Questions for those who have experience introducing cats? (old question) July Walnut health update!!!

[mom2rtk]

Well. We did the precautionary ultrasound on Walnut and it wasn't good. Turns out he has the start of whatever took his brother/litter-mate Cashew. Still early days and we are trying different treatments, but I'm broken.

I can't believe this is happening again. Cashew just died.

I'm so sorry. That's rough. We lost 2 cats before their time (for different reasons) within a couple months of each other 5 years ago. It was so hard to come to terms with.

 

[Farro]

I'm so sorry. That's rough. We lost 2 cats before their time (for different reasons) within a couple months of each other 5 years ago. It was so hard to come to terms with.

Thank you!!!

Feel free to read my latest post as Walnut's saga takes some turns.

 

[mom2rtk]

We are sure having a heck of a time with the diet change. Between shaving his belly for ultrasound, giving flagyl twice a day, a second vet visit yesterday and food transitioning, poor Walnut is pretty stressed.
He's hiding in the bathroom! I think we will slow down with food change until he's been on med for a bit and relaxes. He keeps finding a way to eat all his old food mixed in with new food, but leaves new food. He's a magician!

I've just been informed he's moved to the bench in the front room.

We had to switch our geriatric cat's diet recently. That was pretty challenging. Just keep at it. Baby steps. Maybe go heavier on the old food and slowly work in more? I'm still adding a bit of Fancy Feast in with the Prescription diet to get her to eat it.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Glad to see an update from you @Farro !

Another option is an appetite stimulant pill. Did they offer it? We have some in case of emergencies. It might stress him out even more, though.

We just recently switched all 3 cats to Blue Buffalo hairball formula and they went crazy for it. They eat so much of it that I had to start rationing it out! Not sure if you tried that one yet.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Chicken baby food (without onion additives) and heating wet food in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s nice and smelly are common tricks for getting cats to eat.

 

[Farro]

Glad to see an update from you @Farro !

Another option is an appetite stimulant pill. Did they offer it? We have some in case of emergencies. It might stress him out even more, though.

We just recently switched all 3 cats to Blue Buffalo hairball formula and they went crazy for it. They eat so much of it that I had to start rationing it out! Not sure if you tried that one yet.

We do have the transdermal mirataz we are using, but quite frankly I just don't think it's as effective as the pill. Less traumatic to use certainly, but doesn't work as well.

The thing is he's hungry. He will ask for food, but then he's afraid of it because we changed it so much.
The vet said since he starts to eat right away, just doesn't finish, she doesn't suspect nausea. No lip smacking or anything.

He will at least sit to eat now, before he wouldn't even sit. He ate about half of his normal portion of his old food this morning. I'll take it! At least it's something. He will eat treats. He's still up on counters knocking everything down in the middle of the night - he does that to annoy us so we get up and give him a treat.

I think we tried so many new foods that now he is afraid of everything. I always thought Walnut wasn't phased by anything, but I was wrong! Now that I think back, he was the only cat that is afraid of fireworks, he didn't come out to great guests like Cashew did (Cashew was so friendly to everyone but me ).

Hopefully he relaxes, learns to trust food again and stays a happy somewhat chunky little guy. ❤

 

[Farro]

Chicken baby food (without onion additives) and heating wet food in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s nice and smelly are common tricks for getting cats to eat.

Thank you! We will keep some on hand.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We do have the transdermal mirataz we are using, but quite frankly I just don't think it's as effective as the pill. Less traumatic to use certainly, but doesn't work as well.

The thing is he's hungry. He will ask for food, but then he's afraid of it because we changed it so much.
The vet said since he starts to eat right away, just doesn't finish, she doesn't suspect nausea. No lip smacking or anything.

He will at least sit to eat now, before he wouldn't even sit. He ate about half of his normal portion of his old food this morning. I'll take it! At least it's something. He will eat treats. He's still up on counters knocking everything down in the middle of the night - he does that to annoy us so we get up and give him a treat.

