Going to emergency vet

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Georgiana & Perlutz

Georgiana & Perlutz

Member Since 2019
Rushed post - we are druving to emergency vet. Perlutz has been ok but tonight started acting a bit funny, bit restless. Half an h ago he walked funny on back legs, he is restless, hissed at us and doesn t like beng touched on back legs or back, just on his head. Gave him few treats and a little bit of food and ate. I’m guessing it’s neuropathy, read about it but wasn t ready for it and dunno what to hope for from the vet visit... Pls pray for him that all is well please please please
 
Oh no... Wonder if he injured himself somehow? Not seeing any recent data on your spreadsheet, hard to make an FD-related guess, but I'm sure they'll check everything at the ER vet.

Good luck, I hope it's something simple and easy to fix!
 
Vet came out to ask few questions, if he has injured himself these days. He said neuropathy it’s chronic, over a long time. He can’t see an injury, that eating is a good sign, said he walked a little in the vets office and he can’t see anything. But Pelrutz was meowing in pain before we came..vet said he might give him a pain relief injection. He went back in, we’re waiting outside. Sorry for rushed replies and typos
 
Vet said it’s his back, old age plus maybe he sprained it somehow without us noticing. He gave him an injection of metacam (or similar name, it’s after midnight and it’s been a stressful few hours) that should last him 24h. Vet said this might be enough or he might need some more pain relief for few days, to see how he is doing tomorrow and if in pain, follow up with usual vet.
We have been home for 30-45 min and he seems much better now, he wanted food, lots of food! He moves okay, can hardly see anything strange in his walk and he seems quite comfortable walking around. As I’m writing, he just got into his bed and he’s having a little bath (he vomited just as we were parking at the vet - my fault, I gave him little food before we went there). I put his favourite blanket on the floor next to sofa, if he wants a change from his bed.

I’ve set his auto feeder with a snack in 3 hours and I’m going to bed, I’m absolutely shattered. I will update you guys tomorrow in how he is doing. Thank you for thinking of my sweet lil boy tonight!
 
Just seeing this Georgiana... so sorry to see it and I completely understand how you feel... all paws tightly crossed that HRH is fine this morning. It does sound like a little injury of some kind so hopefully the Metacam has done its stuff and he's not feeling the pain now. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat...
 
Thank you all for your good thoughts for Perlutz!

He seems okay this morning, but they are masters of disguising when something’s wrong so I’m still a bit worried... When I woke up, he was in his bed, I gave him a couple of treats and tested him and then he ate his breakfast. He didn’t ravish his food, but no lack of appetite either so that’s good. I’ve been looking at his walk and can’t see anything strange or different, he walked from his food bowls, had a little stretch then got cuddles on his fav rug and now he is sleeping in his bed.

I know Metacam is somewhat frowned upon by some but I do think it helped Perlutz. He received it by injection which lasts up to 24h. I’m thinking to call his usual vet and ask for some Metacam liquid to have at home, just in case (his injection runs out at night, I’d like to avoid another emergency visit if possible for all our sakes).
 
This is him last night, half an hour home from the vet. I’d like to believe he must’ve been feeling much better to be doing his contortions and thoroughly clean his bum for 5 min lol
 

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Georgiana & Perlutz said:
Thank you all for your good thoughts for Perlutz!

He seems okay this morning, but they are masters of disguising when something’s wrong so I’m still a bit worried... When I woke up, he was in his bed, I gave him a couple of treats and tested him and then he ate his breakfast. He didn’t ravish his food, but no lack of appetite either so that’s good. I’ve been looking at his walk and can’t see anything strange or different, he walked from his food bowls, had a little stretch then got cuddles on his fav rug and now he is sleeping in his bed.

I know Metacam is somewhat frowned upon by some but I do think it helped Perlutz. He received it by injection which lasts up to 24h. I’m thinking to call his usual vet and ask for some Metacam liquid to have at home, just in case (his injection runs out at night, I’d like to avoid another emergency visit if possible for all our sakes).
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Good to hear he's feeling better! Maybe it was something sudden last night that hurt him and caused him to panic, and now that he's had the Metacam he feels ok so hopefully will be fine now. Phew!
Metacam doesn't get a good press but I don't think there's an alternative,and it does do the job. I wouldn't over-use it but it's not a bad idea to have some at home just in case you need it again.
Keep well, stay safe...
 
