Havn't been here in a while...however would like some advice on what intelligent questions I need to ask the vet regarding the following symptons of my 14 year old female cat and what necessary diagnostic tests I should expect to be administered.
Nothing amiss until cat vomited all stomach contents after eating yesterday's wet food dinner at 5pm. Continued to vomit clear liquid throughout nite until morning. Refused her never once missed breakfast and has not eaten, since. Drinks lots of water. She is sitting in corners, hiding under bed and avoiding all personal contact. Sleeping now...no, up for water, again. Wouldn't even go outside on patio to lay in sun.
Had geriatric blood panel done 6 months ago due to observed excessive water drinking and peeing. Lab results showed nothing wrong re:kidneys, however cat had lost 3 lbs and now weighs 6 lbs. Just old age??? Would an ultrasound be the next step? I will observe for 24 hours and if no change go to vet, tomorrow morning. Comments and/or recomendations??
14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
VET asap tomorrow morning! Do not delay, IF she does poop get a stool sample. do not be surprised though if it is diarrhea at this point. Let her drink what she wants. Do not force her to have food. Water is more critical at this point. DO NOT let her get behind a heater or somewhere you can not get her. IF you do not have a cat carrier borrow one do not put kitty in car without one.
DID SHE get into anything? Legal/illegal drugs, any type of cleaning agent in the home, vitamins, the garbage can, anything that a cat shouldnt eat? What about electrical cords, are there any chewed up or something missing that you know of ?
Dr's will run kidney/liver/thyroid.....most of the tests that were done during her geriatric. But even tho she just had it 6months ago there could be something wrong now, good for you to notice this , the faster she gets help the better.
Make sure you have the name of the food you are giving as well to the dr.
Good luck dear and let us know what happens at the vet.
DID SHE get into anything? Legal/illegal drugs, any type of cleaning agent in the home, vitamins, the garbage can, anything that a cat shouldnt eat? What about electrical cords, are there any chewed up or something missing that you know of ?
Dr's will run kidney/liver/thyroid.....most of the tests that were done during her geriatric. But even tho she just had it 6months ago there could be something wrong now, good for you to notice this , the faster she gets help the better.
Make sure you have the name of the food you are giving as well to the dr.
Good luck dear and let us know what happens at the vet.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
A repeat on bloodwork should be done, bloodwork should include full chemical profile, CBC, urinalysis and thyroid function testing. If your vet missed any of these tests, they all need to be done NOW.
Also an xray can help detect internal problems, like inflammation, organ size/shape, masses etc. When you mentioned the weight loss, was that right before the last bloodwork (6 months ago) or just recently? Any drastic or sudden weight loss is concerning and if your vet didn't address that THEN, he needs to address it NOW. If he isn't addressing your concerns, or doing the necessary tests, see a more comitted vet TODAY. Discuss the diet you're feeding her, she may need a diet more geared to her needs (a diet easily digestible, or, pending blood work/organ function)
Also an xray can help detect internal problems, like inflammation, organ size/shape, masses etc. When you mentioned the weight loss, was that right before the last bloodwork (6 months ago) or just recently? Any drastic or sudden weight loss is concerning and if your vet didn't address that THEN, he needs to address it NOW. If he isn't addressing your concerns, or doing the necessary tests, see a more comitted vet TODAY. Discuss the diet you're feeding her, she may need a diet more geared to her needs (a diet easily digestible, or, pending blood work/organ function)
..........Traci
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
Took lucy-mitts to vet. He did total body function (antech) this afternoon @ 2pm Results come back tomorrow at noon. Also, 1 x-ray taken, 2 views. Per vet, didnt see anything unusual. 200 cc of sub q-fluid administered, all liqiud still in cat's front leg. What is next step?
Once back home 4pm, cat still not eating or drinking, however vomitted clear fluid at 7pm and had small amount of diahreea. Been sleeping for 3 days, now. Vet suggested behavioral food/other cats in household issues. Dont think so. Will wait for blood work results. Never had any health issues with this cat. Can not figure it out. Thank you.
Oh! How long can 14 yr old, 6 lb cat refuse food & water?
Once back home 4pm, cat still not eating or drinking, however vomitted clear fluid at 7pm and had small amount of diahreea. Been sleeping for 3 days, now. Vet suggested behavioral food/other cats in household issues. Dont think so. Will wait for blood work results. Never had any health issues with this cat. Can not figure it out. Thank you.
Oh! How long can 14 yr old, 6 lb cat refuse food & water?
Spookie & Lucy Mitts are old
Chardonnay is 1 years old
Chardonnay is 1 years old
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
Hydration is the most important thing but not eating can hurt any animal. she is throwing up liquid because it is hte only thing in her body. THere is no food therefore there is no food content to throw up. Diarrhea is the same thing, no food so its liquid at this point. Either way it is not good for this to continue. The vet didnt say that she should be on a bland diet? Like Traci said, a more digestable diet.