I think we tried so many new foods that now he is afraid of everything. I always thought Walnut wasn't phased by anything, but I was wrong! Now that I think back, he was the only cat that is afraid of fireworks, he didn't come out to great guests like Cashew did (Cashew was so friendly to everyone but me ).

Hopefully he relaxes, learns to trust food again and stays a happy somewhat chunky little guy. ❤

Cats are so enigmatic, yet predictable. Mine have 3 very distinct personalities, but they continue to surprise me.

Sounds like he will be ok. You’re doing the right things for him, so don’t beat yourself up.

 

[sonnyjane]

This may go without saying but, seeing how Walnut has been stressed out over these changes, I’d put any thought of introducing a new cat on hold. If he didn’t like the new family member, it could be detrimental to both his physical and mental health. Just pour your efforts into loving the heck out of him

 

[Farro]

So a not very good update.

Today we brought Walnut back to vet after Friday's visit. This doctor x-rayed him and found he was constipated. He'd been pooping, but I noticed after all the medication they seemed smaller, apparently that means constipation.
But she also noted his x-ray was not normal - colon looked weird. They sent out for second opinion. Possible that inflammation returned. I don't understand, just told less than two weeks ago ultrasound came back perfectly normal. Told us no cancer and probably no IBD. Now both back on table.
Most trouble is still no eating. Less than half of normal food intake for 4 days. Today doctor finally says not due to stress.
Obviously I'm thinking fatty liver disease especially since Walnut is chunky. But vet did not think so and didn't do blood work, which I specifically asked for to check liver values.(important).
So Walnut qualifies for a clinical study of IBD vs Lymphoma - took blood tests and if determined needs ultrasound/biopsy, it will be paid for. So they took his blood for study. Meanwhile they are doing a "modified" enema, not as powerful. While waiting vet comes out and says Walnut threw another curveball. Blood serum showed yellow, which means start of liver disease. Now wants a CBC.
She started saying possibly from pancreatitis, but all I could think was you weren't even going to do a blood test, you found this by luck. Micky thinks she wouldn't say due to fatty liver disease because she would be admitting a mistake by not doing blood test.
At this point enema finished, got a boatload of medications (Including two stimulants) and sent home. Told if not eating by morning will need feeding tube.

Well, no poop and not eating. But he is a zombie due to all meds, including a powerful pain medication.

When Cashew died, I knew in my heart that Walnut would go too. I don't know how to explain but it felt like one couldn't live without the other.

We are going to get the feeding tube, but I have mentally started saying goodbye.

Unfortunately my experience with vets (including primary, internist and cat only hospital) has left me questioning if they know anything at all.

So here we are. Going from having two of the most awesome cats/littermates on the planet - adopted Dec 2015 at 9-11 months (guesstimate) to losing one in October at 4 and now our other at about 5. I know he's still here, but my hope is gone.

I can sit and wonder why is this happening to us (and selfishly I am), but what's the point.

I never thought I would say this, but I am done with pets for a long time. Losing Cashew was pure pain, losing Walnut is impossible. I'm pissed. I want to just punch people. I want to scream. I feel like I'm being punished and I can't figure out why. Maybe I'll read this a year from now and smile at the dramatics, but maybe not.

I'm letting this all out here because Micky gets even more upset if he sees me upset and family/friends aren't pet people, they don't get it.
thanks all.

 

[sonnyjane]

So a not very good update.

