my cat has the vet stumped!

Barrett · 09-23-2005, 01:19 AM

This is about my cat. I didn't want to put it in the " Other Pets" forum because I was worried it wouldn't get enough views but it can be moved if you want.

My 16 year old cat " Gyroscope" has been steadily losing weight for the last few weeks. He has been eating fine ( in fact he is a pig ) and acts perfectly normal. I took him to the vet a few days ago for some blood tests to see what was up. The tests came back normal on everything! I was thinking something would be up with his thyroid but nope! The vet doesn't know what the problem is and didn't offer me any other advise on what to do. This wasn't my normal vet ( she is on vacation) so I will definetly seek a second opinion as soon as she returns but what can I do in the mean time? What other test should I ask for? I am taking him back to get his teeth cleaned so they can look to see if he has any bad teeth that might be causing the problem. I notice he isn't eating his dry food as much but digs right in when I give him wet food at night. Until my normal vet returns does anyone know what I can do to fatten my little old man up? He is seriously a little bag of bones under all that fur and I am worried sick.

Thanks,

Barrett

linnie · 09-23-2005, 02:17 AM

How about some probiotic powder mixed in his food.
Also a friend of mine that used to breed siamese cats always gave them chicken wings (raw) she said it helped them when they were ailing.
If his teeth are sore though I dont suppose he would want to munch on anything to hard.
Please keep us informed

Barrett · 09-23-2005, 02:35 AM

I haven't heard of probiotic pwoder before but i will definetly look it up! I will try the raw chicken wings for him too. I looked at his teeth as much as he would let me and I couldn't see any thing that looked infected. He hasn't had his teeth cleaned in over two years * slaps herself on the hand* so it is possible he might have a cavity or something. I hope it is as simple as that. If he does eat the raw chicken I might try feeding the cats a little raw from now on. I read that it is great for cleaning their teeth and of course the nutritional benefits are great. I was just laying on the bed with him for some loving and I noticed a big patch of fur missing under his chest. He is very long haired and I didn't see it before. The patch is completely bald right down to the skin. I can't wait for my vet to get home!

***Carrie*** · 09-23-2005, 06:34 AM

How was the kidney function? This worries me on account of his age. I do hope he'll be OK Barrett, but he is getting up there. Let us know what the next opinion is when you find out. Good luck. Poor baby.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 09-23-2005, 06:51 AM

Did the vet run a full panel or just specific bloodwork? It does sound like it may be an issue with the teeth or mouth though, was the vet able to look at the mouth at all? Diabetes and Hepatic Lipidosis ( fatty liver disease ) was ruled out? Both usually have rapid weight loss as does renal and although Type 2 Diabetes is more prevalent in the obese cat it tends to hit the males more than the females as they age.

Probiotics and raw are always a good start but at 16 he may not digest real well either so be careful what you feed. I'd also suggest some of the more digestable meats like those available specifically for toddlers. Hope all is well and you can get some weight back on him.

Barrett · 09-23-2005, 11:41 AM

I'm lookinga at a copy of the results ( it's two pages long) and it says that the tests requested is a Superchem, Complete Blood Count, Differential, and a T4 ( add on). The only thing listed that says LOW on it is Na/K Ratio. His results are 31 and the Reference Range says 32-41. I have no clue what that means but the vet said it was nothing to worry about. All of his blood counts are pretty much smack in the middle of the Reference range so there is no infection in his body. I'll try the baby food meats and see if he oinks that up. Right now I'm putting the wet packets of Meow Mix in the blender with a high calorie supplement and blending it to almost a liquid. He has been eating two - 3 packets of that a day so that is a LOT of food. He completely turned his nose up at his Canidae senior food today so I think I'm making him a spoiled picky eater with all of this. That is just fine with me though...the old man can eat what every he wants. He's the king of the house now.

Edit: He won't eat the raw chicken. In fact he looked at me like I was trying to poison him and ran and hid under the bed! LOL!!!

Barrett · 09-28-2005, 10:52 AM

My cat Gyro goes in for his teeth cleaning and extractions on Friday morning. They are going to do another blood work up before they put him under to make sure he can handle the anesthesia. He is gaining weight since I put him on full wet food. I also got some Clavamox for him and that seems to be helping him eat better. I think the whole problem is his teeth so I pray he is all better once we get the extractions done. I feel so guilty for not noticing his teeth earlier. The vet says they aren't really that bad but it might be enough to make him uncomfortable enough to not eat enough. It's the only thing we can think of as to why he has lost so much weight since his first blood work came back normal. I would appreciate some thoughts and prayers for him that this is going to work. This is my husbands baby and he is worried sick that he isn't home to help take care of him. I tell him every day that Gyro is doing better ( and he is ) but my husband is still so upset and I can't stand to hear his voice crack on the phone!

FarCritter10 · 09-28-2005, 01:48 PM

Oh Barrett, you all have positive thoughts coming from me & my 11 children! We will be thinking of him and hoping that this does the trick. Tell hubby not to worry, all will be fine.