Diana&Tom said:
Good to hear he's feeling better! Maybe it was something sudden last night that hurt him and caused him to panic, and now that he's had the Metacam he feels ok so hopefully will be fine now. Phew!
Metacam doesn't get a good press but I don't think there's an alternative,and it does do the job. I wouldn't over-use it but it's not a bad idea to have some at home just in case you need it again.
Keep well, stay safe...
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I think it bothered him for few days, just not as bad to meow in pain and not be able to walk normal. On Monday he was laying on the sofa and we wanted to pet him and he wouldn't allow us to touch his back, he'd stare at us and maybe walk away but he didn't look in pain, he was walking fine, so we just thought he is a bit grumpy and annoyed at us for messing up his daily routine now that we're both working from home. That's why I'd like to have some Metacam available at home, just in case. You know me, I wouldn't just give it to him if not needed, but it's also not as easy to just pop in and get something or even get a routine app at the vet (dunno about others, but mine have some social distancing measures in place). I'm trying to be optimistic and hope he won't need it and it was just a one off.
 
Georgiana & Perlutz said:
I think it bothered him for few days, just not as bad to meow in pain and not be able to walk normal. On Monday he was laying on the sofa and we wanted to pet him and he wouldn't allow us to touch his back, he'd stare at us and maybe walk away but he didn't look in pain, he was walking fine, so we just thought he is a bit grumpy and annoyed at us for messing up his daily routine now that we're both working from home. That's why I'd like to have some Metacam available at home, just in case. You know me, I wouldn't just give it to him if not needed, but it's also not as easy to just pop in and get something or even get a routine app at the vet (dunno about others, but mine have some social distancing measures in place). I'm trying to be optimistic and hope he won't need it and it was just a one off.
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I'm sure you're taking the most sensible view on this, Georgiana. The current situation does add to our worries about all kinds of things so it's best to be prepared as much as possible x
 
I called the vet first thing in the morning and got lucky, it was his vet that picked up the phone! At that time they haven’t received the report from the emergency vet but I explained what happened and he agreed having Metacam at home would be a good idea. Luckily, we will be able to pick it up today and the vet reassured me that he will see Perlutz if need be (hope not!

HRH is okay, but definitely quieter... He chilled most of the day, either his bed or on the rug, ate well for lunch and let me pet him (I mostly played with his head but he did allow a very gentle pet on the back without crying in pain/hissing). Now he went to the bedroom and he climbed the bed! Not sure if he climbed the traditional way, or used the boxes I put up as a “ladder” but it’s a good sign that he is moving around.

I’m in a boring conference call, looking for elevated cat bowls :smuggrin: If he has a bad back, maybe this would help a little?
 
I have thought of a makeshift one but I am hoping for HRH to make a full recovery to his usual demanding self when he would send the bowls flying if the food was not served on time (we still haven’t fully agreed on meal times)

I have had a look on Amazon, I’m just having a bit of a struggle whether to keep using online retailers or not during these times (I want to keep businesses running, same time I worry about conditions in warehouses)...
 
Georgiana & Perlutz said:
I have thought of a makeshift one but I am hoping for HRH to make a full recovery to his usual demanding self when he would send the bowls flying if the food was not served on time (we still haven’t fully agreed on meal times)

I have had a look on Amazon, I’m just having a bit of a struggle whether to keep using online retailers or not during these times (I want to keep businesses running, same time I worry about conditions in warehouses)...
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Well I'd just do whatever you think is necessary at this point using what you have around the house. Online/warehouse shopping is tricky atm I agree, best to play safe for now and re visit the idea if you really need to as the days go on?
 
I think he is uncomfortable again... I’ve given him plenty of cuddles all day, he ate very well, quite the appetite but as they day went by, he seemed quieter and quieter, don’t know how to explain it... Then in the space of few minutes he went to bedroom then back to living room, back to bedroom, back to living room and just walk back and forth the living room a couple of times... Last night before crying in pain he did something similar so I’m really worried. I do have the liquid Metacam but haven’t given it to him as it’s been less than 24h since last night’s injection. I got it as a precaution, but I might have to give it to him tomorrow morning with his breakfast... Any opinions on this? Should I if he doesn’t cry in pain? If I give it, how long?

