Doc's medical thread

[Tina B and crew]

Now I know you love VA-Tech and so do I, they've done so much for Doc, but the least they could have done was warn you, inform you, with a chemo kitty!

In an otherwise healthy cat, toxo is serious enough, but generally treatable at the onset and the cat is generally good to go. But, in an immunocompromised kitty, you really have to be diligent.

You have to watch his appetite, keep him hydrated, comfortable, rested, happy and get him back to good health. No stress. Clean litterboxes once a day, preferably every time you see feces in the boxes. Wash your hands after each litterbox scooping and make sure you don't transfer anything to anything. A recheck is paramount and depending on the recheck and Doc's recovery will depend on how long you'll have to give antibiotics. Some cases, if severe, can take as long as 3 months.

I do all of this. In fact they told me to wear gloves when I change his litter box, especially in the few days to a week following chemo. I don't think they were derelict in their duties at all. And while I don't recall them warning me about toxo specifically, they did inform me to watch for any signs of infection, period. I am given a written list of what to watch for and how to care for him every single time he was in for treatment. He's not shown ANY signs of feeling under the weather since he started chemo, not until this time. Now go take a breather!

At any rate, he's resting, and I am monitoring him closely. Not looking forward to pilling him. He's not showing interest in wet food right now so I may add some water to the kibble and see how he does with that. Fixing to go check on him in a few here. I will keep you updated!

[Traci]

I don't want to call them derelict, but I think they had an obligation to inform you, because toxo in an immunocompromised kitty can be serious, and if the symptoms are severe or debilitating, it can be a poor prognosis. Any infection can if not caught early and treated, but this is toxo.

The risks are not that much different between humans and pets undergoing chemotherapy. Humans are always instructed to live practically in a bubble for a short time so they are not at risk from infections, viruses, etc from others. Doc has had a lot going on, I'm just saying, had I worked there, I would be on the phone with every chemo patient's owner, it's just a good preventative measure.

That said, I might forgive them this once, if they really didn't know soon enough. Thankfully, you were on to him and you knew something was wrong.

Please don't be upset with me for sounding off, I just want Doc to be happy and healthy, he's been through so much!

[Tambrey]

is it a pill that can be crushed and mixed in with some yummy canned food to make it easier for both of you?!

[Tina B and crew]

I am not sure if it can be mixed or not. I know they are often bitter and the cats won't eat the food when it is mixed in. I've pilled him before, He does OK with it. I just hate to stress him but if it is necessary, it is necessary.

[Traci]

I wouldn't crush clindamycin, it can, however, be compounded to oral suspension form.

[Tina B and crew]

They are pretty small capsules. I am sure I won't have a problem. I was just thinking about Doc's stress levels. Although he does seem to be taking everything in stride given all he's been through. He really is an amazing (and somewhat of a miracle) cat.

[Tina B and crew]

I got an email from the oncologist. She believes Doc's is likely a latent toxo infection and she IS taking it very seriously.

AND, I could have misinterpreted the story about the "other" chemo kitty with toxo. She told me that the very first case of latent toxo that she ever observed (which wasn't at VT) was a cat that showed symptoms of progressive cancer, continued receiving chemo because they, and eventually died. She said this case taught her to be very cautious in regards to toxo from there on out. Remember, I got (and repeated) the story second hand. I don't believe she would have taken this lightly if she suspected it earlier. Either way, I am thankful that my vet was able to get on the phone with her before I left the office today so they could consult about this and get him started with treatment.

I guess I can count it as a good sign that when I went to the closet to get Doc's "track-ball" toy out (you know, one of those with the ball inside the track that they knock around and it can't come out - whatever you call them) and he came over looking pretty excited, because he knows where I keep the toys. I had to coax him to eat. But he did eat a little, maybe 1/8 can of wet food. He had eaten some kibble before. I wanted him to eat some so I could give him his pill.

[Traci]

Thank you for talking to your onco, I feel a lot better now, and now you have the extra info. Also see your PM.

Give him a couple days on the antibiotics, he should start feeling better soon. Make sure he's eating better each day and drinking normally.

Keep us updated!

[Tina B and crew]

Ok...I know I said I was going to get off the computer...but I had a reason to come back. You will see.

Traci, after what you said I just wanted to clear things with her. He's in good hands. Lots of good hands!

Anyway, the reason I came back. Someone seems to be making himself pretty comfy on my bed. I turned the heated blanket on low to warm up the bed. I think he likes it. Look at that belly! And those toes!











I'm taking this as a positive sign. Earlier he seemed to be a bit nauseous and just didn't look comfortable. I found him like this when I just walked in a bit ago to check on him.

[Traci]

Mom, you're the best! Soft, heated blanket, peace and quiet, and hey I can stretch thiiiiiiiiiis long!!