10/14 Gabby AMPS~skip, PMPS~357, +5~256

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Sienne and Gabby (GA)

Sienne and Gabby (GA)

Member Since 2009
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Yesterday's Condo

Gabby's shot was skipped due to her having an ultrasound this morning. Her breakfast was skipped too (and Gizmo didn't get fed, as well). I had two cats who were not amused by having their routine disrupted, let alone having their breakfast delayed by more than several hours.

The good news is that there are no masses or other obstructions that are accounting for the kidney issues. Gabby's blood pressure, though, is higher than desirable. The vet is doing a urinalysis to check to see if there is an elevation in the protein level in her urine as well as a culture and sensitivity (C & S) to rule out an infection. Whether there is protein present will determine which antihypertensive drug she will need.

The US did indicate there are some issues with her intestinal tract. This could be IBD or lymphoma. The only way to know for sure is a biopsy and I'm on the fence about putting her through surgery.

Gabby did surprisingly well with the procedure and was much less vocal in her displeasure. I'm not sure she is thrilled about the bare belly, though. Both kitties were very happy to have their food!
 
I'm glad all looks clear with the kidneys. "Issues" with intestinal tracts seems to be so incredibly common these days. Hopefully it's just an anomaly that is part of who Gabby is and nothing more. And with any luck, lowering her BP will improve her kidney values, too.
 
So happy to hear that there are no kidney obstructions. I hope the urinalysis will show the desired results. I'm with you, Sienne, about not wanting to do exploratory surgery on a senior kitty.
We are continuing to send healing vines. Now for some FUDS, right Gabby? (and Gizmo)!

Have a good evening with your kitties, Sienne,

Ella & Rusty
 
My civie, Jekyll, had an US last week and we are facing the same quandary - IBD /lymphoma and biopsy. Amazing what the vets can do these days but still hard decision re treatment options.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
My vet had advised me the treatment for IBD & lymphoma is generally the same or very similar and he often doesn't recommend the biopsy since its invasive and it's generally a senior cat involved.

Hope you get answers & a treatment plan.
 
Having had a cat that had intermediate cell lymphoma, the treatment for that or small cell or IBD are not actually the same. With small cell lymphoma which would be most likely what it would be, prednisolone and leukeran or the generic of it. With IBD you try novel protein to see if the symptoms are gone. If not budesonide is sometimes used and prednisolone if none of the works. Tiff didn't have any masses but unfortunately it wasn't the less invasive small cell so she needed chemo. She was successfully diagnosed with endoscopy but that is not always successful. I. Not sure I would want the gold standard surgery with a 15 year old. Tiff did have early kidney disease when diagnosed. I sure hope it's IBD and you can find treatment that gets it under control without needing to make surgery decisions.
 
@tiffmaxee - We did discuss the difference in treatment strategies for IBD vs lymphoma. Her read of the current literature is that budesonide was once thought to be less systemic of a steroid. Her experience and her understanding of the literature is that budesonide hasn't been as effective as was hoped.
 
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
Sorry about the mixed message ultrasound results. Civie Theo got his and the IBD/lymphoma message a little while ago and I too am facing the endoscopy or not question. His vet is on the conservative side too for the biopsy. The full thickness biopsy is best but requires anesthesia. The endoscopy often doesn't get enough of a sample to be definitive. So our first step is a couple months of metronazodile then redoing the U/S to see if that makes a difference. Knock on wood - but so far he's a lot better clinically. We may yet end up going the scope route. He is pretty much on unique proteins (raw). You might want to check out http://www.ibdkitties.net/ Theo's vet also isn't a great believer in budesonide.

Got any nekid belly pics?
 
I know that budesonide doesn't work for many but a do know a few that have had success. It absolutely does nothing for lymphoma. Also I wouldn't use prednisolone if you think you might go for any biopsies as it makes it difficult to diagnose. I know you didn't mention trying it but wanted to mention that. Metronidazole can definitely help with inflammation.

Earlier I was trying to emphasize that treatment for small cell is not the same for IBD as you would not want to give chemo in most cases for IBD.
 
It might be prudent to check blood and clotting function prior to any biopsy.

I had Spitzer biopsied to diagnose between GI cancer and IBD and he wound up throwing a saddle thrombus for which he was euthanized due to the pain he was in and little chance of good recovery. And he was only a few years old.
 
Do we get to see her belly? Those shave bellies are just the cutest :)

I do not envy your position, it is extremely difficult to make choices like that and then every chance you end up second guessing yourself anyway :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
(((Sienne))) I just wanted to add my best wishes for Gabby- glad she didn't get too stressed out today and hopefully she got a nice meal afterward. Ultrasound is great because it is relatively inexpensive and non-invasive but it does seem to leave so many unanswered questions...It sounds like your vet is exploring all options, that is a good sign. Sending tons and tons of vines and prayers and hugs for the both of you.
 
Harvey's IM told me today that, as Elise mentioned, Budesonide works better for IBD and Pred for lymphoma. Whether an endoscopy would give you a diagnosis depends on where the suspicious area is. If it is in the front part of a the intestine, then endoscopy should work. If it is in the back part, a colonoscopy is needed. If it is in the middle, they have to do a biopsy. Lucky us, Harvey's was in the middle! He was 15 at the time and had early stage CKD, but he did really well with the whole thing. The hardest part was keeping him contained once he started feeling better but still had sutures that had to be protected!

I was also told the same thing Elise said about not giving Pred until after a biopsy, or until you decide for certain you aren't going to do one.

Bare bellies are so inviting! Sasha just had a u/s and the fur is just starting to grow in, so her belly is like velvet. Love that!

Sending lots of healing vines for Gabby and decision vines for you.
 
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