Now he is sleeping in his bed. I’ve been sitting next to him and petting him, massaging his head and neck...things he usually really enjoys and make him a purring machine but no purrs tonight... I filled a hot water bottle and put it next to him in bed, maybe it gives him a bit if comfort. He is one to like to bake under heaters in winter but if he decides the water bottle is a no, he could move in the bed, there’s plenty of space (but so far, 15-20 min, he hasn’t moved, I think he likes it).

I’m really worried, I don’t really know what seems to bother him but something is definitely off... How I wish they could speak...
 
Ugh. So sorry he's feeling uncomfortable again... I don't think I'd give the next dose of Metacam early, at least without the go-ahead from someone who is experienced with dosage. The reason it has a bad rep with some is that in the US, vets were prescribing it in too-high doses and there were terrible side effects (like kidney failure), so you do want to be careful with it. But it does sound like he could use something-- when are the 24hrs up from the shot? Did your vet give any guidance on this?

I'm glad that at least he seems to like the hot water bottle, I hope that is helping...
 
Nan & Amber (GA) said:
Ugh. So sorry he's feeling uncomfortable again... I don't think I'd give the next dose of Metacam early, at least without the go-ahead from someone who is experienced with dosage. The reason it has a bad rep with some is that in the US, vets were prescribing it in too-high doses and there were terrible side effects (like kidney failure), so you do want to be careful with it. But it does sound like he could use something-- when are the 24hrs up from the shot? Did your vet give any guidance on this?

I'm glad that at least he seems to like the hot water bottle, I hope that is helping...
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The 24h are up in 1.5-2 hours

His usual vet is the one who gave me the Metacam and recommended I give him up to the 6kg line on the syringe that comes with it (Perlutz is 5.9kg but I will try to weigh him again before giving it to him). But this was a recommendation based on me telling him what the emergency vet said last night.

Perlutz enjoyed the hot water bottle, he even had a little stretch in his bed. Only about a minute ago he got out of bed and now he is laying down on the rug.
 
I would not start the oral metacam yet without the express go ahead from the vet. I can't remember how long the injection lasts but I think it lasts longer than 1 day and starting the oral too soon would not be a good idea.
Metacam works by reducing inflammation, it's not just a straight out pain killer like bupe for example
When you do start the oral metacam you need to make sure that Perlutz had a full tummy of food. Do not give it on an empty tummy or if he is vomiting or has diarrhoea or is dehydrated.
I successfully gave Sheba metacam for a couple of years but I always made sure she had eaten and was well hydrated and reduced to dose to the lowerest effective dose.

That restlessness could be from pain. I think I would get him checked out again if he continues like that before I started on the oral metacam because if it is something other than a small injury, you don't want to be masking the pain with metacam if the problem needs attention. Does that make sense?
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I would not start the oral metacam yet without the express go ahead from the vet. I can't remember how long the injection lasts but I think it lasts longer than 1 day and starting the oral too soon would not be a good idea.
Metacam works by reducing inflammation, it's not just a straight out pain killer like bupe for example
When you do start the oral metacam you need to make sure that Perlutz had a full tummy of food. Do not give it on an empty tummy or if he is vomiting or has diarrhoea or is dehydrated.
I successfully gave Sheba metacam for a couple of years but I always made sure she had eaten and was well hydrated and reduced to dose to the lowerest effective dose.

That restlessness could be from pain. I think I would get him checked out again if he continues like that before I started on the oral metacam because if it is something other than a small injury, you don't want to be masking the pain with metacam if the problem needs attention. Does that make sense?
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The vet did say that Metacam might be needed for few more days, he just said depending on whether he is still in pain or not, nothing about checking with him before. He did say the injection lasts 24h so definitely not give any until these 24h have passed. Also to stop immediately if vomiting or diarrhea. But I do think vets in UK give Metacam more freely than in other countries... Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take giving Metacam lightly, I’ve read the prospect top to bottom already plus looking it up in other places online and I’m scared to give it to him. Same time, I’d hate to leave him in pain if I have something that could be helping...

