One with FIV and one with Diabetes

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Darwin H.

Darwin H.

Member Since 2018
It was enough of a shock last thanksgiving to deal with formerly 26 lb, blue eyed Flame point - Gentle giant Simba to develop acute diabetes now 12 lbs and holding, but now my formerly asymptomatic FIV (Feline Aids) feral save barn cat, Oscar is now wasting away and voraciously hungry. He suddenly is aggressive for attention all the time now. With me he has tripled his life expectancy that the vet gave him 13 years ago for this 17 year old geriatric mouser who tried to take down a deer in my back yard. Girlfriends and wives have come and gone but my cats have always been with me. Can't hardly imagine life without them. They are both half their weight from a year ago. It's only a matter of time with Oscar who has outlived 4 other cats so far. There is not a lot that can be done for him. When they both start suffering quality of life I know what I need to do and can't imagine life without these two little furry demanding and lovable monsters. Just a vent to folks I know who get it..
 

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Lots of hugs to you guys! That is a lot to deal with and I am sorry it seems to be happening at the same time. They are truly part of the family and you haven't given up on them when many others would. I hope Oscar can be stabilized, but if not, be as comfortable and loved as possible until the end.
 
Darwin, thank you for sharing with us and for the charming pics of your kitties. We do get it, and I offer you my support as you walk this path. You are doing everything you know how to do for both your boys, with grace and love. I have seen how caring and concerned you are with Simba, and I'm certain Oscar gets the same attention. Don't forget to nurture and care for yourself as you care for the fur kids. :bighug:
 
Thank you for consoling me .You are right... I'm cooking a crustless quiche even as we speak so I'll have a piece of cheesecake waiting for that to form...lol
 
Darwin H. said:
Thank you for consoling me .You are right... I'm cooking a crustless quiche even as we speak so I'll have a piece of cheesecake waiting for that to form...lol
Click to expand...
Ok, that does it, Quiche and cheesecake??? What is your address, I'm hitching up the horses to the sled (cause of the #*@%^ snow) and I'm heading over.
 
Oscar ... "Wasting away and voraciously hungry all the time ... Aggressive for attention..."

Those are classic synptoms of hyperthyroidism, an easily treatable thyroid condition that isn't uncommon in older cats.

As easy as it is to assume the symptoms you're seeong are related to FIV, please don't. Many, many cats live long, healthy, normal lives with FIV. Other diseases can and do crop up.

I strongly encourage you to take Oscar to a vet for an exam and bloodwork. You will specifically want to ask for a thyroid panel as it isn't always included in standard bloodwork.

There are other issues that can also cause similar symptoms but doing the above is a good start. Hopefully the vet will guide you from there.

I sense your distress and sadness but there's no need to assume the worst just yet. As someone why has cared for at least 7 hyperthyroid, 3 diabetic, and several FIV cats over the years, I'm very curious as to what the vet finds. Please come back and let us know what happens!
 
Cheesecake! I have been so craving cheesecake!

What you're going through is tough, and I'm sorry. I do have to agree with the post above, though. I have had multiple FIV cats over the years (including two here now), and what you described sounds like something else is going on.

If you can catch him or trap him, I think a vet visit with some diagnostic bloodwork may tell you more.
 
You might also want to take a fecal sample along when you go to the vet.

Parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, etc can cause weight loss. When's the last time Oscar was dewormed?

Have you had problems with fleas? The lifecycle of a tapeworm includes a stage where they pass through fleas; Cats get tapeworm not from each other, but rather by eating an infected flea. If the tapeworm isn't shedding segments when a stool sample is run, they can be missed.

I suggest you talk to your vet about the possibility when you take Oscar in. Sometimes vets recommend deworming just for good measure, especially for the FeLV or FIV cats whose impaired immune systems might cause them to be a bit more vulnerable.
 
I agree have his thyroid checked. Kitten food is often higher in calories so try feeding that. The pate kitten wet food is low enough in carbs. We can certainly help with the diabetic cat.
 
He is going into the Vet today.. 2 cats with two, or more medical problems. Oh my . . . Well, this too will pass in time.. I know their days are numbered and I love every hour and day I've had with them even though they are demanding cute little expensive monsters.. I went 30 years with other cats without dealing with these kind of issues. I did not know how lucky I was to have healthy carefree cats for so long.
 
Please let us know how things go. Also, Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus comes in both canned and kibble and has a lot of calories. Walmart and grocery stores (at least near me) don't sell it, but Petco does and I believe Petsmart does as well.
 
Great thanks for the info on Purina PPPP. just got back from the Vet. office and did a comprehensive blood draw "Total Health Plus standard CBC that includes thyroid +++ . $200.00 ugh. Will hear tomorrow whats up with the 18 year old geriatric Gangster cat!
 
Well Good news. Just got off the phone with the Vet and Oscar has no issues with Thyroid or anything else. He is just old and bony now and with Feline aids his immune system is compromised but ALL IS WELL.. Just keep watching. He has outlived them all so far and continues! I have copy of his blood work coming in email. Just for the record. The only other thing could be cancer which a blood test won't pick up.. so nearly 18 years old and holding on as the AlphaKitty!
 
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