I know that we dont treat animals the same as humans BUT when human/animal isnt feeling well a bland diet is best for both. Your vet should have recommended one especially since she isnt eating at all.
Traci,is there some food at this point that he can give her just to see if she will eat it and get some nutrition in her body until he can get results or find a more competant vet?
I would go with your gut and if you dont think that this has anything to do with the other cats or food issue then find another vet who is willing to dig deeper. Did they do a Urinalysis to rule out infection?
Is Lucy vaccinated against diseases and has been checked for them as well?
Did vet do a fecal, i know it would have been hard to do but they loops that they can use to get some stool and check it that way?
LEt us know what the blood tests show. If they do not call you by 12:30pm I would call htem and make sure they are on top of it. I know there is a time different of 3 hours and you are still sleeping. So good luck and let us know.
I know that we dont treat animals the same as humans BUT when human/animal isnt feeling well a bland diet is best for both. Your vet should have recommended one especially since she isnt eating at all.
Traci,is there some food at this point that he can give her just to see if she will eat it and get some nutrition in her body until he can get results or find a more competant vet?
I would go with your gut and if you dont think that this has anything to do with the other cats or food issue then find another vet who is willing to dig deeper. Did they do a Urinalysis to rule out infection?
Is Lucy vaccinated against diseases and has been checked for them as well?
Did vet do a fecal, i know it would have been hard to do but they loops that they can use to get some stool and check it that way?
LEt us know what the blood tests show. If they do not call you by 12:30pm I would call htem and make sure they are on top of it. I know there is a time different of 3 hours and you are still sleeping. So good luck and let us know.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
You said the total bloodwork was done, but was a urinalysis and thyroid function test done? If not, call him back NOW and demand these are done. He also needs to know that she is developing diarrhea, there could be a bacterial infection going on somewhere. Ask him what her temperature was when he examined her, did or does she have a fever, did he even bother to discuss a temporary course of antibiotics with you? When you tell him she is developing diarrhea, he may suggest a fecal exam, it might be a good idea to do that today.
It sounds like she isn't absorbing the sub-q fluids fast enough, this could be due to severe dehydration and her hydration status may need to be checked again by your vet. Did he say anything about her hydration status? Do you know how to check for dehydration? If she is severely dehydrated, she will require more fluids.
Did the xrays show any signs of inflammation, small kidneys, inflammed intestines or blockages, etc? Was heart function checked?
Could she have gotten into a plant at home? Or any human medications, poisons, toxins, etc?
What are you feeding her?
Yes, when a cat is ill with vomiting and diarrhea, the best thing to feed is a bland diet, one that is highly digestible so that nutrients are absorbed and metabolized. Since she is vomiting, she is also nauseated, and will probably avoid any food that is smelly, fishy, etc. A balnd diet, easily digestible should be fed in small amounts, more often to see if kitty can keep food down. If vomiting continues, fluids administration is critical....depending on hydration status will depend on whether the fluids should be sub-q or IV fluids in the clinic. Your vet should be addressing her nutritional needs, he has prescription diets available for GI tract disturbances, and he should combine fluids support so that her electrolytes are properly balanced.
Call the vet back RIGHT THIS MINUTE, ask him to try to expedite the blood results, tell him kitty has diarrhea, continues to vomit, continues to be dehydrated, is lethargic, cannot hold food down, and that you want to rule out intestinal inflammation or obstruction (like an impacted hairball in stomach/intestine or colon), urinary tract infection or other bacterial infection, ask about a fecal exam to rule out toxo, salmonella or other parasites or infection, urinalysis and thyroid testing. If he doesn't act concerned, do not waste any time, see a new vet who is more comitted, even an emergency vet. Do not wait on this, your kitty's dehydration and nutritional support need to be addressed TODAY!
It sounds like she isn't absorbing the sub-q fluids fast enough, this could be due to severe dehydration and her hydration status may need to be checked again by your vet. Did he say anything about her hydration status? Do you know how to check for dehydration? If she is severely dehydrated, she will require more fluids.
Did the xrays show any signs of inflammation, small kidneys, inflammed intestines or blockages, etc? Was heart function checked?
Could she have gotten into a plant at home? Or any human medications, poisons, toxins, etc?
What are you feeding her?
