Ok, I just got off the phone with the doctor.
She said that she suspects it's 1 of two things and that it was located in his small intestine.
1.) Gas, or gas that might be blocked by something causing it to not move much.
2.) Ileus causing his digestive track to slow down in general. Which from my understanding can result in an obstruction.
She also noted that he had a lot of gas, but that it was normal for a cat.
She said if he pukes again, we will bring him back in for x-rays and see if it's still there, or how much/if it has moved.
Also knowing this is makes me really wonder why.. if it's highly likely that he has a blockage of some form, or the intestine muscles have stopped contracting or there is inflammation of the ileus, why is it not being taken care of immediately??
In the very least do an ultrasound today for heaven sakes.
*UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Urine
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
Yes I did, and I'd be concerned with the (seemingly) lack of carbohydrate or fiber source. Other problems, in my personal opinion is that the cat food is claimed for all life stages, which to me, is not appropriate. I don't know what "vets" are or were involved in the creation of these diets, but the site doesn't mention them at all, rather, "respected by veterinarians, kennels, breeders, etc....", doesn't mean they were involved in the creation/formulation of the foods.
Your vet, if she's experienced at all, should be helping you with your choices and options (based on experience and case histories she has worked). If she isn't expressing concern, or working fast enough with this case, perhaps it's time for a new vet.
When exactly was the last vomiting episode? (doesn't matter if it was food, bile or whatever, it would be considered an episode). Has he kept the chicken and rice down? Has he eaten an appropriate amount?
What exactly do you mean by "organic rice and chicken"? I question the hype and claims regarding "organic", since they truly are not as organic as one might think. To date, there is not exactly anything or anyone "regulating" or governing organic farmers, to ensure quality control, (to my knowledge, the organic farming business is "self-controlled") so until such measures are put in place to actually justify the claims, you're probably only spending more money on comparable products.
Is there another vet or associate at this clinic who may be more experienced in viewing x-rays? While I can understand your vet's comments today, I'm not really sure what to make of them. Gas and gas loops, etc on an x-ray can appear as many different "visuals", so your vet has to take into account Tage's symptoms, his response to the current bland diet, and take it from there. If he vomits again, of course get him back in ASAP for a possible barium x-ray series, but also watch hiim closely at home for other symptoms which would include continued dehydration, weight loss, painful abdomen, constipation/diarrhea, lethargy, withdrawal or depression, anything unusual at all.
As for the water, don't go all out for "specialty" waters at the grocery store...a plain gallon of bottled water would do. My concern is that your vet has also yet to rule out potential urinary tract infection/crystals/problems, and you don't want to add to that problem with waters that have additonal minerals in them. If you're concerned with your drinking water at home, you might want to consider getting a quality control personnel out to check your water supply, or check your pipes for hidden problems (like rust, erosion, chemicals, etc)
Your vet, if she's experienced at all, should be helping you with your choices and options (based on experience and case histories she has worked). If she isn't expressing concern, or working fast enough with this case, perhaps it's time for a new vet.
When exactly was the last vomiting episode? (doesn't matter if it was food, bile or whatever, it would be considered an episode). Has he kept the chicken and rice down? Has he eaten an appropriate amount?
What exactly do you mean by "organic rice and chicken"? I question the hype and claims regarding "organic", since they truly are not as organic as one might think. To date, there is not exactly anything or anyone "regulating" or governing organic farmers, to ensure quality control, (to my knowledge, the organic farming business is "self-controlled") so until such measures are put in place to actually justify the claims, you're probably only spending more money on comparable products.
Is there another vet or associate at this clinic who may be more experienced in viewing x-rays? While I can understand your vet's comments today, I'm not really sure what to make of them. Gas and gas loops, etc on an x-ray can appear as many different "visuals", so your vet has to take into account Tage's symptoms, his response to the current bland diet, and take it from there. If he vomits again, of course get him back in ASAP for a possible barium x-ray series, but also watch hiim closely at home for other symptoms which would include continued dehydration, weight loss, painful abdomen, constipation/diarrhea, lethargy, withdrawal or depression, anything unusual at all.
