Hi
I've joined this forum for this very concern.
My cat Max, I've had him for 12 years (since I was 14!) I love him to death and would do anything to keep him happy and healthy.
About 3 weeks ago my husband and I noticed that he had lost a lot of weight and was not eating very much or drinking. Keeping in mind he was always overweight but pretty healthy otherwise, no other problems other than some minor coughing and asthma which cleared up within 6 months and never returned. Anyway he was sleeping alot and didn't seem to interact with our 3 other cats. He was however going to the bathroom regularly to urinate and to poop in small amounts.
So I took him to Dr. Kirk, a well known Vet in Queens, NY who has been taking care of all our cats for the last 9 years and my husbands pets for over 20 years. He ran a blood test and a urine test on Max and said that it certainly was not normal that he lost all his weight, but we would see what could be done. When the tests came back, he said that everything seemed normal but his protein levels were very low and him losing weight was strange since he had low thyroid. He gave me some protein pills for him to take and told me to make sure he ate and drank twice as normal.
This was hard since he would not eat or drink anything. I tried to force feed him some food but that didn't work very well, so I got him some kitten or pregant feline formula with high doses of protein, 40%. that was rough too, since he would throw it up every other feeding. Then about 3 days after he started taking the protein pill, my husband and I noticed that there were little fecal blood spots everywhere that Max slept. We were scrubbing it off all the time from everywhere! At first we thought well maybe he's just having some mistakes and it was a one day thing. But he's been doing it more often everyday everywhere he lays down.
Well after about 2 weeks we noticed he was not gaining any weight nor eating anything on his own and still leaking this fecal blood fluid everywhere. I just couldn't take it anymore so I took him to the vet today and I had to see another doctor that has also been working there for many years Dr Yousef. He said that according to his blood tests his glucose and albrine (not the right spelling) were very low. He said that it could be his liver is not taking in the protein and its being released into this blood as something else that's causing the blood drops.
Well I'm confused, did the protein pills cause this? or was this inevitable?
Eitherway this vet said that he would need more tests and glucose and all this other stuff and it would just end up putting pressure on him to find out something that may not even be curable. He told me to try to feed him som K/D, mashed potates, turkey and cottage cheese and put him on a low protein diet!? He said I might have to put him down if this doesn't work!
I'm so heartbroken I can bearly stop myself from crying. Max has been my heart since I first moved to New York and he's always been like my best friend. I want to do whatever I can for him but at the same time I know he can be paranoid and nervous and I don't want to put him through unneccessary suffering.
I"m at my wits end and I don't know what to do. Has this happened to anyone? Does anyone have any positive results that I can try? What can I do? What should I do? I've seen two vets now, and I plan to call back Dr. Kirk to speak to him again to see what he thinks about what Dr. Yousef said. I'm ofcourse hoping that the's give me something alittle more helpful to keep Max around. Please help me with any advice that you can give me, and I don't mean tell me to get more blood tests or take him to another vet, I mean what can I do? to make things better at home. feeding, drinking? other experiences?
*Updated*12 yr old cat, lost half body weight, not eating...
Re: 12 year old cat, lost half his body weight, not eating..
Did they take x-rays to determine if there was some kind of intestinal blockage or other problem? That's the first thing that comes to my mind. Are your doctors feline only? Do you have feline only groups in your area? I take mine to a feline only group in CT. You sound like you'd go to the ends of the earth for your cat and CT is a hike from Queens and would no doubt cause Max stress. Check your area for feline only but also inquire about x-rays.
Re: 12 year old cat, lost half his body weight, not eating..
They haven't taken any x-rays but that is definitely the next step. If I can get him in on Monday I certainly will. I would do anything for him. I really hope that he can pull through this. I've had such tough times in my life and he's always been there to make me feel better. I hope I can be the same for him.
