitations, heart congestion, and panic. Apparently, people can go down to as low as 30 and still be in fluctuation. My doc. asked me to take another test again maybe in a month; He also said a higher dose would get rid of the carpal tunnel likely. So, i have some questions for you: 1. Did my reinstatement of the clonazepam dose (1.0) interefere with the numbers (happened around the same time); 2. Does weight have some influence on the TSH number or FT4? 3. Are these fluctuations likely to recure or am I sliding down? 4. I have trouble taking a higher dose, and I don’t really have all the hypo symptoms (e.g. i am not cold, or pale, just water retention, and gained some weight, oh yeah, my heels are a bit dry, but not my skin or my hair); Thanks if you would look at these – Squiggles
> Hi Larry, > You are always so dependable in the quality of information > you give to people, and in your considerate manner to everyone; > I was hoping I could hit you with another question again if > you are still around:
Thanks. I appreciate you noticing. > I got my TSH thyroid result today from my doc; > it has slipped even lower from the last one > 5.69 —- this last one is 12.9 —
Decrease in TSH suggests you’re over-medicated now, or were under-medicated last time. You can’t tell which from the numbers, since the accepted range of what "normal" is, is huge. You look at symptoms to determine what’s going in, in conjunction with the numbers. > both the FT4 ones were in the normal range;
That’s the functional level of thyroid hormone, the really important test parameter. Do you know if there was a change here? > Anyway, clearly I am on the hypo side, but my doctor is not > too concerned, especially since taking the 0.125 Synthroid > instead of the normal 0.112 I take, gave me palpitations, heart > congestion, and panic. Apparently, people can go down to as low > as 30 and still be in fluctuation. My doc. asked me to take another test > again maybe in a month; He also said a higher dose would get > rid of the carpal tunnel likely. > So, i have some questions for you: > 1. Did my reinstatement of the clonazepam dose (1.0) interefere > with the numbers (happened around the same time);
Unlikely, although psychological variables do affect thyroid hormone levels, over brief intervals of time. > 2. Does weight have some influence on the TSH number or FT4?
Generally, no. > 3. Are these fluctuations likely to recure or am I sliding down?
A retest is the only way to know that. > 4. I have trouble taking a higher dose, and I don’t really have > all the hypo symptoms (e.g. i am not cold, or pale, just water > retention, and gained some weight, oh yeah, my heels are a bit > dry, but not my skin or my hair);
Well, like I commented earlier, the numbers don’t mean so much, taken in isolation. The real important stuff is how you feel on Synthroid. If you don’t have hypo symptoms, you’re not hypo. Simple as that. Your TSH suggests you’re hyper, right now. But that is only in a relative sense; your numbers apply only to you. This is a real-life example of a topic where averages and statistics do not apply to individuals. It’s not what’s normal for the population that counts, but what’s normal for you. What you might want to consider is switching over to something along the lines of the Armour dessicated pig thyroid. You get a standardized dose of T3, but you also get other thyroid factors as well. Some people just do better on dessicated thyroid. > Thanks if you would look at these – > Squiggles
You’re welcome. Lar
> > I got my TSH thyroid result today from my doc; > it has slipped even lower from the last one > 5.69 —- this last one is 12.9 — > Decrease in TSH suggests you’re over-medicated now, or were under-medicated > last time. You can’t tell which from the numbers, since the accepted range > of what "normal" is, is huge. You look at symptoms to determine what’s going > in, in conjunction with the numbers.
Hi Larry, Yeah, this looks like as complex as the weather doesn’t it? I won’t bother you with symptoms as I have some and do not have some and at different times at that – however, there does seem to be a curve towards hypo over the past two years; > both the FT4 ones were in the normal range; > That’s the functional level of thyroid hormone, the really important test > parameter. Do you know if there was a change here?
I’m not sure because my doctor said the "others" were normal as the last time – did he mean the TSH? The TSH last time was 5.960, and now *I think* it is 12.90, but i am not sure if he meant that for FT4. Last time the FT4 was 10.07 – anyway i called again to ask if he could repeat the numbers – sorry. I just could not believe I was TSH 12.90 and he thought not a big deal, the others were normal, "sometimes they go down to 30" huh? > 1. Did my reinstatement of the clonazepam dose (1.0) interefere > with the numbers (happened around the same time); > Unlikely, although psychological variables do affect thyroid hormone levels, > over brief intervals of time.
Oh yeah my angst for the dog. > 2. Does weight have some influence on the TSH number or FT4? > Generally, no.