Giny · 09-28-2005, 01:54 PM

Aw, my thoughts will be with Gyro. A while back I had a 19 year old cat who went under for teeth cleaning and some extractions. He came out of it fine. I know it's still no comfort.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 09-28-2005, 03:57 PM

Wishing Gyro the best.

FarCritter10 · 09-30-2005, 06:53 AM

Hi Barrett, you are probably at the vet now with Gyro. I may get busy so I thought I better check in just in case you ARE home by now. Just wondering how Gyro made out. He has been in my thoughts. Fingers & toes still crossed till I hear from you.

As always...major hugs to everyone!

FarCritter10 · 10-04-2005, 07:55 AM

Hey Barrett, I don't know if you posted anywhere else but I have been watching this thread to see how Gyro is doing. Is everything OK?

Barrett · 10-04-2005, 01:11 PM

Ahhh! I'm sorry!!! Gyro did wonderful and he has gained 3 pounds already. He had to have one tooth extracted and he is on more Clavamox for infection. I have him on soft food ( fancy feast ..LOL ) and he is gobbling it down like there is no tomorrow. He has been eating about 3 cans of it a day. I can already feel a difference in the way his spine, ribs and backbone stick out. He is still beyond skinny but I think his teeth was the problem and perhaps when we went on vacation he stopped eating because he missed us. He actually likes the taste of the antibiotics and comes running when he hears me open the fridge and shake the bottle.

Gyro has always been a bit neurotic and scared and usually only comes out at night when the house is quiet. In the last two days I can find him perched on the back of the couch and on his cat tree. Last night my little old man came to bed with me and slept in my arms, purring in my ear. He has never done this before and it actually made me cry.

I had two wiener dogs, and two cats in bed ( no husband

) with me last night and I slept like a baby with not a worry in the world. LOL!!!!!
Thank you everyone for you thoughts and prayers for him. He is my little old man and he is doing great now.

Barrett

***Carrie*** · 10-04-2005, 01:38 PM

Oh, that IS good news Barrett. I'm so glad he's feeling better and eating so well. And that it was nothing serious. I wish you more good years with him. I bet your hubby will be sooooo relieved. ((((squeezy hugs to all))))

FarCritter10 · 10-04-2005, 02:30 PM

So glad to hear he is doing good. He prob snuggled to you knowing you made him all better now. That is great Barrett. Sleep tight sweetie!

09-23-2005, 01:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	my cat has the vet stumped! This is about my cat. I didn't want to put it in the " Other Pets" forum because I was worried it wouldn't get enough views but it can be moved if you want. My 16 year old cat " Gyroscope" has been steadily losing weight for the last few weeks. He has been eating fine ( in fact he is a pig ) and acts perfectly normal. I took him to the vet a few days ago for some blood tests to see what was up. The tests came back normal on everything! I was thinking something would be up with his thyroid but nope! The vet doesn't know what the problem is and didn't offer me any other advise on what to do. This wasn't my normal vet ( she is on vacation) so I will definetly seek a second opinion as soon as she returns but what can I do in the mean time? What other test should I ask for? I am taking him back to get his teeth cleaned so they can look to see if he has any bad teeth that might be causing the problem. I notice he isn't eating his dry food as much but digs right in when I give him wet food at night. Until my normal vet returns does anyone know what I can do to fatten my little old man up? He is seriously a little bag of bones under all that fur and I am worried sick. Thanks, Barrett

09-23-2005, 02:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 172	How about some probiotic powder mixed in his food. Also a friend of mine that used to breed siamese cats always gave them chicken wings (raw) she said it helped them when they were ailing. If his teeth are sore though I dont suppose he would want to munch on anything to hard. Please keep us informed
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

09-23-2005, 02:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I haven't heard of probiotic pwoder before but i will definetly look it up! I will try the raw chicken wings for him too. I looked at his teeth as much as he would let me and I couldn't see any thing that looked infected. He hasn't had his teeth cleaned in over two years * slaps herself on the hand* so it is possible he might have a cavity or something. I hope it is as simple as that. If he does eat the raw chicken I might try feeding the cats a little raw from now on. I read that it is great for cleaning their teeth and of course the nutritional benefits are great. I was just laying on the bed with him for some loving and I noticed a big patch of fur missing under his chest. He is very long haired and I didn't see it before. The patch is completely bald right down to the skin. I can't wait for my vet to get home!
	Last edited by Barrett : 09-23-2005 at 02:52 AM.