The doctors are not feline only, but he's a very well known doc in our area, in New York City actually and he's been a doc for over 30 years. He knows Max and cares for him much more than he has to. Also he has taken care of hundreds of felines. Ultimately I will go with what he recommends. I was just so rattled by what the other doctor at this location said. It seemed like such a drastic move compared to my last visit with Dr. Kirk only 2 weeks ago!
The doctors are not feline only, but he's a very well known doc in our area, in New York City actually and he's been a doc for over 30 years. He knows Max and cares for him much more than he has to. Also he has taken care of hundreds of felines. Ultimately I will go with what he recommends. I was just so rattled by what the other doctor at this location said. It seemed like such a drastic move compared to my last visit with Dr. Kirk only 2 weeks ago!
Re: 12 year old cat, lost half his body weight, not eating..
What exactly are the "protein pills" ? What is the name/brand?
Is Max on medication for the low thyroid? Were the thyroid levels checked again? If not, they need to be checked pronto.
Were liver of kidney enzymes out of range? Is Max jaundiced or pale? (yellowing of the skin or pale mucous membranes) Did either vet determine the degree of dehydration and give fluid therapy?
Based on your posts, since neither vet seems to be getting to the underlying problem, see a new vet immediately....a feline-only vet, get a new thyroid panel done, urinalysis, re-run liver and pancreatic enzymes, check heart function (an ECG would be ideal) and get an xray done. Don't wait on this another minute, your kitty needs to get an accurate diagnosis. You can't just settle for a vet telling you further diagnostics aren't going to help, that's negligent on his part. This could be something relatively easy to treat or manage, but you must get a proper diagnosis through proper diagnostics. The sooner this is diagnosed properly, the sooner effective treatment can begin.
Btw, just because you've trusted your vet for some time doesn't mean he's acting in the best interest of your kitty, or has the experience level to diagnose correctly. See a new feline-only vet ASAP.
Is Max on medication for the low thyroid? Were the thyroid levels checked again? If not, they need to be checked pronto.
Were liver of kidney enzymes out of range? Is Max jaundiced or pale? (yellowing of the skin or pale mucous membranes) Did either vet determine the degree of dehydration and give fluid therapy?
Based on your posts, since neither vet seems to be getting to the underlying problem, see a new vet immediately....a feline-only vet, get a new thyroid panel done, urinalysis, re-run liver and pancreatic enzymes, check heart function (an ECG would be ideal) and get an xray done. Don't wait on this another minute, your kitty needs to get an accurate diagnosis. You can't just settle for a vet telling you further diagnostics aren't going to help, that's negligent on his part. This could be something relatively easy to treat or manage, but you must get a proper diagnosis through proper diagnostics. The sooner this is diagnosed properly, the sooner effective treatment can begin.
Btw, just because you've trusted your vet for some time doesn't mean he's acting in the best interest of your kitty, or has the experience level to diagnose correctly. See a new feline-only vet ASAP.
..........Traci
Re: 12 year old cat, lost half his body weight, not eating..
My first thought was to give fluid therapy, but I wanted to hear what Traci had to say before I said anything. Just to add...my dog has kidney/pancreatic problems and wasn't eating or drinking either. She went in for fluids 4 times this week, and it has made a world of difference. It doesn't solve the problem, but flushes the toxins out of the body and makes them feel so-o-o much better. She is staring me down for my breakfast right now.
I want to thank everyone for their comments, they sure would have come in handy about a month ago when I should have seeked advice on this matter. I suppose I was in a false sense of hope that he would just get better soon. Tracy and Marty and Cleo thankyou for your sound words. I hear what you mean about having taken these steps to prevent the condition from getting worse.
I really did trust my vet to too much, but what can one expect. I guess I'll know better for the future.
