What pill are you trying to give her, the metronidazole? If so, call your vet back and ask for the oral suspension form, it can be given with an eyedropper in the lower corner of the mouth, just squirt it in. (he can either exchange the remaining tablets for the oral suspension for you, or give you a credit you can use for the oral suspension)
As for the acidophilus, don't use any that you might have had around for several years. If you can get it from your vet, that would be better. If you can't get it, then you can add one or two teaspoons of unflavored/non-fat yogurt to her food or feed it to her with a teaspoon. (1 teaspoon once or twice a day)
Don't jump the gun on cancer. She needs a full blood profile to determine her overall health status. If any enzymes are unusual on the bloodwork, then get an x-ray and/or ultrasound, that is, if there is any suspicion of inflammation or mass. Make sure she gets a thyroid function test done as soon as possible.
If the vet is experienced and was certain the cyst wasn't serious (i.e., sebacious, fatty tissue lipoma, etc), then it would probably be best to leave it alone. However, if he was uncertain at all, or inexperienced, or didn't know what type of cyst it was, please get a second opinion immediately. Lumps should never go unaddressed or unidentified...a small needle aspirate or biopsy can confirm if it is in fact, benign, but you have to have an experienced vet before you do a needle aspirate or biopsy.
If you feel your vet isn't addressing your questions or your needs, don't be afraid to get a second opinion right away, preferrably with a feline-only vet.
Shannon
Re: Shannon
..........Traci
Re: Shannon
Yes, that's the one. I did get her to take one in a soft treat today.
As for the acidophilus, I got rid of Noodles' meds years ago. Shannon is having some yogurt and seems to like it. She's been quiet today but then she always sleeps during the day, I'm just usually not here to watch it, I'm working.
I'm trying to get an appointment with a new, progressive veterinary hospital in Princeton, NJ who is said to have the latest advancements in animal treatment. The holiday weekend is causing some delay but I hope to have the appointment early next week. I am afraid of the cancer diagnosis but I also want to know if it is something treatable. I just don't want the same mistakes to happen as with Noodles.
I can't thank you enough for being there for people like me. Your advice is so helpful. It's good to have friends who really understand. Thank you.
As for the acidophilus, I got rid of Noodles' meds years ago. Shannon is having some yogurt and seems to like it. She's been quiet today but then she always sleeps during the day, I'm just usually not here to watch it, I'm working.
I'm trying to get an appointment with a new, progressive veterinary hospital in Princeton, NJ who is said to have the latest advancements in animal treatment. The holiday weekend is causing some delay but I hope to have the appointment early next week. I am afraid of the cancer diagnosis but I also want to know if it is something treatable. I just don't want the same mistakes to happen as with Noodles.
I can't thank you enough for being there for people like me. Your advice is so helpful. It's good to have friends who really understand. Thank you.
Re: Shannon
I understand, Peg, it's hard when our babies are sick.
Again, don't jump the gun on cancer. Try to get that second opinion as soon as possible and opt for a full blood profile and thyroid function testing. It's a good sign that she is active, eating well, etc, but the weight loss is a bit concerning.
Shannon and you are in my thoughts and prayers, hang in there, and keep us updated, ok? (((HUGS)))
Again, don't jump the gun on cancer. Try to get that second opinion as soon as possible and opt for a full blood profile and thyroid function testing. It's a good sign that she is active, eating well, etc, but the weight loss is a bit concerning.
Shannon and you are in my thoughts and prayers, hang in there, and keep us updated, ok? (((HUGS)))
..........Traci
Re: Shannon
Thanks so much, Traci. God bless you. Please keep those prayers coming.
Love,
Peg
Love,
Peg
Re: Shannon
Peg,
I sooooo remember you! I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this with Shannon. I'm sending you prayers. I think of you, especially, at this time of year. My Kitty went to the bridge on June 2 four years ago, and I believe Noodles went to the bridge on June 2 a year or two before that. I know how hard it was for you to lose Noodles, and me to lose my Kitty and my Diva. I now have three babies who I worry to death about. I'll be praying for you and Shannon. ((hugs)), kk
I sooooo remember you! I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this with Shannon. I'm sending you prayers. I think of you, especially, at this time of year. My Kitty went to the bridge on June 2 four years ago, and I believe Noodles went to the bridge on June 2 a year or two before that. I know how hard it was for you to lose Noodles, and me to lose my Kitty and my Diva. I now have three babies who I worry to death about. I'll be praying for you and Shannon. ((hugs)), kk
Re: Shannon
Hello,
Yes, I do remember you also and Kitty and Diva. Noodles did go to the bridge June 2 in 1999, (seven years, can you believe it?) I took Shannon in that same year. She was raised with Noodles so it was only right.
I'm awaiting the results of the testing and will post for everyone. I do appreciate the prayers. Shannon was a semi-feral for the first seven years of her life and was abused by kids and frightened by all people. I posted pictures of her as a little waif sleeping on my porch. She has come a long way to become a beautiful, loving, playful little house kitty and I am praying we can do something for her.