Today we brought Walnut back to vet after Friday's visit. This doctor x-rayed him and found he was constipated. He'd been pooping, but I noticed after all the medication they seemed smaller, apparently that means constipation.
But she also noted his x-ray was not normal - colon looked weird. They sent out for second opinion. Possible that inflammation returned. I don't understand, just told less than two weeks ago ultrasound came back perfectly normal. Told us no cancer and probably no IBD. Now both back on table.
Most trouble is still no eating. Less than half of normal food intake for 4 days. Today doctor finally says not due to stress.
Obviously I'm thinking fatty liver disease especially since Walnut is chunky. But vet did not think so and didn't do blood work, which I specifically asked for to check liver values.(important).
So Walnut qualifies for a clinical study of IBD vs Lymphoma - took blood tests and if determined needs ultrasound/biopsy, it will be paid for. So they took his blood for study. Meanwhile they are doing a "modified" enema, not as powerful. While waiting vet comes out and says Walnut threw another curveball. Blood serum showed yellow, which means start of liver disease. Now wants a CBC.
She started saying possibly from pancreatitis, but all I could think was you weren't even going to do a blood test, you found this by luck. Micky thinks she wouldn't say due to fatty liver disease because she would be admitting a mistake by not doing blood test.
At this point enema finished, got a boatload of medications (Including two stimulants) and sent home. Told if not eating by morning will need feeding tube.

Well, no poop and not eating. But he is a zombie due to all meds, including a powerful pain medication.

When Cashew died, I knew in my heart that Walnut would go too. I don't know how to explain but it felt like one couldn't live without the other.

We are going to get the feeding tube, but I have mentally started saying goodbye.

Unfortunately my experience with vets (including primary, internist and cat only hospital) has left me questioning if they know anything at all.

So here we are. Going from having two of the most awesome cats/littermates on the planet to losing one in October at 4 and now our other at about 5. I know he's still here, but my hope is gone.

I can sit and wonder why is this happening to us (and selfishly I am), but what's the point.

I never thought I would say this, but I am done with pets for a long time. Losing Cashew was pure pain, losing Walnut is impossible.

I'm letting this all out here because Micky gets even more upset if he sees me upset and family/friends aren't pet people, they don't get it.
thanks all.

Very sorry to read this update. I don't know much about cat medications, but in humans, pain medication can lead to constipation so... not sure if that is attributing to it? Regarding the feeding tube, see what their prognosis is (or go to another doctor you like better). Prioritize quality of life... It's not an easy decision at all, but... feeding tube for a day to get some nutrients in him is one thing, if they think that's a long-term strategy that would be a no-go for me

 

[Farro]

Very sorry to read this update. I don't know much about cat medications, but in humans, pain medication can lead to constipation so... not sure if that is attributing to it? Regarding the feeding tube, see what their prognosis is (or go to another doctor you like better). Prioritize quality of life... It's not an easy decision at all, but... feeding tube for a day to get some nutrients in him is one thing, if they think that's a long-term strategy that would be a no-go for me

I'm actually quite okay with feeding tube as I have a personal friend who had to have their cat have one. Saved their life. On for 8 weeks, then able to eat normally.
What we need to figure out is if underlying conditions are treatable.
The lows, then highs, then very, very lows are killing us.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So a not very good update.

Today we brought Walnut back to vet after Friday's visit. This doctor x-rayed him and found he was constipated. He'd been pooping, but I noticed after all the medication they seemed smaller, apparently that means constipation.
But she also noted his x-ray was not normal - colon looked weird. They sent out for second opinion. Possible that inflammation returned. I don't understand, just told less than two weeks ago ultrasound came back perfectly normal. Told us no cancer and probably no IBD. Now both back on table.
Most trouble is still no eating. Less than half of normal food intake for 4 days. Today doctor finally says not due to stress.
Obviously I'm thinking fatty liver disease especially since Walnut is chunky. But vet did not think so and didn't do blood work, which I specifically asked for to check liver values.(important).
So Walnut qualifies for a clinical study of IBD vs Lymphoma - took blood tests and if determined needs ultrasound/biopsy, it will be paid for. So they took his blood for study. Meanwhile they are doing a "modified" enema, not as powerful. While waiting vet comes out and says Walnut threw another curveball. Blood serum showed yellow, which means start of liver disease. Now wants a CBC.
She started saying possibly from pancreatitis, but all I could think was you weren't even going to do a blood test, you found this by luck. Micky thinks she wouldn't say due to fatty liver disease because she would be admitting a mistake by not doing blood test.
At this point enema finished, got a boatload of medications (Including two stimulants) and sent home. Told if not eating by morning will need feeding tube.

