Razzeratz is going to the vets today

[Auntie Debbie]

A couple of nights ago he came to bed sounding like he was crunching on something, only he wasn't. Crunch, crunch, crunch...after a while I should have seen crumbs all over the bed and an empty bag of whiskas laying around....it was just him. I can't imagine how he could be making that sound. He also made a few gagging motions, looked like he wanted to hack something up, but that was short lived and nothing happened. Yesterday morning he seemed better but I made a vet appointment for him today at 10;45. later yesteray afternoon we were on the bed and his tummy area was making some weird noises and he still seems a bit off. Last night he started the crunching thing a little again. This morning he's doing about the same...just off, not quite right. He and Sals will be 14 this April 30th. He's past due on a good check up anyway.

[Cleo]

Good luck Razz! Please keep us posted.

[Auntie Debbie]

Back from the vet and I'm not sure what to think here. I suspected maybe dental by the way he prys his mouth open and makes that crunching sound. The vet lloked in his mouth and agreed he needs a dental, but didn't really look to see if there were any loose teeth or what is causing the noise or if there are any serious abcesses or anything to be really concerned about. He is leaning toward HyperT because of how dialated his eyes are...all the time. The geriatric blood work up will be ready tomorrow, and I can speak with the other vet or wait till Friday morning and speak with him. Then I will have to schedule a dental. Todays excursion withh exam, shots and blood and antibiotics is $285. Dental will be anywhere from $445-540. Hoo boy! (as I kiss that camera I wanted bye-bye.) One step at a time. m He is eating and doesn't seem to be unable to do stuff, just a little low key. I'll post again when I get the blood results back and know more.l

[Traci]

How come vet didn't get a clearer look in the mouth?

Was a blood pressure check done?

I'm sorry, Debbie, I know how worried you are, Razz remains in my thoughts and prayers, update as soon as you can.

[Auntie Debbie]

He did suggest the blood pressure, but upon hearing that alone was 45 bucks I declined and preferred to wait to see what the bloodwork comes back with first. He did also suggest a possible heart murmer as his heart was racing....but I think he was just more scared....petrified really.
I did ask him to look closer in his mouth, but he just said he does need a serious dental and he'll have a better look when he does that....this is why I'm not sure what to think and why I'm not too impressed. I've never been to this one.

[Traci]

As soon as you're able to, yes the dental should be done, because bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Do you have a stethoscope at home so you can listen to his heart and lungs? You could probably hear something when Razz is in a relaxed state at home if you have a stethoscope.

I'm assuming a thyroid panel was added to the bloodwork?

I'd bet the crunching is a bad tooth (or two), but it's good he is eating normally. You can also try taking his temp if you can, normal = 101-102.5 - if he's not drooling, doesn't have a high temp and is not avoiding chewing on kibbles or shaking his head, etc, chances are he doesn't have an oral abcess, but it could develop anytime if there's a really bad tooth.

[Auntie Debbie]

He's eating and drinking just fine. He's a bit low key but not really at all lethargic. No stethoscope, but i can hear his tummy gurgling and his lungs when he lays on the bed. I will try to do a pulse later.
on another board a couple of people who have HyerTs say that their cats also to the grinding thing. I've been looking up sites on line that may list that as one of the symptoms but so far haven't found any. His coat is nice and shiny, he continues to groom himself. Right now I'm guessing that if he does have hyperT and whether or not it caused the bad teeth, it's really the teeth that is his main issue right now that is really bothering him.

[Tambrey]

HYperT will cause a racing heart too....BTDT.....keep us posted and know you are in our prayers

[Traci]

If you've heard of others' cats with hyperthyroidism and grinding teeth, it is more than likely due to dehydration or excess acid in the stomach/nausea. Is Razz nauseated or licking his lips or vomiting? Has he had normal stools? If there are not obvious signs of hyperthyroidism, chances are, he doesn't have it, but the fast heartrate is a bit concerning, and the dilation of the pupils. How long have you noticed they've been dilated?

[Auntie Debbie]

Traci, the pupils have been large or dialated for years...always thought it was just hi...he sees just fine. He did barf the other night, but it looked a little more like a regurge job than a sick barf. The dehydration thing may be true because he has been drinking more today that I've ever seen him drink...maybe he's CRFing? He's doing well otherwise, eats, sleeps, junps on the furniture, gets under my feet, etc. As soon as I get the results back on the blood I'll let you know. I'll even go over there and get a copy of what it reads.