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Heather | 4 years ago
My Cat Is 12 Years Old. We Noticed She Had Lost Some Weight Over A Short Period …

My cat is 12 years old. We noticed she had lost some weight over a short period of time and booked a visit to see our vet on Monday. Then she stopped eating over the weekend and became lethargic so we took her to the ER vet. They diagnosed her with CKD and it is very advanced. Her values were so high they needed to dilute their sample to get a reading. We were told it would not be inappropriate to euthanize her right then and there or we could hospitalize her but she might not handle the treatment well because of her heart murmur. It was such a shock I had no idea she was so unwell, but I couldn’t put her down without trying anything. She was admitted for 2 days and hydrated and while she did perk up and start eating, her numbers did not go down significantly. She came home and was perky for roughly 45 minutes, then laid down to sleep on our sofa and has been using that spot as home base for the last 2 days. She’ll get up to drink and use the litterbox and greet us but then promptly returns to her spot. She is grooming herself. These are some good signs. What worries me is she has already gone off eating. She didn’t have much the first day but today she licked some gravy off some wet food and has had a few treats. She is less perky already. The vet sent us home with mirtazpine ointment and subQ fluids… but nothing for nausea. My question is: should I force feed her? Should I have a tube put in? Should I let her go? I don’t want her to suffer if it’s her time but I also want to give her a chance if she can still lead a good life. She’s an agreable cat and tolérâtes the sub Q fluids well, though I don’t think she would like to be force fed. I won’t give up on her but I don’t want her to suffer either by putting in a tube or force feeding if it will only keep her with me another week.

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    I wouldn’t force feed without vet guidance. I would, however, call your regular vet and have a serious conversation about what you can do for her, and what sort of prognosis your vet can give you.

    I will say she needs to start eating, so I would get her in to your vet today if at all possible.

    I’m so sorry this is happening. It’s scary when it’s so sudden. My heart goes out to you as my stinky kidney cat burps in my face. Let us know what happens?

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Kate | 4 years ago
I Live In A Studio Apartment With Two Female Cats (ages 1.5 & 5) And When I’m …

I live in a studio apartment with two female cats (ages 1.5 & 5) and when I’m not in the apartment, they get along fine. During the day if I’m home, they only compete when they are hungry. But all of a sudden between 12am and 1am if I’m home, they start to chase each other to the point of some scary yowels. I can only assume it’s jealousy-triggered. My question is, how do I mitigate the fighting if i can only separate them between a cold bathroom and the huge main room (that has me in it)? Would separating them like that only make things worse? Any herbal remedies to calm newly competitive kitties?

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- there may be an underlying issue that is unknown or unrealized to you that is causing this change in behavior. So that might be worth investigating. As far as keeping them separated in your studio- have you tried to make places where they can “escape” to? For instance, we used to have a cat that was very sociable, but when she needed her alone time she would go up on the window sill of our basement window (high up) where no one else could bother her. When the cat we currently have needs a break from the dogs, she goes on the shelf in our closet where she can be alone. Maybe a cat tree or a high shelf might be helpful? ????????

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Sara | 4 years ago
My Cat Has Been Limping On His Hind Left Leg He Hissing Aggressively Meows When He …

My cat has been limping on his hind left leg he hissing aggressively meows when he moves I’m pretty sure he either has a fracture or sprain or dislocation. he is eating an drink and using the bathroom but I can’t afford to take him to the vet for treatment what can I do for him and for his pain?

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  1. Sarah

    I’m sorry your cat is in so much pain. Really, you need to get him to a vet… especially since he is in so my pain.

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Alexandra | 4 years ago
I Found A Spot Under My Male Cats Left Neck Area While Petting Him. He Does …

I found a spot under my male cats left neck area while petting him. He does not seem to be bothered by it but I do see him licking that area. Is this a hot spot? If so, is this something that can be treated over the counter or does this warrant a trip to the vet? I bring him to Jarretsville Vet with Dr. Graf (love you guys!) but if it’s not necessary to bring him on a car ride I would avoid it. Just looking for advice. Thank you so much!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t usually see hotspots in cats. And there is a significant amount of hair loss so I am a little worried. I can talk to de graf tomorrow and we can come up with a plan that works for you.
    Please call the clinic in the morning to remind me.
    Thank you for using pawbly and I will talk to you tomorrow.
    Krista

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Teresa | 4 years ago
Cat Unable To Eat Due To Esophagus Constricted