Well, no poop and not eating. But he is a zombie due to all meds, including a powerful pain medication.

When Cashew died, I knew in my heart that Walnut would go too. I don't know how to explain but it felt like one couldn't live without the other.

We are going to get the feeding tube, but I have mentally started saying goodbye.

Unfortunately my experience with vets (including primary, internist and cat only hospital) has left me questioning if they know anything at all.

So here we are. Going from having two of the most awesome cats/littermates on the planet - adopted Dec 2015 at 9-11 months (guesstimate) to losing one in October at 4 and now our other at about 5. I know he's still here, but my hope is gone.

I can sit and wonder why is this happening to us (and selfishly I am), but what's the point.

I never thought I would say this, but I am done with pets for a long time. Losing Cashew was pure pain, losing Walnut is impossible. I'm pissed. I want to just punch people. I want to scream. I feel like I'm being punished and I can't figure out why. Maybe I'll read this a year from now and smile at the dramatics, but maybe not.

I'm letting this all out here because Micky gets even more upset if he sees me upset and family/friends aren't pet people, they don't get it.
thanks all.

I am so sorry to read about all this. Poor Walnut. And I wish I could give you a hug -- I really do know what you are going through with this. The yes-it-is-no-maybe-wait-a-minute-diagnosis roller coaster is a hellish ride, for sure. We got really lucky with our vet clinic (which was a rec from someone on the Cat Blogosphere who was fed up with her last vet) and the vet hospital in our area (which we lucked into). Our cat had massive constipation after the IV Flagyl. Before that he had had almost non-stop diarrhea, so the constipation hit him hard. It was crazy. That could be a big reason why Walnut has no appetite. Everything is just stopped up, backed up, uncomfortable/painful -- and who feels like eating when that happens? All the poor little guy wants is relief. We syringed with water (1-2 T. at a time), which helped a little. But things didn't improve until the major blockage passed -- it was big and hard as a rock. Ghastly -- must have been so painful to pass. Don't feel bad about getting your feelings out of your system. You're not wrong to feel this way -- love can be so painful and scary sometimes. Get it out so that Walnut doesn't sense it. All he needs right now is your loving care poured into him -- no fear, no anxiety, just calm and pure love. That's some of the best, strongest medicine around. Our little guy just wanted to be carried around the house (for hours!) when he was at his lowest -- so I would hold him like an infant and walk, walk, walk -- telling him how much he was loved and that things would get better. I just didn't know what else to do. But looking back, I think he found those hours comforting and reassuring. And maybe that helped the healing process. Hang in there -- I'll be thinking of you (both of you!) and sending good thoughts your way.

 

[lisaviolet]

So a not very good update.

Today we brought Walnut back to vet after Friday's visit. This doctor x-rayed him and found he was constipated. He'd been pooping, but I noticed after all the medication they seemed smaller, apparently that means constipation.
But she also noted his x-ray was not normal - colon looked weird. They sent out for second opinion. Possible that inflammation returned. I don't understand, just told less than two weeks ago ultrasound came back perfectly normal. Told us no cancer and probably no IBD. Now both back on table.
Most trouble is still no eating. Less than half of normal food intake for 4 days. Today doctor finally says not due to stress.
Obviously I'm thinking fatty liver disease especially since Walnut is chunky. But vet did not think so and didn't do blood work, which I specifically asked for to check liver values.(important).
So Walnut qualifies for a clinical study of IBD vs Lymphoma - took blood tests and if determined needs ultrasound/biopsy, it will be paid for. So they took his blood for study. Meanwhile they are doing a "modified" enema, not as powerful. While waiting vet comes out and says Walnut threw another curveball. Blood serum showed yellow, which means start of liver disease. Now wants a CBC.
She started saying possibly from pancreatitis, but all I could think was you weren't even going to do a blood test, you found this by luck. Micky thinks she wouldn't say due to fatty liver disease because she would be admitting a mistake by not doing blood test.
At this point enema finished, got a boatload of medications (Including two stimulants) and sent home. Told if not eating by morning will need feeding tube.

