Update on Khanada ~ also Traci- Davet a question

[Tina B and crew]

The vet decided to do a gastric lavage because her pupils didn't respond properly to light, so she thought there was a high probability of toxicity. They didn't find any plant matter in her stomach. She was treated with ToxiBan, given IV fluids and kept overnight for observation. We went in last night and took some of her regular food because she refused to eat for the vet or techs. After some coaxing Bridget got her to eat probably 1/2 cup of food. She was obviously stressed because of a large dog that wouldn't stop barking (techs were getting quite annoyed too!)...but she did seem to calm down after we were there. She doesn't handle vet visits well in the first place. She should be able to come home today before noon. Bridget has a job interview so I will be going to pick her up. I'll let you know how she is.

Traci, I read your post about checking kidney function. I don't know if they did, but I'll ask. One thing they did tell Bridget was that her urine had an odor of mint, which was puzzling to the vet. They even pulled the litter box out of trash so Bridget could have a whiff, and she said sure enough it smelled of mint. Have you ever run across this?

[Traci]

Dilute urine can have a 'sweet' odor (i.e., diabetes), but I wouldn't necessarily equate it to mint, just simply a sweet smell. On the other hand, if she did ingest the ivy, that may explain the urine.

In addition to the kidney function enzymes, also ask about vitamin K injections, we often opt for these in the absense of toxicity confirmation, you might be prepared for an injection or two for a couple weeks. I would also recheck her kidney enzymes next week or the following week, and of course, monitor her extremely closely at home for any signs of dehydration, increased water consumption, weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy.

[Tina B and crew]

She is home...acting normal and eating well. She is also using the litterbox and we did find some plant matter in her stool. Vet didn't do bloodwork, but suggested we might have our regular vet follow up with it. Her pupils are reacting normal and she seems just fine. I'm not too concerned but Bridget will probably have our regular vet do some follow up work.

About the urine...they all said is smelled like wintergreen, not sweet but minty Wonder if it could have been the plant.

[Traci]

Good question, Tina, I haven't had an ivy for so long I can't remember....if you still have the ivy, take a leaf, (or if blooming, part of the petals), soak it in water for awhile and then see what it smells like, this would give you an indication if she actually ingested alot of it. Usually, one can tell if a plant was digested from mouth odor, it is usually distinct, either that or, from kidney toxin, but may not be evident right away (i.e., some toxins don't produce effects until days later or in some cases, up to 3 weeks later)

I would definately opt for kidney testing next week, no later. If any evidence of toxin at that point, vitamin K injections immediately. Don't know why your vet didn't use that as a preventative/conservative measure. (unless he added it to the fluids solution when hospitalized)

[davet]

kidney test would be routine but can you equate the amount of green in the stool with the amount of ivy missing from the plant...did you find more than a total leaf missing or what...course kinda hard to tell , not every one counts the leafs on their ivy...but again i have never seen ivy toxicosis...is there a possibilty that she could have gotten into another plant.....but again kidney test should be run routinly if blood is taken......all i can say is you gotta weird case...

[davet]

couple sites on Ivt toxicosis

http://www.tiggerswebsite.esmartweb.com ... h_ivy.html

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant05.htm
and one more

http://www.nriah.com/Treatment/toxic_plants.htm

seems to me it is the berry that is really the problem but every cats system is different

[Tina B and crew]

Traci...the ivy doesn't have a minty odor at all..I crushed a leaf and put it in water for a while...it just smells "green". I don't know if they put Vit K in her fluids or not, but I can check. Just what does Vit K do? The did administer toxiban.

She is still acting normal, eating well, playing, using the litter box this morning. As far as the plant matter in her stool goes...it was about the same amount that I thought she had eaten. and the leaves were pretty much whole. I have no other plants in my house so it had to be the ivy in her stool. And the ivy had no blooms or fruit...just leaves.

Will take her into our regular vet on Monday unless she shows any signs of problems..then we will take her back to the other vet or ER vet.

[Traci]

Tina, vitamin K is most often used to treat coagulation disorders (i.e., in rodenticide or warfarin toxicity).....if your vet didn't feel she ingested a great deal of the ivy leaf, she may not have necessitated the need for it, but still strongly advise a kidney enzyme screen...even when the blood is drawn for testing, if it doesn't clot right away, could show a problem.

Not trying to alarm you, just going by instinct and experience. For now, keep an eagle eye on her....call your vet promptly should any unusual symptom occur and do at least call and ask about the kidney screen, at least you'll have peace of mind for doing so.

[Auntie Debbie]

Tina, I hope that Khanada will be okay! Sorry I can't add anything to what Traci and Davet has already suggested. I did try to find a site that would explain the minty fresh smell, but came up with nothing. Any chance she got into some mouthwash or gum as well as the ivy? (just an idea???)
I've sure got her in my prayers to fully recover for you soon. Give her a big kitty kiss for me, ok?