Emmy's sick. :(

[Shannon's Mom]

Silver, I do hope Emmy is doing better. My Shannon passed at 20 and she had several specialists to help her along the way. So I understand the cost. I do hope you can find a kind hearted specialist that will give you peace of mind with Emmy. If your vet doesn't know what caused the fluid buildup in Emmy's chest, he can't tell you it won't happen again. I wish you all the best and will pray for Emmy and for you to find that specialist who can help. Hugs to you and Emmy.

[slvrwhispr]

Specialist appointment is Monday. With the holidays, this was the earliest we could schedule. She's hanging in there, but she's so very week. Her spirit is still strong, though, so I'm holding out hope for recovery, but... my gut is telling me to spend as much time cuddling her right now as she'll let me because the news isn't going to be good. I'm praying I'm wrong, but... well, I'm prepared either way.

[Traci]

Slvr, if Emmy isn't doing so well and is having any difficulty breathing etc, you at least should get her to your regular vet for supportive care, sometimes the condition presents other evidence the vet might be better able to detect. Also, you MUST find out if fluid is building up again, which can be deadly if left unchecked and/or not aspirated!

[slvrwhispr]

We have been. It did. It's been taken care of again. It's the recurrence of the fluid that has my hopes so low. Regular vet is pretty convinced it's heart disease. Not expecting the specialist to tell me there's anything he can do...

[Traci]

It could be, but try not to jump the gun until you have a difinitive diagnosis from the specialist. It could also be a treatable infection that the current vet is either not experienced enough to detect or equipped to treat properly. No matter what, don't forgo additional help from your regular vet if Emmy continues to have breathing problems. I've seen fluid aspirated from cats for DAYS, but they also need supportive care. Fluid can build up quite rapidly so be prepared you might have to have another aspiration before you're able to see the specialist. Hopefully not, but just be prepared.

Know that Emmy is in my thoughts and prayers, such a sweet little girl, she doesn't deserve to be sick!

[slvrwhispr]

Traci, I've had her back to the vet so many times in the last two weeks that I don't even need an appointment and they don't bother to check us in. They just give us a room and the vet comes to do whatever she needs to.

We're doing this very delicate dance between giving the diuretics so she doesn't have to be frequently sedated for the aspiration, but giving SMALL fluid boluses so she doesn't get too severely dehydrated. The scariest thing is that she appears to have lost ALL muscle tone, particularly in her hind quarters. It looks like someone removed all her muscles, then put her skin back on over bare bones. It's heartbreaking. That's why I've had her back in to the vet so frequently. The good news is she's eating like a pig, so... at least her appetite is alright. I dunno. One more day, and then we get some answers... hopefully.

[Traci]

Slvr, I would give anything to be able to give you answers, but this could be one of many different things that mimick something else. The important thing is alleviating the fluid, making breathing easier, and focusing on keeping her eating/drinking, normal functions, and giving the specialist a full account of what you know, leaving nothing missed. Has your vet faxed Emmy's records to the specialist? Hopefully she has done so.

I'm sending positive healing thoughts to Emmy and you, hang in there!

[slvrwhispr]

I've got copies of everything in hand, including all her x-rays.

The good news is that she's eating and drinking just fine. She gets excited when I bring out the wet food and devours it happily. She's drinking water, and I see her using the litterbox normally. Kidney and liver functions keep testing within normal ranges. Her breathing looks good; I've gotten very accustomed to noticing minor changes quickly and check on her frequently if she's not sitting where I can see her.

It's just so scary to see how thin she's become. Her personality is all still there. I just keep praying it's something easily fixable.

[Tina B and crew]

oh slver...I was hoping that this was a temporary thing, and still pray it is. My heart goes out to you and Emmy is certainly in my thoughts and prayers. What is going on with our animals? We take such good care of them and then this? Not sure my heart can take much more heartache Give Emmy snuggles for me....

[Sue and Kids]

Sylvr, I've been reading your posts. I'm sorry you're going through all this with dear little Emmy.

I know you're doing everything you can to try to help her. I hope the vets can find a resolution soon. I'll keep you and Emmy in my prayers. Please give her a pet from me.

(((((((Hugs))))))),

Sue (and Kids!)