Unfortunately, Max passed away this morning. He was pale and laying on the floor gasping for breath. My husband and I panicked and took him to the emergency room to get him immediate help. As soon as we got there the doc said that he was going and gave us time to spend his last few moments with him. It was the hardest thing I've ever gone through. I've never lost a pet or a human that I loved so much. Both my husband and I are very heartbroken. We are somewhat comforted to know that Max spent his last few breaths being told how much he was loved and how good and great he was and that he would never be forgotten. This has been very hard on me and my husband we were and are both so attached to him. Needless to say it has been a tear filled day. Max was the sweetest most loyal and perfect cat, he had personalities that could be considered human. I don't know how we're going to get through this but it is good to know that I have a partner who knows what I'm going through and feels the same way. Life goes on though and not quite sure how I'm going to manage that but I have to I suppose.
We have three more kitties to look after and now we are prepared to take every single precaution neccessary if one of them even blinks a different way then normal. Which brings me to a new question. How do I find feline-only vet? Is there a special database that they are listed in? If so what is it. I want to take all three of my cats to one. I live in the Fresh meadows, NY area if anyone specific reccomendations.
We plan to donate to animal welfare charities in Max's honor and will continue our membership actively on this forum as I'm sure it will help us in caring for our other feline friends.
Again thankyou for your advice, although Max is no longer with us, it will still be used for our three remaining kitties.
I really did trust my vet to too much, but what can one expect. I guess I'll know better for the future.
Unfortunately, Max passed away this morning. He was pale and laying on the floor gasping for breath. My husband and I panicked and took him to the emergency room to get him immediate help. As soon as we got there the doc said that he was going and gave us time to spend his last few moments with him. It was the hardest thing I've ever gone through. I've never lost a pet or a human that I loved so much. Both my husband and I are very heartbroken. We are somewhat comforted to know that Max spent his last few breaths being told how much he was loved and how good and great he was and that he would never be forgotten. This has been very hard on me and my husband we were and are both so attached to him. Needless to say it has been a tear filled day. Max was the sweetest most loyal and perfect cat, he had personalities that could be considered human. I don't know how we're going to get through this but it is good to know that I have a partner who knows what I'm going through and feels the same way. Life goes on though and not quite sure how I'm going to manage that but I have to I suppose.
We have three more kitties to look after and now we are prepared to take every single precaution neccessary if one of them even blinks a different way then normal. Which brings me to a new question. How do I find feline-only vet? Is there a special database that they are listed in? If so what is it. I want to take all three of my cats to one. I live in the Fresh meadows, NY area if anyone specific reccomendations.
We plan to donate to animal welfare charities in Max's honor and will continue our membership actively on this forum as I'm sure it will help us in caring for our other feline friends.
Again thankyou for your advice, although Max is no longer with us, it will still be used for our three remaining kitties.
Re: *Updated*12 yr old cat, lost half body weight, not eatin
I cannot express in words how very sorry I am to hear this. My heart hurts for Max and your family.
I don't want to add insult to injury, please don't take it that way, but I also cannot express in words how dissappointing both vet's actions have been during this ordeal. I can't help but wonder if they are an alternative vet perhaps? If so, in the future, please, use only a qualified, comitted, experienced conventional vet, since alternative methods have little to no value in treatment. I do sincerely hope that you will find a new vet who is comitted to your kitties and you, who listens and who offers you available options in diagnostics should you need them again.
I'm so very sorry, I know how painful this is for you. I hope that in time, your heart can begin to heal and that you can focus on the many memories that you and Max made together.
Safe and gentle journey, sweet Max......(((HUGS)))
I don't want to add insult to injury, please don't take it that way, but I also cannot express in words how dissappointing both vet's actions have been during this ordeal. I can't help but wonder if they are an alternative vet perhaps? If so, in the future, please, use only a qualified, comitted, experienced conventional vet, since alternative methods have little to no value in treatment. I do sincerely hope that you will find a new vet who is comitted to your kitties and you, who listens and who offers you available options in diagnostics should you need them again.
I'm so very sorry, I know how painful this is for you. I hope that in time, your heart can begin to heal and that you can focus on the many memories that you and Max made together.
