10/9 Jack amps 121 +4 155

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saltycat

saltycat

Member Since 2016
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Well, not sure how I feel these days. I'm losing faith in my current vet and not sure what I want to do there. Jack is still losing weight, although it seems a little slower. I think a texas GI panel is next to hopefully shed some light on the situation. I got pricing on ultrasound $400-$650, didn't even ask about a biopsy since I know that will be even more. Pretty discouraged right now and not sure what to do.

The litterbox issue is much better after a new super low side tote. I think only 1 accident in the past few days compared to multiple each day.

@Marje and Gracie did you have a chance to look over his BW? Hate to be a bother;). Overall, I think the GI panel will hopefully shed some more light, the senior panel just doesn't cover the tests we need to start DX'ing the GI issue. After some research it seems the most common causes for Jack's recent GI issues seems to be:
1 EPI - some pancreatic enzymes should help
2 IBD - cerenia or anti-inflam to help out
3 cancer. - no comment
4 Acro affecting the small intenstinal walls, not sure what can be done there.

Hopefully the gloom will pass soon, but so hard watching him slowly lose weight knowing the eventual outcome. He is getting around 600kcals a day currently and still struggling to maintain weight.

Ok, enough moping for one day, thanks for letting me rant a bit... Hope all the kitties and Bean's are doing good in L&L land.
 
Sending you two big cyber hugs :bighug:
kitten hugs.png
 
Pretty sure Marje had a big event over the weekend but sure she'll respond soon. Glad Jack's LB accidents are to the minimum. IBD wouldn't cause that kind of weight loss especially if he's eating that much...at least to my knowledge. Is he feeling good otherwise...moving around, interacting with you etc? An U/S is probably your best option to see if there are any growths. Sending loads of vines and prayers for Capt. Jack and :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: for you.
 
I hope you're able to get to the bottom of it with just a little more testing. Sending vines for a simple problem with a simple treatment and good prognosis.
 
Doodles & Karen said:
Pretty sure Marje had a big event over the weekend but sure she'll respond soon
Click to expand...
She mentioned she would take a look in the last condo, but I hadn't heard back. Was giving her some time since I know she is busy on the boards and we all have lives outside the forum as well.

I'm just a little lost on my options at this point. I've been reading up, but it just isn't fully getting absorbed. Seems my next steps / options for testing are Texas A&M GI panel, Ultrasound, biopsy or a combination. The GI panel can check for IBD, SIBO or EPI. If it is IBD, there can be multiple causes and a US is then needed to check for masses, lumps or other abnormalities? Steroids can help with the IBD, but if that comes back with odd results then a biopsy could be done to determine if they are cancerous. I'm just questioning how much they will help.... having a pessimistic few days recently:(. I could do the GI panel since a positive for EPI or IBD have some treatment options. I don't think I want to put him through chemo if there is cancer, I'd rather him enjoy his time rather then be sick constantly from the chemo.

Sadly, I have to keep some budget in mind. A GI panel, US and biopsy sound like a few thousand dollars from reading and would be hard to do, especially since that is just tests, not any actual treatment if there is any available.
 
Wish I knew enough to help. With IBD usually there is some type of GI upset i.e. loose stools, vomits, lack of appy. Seems the GI panel gives a lot of information. When Doodles had the U/S (loose stools, not eating etc) it showed IBD or Lymphoma. So we did the biopsy. The IM vet said IBD and wanted him on Atopica which could've affected his liver. She also said, if you treat it or don't treat the IBD it could turn into lymphoma :rolleyes: I opted not to treat, got a copy of the pathology report and it said mild IBD and/or food allergies:arghh: Needless to say I was able to finally control his issues with diet.

Does Jack have GI upset? I don't recall reading much about any...just missing the LB issue. Hopefully Marje will have some ideas.
 
That's what I'm worried about, more tests with "well it could be" but no definitive answers. Guess that is the nature of biology though.

Appy is ravenous even with 3 5.5 oz cans a day. Stool is well formed, but lighter in color. Poos and farts are smellier then usual. He has had tummy and GI "gurgles" for probably a year.

Occasional vomits either clear or food, more often smallish and clear. Let's say once a week give or take.

Between the recent start on gaba, uti treatment and new lb he has been much better about using his box. Haven't noticed any stool change since starting the renew life probiotics

Thanks for checking in on the Capt.
 
IMHO, get the TexasGI panel and the ultrasound to start. Cancer call be small cell lymphoma which is slow growing. Neko probably had it as well as civie Theo. Treatment is steroid, Neko was on budesonide, plus an every two week mild chemo drug. ECID, Theo hardly noticed it. Antinausea drugs day of and after helped Neko. Read Jeff's Leo's story on the high dose forum. Cats can, and Theo did, go into remission from small cell.

:bighug:
 
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(((Wes)))) , sending hugs and hope you'll get some answer soon. It is so upsetting to see them losing weight despite calories going in. Has he been tested for thyroid? He is at the average age for hyper T to hit and they vomit and lose weight. That would be wonderful if that is all that it was. Sending vines :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I'm not on the forum much these days. I am sorry to read you are worried about Jack. Yum is having GI issues too. Her insulin dose is dropping as is Jack's. I will read through more of your recent condos. I too am in Texas. I hadn't heard about the Texas GI panel. Best wishes. When I panic about Yum I remember we should always stay positive until the end.
 
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