Well, no poop and not eating. But he is a zombie due to all meds, including a powerful pain medication.

When Cashew died, I knew in my heart that Walnut would go too. I don't know how to explain but it felt like one couldn't live without the other.

We are going to get the feeding tube, but I have mentally started saying goodbye.

Unfortunately my experience with vets (including primary, internist and cat only hospital) has left me questioning if they know anything at all.

So here we are. Going from having two of the most awesome cats/littermates on the planet - adopted Dec 2015 at 9-11 months (guesstimate) to losing one in October at 4 and now our other at about 5. I know he's still here, but my hope is gone.

I can sit and wonder why is this happening to us (and selfishly I am), but what's the point.

I never thought I would say this, but I am done with pets for a long time. Losing Cashew was pure pain, losing Walnut is impossible. I'm pissed. I want to just punch people. I want to scream. I feel like I'm being punished and I can't figure out why. Maybe I'll read this a year from now and smile at the dramatics, but maybe not.

I'm letting this all out here because Micky gets even more upset if he sees me upset and family/friends aren't pet people, they don't get it.
thanks all.

Hi,

So sorry to hear Farro. I hope Walnut makes a turnaround. I wrote earlier about having litter mates and how one suffered greatly when the other suddenly died, so know it is all understood. The bond.

This might sound utterly ridiculous but I read an article once about how old time vets used such simple methods with these issues. And for constipation it was butter, softened, on the roof of their mouth - if they won't take it from you.

I used it regularly with of my cats who suffered greatly with constipation. And it worked every time. He lived until eighteen and I probably started that around twelve. So the butter did not cause any secondary issue.

I know Walnut has a health issue that has to be found. But the butter might work and give him some relief while you wait for a diagnosis.

 

[mom2rtk]

If it was me, I'd have a fresh set of eyes on Walnut today. Get a second opinion from a different vet at a different practice.

 

[SaintsManiac]

So a not very good update.

Today we brought Walnut back to vet after Friday's visit. This doctor x-rayed him and found he was constipated. He'd been pooping, but I noticed after all the medication they seemed smaller, apparently that means constipation.
But she also noted his x-ray was not normal - colon looked weird. They sent out for second opinion. Possible that inflammation returned. I don't understand, just told less than two weeks ago ultrasound came back perfectly normal. Told us no cancer and probably no IBD. Now both back on table.
Most trouble is still no eating. Less than half of normal food intake for 4 days. Today doctor finally says not due to stress.
Obviously I'm thinking fatty liver disease especially since Walnut is chunky. But vet did not think so and didn't do blood work, which I specifically asked for to check liver values.(important).
So Walnut qualifies for a clinical study of IBD vs Lymphoma - took blood tests and if determined needs ultrasound/biopsy, it will be paid for. So they took his blood for study. Meanwhile they are doing a "modified" enema, not as powerful. While waiting vet comes out and says Walnut threw another curveball. Blood serum showed yellow, which means start of liver disease. Now wants a CBC.
She started saying possibly from pancreatitis, but all I could think was you weren't even going to do a blood test, you found this by luck. Micky thinks she wouldn't say due to fatty liver disease because she would be admitting a mistake by not doing blood test.
At this point enema finished, got a boatload of medications (Including two stimulants) and sent home. Told if not eating by morning will need feeding tube.

Well, no poop and not eating. But he is a zombie due to all meds, including a powerful pain medication.

When Cashew died, I knew in my heart that Walnut would go too. I don't know how to explain but it felt like one couldn't live without the other.

We are going to get the feeding tube, but I have mentally started saying goodbye.

Unfortunately my experience with vets (including primary, internist and cat only hospital) has left me questioning if they know anything at all.

