Razzeratz is going to the vets today

[Cleo]

Hey Razz, what's up? We hope you're just trying to get your mom's attention and nothing serious is going on. Hang in there buddy and be well! Your friends, Keeks & the 10 cat crew .. or as we're affectionately referred to if you count the other two resident cats ... The Dirty Dozen. Pffft, humans.

[Auntie Debbie]

Cleo....Dirty Dozen, LOL! Hope all your kitties are doing well...and Razzeratz seems to be much perkier today. I think the antibiotics are already kicking in!

[Traci]

Let's wait for bloodwork results, don't want to make any assumptions, since this could be just about anything. Hopefully nothing serious!!

[Auntie Debbie]

Thanks Traci, that's what I'm doing. I'm really hoping it's not crf which would definitely explain the grinding noise then if it's from dehydration.

[Auntie Debbie]

And the results are in....he has some serious Hyper-T going on.

Here are his blood work results:

T4-result=6.8

CHEM 21 with Comprehensive CBC/CHEM 21

ALK PHOSPHATE=25
ALT (SGPT)=-50
AST (SGOT)=25
ALBUMIN=3.3
TOTAL PROTEIN=7.7
GLOBULIN=4.4
TOTAL BILIRUBIN=0.1
DIRECT BILIRUBIN-0.0
BUN=43CREATINE=1.9
CHOLESTEROL=190
GLUCOSE=103
CALCIUM=10.0
PHOSPHORUS=4.5
CHLORIDE=117
POTASSIUM=4.3
SODIUM=157
A/G RATIO=0.8
B/C RATIO=22.6
INDIRECT BILOIRUBIN=0.1
NA/K RATIO=37
HEMOLYSIS INDEX=N
LIPEMIA INDEX ++

CHEM 21 WITH COMPREHENSIVE CBC/CBC COMPREHENSIVE

WBC=5.7
RBC=7.37
HGB11.6
HCT=33.2
MCV=45
MCH=15.7
MCHC=34.9
NEUTROPHIL SEG=40
LYMPHOCYTES=52
MONOCYTES=2
EOSINOPHIL=6
BASOPHIL=0
AUTO PLATELET=370
POLYCHROMASIA=SLIGHT
ANISOCYTOSIS=MODERATE
REMARKS=SLIDE REVIEWED MICROSCOPICALLY
ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHIL SEG=2280
ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTE=2964
ABSOLUTE MONOCYTE=114
ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHIL=342
ABSOLUTE BASOPHIL=0

The BUN is high so should I be concerned about kidneys too? The vet I spoke with last night said his bloodwork was perfect; just Hyer-T was the big concern.

They have him on 5 mg of Tapazole twice a day for two weeks, then he gets retested.

As of now, he does seem to be feeling better, no more tummy noises and seems perkier. He is enjoying the extra attention, just not the being medicated.

[Traci]

No, don't worry about the BUN at this point, it generally elevates before creatinine, (typically, both elevate significantly in renal disease) and it could be due to being fed before the blood draw, or a recent high-protein diet being fed.

At least you have a clear diagnosis. You'll need retesting in a few weeks, or sooner if you notice any unusual signs while he's on the medication. If the vet included the package insert with the meds, read it carefully.

Did the vet look again more closely in the mouth?

[Auntie Debbie]

No, he didn't ask to see him again until two weeks from now for the retest. The fact that he's eating well tells me he's not in any real discomfort or unable to eat. I wouldn't doubt that he needs a dental, just not so sure now that it's imperative it be done now.
Thanks Traci...I'll keep ya posted!

[Traci]

It wouldn't be unusual for a cat with any primary condition to have oral health problems, so that should still be a priority. Are his gums inflammed (gingivitis)? However, you DO want Razz monitored and maintained on a safe level tapazole doseage before considering the dental. This could take a few weeks or a few months, depending on how well he does. In the meantime, keep an eye on his oral health and signs his tapazole dose may need adjusting before retesting.

[Auntie Debbie]

How would I know his Tapazole needs adjusting?

[Traci]

Mostly anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, more serious side effects include depression (both mental and CNS), fever, joint pain, and blood disorders. ANY unusual sign should be addressed by your vet immediately. And, be sure that if you forget a dose, DO NOT EVER DOUBLE the dose, ever, call your vet immediately to report a missed dose.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=510

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Rx_Info_S ... mazole.pdf

Which is why you want frequent monitoring-retesting in at least the first three months. Did he not include a patient insert sheet with your Rx?