As for the water, don't go all out for "specialty" waters at the grocery store...a plain gallon of bottled water would do. My concern is that your vet has also yet to rule out potential urinary tract infection/crystals/problems, and you don't want to add to that problem with waters that have additonal minerals in them. If you're concerned with your drinking water at home, you might want to consider getting a quality control personnel out to check your water supply, or check your pipes for hidden problems (like rust, erosion, chemicals, etc)
..........Traci
The last time he vomited (which was food) I believe was... Monday morning after breakfast I want to say.
He has not puked any bile for about 2 weeks now. Since the very day before seeing the vet, up until right now, he has puked twice and it was his food.
The green pea's is what makes up the fiber source in NB
There is only one other vet at that office and she's a dog doctor.
He has not puked any bile for about 2 weeks now. Since the very day before seeing the vet, up until right now, he has puked twice and it was his food.
The green pea's is what makes up the fiber source in NB
There is only one other vet at that office and she's a dog doctor.
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
I'd at least call her back today and inquire about your "emergency" options, since it's nearing the weekend and you don't know if your vet or the clinic would be available in the event of an emergency. Just have that base covered.
It's good that he hasn't vomited since Monday, and if he keeps the chicken and rice down this weekend, that would be a good sign. But, also keep an eye on his stool production as well as urine production, and try to keep track of his water consumption. If all goes well this weekend, talk to your vet on Monday about initiating the hypoallergenic diet.
Word of caution, whatever hypoallergenic diet you and your vet choose, you MUST get that urinalysis/culture confirmed before you switch the diet, since some of the hypoallergenic diets may be contraindicated with FLUTD.
It's good that he hasn't vomited since Monday, and if he keeps the chicken and rice down this weekend, that would be a good sign. But, also keep an eye on his stool production as well as urine production, and try to keep track of his water consumption. If all goes well this weekend, talk to your vet on Monday about initiating the hypoallergenic diet.
Word of caution, whatever hypoallergenic diet you and your vet choose, you MUST get that urinalysis/culture confirmed before you switch the diet, since some of the hypoallergenic diets may be contraindicated with FLUTD.
..........Traci
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
She took the 2nd urine culture yesterday so hopefully by the end of the day or tomorrow morning she should be able to tell me if anything has grown on it again or not.
I have plunty of the chicken and rice to keep him on that until the test results are in if it indeed needs to be sent off to the lab.
I only live about 15 mins away from a 24/7 emergency vet clinic which I have been to before if worse came to worse.
She'll be open tomorrow until 2pm but they are closed on Sundays
I have plunty of the chicken and rice to keep him on that until the test results are in if it indeed needs to be sent off to the lab.
I only live about 15 mins away from a 24/7 emergency vet clinic which I have been to before if worse came to worse.
She'll be open tomorrow until 2pm but they are closed on Sundays
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
Well, you have two options.....have him seen again today for a second x-ray to see if the "abnormality" has changed or moved....or see how he does over the weekend. If you have a good emergency hospital to utilize, I'd choose the latter. See how he does keeping the chicken and rice down, monitor for any continued or newly developing symptoms, and resume with your vet on Monday.
While there may be a concern for an obstruction, it sounds more like inflammation, which of course in time could cause significant problems and require agressive treatment. But, I'd give the diet a chance first, providing there are no significant changes in his health and behavior in the next couple days.
By the way, it's not normal for a cat to have alot of gas in the intestine.....this is commonly seen on x-rays when the patient is presented with symptoms of inflammatory conditions, obstructions, masses, impacted colon, GI tract problems, or inappropriate diet, etc, but not normally seen in a healthy cat.
While there may be a concern for an obstruction, it sounds more like inflammation, which of course in time could cause significant problems and require agressive treatment. But, I'd give the diet a chance first, providing there are no significant changes in his health and behavior in the next couple days.
By the way, it's not normal for a cat to have alot of gas in the intestine.....this is commonly seen on x-rays when the patient is presented with symptoms of inflammatory conditions, obstructions, masses, impacted colon, GI tract problems, or inappropriate diet, etc, but not normally seen in a healthy cat.
..........Traci
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
I know about the gas thing, just yet another reason why I'm doubting this vet... 
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
Only based on your posts, it's hard to determine her experience level or comittment, but a few of her comments are questionable, and I would have suggested early on to start the bland diet during the early vomiting episodes, as well as initiating the hypoallergenic diet.
