- My mom's 18 year old simese/tabby mix was recently diagnosed with a build up of calcium on the spine. This is starting to press on the nerves and she is having trouble getting around so well. They tried to put her on prednisone, but she vomits it up. She doesn't have a lot of stregnth to stand for long enough to even eat her food. She ends up plopping down in the middle of eating. We are not the type of people to let an animal suffer for the sake of our own greediness (wanting to keep her around) But we wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything that could be done for her before we make the painful decision to send her to the bridge. She is getting more and more frail and I am sure the end is near, but if we can do something to make her more comfortable, it's worth a shot. Also, are there any good receipes for high calorie delicious meals for the kitties to help keep their weight up? Please e-mail me at Tiptoez78@aol.com with any responses as I might not be able to find this board again. My name is Kerryann. Thank you.
what i suspect your talking about is bridging spondlosis, ie bridges of bone between the vertebrae....this is very common in older animals and, untill the later stages does not bother them...if you cat can't take oral pred, ask you vet to show you how to inject it using a insulin needle...real fine gauge needle and with a little scratching you can pop the needle in easily....one of the nurses has a diabetic cat and it jusmps on her lap for its shot....ask, it can;t hurt
I agree with Davet, try whatever is necessary to get the prednisone, this will help with pain and inflammation. You can also opt for prednisolone in oral suspension, just give it via syringe or eyedropper. Be sure you're not confusing salivating with actual vomiting. Salivation occurs with just about any bitter medication. The oral suspension might be easier and would ensure most of the med is given via syringe. You can also opt for injections as Davet noted, but if you're not comfortable with administering injectable meds, opt for the prednisolone.
Feed her with a shallow bowl or even a raised bowl if it is more comfortable for her.
As for diet, your vet should advise on this. Providing she doesn't have any other primary health concerns like liver or kidney disease, she could probably eat anything at this point. Regardless of the calorie intake, since there is little activity, she will lose weight, you just don't want it to be drastic or sudden, in which case, promptly discuss it with your vet.
Keep her sleeping area/bed comfortable with extra soft blankets, maybe a heating pad beneath them set on low setting (check with your vet first about using heat)
- My mom's 18 year old simese/tabby mix was recently diagnosed with a build up of calcium on the spine. This is starting to press on the nerves and she is having trouble getting around so well. They tried to put her on prednisone, but she vomits it up. She doesn't have a lot of stregnth to stand for long enough to even eat her food. She ends up plopping down in the middle of eating. We are not the type of people to let an animal suffer for the sake of our own greediness (wanting to keep her around) But we wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything that could be done for her before we make the painful decision to send her to the bridge. She is getting more and more frail and I am sure the end is near, but if we can do something to make her more comfortable, it's worth a shot. Also, are there any good receipes for high calorie delicious meals for the kitties to help keep their weight up? Please e-mail me at Tiptoez78@aol.com with any responses as I might not be able to find this board again. 
My name is Kerryann. Thank you.
