Help for Shannon

[Shannon's Mom]

Shannon is laying on her side and will not get up or eat. I am giving her water with a syringe. Her arthritis is really bad. She has had all her medicines. My vet thinks she did too much when she was feeling better like climbing on the furniture and I should let her move when she wants. She does get very stiff when she lays too much. Please tell me this is not the end! I am hysterical!

[Traci]

Peg, get her to your vet, immediately.

Now would be a good time to get bloodwork instead of waiting til next month.

It could be one or more of the medications is causing her an upset stomach or it could be something else entirely, don't wait, get her to your vet!

[Marty]

Just sending hugs...and hoping for the best. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

[k9Karen]

I'm right there with Marty - lots of hugs to you and Shannon and definitely hoping for the best.

[LisaLisa]

Peg, sending healing thoughts Shannon's way and praying for the best..

(((HUGS)))
Lisa

[Shannon's Mom]

Hello,

Shannon did get to the vet yesterday. As luck would have it, Shannon's vet in Margate called yesterday morning to see how she was doing. He was surprised when I told him her condition.

He said he understands her back is bad but he didn't think she would just stop eating because of it. He asked if I wanted to bring her in. It's a two hour ride but I decided to give her the chance. He did a full workup on her (radiographs, xrays, bloodwork, etc. and tested the nerves and muscles in her legs. The problem is she has spondolitis (sic) in her spine. So when that goes out, it's very painful and her legs give. The nerves and muscles in her legs are fine so that is how she can get back up. Also, he said there are no masses or tumors anywhere in her body but her tummy was very extended and full of gas! I didn't know cats get gas, but he said they can for various reasons when they're older. Since she is not vomiting and there was no blockages he felt it is just gas. So she is on baby gas relief medicine. He also said her bloodwork was near perfect considering her age; heart, liver, kidneys, etc. all fine. Said we need to get rid of the gas so she can eat and work on the pain in her back. He gave her a laser treatment on her spine. So, we decided on the Prednosolone, Buprenex and Cosequin for her back and a couple days of the gas relief treatment and I will call him tomorrow with an update.

She's not jumping through hoops by any degree but she walked out of the carrier and walked around the house and into the litterbox. She still slips to her haunches from time to time but is able to get up and go on by herself. Last night and today, she is nibbling at her food and had a couple of treats. Wednesday, I couldn't even push food into her mouth! I let her rest today because it was over 6 hours yesterday to Margate, for treatment, and the return trip. Long day for her.

I appreciate everyone's concern and prayers. I hope this will mean Shannon will rebound still again and we will have some quality time for a while yet.

yesterday.

[Traci]

I'm so glad to hear you took her to the vet, and that she is recovering!

Yes, all pets can experience gas, in stomach, intestines, bowel loops, it can be anything from gorging food to the type of food, to internal obstruction, parasites. infection, inflammation, etc.

Whenever you're concerned, do not hesitate to call/get Shannon in, the sooner things are assessed and addressed, the sooner she is on the mend!

[Sue and Kids]

Hello, everyone. I'm here at Peg's request. On top of all her worries about Shannon, last night her computer crashed. She isn't going to be able to post here, since it will take a few days until it's fixed.

I talked to Peg this afternoon. She is going through a rollercoaster ride with Shannon. Peg did take Shannon back to the vet. He said the gas is partially gone and was surprised to hear that Shannon is still not interested in eating. The vet gave her a shot to try to stimulate her appetite. Peg is going to feed her by syringe there at home and keep her comfortable on the heating pad. Shannon is still getting up and trying to move around.

I know Peg is devastated about Shannon. We all know the agony she is going through, keeping up hope for her "heart cat" and best friend and not knowing what will happen next with Shannon. My heart ached, talking to her, with my being half a country away and wishing I could be there for her.

Could you all keep sending prayers for Shannon and Peg? I know she really appreciates them. If I get further news, I'll post it here. Thanks for all your help and prayers.

Sue (and Kids!)

[Marty]

Absolutey...my prayers and good vibes for Peg and Shannon will not stop. I know how difficult this must be. Hugs...

[momPaws]

They are in my prayers...have been there