If i eat less will that put less strain on my TSH production? > 3. Are these fluctuations likely to recure or am I sliding down? > A retest is the only way to know that.
True, that is what my doc. thinks too – i guess i will wait a month? > 4. I have trouble taking a higher dose, and I don’t really have > all the hypo symptoms (e.g. i am not cold, or pale, just water > retention, and gained some weight, oh yeah, my heels are a bit > dry, but not my skin or my hair);
"dessicated pig hormone" sounds awful; how about if I take less lithium? This is a real balancing act; I thought that perhaps the decrease of estrogen might have an effect? It is now 2 years since menopause about – i feel just fine, but maybe that changes the pituitary production for now? Squiggles
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I got my TSH thyroid result today from my doc; > > it has slipped even lower from the last one > > 5.69 —- this last one is 12.9 — > Decrease in TSH suggests you’re over-medicated now, or were under-medicated > last time. You can’t tell which from the numbers, since the accepted range > of what "normal" is, is huge. You look at symptoms to determine what’s going > in, in conjunction with the numbers. > Hi Larry, > Yeah, this looks like as complex as the weather doesn’t it? > I won’t bother you with symptoms as I have some and do not have some > and at different times at that – however, there does seem to be > a curve towards hypo over the past two years; > > both the FT4 ones were in the normal range; > That’s the functional level of thyroid hormone, the really important test > parameter. Do you know if there was a change here? > I’m not sure because my doctor said the "others" were normal > as the last time – did he mean the TSH? The TSH last time was > 5.960, and now *I think* it is 12.90, but i am not sure if he > meant that for FT4. Last time the FT4 was 10.07 – anyway i called > again to ask if he could repeat the numbers – sorry. I just could > not believe I was TSH 12.90 and he thought not a big deal, the others > were normal, "sometimes they go down to 30" huh?
I thought you said TSH went down? The way you presented the information was confusing to me, but if it’s gone up, reverse the argument….higher TSH suggests hypo trend. > > 1. Did my reinstatement of the clonazepam dose (1.0) interefere > > with the numbers (happened around the same time); > Unlikely, although psychological variables do affect thyroid hormone levels, > over brief intervals of time. > Oh yeah my angst for the dog.
I was suggesting that clonazepam has an affect on psych variables, thus an indirect effect on thyroid status. > > 2. Does weight have some influence on the TSH number or FT4? > Generally, no. > If i eat less will that put less strain on my TSH production?
I don’t think it makes any difference. > > 3. Are these fluctuations likely to recure or am I sliding down? > A retest is the only way to know that. > True, that is what my doc. thinks too – i guess i will wait a month?
For a trend to be noted, it takes time. > > 4. I have trouble taking a higher dose, and I don’t really have > > all the hypo symptoms (e.g. i am not cold, or pale, just water > > retention, and gained some weight, oh yeah, my heels are a bit > > dry, but not my skin or my hair); > "dessicated pig hormone" sounds awful; how about if I take > less lithium? This is a real balancing act; I thought that perhaps > the decrease of estrogen might have an effect? It is now 2 years > since menopause about – i feel just fine, but maybe that changes > the pituitary production for now? > Squiggles
As you go into full menopause, you should need less T3 supplementation….. The best way to get the right thyroid dose is to keep all other factors constant, including lithium. Yes, lithium has impacts on thyroid function, but changing two variables at the same time just muddies the waters. Dessicated pig thyroid is awful because? Do you eat meat? Lar
> > > > I got my TSH thyroid result today from my doc; > > > it has slipped even lower from the last one > > > 5.69 —- this last one is 12.9 — > I thought you said TSH went down? The way you presented the information was > confusing to me, but if it’s gone up, reverse the argument….higher TSH > suggests hypo trend.
I’m sorry I am not clear – I heard that the TSH is 12.90 but I can hardly believed it as it was 5.90 only a month ago. I left a message on the answering machine and hope to get a repeat on that – he said the "others" were normal – i guess that means the FT4. Two things I want in life, besides a dog 1. A li-detector machine (portable lithium gage) 2. A thyroid level detecting machine, and 3. A dog! Squiggles
> > Squiggles > Not faulting Larry’s replies..none.. > However you would benefit more, information wise, . if you posted these > questions..to Alt.support.thyroid where such is widely discussed.
I did, but I have yet to get a reply – Larry knows something about my thyroid condition from past posts, so that is why I wrote him (and the lithium). Squiggles
> Sorry to hear that > Nothing better than being able to discuss such with people actually have the > problem, IMO..
Yeah, I agree. Squiggles