Safe and gentle journey, sweet Max......(((HUGS)))
..........Traci
Tracy thanks for your kind words. I truely do appreciate it. I'm going to work on trying to find a feline only vet. Although to answer your question (and no in no way was it insulting, but I understand that you asked because you cared) the vet is actually a well known board certified vet in our area. he cared for a number of family pets, dogs and cats and I'm sure other animals as well. I too am very dissappointed with the level of importance they gave Max's condition. Believe me when I say, both my husband and I have been kicking ourselves all day talking about what we could have done differently, how we could have handled the Vet's conclusions asked for more tests more explanations, more of everything. It keeps rewinding in our mind and it hurts so much.
At the end of the day we've simply resolved in thinking that they were human and made mistakes that have no point in being bitter about. Max is gone and no amount of resentment will bring him back. I'd rather honor his memory and find better care for my remaining kitties. Again thankyou for your support and i appreciate all of your comments.
At the end of the day we've simply resolved in thinking that they were human and made mistakes that have no point in being bitter about. Max is gone and no amount of resentment will bring him back. I'd rather honor his memory and find better care for my remaining kitties. Again thankyou for your support and i appreciate all of your comments.
Re: *Updated*12 yr old cat, lost half body weight, not eatin
In all situations, we second-guess ourselves, but in death it becomes more profound and coupled with grief it becomes unbearable. For this reason, I always try to counsel owners to focus on the positive aspects of the relationship that bring peace, because the opposite is just too unbearable. We all grieve differently of course, but lessening the burden we put on ourselves helps the healing to begin.
In no way does this reflect you, or anything you could have done differently. It was the vets' responsibility and I feel they failed you and Max. I don't have the story behind everything, but I know that I am compelled to suggest that you seek a vet who is totally comitted to his patient, at all costs. Maybe there was some communication lost somewhere or the second vet treaded on the first vet's toes or vice versa, or whatever, but if you're inclined, I would suggest talking to the vets about your concerns and seeing what they have to say. If excuses are made, promptly leave. I have a certain level of expectation for vets, and if they don't meet, they find out (that's just me, but you have to make decisions that best benefit your pets and you).
To find a feline-only vet in your area, you can google search with key words "feline-only vets in New York (or provide your city, or other suburbs near you), or "feline specialty vets", "cat-only vets", etc. Word of mouth is usually a good indicator as well, if you have trusted friends and family members who can give you referrals, this can help. Also, a well-established emergency facility nearby can also be a good source for referrals (especially for practice specialties-feline).
Please don't feel you're alone...there is nothing more difficult in life than losing a precious furchild, we all know and share that pain.....(((HUGS)))
In no way does this reflect you, or anything you could have done differently. It was the vets' responsibility and I feel they failed you and Max. I don't have the story behind everything, but I know that I am compelled to suggest that you seek a vet who is totally comitted to his patient, at all costs. Maybe there was some communication lost somewhere or the second vet treaded on the first vet's toes or vice versa, or whatever, but if you're inclined, I would suggest talking to the vets about your concerns and seeing what they have to say. If excuses are made, promptly leave. I have a certain level of expectation for vets, and if they don't meet, they find out (that's just me, but you have to make decisions that best benefit your pets and you).
To find a feline-only vet in your area, you can google search with key words "feline-only vets in New York (or provide your city, or other suburbs near you), or "feline specialty vets", "cat-only vets", etc. Word of mouth is usually a good indicator as well, if you have trusted friends and family members who can give you referrals, this can help. Also, a well-established emergency facility nearby can also be a good source for referrals (especially for practice specialties-feline).
Please don't feel you're alone...there is nothing more difficult in life than losing a precious furchild, we all know and share that pain.....(((HUGS)))
..........Traci
Re: *Updated*12 yr old cat, lost half body weight, not eatin
Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss....hugs to you both. Max knows how very much you cared for him.
I would think an ad in the yellow pages would tell you if a clinic is feline only. I know there are none in my area, so I'm not sure how widespread they may be.
I would think an ad in the yellow pages would tell you if a clinic is feline only. I know there are none in my area, so I'm not sure how widespread they may be.