The vet mentioned thyroid but I'm not sure that would cause the weight loss, but she also said that Shannon's top weight two years ago was only 11 lbs. and she was ten last year but she is only 8 now and has lost 3 oz. of that in a week. So it could be thyroid. That would mean surgery but it would be better than cancer! I can't help but draw comparisons with Noodles but I'm praying it is something with which we can have a better outcome. Please keep those prayers coming. We appreciate it so much.
Thank again and much love,
Peg
Yes, I do remember you also and Kitty and Diva. Noodles did go to the bridge June 2 in 1999, (seven years, can you believe it?) I took Shannon in that same year. She was raised with Noodles so it was only right.
I'm awaiting the results of the testing and will post for everyone. I do appreciate the prayers. Shannon was a semi-feral for the first seven years of her life and was abused by kids and frightened by all people. I posted pictures of her as a little waif sleeping on my porch. She has come a long way to become a beautiful, loving, playful little house kitty and I am praying we can do something for her.
The vet mentioned thyroid but I'm not sure that would cause the weight loss, but she also said that Shannon's top weight two years ago was only 11 lbs. and she was ten last year but she is only 8 now and has lost 3 oz. of that in a week. So it could be thyroid. That would mean surgery but it would be better than cancer! I can't help but draw comparisons with Noodles but I'm praying it is something with which we can have a better outcome. Please keep those prayers coming. We appreciate it so much.
Thank again and much love,
Peg
Re: Shannon
Hello to everyone,
Thank you for all the prayers for Shannon. They worked! It is NOT what Noodles had. The vet just called with the results of Shannon's tests. Shannon has a very hyperactive thyroid. Her level was 12! They are going to put her on medication and monitor her. I'm flying down there to get her pills tonight. I can't tell you how relieved I am. Thank you, thank you , thank you.
Love to all and all your fur babies and a big thank you from Shannon.
Love,
Peg[/img]
Thank you for all the prayers for Shannon. They worked! It is NOT what Noodles had. The vet just called with the results of Shannon's tests. Shannon has a very hyperactive thyroid. Her level was 12! They are going to put her on medication and monitor her. I'm flying down there to get her pills tonight. I can't tell you how relieved I am. Thank you, thank you , thank you.
Love to all and all your fur babies and a big thank you from Shannon.
Love,
Peg[/img]
Re: Shannon
Peg, please be sure to get her thyroid levels checked frequently, especially during the first few months of initiating the medication, as the meds may need to be adjusted. Also ask your vet to rule out hypertension (may not be a concern, you just want to be sure)
Surgery may be an option, but many cats are managed on medication alone. Talk to your vet or specialist about the options, but don't make any decisions on surgery until or unless you've talked to an experienced vet and monitored Shannon and her health status for a bit.
Hang in there and give Shannon lots of love and attention for us!
Surgery may be an option, but many cats are managed on medication alone. Talk to your vet or specialist about the options, but don't make any decisions on surgery until or unless you've talked to an experienced vet and monitored Shannon and her health status for a bit.
Hang in there and give Shannon lots of love and attention for us!
..........Traci
Re: Shannon
Oh Peg!
I'm soooo happy!! Well, not that Shannon is hyperthyroid, but you know what I mean. It's good to 'see' you again. Good luck.
kk
I'm soooo happy!! Well, not that Shannon is hyperthyroid, but you know what I mean. It's good to 'see' you again. Good luck.
kk
Re: Shannon
Shannon is due to be retested in three to four weeks and I was briefed on possible allergies to the medication. They're rare but it happens. They are starting with a low dose and monitoring for adjustments. The vet was pretty honest about the surgery option but advised not to go that drastic until we see if Shannon can manage the pills first. Not too many qualified thyroid surgeons in NJ. If it proved necessary, she advised the University of Pennsylvania. For her age, all Shannon's internal organs are in fine shape. The T4 was the only thing not normal.
Radiation was another option but required isolation for a period of time. I had that one myself. If possible, I would rather have Shannon home and comfortable. The vet said many aniamals do well with the medication and she recommended we start there. I am definitely setting up a wellness calendar for Shannon. I am so greatful it wasn't the lymphosarcoma!
Thank you for helping me through this. Some people just don't understand how precious our little kitties are. I'll be sure to keep you posted on Shannon's progress.
Take care and much love,
Peg
Radiation was another option but required isolation for a period of time. I had that one myself. If possible, I would rather have Shannon home and comfortable. The vet said many aniamals do well with the medication and she recommended we start there. I am definitely setting up a wellness calendar for Shannon. I am so greatful it wasn't the lymphosarcoma!
Thank you for helping me through this. Some people just don't understand how precious our little kitties are. I'll be sure to keep you posted on Shannon's progress.
Take care and much love,
Peg