09-23-2005, 06:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,420 Rep Power: 286	How was the kidney function? This worries me on account of his age. I do hope he'll be OK Barrett, but he is getting up there. Let us know what the next opinion is when you find out. Good luck. Poor baby.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

09-23-2005, 06:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 285	Did the vet run a full panel or just specific bloodwork? It does sound like it may be an issue with the teeth or mouth though, was the vet able to look at the mouth at all? Diabetes and Hepatic Lipidosis ( fatty liver disease ) was ruled out? Both usually have rapid weight loss as does renal and although Type 2 Diabetes is more prevalent in the obese cat it tends to hit the males more than the females as they age. Probiotics and raw are always a good start but at 16 he may not digest real well either so be careful what you feed. I'd also suggest some of the more digestable meats like those available specifically for toddlers. Hope all is well and you can get some weight back on him.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

09-23-2005, 11:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I'm lookinga at a copy of the results ( it's two pages long) and it says that the tests requested is a Superchem, Complete Blood Count, Differential, and a T4 ( add on). The only thing listed that says LOW on it is Na/K Ratio. His results are 31 and the Reference Range says 32-41. I have no clue what that means but the vet said it was nothing to worry about. All of his blood counts are pretty much smack in the middle of the Reference range so there is no infection in his body. I'll try the baby food meats and see if he oinks that up. Right now I'm putting the wet packets of Meow Mix in the blender with a high calorie supplement and blending it to almost a liquid. He has been eating two - 3 packets of that a day so that is a LOT of food. He completely turned his nose up at his Canidae senior food today so I think I'm making him a spoiled picky eater with all of this. That is just fine with me though...the old man can eat what every he wants. He's the king of the house now. Edit: He won't eat the raw chicken. In fact he looked at me like I was trying to poison him and ran and hid under the bed! LOL!!!

09-28-2005, 10:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	My cat Gyro goes in for his teeth cleaning and extractions on Friday morning. They are going to do another blood work up before they put him under to make sure he can handle the anesthesia. He is gaining weight since I put him on full wet food. I also got some Clavamox for him and that seems to be helping him eat better. I think the whole problem is his teeth so I pray he is all better once we get the extractions done. I feel so guilty for not noticing his teeth earlier. The vet says they aren't really that bad but it might be enough to make him uncomfortable enough to not eat enough. It's the only thing we can think of as to why he has lost so much weight since his first blood work came back normal. I would appreciate some thoughts and prayers for him that this is going to work. This is my husbands baby and he is worried sick that he isn't home to help take care of him. I tell him every day that Gyro is doing better ( and he is ) but my husband is still so upset and I can't stand to hear his voice crack on the phone!

09-28-2005, 01:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
FarCritter10 Mutley Crew Mom Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooksville, FL Posts: 187 Rep Power: 79	Oh Barrett, you all have positive thoughts coming from me & my 11 children! We will be thinking of him and hoping that this does the trick. Tell hubby not to worry, all will be fine.
	__________________

09-28-2005, 01:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
Giny poodlez Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,010 Rep Power: 108	Aw, my thoughts will be with Gyro. A while back I had a 19 year old cat who went under for teeth cleaning and some extractions. He came out of it fine. I know it's still no comfort.

09-28-2005, 03:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 285	Wishing Gyro the best.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

09-30-2005, 06:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
FarCritter10 Mutley Crew Mom Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooksville, FL Posts: 187 Rep Power: 79	Hi Barrett, you are probably at the vet now with Gyro. I may get busy so I thought I better check in just in case you ARE home by now. Just wondering how Gyro made out. He has been in my thoughts. Fingers & toes still crossed till I hear from you. As always...major hugs to everyone!
	__________________

10-04-2005, 07:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
FarCritter10 Mutley Crew Mom Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooksville, FL Posts: 187 Rep Power: 79	Hey Barrett, I don't know if you posted anywhere else but I have been watching this thread to see how Gyro is doing. Is everything OK?
	__________________

10-04-2005, 01:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	Ahhh! I'm sorry!!! Gyro did wonderful and he has gained 3 pounds already. He had to have one tooth extracted and he is on more Clavamox for infection. I have him on soft food ( fancy feast ..LOL ) and he is gobbling it down like there is no tomorrow. He has been eating about 3 cans of it a day. I can already feel a difference in the way his spine, ribs and backbone stick out. He is still beyond skinny but I think his teeth was the problem and perhaps when we went on vacation he stopped eating because he missed us. He actually likes the taste of the antibiotics and comes running when he hears me open the fridge and shake the bottle. Gyro has always been a bit neurotic and scared and usually only comes out at night when the house is quiet. In the last two days I can find him perched on the back of the couch and on his cat tree. Last night my little old man came to bed with me and slept in my arms, purring in my ear. He has never done this before and it actually made me cry. I had two wiener dogs, and two cats in bed ( no husband ) with me last night and I slept like a baby with not a worry in the world. LOL!!!!! Thank you everyone for you thoughts and prayers for him. He is my little old man and he is doing great now. Barrett

10-04-2005, 01:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,420 Rep Power: 286	Oh, that IS good news Barrett. I'm so glad he's feeling better and eating so well. And that it was nothing serious. I wish you more good years with him. I bet your hubby will be sooooo relieved. ((((squeezy hugs to all))))
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

10-04-2005, 02:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
FarCritter10 Mutley Crew Mom Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooksville, FL Posts: 187 Rep Power: 79	So glad to hear he is doing good. He prob snuggled to you knowing you made him all better now. That is great Barrett. Sleep tight sweetie!
	__________________

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