But, what's done is done......for now, monitor him very closely over the weekend. Touch base with your vet on Monday, unless anything significant occurs over the weekend, in which, don't hesitate in the least to have him seen by the emergency clinic.
On Monday, see about the culture results, and at least ask about a second urinalysis (I can't stress enough the concern for potential infection or crystals forming), before talking about the hypoallergenic diet. If she is wishy-washy about anything, then see about seeing another vet. Hopefully it won't come to that.
But, what's done is done......for now, monitor him very closely over the weekend. Touch base with your vet on Monday, unless anything significant occurs over the weekend, in which, don't hesitate in the least to have him seen by the emergency clinic.
On Monday, see about the culture results, and at least ask about a second urinalysis (I can't stress enough the concern for potential infection or crystals forming), before talking about the hypoallergenic diet. If she is wishy-washy about anything, then see about seeing another vet. Hopefully it won't come to that.
..........Traci
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
Well there still has not been any further vomiting.
I took a look at the x-rays and the "thing" appeared to move about an inch with in that 20 minute time span.
Probably the plant matter and plastic trash bag bits I saw in the stool a day later is what was showing up.
Tage is still not drinking water, though I'm adding it to his food, and feeding him 3-4 small meals a day. He seems to be having good urine out put in his litter box.
He also didn't poop for about 3 days. I let him out of quarantine last night so he could run around and get the juices flowing, I also gave him an abdominal massage to help move anything along, including possible gas, which he really seemed to enjoy. He was even feeling well enough to run around and chase after a moth.
Very late last night or very early this morning he finally pooped.
While the stools were nicely formed, and of proper colour, except one, one of the small three was covered in black, which tells me he had some internal bleeding for one reason or another.
I have not heard about the urine culture yet, they called me after they had closed on Saturday and I missed the call, so I could not call them back.
I've started him on a commercial diet, just starting with one teaspoon and I will increase it by half a teaspoon each meal so long as I am seeing positive results.
I took a look at the x-rays and the "thing" appeared to move about an inch with in that 20 minute time span.
Probably the plant matter and plastic trash bag bits I saw in the stool a day later is what was showing up.
Tage is still not drinking water, though I'm adding it to his food, and feeding him 3-4 small meals a day. He seems to be having good urine out put in his litter box.
He also didn't poop for about 3 days. I let him out of quarantine last night so he could run around and get the juices flowing, I also gave him an abdominal massage to help move anything along, including possible gas, which he really seemed to enjoy. He was even feeling well enough to run around and chase after a moth.
Very late last night or very early this morning he finally pooped.
While the stools were nicely formed, and of proper colour, except one, one of the small three was covered in black, which tells me he had some internal bleeding for one reason or another.
I have not heard about the urine culture yet, they called me after they had closed on Saturday and I missed the call, so I could not call them back.
I've started him on a commercial diet, just starting with one teaspoon and I will increase it by half a teaspoon each meal so long as I am seeing positive results.
Re: *UPDATE* Cat Vomiting Bile & Other Stuff, WBC in Uri
You never mentioned that before. What plant matter? Does he chew on plastic bags very often? You should keep those away from your cats. Any chance he actually got into your trash?AngelZoo wrote:Probably the plant matter and plastic trash bag bits I saw in the stool a day later is what was showing up.
Blackened stools do not always indicate bleeding, if they were consistently black, you would want to be concerned. But, in this case, they could be from retained/impacted feces in the colon. Dietary adjustments can also cause blackened stools.While the stools were nicely formed, and of proper colour, except one, one of the small three was covered in black, which tells me he had some internal bleeding for one reason or another.
What is the diet? If he kept the chicken and rice down all weekend, you can probably feed more than a teaspoon at a time. Allow him to eat at least a 1/4 cup at each meal, if he keeps it down, then start adding more.I've started him on a commercial diet, just starting with one teaspoon and I will increase it by half a teaspoon each meal so long as I am seeing positive results.
You should have talked to your vet before starting a commercial diet, because she may have suggested a prescription diet instead....if that is her intended approach, you'll probably have to change it again. And, as noted earlier, you don't have a new urinalysis or a culture result yet.
..........Traci