Puzzling cat question??

[knulp51]

Had my cat to the vets last Wed. he was not his usual self, happy, easy going, and running around. He had a thorough exam including x-rays, because we felt there might be a problem in the rib area, x-rays fine, no foreign objects. Blood work, nothing abnormal, all within range. The Dr. felt that we should deal witht he pain aspect of this and thats what we did, he seemed to respond for a few days, and now, I noticed last night he was back to growling when he moves and just uncomfortable in general. He in a neutered male, bladder fine and is an indoor cat only. I had my daughter hold him and I found a small lump up at the base of the tail, underneath, it is solid, not soft like an abscess. He is eating but we bring him to it. He just seems in pain. Of course when we went to the vet he didn't act like he was at home. I did record him with my camera so I can show it to the vet. Put in a call today, no response yet I will call back before they close? His tail goes up its just in the bony area. Any input would be great.

[Tina B and crew]

It could be anything to a benign growth or an abcess, even if it isn't soft. You say it's at the base of the tail...is it right above the anus? I wonder if it could be impacted or infected anal glands? You are right about calling the vet...keep calling and get him in as soon as possible and don't leave until your vet has addressed it. If you vet won't address it find another vet. If he's clearly in pain he isn't going to be himself. I hope you can get in soon...let us know what happens.

[mamaof4soon]

I agree with tina. Great job video taping him! Call that vet and tell them that you want to know what's up and call them if they havent called you back an hour and half before they close tommorrow.

[Cleo]

Hoping you heard from the vet by now. Please keep us posted.

[knulp51]

Well here is the update, no lump on the tail can be found. Cats white blood count was low 2 wks. ago and he is FELV &FIV negative. In 2 wks. he has lost 1/2 lb. but eating, seems to have slowed down today, is now sleeping in litter box. Neutrophils are low also, on antibiotic and pain med cause of pain in upper spine, atleast he has been nasty to us in the last 2 days. The vet is bewildered and said we could do a bone marrow biopsy, but I say if we have to that, nothing good will be coming his way. We went down that road with another cat with 8 biopsies, endoscopes, ultrasound, emergency surgery on his small bowel, blood transfusions, feeding tube and ultimately he died 2 wks later in the hospital. I always questioned if I did it for him or for me, so thats why I am so hesitant to go to far.

[mamaof4soon]

Low levels can indicate sepsis. The neutrophils are concentrated in the area of the infection or are being used fast so its leaving less circulating in the blood.

Low white blood counts can indicate viral infections, Bone marrow problems and sepsis.

Please dont quote me on any of this, i am trying to remember about it. I think you need a 2nd opinion and need to get one fast.

Having low Neutrophils means there is obviously something wrong and you have to pinpoint it. It might not be what you want to hear when they find it but it has to be done. ( i know I certainly wouldnt want to know but know I would have to find out either way). If you do not trust this vet please seek another asap. If you are scared because of past experiences, trust me I do understand and dont blame you. We all have our own ghosts, I think you need to find a vet whom you trust and if you do like this one then tell him your concerns about the last experience you had with the other kitty. I am sure he will understand and be compassionate about it.

[Auntie Debbie]

Yes, please find another vet asap. If I read correctly, I believe you found a lump under his tail, yet at the vets it was gone?
I would definitley find another vet. I hope whatever is ailing your cat is not serious.

[knulp51]

I do trust this vet, but I put one of my cats through alot before and got no answers, I personally feel that nothing good is coming his way, and I may never find out, how much do you put them through?????????? I love this guy but I just can't bring myself, financially or for his sake go through mris, bone marrow aspiration, ct scan and so on. I may never know, just like the last cat, and I put him through too much. I hope he responds to the clidamycin and pain meds.

[Auntie Debbie]

Still please find another vet for a second opinion. Your vet may be missing something and it may not require expensives tests to determine a diagnosis. At least with a second opinion, you'll know if you really need all those tests.
Also, please let me know what happened to that lump you found by his tail and why your vet didn't see it. I hope there is something you can do for him.

[mamaof4soon]

I agree with debbie 100% you need another vets opinion. That lump just didnt disapear! the tests show the wbc is low and that is for a reason. THe blood doesnt lie. Low count means something is wrong, get a 2nd opinion and have find out what type of infection this might be. I agree with your vet that bone marrow should be checked but like you said you have to be the one to say yes or no. You went through this wiht another cat, are they the same litter? Was it someother type of health issue? Was it caught to late? If this is something that has been caught then finding specically what it is will help treat it and have him back to normal.