Attached below I have x-rays of my 12 year old cat. He has been having problems eating and breathing for a while. I thought that it was nasal polyps, but Dr. Krista told me that that was most likely not the case. The x-rays taken at his regular vet below show that he has something pinching in the middle of his esophagus. He can only eat a couple licks of watered down food, then walks away with a pained look in his face. I’m asking if anyone has ever had this situation with any other pets before. I will be scheduling an ultrasound at Jarrettsville vet ASAP in order to find out if there is anything that can be done to alleviate his struggling to breathe and eat. We are using transdermal prednisone to help with any inflammation. Also, his recent bloodwork has been great except for his glucose being a little high.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am not sure if you are already a client of jvc. Please call the clinic and ask for an appointment. We can discuss future diagnostics from there. I wish you the best of luck

    1. Teresa Post author

      Thank you Dr. Magnifico. I’ll call first thing in the morning.

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Jessica | 4 years ago
I Adopted A Barn Cat About 6 Months Ago. She Has Been Doing Well Up Until 2 Days …

I adopted a barn cat about 6 months ago. She has been doing well up until 2 days ago… I noticed she wasn’t eating her favorite food, she’s lost weight and now she is vomiting. Her first vomit was foamy and her second was straight runny wet food.

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  1. Sarah

    Has she been to the vet yet to be tested for parasites and other diseases and given her vaccinations? Either way, I would call first thing in the morning and get her in to see the vet. Keep an eye on her this evening- if she stops drinking water you might need to go to the ER. There are so many different things that could be causing, your vet will probably do some blood work. Hope everything is ok!!????????

    1. Jessica Post author

      She is up to date on all vaccinations and is also spayed. I haven’t taken her to the vet yet because money is an issue at the moment due to Covid and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t overreacting. She is a barn cat so it’s hard for me to watch her drink etc…. I know what she eats because she does eat on my deck.

      1. Sarah

        I would double check her vaccination record then to be safe- and make sure she is not due for any boosters. (Concerned because of the symptoms) I hope it is nothing serious, but being that she is vomiting and you have noticed weight loss, I would definitely err on the side of caution.

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Paola | 4 years ago
Hello, I Have A Question Concerning My Vizsla Dog Who Got Spay On The 30.12 At 12.15pm. …

Hello, I have a question concerning my Vizsla dog who got spay on the 30.12 at 12.15pm. She has been spooting blood here and there from her vulva and I am really worry if everything is ok. We have holidays in my country so her veterinar in not available. She is acting compleately normally eating and drinking and going potty normally. But the spotting from her vulva is a concert for me thats why I write.

Thanks in advance

Paola

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please call your vet and ask them. I am always very worried after I spay a dog if there is any abnormal bleeding.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    No one other than your vet, or a vet who can do an in person exams can tell you whether or not this is an emergency and it would be irresponsible for anyone other then them to provide guidance just in case there is anything wrong. Hopefully it is just a little post op bleeding, but as a vet who does a lot of surgery I always worry and I am always hyper vigilant in monitoring post op. Please call a vet and have her seen

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Jesse | 4 years ago
We Have 3 Female Cats. Our 2 Cats, Margo And Edith, Are Now 3 Years Old And Grew Up …

We have 3 female cats. Our 2 cats, Margo and Edith, are now 3 years old and grew up together. Gwen is the 3rd, a kitten we rescued a few months ago. Gwen is not yet spayed but she is peeing on things throughout the house and causing Margo to mark her territory. I am here to get help with our situation and resolve the peeing and behavioral issues.

We found out the Gwen has elevated liver enzymes so she is being treated for that. Margo is on prescribed calming treats to help. Both older cats chase Gwen with intent as if they are annoyed or angry with her.

We have multiple litter boxes and plenty of places for them to avoid each other if they please.

Gwen is giving us a lot of trouble with peeing on clothes and random objects in the house and it is getting progressively worse…she is not yet spayed but we are at a loss as opposed to what to do or what is going on.

Can anyone provide some answers and suggestions as to why this is happening?

Thank you in advance!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Anytime I get a case like this I recommend a urinalysis be done. It is imperative to rule out a urinary issue. I also do a full blood work too. After that I talk about Feliway trying lots of treats and catnip and trying to understand what she is trying to tell you. They do everything for a reason so I don’t just medicate and turn a blind eye. I do talk about anti anxiety medications and there are lots of options s for this but it doesn’t change the fact that the case should be investigated thoroughly. This is a huge topic and in the texts book it can take up a hundred pages. There is not a one size fits all remedy.