Yes, when a cat is ill with vomiting and diarrhea, the best thing to feed is a bland diet, one that is highly digestible so that nutrients are absorbed and metabolized. Since she is vomiting, she is also nauseated, and will probably avoid any food that is smelly, fishy, etc. A balnd diet, easily digestible should be fed in small amounts, more often to see if kitty can keep food down. If vomiting continues, fluids administration is critical....depending on hydration status will depend on whether the fluids should be sub-q or IV fluids in the clinic. Your vet should be addressing her nutritional needs, he has prescription diets available for GI tract disturbances, and he should combine fluids support so that her electrolytes are properly balanced.
Call the vet back RIGHT THIS MINUTE, ask him to try to expedite the blood results, tell him kitty has diarrhea, continues to vomit, continues to be dehydrated, is lethargic, cannot hold food down, and that you want to rule out intestinal inflammation or obstruction (like an impacted hairball in stomach/intestine or colon), urinary tract infection or other bacterial infection, ask about a fecal exam to rule out toxo, salmonella or other parasites or infection, urinalysis and thyroid testing. If he doesn't act concerned, do not waste any time, see a new vet who is more comitted, even an emergency vet. Do not wait on this, your kitty's dehydration and nutritional support need to be addressed TODAY!
..........Traci
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
Thank you
Waiting till noon here in LA for blood results.
temp was 102
Nothing was discussed about food/diet yesterday, will discuss today. Vet offered the appetite meds, I said no, let's wait for results.
Vet felt no obstructions or saw anyting visible on x-rays. Bladder was empty.
Lucy peed tons this morning with no apparent pain/problems. However, had little diarrea again last nite and threw up once again (little bit).
For this cat not to come running when I open a can of her favorite wet food, fancy feast, illustrates how bad she feels. Has gotten finicky w/ food in her old age.
Keep you posted.... She seems alert... but wont leave the bed, except to use box. no crying or anything.
Waiting till noon here in LA for blood results.
temp was 102
Nothing was discussed about food/diet yesterday, will discuss today. Vet offered the appetite meds, I said no, let's wait for results.
Vet felt no obstructions or saw anyting visible on x-rays. Bladder was empty.
Lucy peed tons this morning with no apparent pain/problems. However, had little diarrea again last nite and threw up once again (little bit).
For this cat not to come running when I open a can of her favorite wet food, fancy feast, illustrates how bad she feels. Has gotten finicky w/ food in her old age.
Keep you posted.... She seems alert... but wont leave the bed, except to use box. no crying or anything.
Spookie & Lucy Mitts are old
Chardonnay is 1 years old
Chardonnay is 1 years old
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
Don't just wait for blood results, call your vet RIGHT NOW, he expects you to call him if symptoms do not improve or worsen. She is most likely severely dehydrated and there is no sense in waiting for/expecting blood results when she could be needing vital fluids administration TODAY. Since she is older, you can't take chances here, dehydration affects major organ function within hours to days!
Appetite stimulants are often helpful for anorexic cats, heed your vet's advice, if he suggested them, there is no harm in initiating them to attempt to get her to eat. Each day that she continues to vomit, has diarrhea, is anorexic, is severely dehydrated, is putting additional stress on vital organ function, mainly kidneys and liver function, these organs can fail quite rapidly if her nutritional needs aren't met, fluids support aren't met, etc.
PLEASE, call your vet immediately!
Appetite stimulants are often helpful for anorexic cats, heed your vet's advice, if he suggested them, there is no harm in initiating them to attempt to get her to eat. Each day that she continues to vomit, has diarrhea, is anorexic, is severely dehydrated, is putting additional stress on vital organ function, mainly kidneys and liver function, these organs can fail quite rapidly if her nutritional needs aren't met, fluids support aren't met, etc.
PLEASE, call your vet immediately!
..........Traci
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: 14 yr old vomitting clear liq. only drink, no eating
What happen with blood work?
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
I just dont get it. I think what my cat really needs is a shrink or at least some kind of feline therapy. I wouldn't doubt it if they have pet psychiatrists here in Los Angeles!!!
All blood work results were normal. Discussed all medical issues that you brought to my attention with vet and he said we covered all bases, however should I not see a change in eating/drinking behavior by morning, follow-up with a specialist. There are a million here in west los angeles.
Thank you, again, for providing me with the knowledge to ask intelligent questions as a pet owner. Cats are the coolest!!! Will update you on Lucy's status by weeks end. I'm sooooooooooo tired.
All blood work results were normal. Discussed all medical issues that you brought to my attention with vet and he said we covered all bases, however should I not see a change in eating/drinking behavior by morning, follow-up with a specialist. There are a million here in west los angeles.
Thank you, again, for providing me with the knowledge to ask intelligent questions as a pet owner. Cats are the coolest!!! Will update you on Lucy's status by weeks end. I'm sooooooooooo tired.
Spookie & Lucy Mitts are old
Chardonnay is 1 years old
Chardonnay is 1 years old