So here we are. Going from having two of the most awesome cats/littermates on the planet - adopted Dec 2015 at 9-11 months (guesstimate) to losing one in October at 4 and now our other at about 5. I know he's still here, but my hope is gone.

I can sit and wonder why is this happening to us (and selfishly I am), but what's the point.

I never thought I would say this, but I am done with pets for a long time. Losing Cashew was pure pain, losing Walnut is impossible. I'm pissed. I want to just punch people. I want to scream. I feel like I'm being punished and I can't figure out why. Maybe I'll read this a year from now and smile at the dramatics, but maybe not.

I'm letting this all out here because Micky gets even more upset if he sees me upset and family/friends aren't pet people, they don't get it.
thanks all.

I'm so sorry this is an ongoing nightmare for you. My previous cat had liver failure at age 5. We gave him meds and fed him with a giant syringe using wet food. The liver failure starts when they don't eat for an extended amount of time. He had stopped eating due to a tooth issue and it escalated. After force feeding him and giving him meds for almost 3 months he made a recovery and we had him for 5 more years. Has the vet given this option? We were told feeding tube if we could not force feed him ourselves. Luckily we were capable of doing it.

ETA: When that cat passed away I said no more pets, but here I am 5 years later with 2 rescues and a stray I took in. You will want one again someday.

I can't comment on your vet's practices. I hate that you're doubting them, because they are the one person in your pet's life that you need to trust besides yourselves. It seems like maybe you need to check out another one. Is this one a cat specialist?

 

[mom2rtk]

I can't comment on your vet's practices. I hate that you're doubting them, because they are the one person in your pet's life that you need to trust besides yourselves. It seems like maybe you need to check out another one. Is this one a cat specialist?

I'm not even questioning her vet. At this point I just think a second opinion wouldn't be a bad thing. We often do that for people. Why not for a pet who can't even speak for themselves? I've done it several times through the years and never regretted it. Many times I got additional insight that was helpful 1) during my cat's treatment and/or 2) coming to terms with what happened when it was all over.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I'm not even questioning her vet. At this point I just think a second opinion wouldn't be a bad thing. We often do that for people. Why not for a pet who can't even speak for themselves? I've done it several times through the years and never regretted it. Many times I got additional insight that was helpful 1) during my cat's treatment and/or 2) coming to terms with what happened when it was all over.

Right, I agree with that. I'm not arguing against it.

 

[Farro]

@mom2rtk @SaintsManiac

Thanks for your words.

So Walnut has been to three vets at this point. First vet was our original, then we switched to cat only hospital. He was also seen by an internist at MedVet (where second ultrasound done and pronounced no diseases). Then we've been bringing back to Cat Hospital.
Cat Hospital was really only going on the ultrasound, blood work and exam results from both previous hospitals. All of this started right after Christmas.

When we brought him in Friday because he was starting to really not eat, he checked out perfect onl physical exam, Vet did say she felt poop, so he may be constipated and to keep eye on. He pooped as soon as we got home, so we thought okay. Hard, but decent size. But then all weekend he still wouldn't eat. So we went back last night and all that happened.

So overnight he never pooped. He did go and start eating crunchies on his own and some wet food, but not normal. He's still wide eyed and barking at birds.
Called vet and told to bring him in.
But now they don't think fatty liver. His blood work points to liver inflammation (can't rule out a cancer, but based on previous ultrasounds there were never any liver findings) but rules out the fatty liver - she thinks he's having another pancreatitis flare and it's affecting liver. Also causing the constipation which is causing him not to eat.

So he's at hospital right now, getting another enema, treatment for flare including low-dose steroid and something for liver. And another enema. This time it's a more aggressive one as the one they did last night was modified. We are waiting for a radiologist to review his abd x-ray and they are talking about another ultrasound. We just did 2 in a matter of 4 weeks!!! They will call us later today for updates. I'm just sitting numb on my couch, waiting for more bad news. He's so happy too, like he thinks he's doing great!

 

[Farro]

Thank you everybody for your kind words! ❤