    1. Jesse Post author

      Thank you for responding. We have tried Feliway wall plug ins and she gets a lot of attention but that doesn’t help. She’s had blood work done which revealed elevated liver enzymes but she it’s taking medication for that.
      Is her not being spayed yet a possible reason?

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Jessica | 4 years ago
My 4 Year Old Lab Has Chronic Ear Infections. We Have A Great System In Place (regular …

My 4 year old lab has chronic ear infections. We have a great system in place (regular ear cleanings, steroid drops during an infection, and anti inflammatory when it’s really bothersome to him) to try to stay ahead of them, and treat them from home when he has a flare up. Recently during a flare up (about 2 weeks ago) he developed a lump on the inside of his ear that I thought was a scab from scratching, but now I’m worried it could be some kind of skin cancer. Or is it just scar tissue and since it’s on the ear is a little more raised? Should I take him in to be seen for this or monitor it a little longer to see if it heals and goes away? It doesn’t seem to cause him any pain, he’s more concerned about his itchy ears.

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    Hi there. Unfortunately it’s impossible to diagnose a lump or bump on the internet – the vet needs to actually touch it, feel it, etc. I wouldn’t freak out TOO much unless it starts to grow. In your situation I’d probably draw a circle around it (yes, on the ear itself) to monitor it, and I’d let the vet know what’s going on.

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Tracey | 4 years ago
Hi There My 5 Year Old Cat Max Has Been Diagnosed With A Broken Back. His Back …

Hi there
My 5 year old cat Max has been diagnosed with a broken back. His back is broken in the middle of the spine.
The vet said she can’t believe he is walking and she does not know how to treat him so she has sent his x-rays to a specialist for opinion.
Max is home with me an he is still walking and just a little wobbly.
He’s always had a bit of a wobble when he walks so I don’t think this issue is new.
Just hoping someone can help me with what I can be doing for him now?
Also if surgery is an option, is it necessary? Is it the only option?
Really no idea what to do.
Thanks in advance.
X

4 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Wow! What a shock this must have been. I am no vet, but I vaguely remember reading something about allowing animals to heal with rest and limited movement. But I don’t think that was with the spine- I believe it was a kitten with a broken leg actually. Have you discussed what you should be doing with your vet? I know that you said they have advised you to a specialist, but was there any instruction that you were sent home with? I think if it were me, having seen my cat walking around etc… finding out that it had a broken back would completely floor me. Hopefully one of the DVMs will see this post and have more insight. I hope everything works out well for your cat. Please keep us posted????????

    1. Tracey Post author

      Thanks Sarah.
      Yes it was totally a shock.
      All they said is you can take him home keep him inside to limit his movement and they will call me when the specialist has responded. She also said that they are so surprised that he is walking.
      He’s only ever been to the vet for vaccs and he had a tummy upset when he was younger and that’s it.
      I’ve only moved to this area recently so I’m trusting this vet knows what they are doing.
      I have also contacted the vet that he went to originally when he was younger and they said they will provide a second opinion once I get the specialist report back and copies of x-rays.
      He is just acting so so normal. Eating, drinking, cuddling, he is walking and definitely not at all as wobbly as what he was two days ago.
      Anyways, thank you so much for responding and I will keep on posting with updates. x

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have seen multiple cats with broken backs. It is important to do a through assessment of then and understand their ability to urinate and defecate and restrict activity so they cannot further injure themselves. I recommend cage rest unless supervised. They also need to be spayed if they aren’t already.
    My biggest concerns are bladder and colon issues. Whether that be incontinence or retention. Also they can get pressure sores if not walking directly on their foot pads. Surgery is an option if the surgeon seems it to be helpful but most clients cannot afford it, or the surgery is too risky to do based on the amount of spine damage.

    1. Tracey Post author

      Thank you.
      Specialist and vet that has seen him say surgery is an option which will be major and very risky. They say it is an old injury and he may have had it for years and is one tough cat and has just coped and compensated and has had a flare up.
      I’ve decided not to go down the surgery line.
      I’ve been keeping him in doors and restricted his movement and he is walking a lot better.
      He’s eating, toileting, groovy, and drinking.
      I taught him how to walk on a lead when he was a kitten so I take him out in the garden a couple of times a day.
      X