You mention not giving it to him on an empty tummy... vet advised giving it mixed in food, what do you think? He has been drinking more water, but it’s not necessarily unusual, every now and then he drinks more as his diabetes is still not well controlled. Also, can it be given same meal as the insulin?

getting him checked again makes perfect sense, and knowing exactly what is going on rather than just masking the pain. I completely agree, it’s just that with the lockdown there are many restrictions and I have a feeling our vet will advise to just give the Metacam... I’m also a little more at risk if I catch this virus so trying to be cautious (not to mean I wouldn’t take him, please don’t get me wrong).

While typing this, he jumped on the sofa. He doesn’t seem in pain when jumping, although he hesitated once earlier and he hasn’t been up the sofa at all today.

Hope I’m making sense, I think I’m getting a little anxiety tonight, I’ve been crying all evening, I’m not coping well with him being poorly like this :(
 
Georgiana & Perlutz said:
Hope I’m making sense, I think I’m getting a little anxiety tonight, I’ve been crying all evening, I’m not coping well with him being poorly like this
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You're worried about your little guy. No wonder you are anxious.

The reason that Metacam is not as popular in the US, is because many vet clinics only had the stronger "Dog strength" version in stock. Vets were prescribing dosing for cats, based on that higher strength version.
Metacam has a "black box" warning on it, put there by the FDA in 2010, due to > 500 reported deaths from acute kidney failure.

Many vets use the metacam off-label, for one time use here, for instance after spay/neuter surgery. Some vets use it after dentals, when there are safer alternatives. Like any drug, safe use includes an appropriate dose and making sure it's being used in appropriate situations is helpful.
 
I live in Australia and the vets use the metacam more here also than in the US because we have specific strengths for cats whereas in the US I think they use the dog strength which is 3times the strength of cats metacam we use, and there are issues around that. The strength here in Australia is 0.5mg/ml.
If the vet said to give the metacam after 24 hours then I'm sure that is correct....I just couldn't remember exactly how long I waited when we first started it...that was about 6 or 7 years ago now.

If Perlutz is 5.9 kg, the 6 mark is correct, although I would probably only go to the 5 mark if he is under 6 kg at all.

Is he a good eater? if so I would get him to eat some of his meal first so that he has food in his tummy, then mix the metacam with a smaller amount of the food so he eats it all.

Perfectly understandable you don't want to go out if you can help it and I'm sure you are upset with not knowing what's going on exactly. I hate it when one of the cats are sick.
Beautiful photo.....is he a silver tabby?

Yes you can give the metacam at the same time as the insulin.
 
I feel your anxiety Georgiana and I'm sure it is only worsened by the overall horrible situation here atm - we are all anxious anyway :(
Is your vet in today? Could you ask for a phone consultation initially, describe symptoms and see what vet says about taking him in? There does seem to be something ongoing and you don't want to either miss it or over react... so very hard I know...
Let us know how things go.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I live in Australia and the vets use the metacam more here also than in the US because we have specific strengths for cats whereas in the US I think they use the dog strength which is 3times the strength of cats metacam we use, and there are issues around that. The strength here in Australia is 0.5mg/ml.
If the vet said to give the metacam after 24 hours then I'm sure that is correct....I just couldn't remember exactly how long I waited when we first started it...that was about 6 or 7 years ago now.

If Perlutz is 5.9 kg, the 6 mark is correct, although I would probably only go to the 5 mark if he is under 6 kg at all.

Is he a good eater? if so I would get him to eat some of his meal first so that he has food in his tummy, then mix the metacam with a smaller amount of the food so he eats it all.

Perfectly understandable you don't want to go out if you can help it and I'm sure you are upset with not knowing what's going on exactly. I hate it when one of the cats are sick.
Beautiful photo.....is he a silver tabby?

Yes you can give the metacam at the same time as the insulin.
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He is normally a good eater, as long as the Metacam doesn’t taste awful, we should be able to feed as you suggested.

And yes, he is a grey tabby. The stripes have “worn off” with age (he will be 14 on April 7th) but they were very defined when he was a kitten.

Luckily, he seems better since last night after my last post. He jumped up and down the bed and sofa few times and he doesn’t seem to be in pain or discomfort when he does that. He’s been sleeping in bed with us most of the night, at some point he was so deep asleep his bum was hanging off the bed. He is walking fine, jumps up the sofa, comes for cuddles and seems more himself so I haven’t given him any Metacam, will hold it off for now. I’m really hoping it was a one off but I will keep a close eye on him.
 
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