Cat Losing Weight

[csonsini]

We found Chester on our doorstep about 3-1/2 years ago and, after
having the appropriate tests, brought him in to join our other 3
cats.
He was the largest cat in the family, but the sweetest thing you've
ever seen. The only problem we ever had with him was that he's had
loose and very smelly stools on and off since we found him.
Last August he came down with something and was treated with sub-q
fluids and antibiotics and recovered within a week.
It seems that in the past 4-5 months he's been losing weight, so I
took him to the vet to have him checked out. They ran a complete
blood panel and all his levels are just fine. When they weighed him
he had lost 3 lbs since last August.
His behavior hasn't changed during this time...he still eats, he's
as active as he's always been (which isn't saying a lot - he's not a
feisty cat by any means), etc.
The vet suggests that maybe an ultrasound would be in order to rule
out IBD or intestinal lymphoma. Or she says that we can just try to
feed him as much as he'll eat and monitor his weight, and if he
doesn't gain after a few weeks then opt for the ultrasound.
I have a few questions: we did bring in a young male cat last
November-ish and I'm wondering if the stress of a feisty male cat
could be stressing Chester out and causing the weight loss (there's
no problem with Chester being kept away from the food by the new
cat, as we keep dry food out at all times)?
Also, if he did have intestinal lyphoma would he have other symptoms
besides the weight loss?
Lastly, what do you all suggest?
Thanks for listening, and thanks in advance for the advice.

[Traci]

1) How old is he?

2) What was the condition diagnosed that required sub-q fluids and antibiotics? What diagnostics were done at that time?

3) What is the diet you're feeding him? Are you feeding anything outside of the diet? (i.e., treats, human foods, table scraps, supplements, vitamins, etc)

4) Have there been, or are there currently other symptoms? (i.e., vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, increased/decreased food or water consumption, urination or bowel changes, behavioral changes)

5) Is he allowed outdoors?

6) Has he been tested for parasites?

7) Has he been tested for FELV/FIV, and if older than 6 or 7, has his thyroid function been tested?

[csonsini]

We don't really know how old he is...probably between 10-13.

In August he had some sort of virus. His fever got up to around 105 (which is why they did the sub-q's), he was lethargic and his appetite
decreased. At that point they did retest him for FELV/FIV and he was negative.

We have 4 other cats and I free feed dry food. I have 1 bowl of Nutromax Adult because that's all one of my cats will eat. The other cats get California Natural (and they also munch on the Nutromax). I've been giving Chester wet food a couple of times a day since he saw the vet last week. I tried Merrick wet food but it was too rich so now he's getting Eagle Pack.

He has absolutely no other symptoms other than the weight loss.

He does not go outside.

He hasn't been tested for parasites. Should I ask the vet about that?

As I said, they did a complete blood panel and that included checking his thyroid, which the vet said was fine. I do, however, now understand that there are a couple of different tests for the thyroid, one is more complete than the other. I'm sure they didn't do the more thorough one.

Thanks

[Ash]

I'm not a vet but parasites was the first thing that sprung to my mind.

You mentioned the other cat you brought in in November. Did/does he and Chester have fights? Years ago when we found our Noodle as a kitten, one of our other female cats was so upset she didn't want to come in the house anymore, and didn't feel relaxed enough to eat around Noodle. She kept distance to her and they fought when they met. This caused her to eat less because she just wasn't comfortable enough anymore to eat the whole bowl, she would rather leave the food than confront Noodle. Is anything like that maybe going on?

[Traci]

I'm not a supporter of Eagle Pack (and definately not Nutro products, sorry), but I would suggest you review the diet with your vet and re-examine the ingredients, particularly potential over-use of supplements in the food. (or type, I suspect some of them are unneccessary). It could be he is developing a sensitivity to the food, or that the food may not be appropriate for his particular needs (age, activity level, weight, general health status)

In a 10-13 year old kitty, I would be sure your vet looked closely with an edocrine profile, and the thyroid function. The thyroid panels can be either the T3 or T4, or both...since it was negative the first time, I'd recheck with the other. Plus, if the thyroid function hasn't been tested since last August, it would be prudent to test now. This should be done along with a full blood profile annually, for any cat over the age of 7.

Did he take an x-ray to detect anything unusual? (organ size, signs of mass, tumor, inflammation, etc). This may be an option before you elect for an ultrasound.

I suggested testing for parasites because you said you adopted a younger kitty last fall...not knowing if that kitty was tested or not, parasites could be a concern. A fecal exam/testing is also a good way to rule out bacterial problems (i.e., food related, intestinal, or otherwise)

If your vet isn't expressing concern about the weight loss, I would strongly suggest a second opinion, with a thyroid function test, possibly an x-ray, discussion of the current diet, etc. A 3-lb loss is significant and concerning, and the vet needs to rule out possible causes.

[mid]

Your cat could have inflammatory bowel disease.
Yahoo groups has a IBD discussion list that could
help you.

There are different theories about the cause. Some
think commercial diets contribute.

Good luck...IBD can be difficult to control.