Re: 4/11 Rusty AMPS 155, +5.5 154 vet appt. tomorrow
Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) said:
Anyway, since his bgs have not been typical (for him) lately, I decided to make a vet appointment to see what might be going on. We are going to have a complete blood profile and urinalysis and I want to talk to the vet about the "vague" conditions that so many of our kitties seem to have, in the hopes that if something is brewing we will catch it early. I'm going to ask about pancreatitis, hepatic lipidosis, infection (he scratches his eyebrows and is drawing blood with his claws) (we're going to get his nails clipped!). I think I'll request a spec FPl test.
Rusty doesn't have any acute symptoms. His litterbox contributions are normal; he's not vomiting; he's not losing weight (to the contrary!). Mainly he just seems lethargic (in comparison to his normal behavior). I can't tell if he is in pain, although yesterday he didn't want his right side patted.
Rusty is due for yearly shots in June: FVRCP Vaccine and Feline Leukemia vaccine. I read in Dr. Lisa's site that these two vaccines are not needed for older cats because if they have had their shots as kittens, it is enough to provide them with immunity for life. I don't know what shots Rusty had as a kitten, but he had both of these vaccines last year (as well as a 3-year rabies vaccine). I now know that it is much safer to have the 1-year rabies vaccine (PureVax). I am also sure that Rusty's former vet used adjuvanted vaccines last year. I don't know what his current vet does and I need to ask her.
Hi Ella,
I am so sorry that Rusty is not feeling 100%.
As far as the vaccines go, I would not get a FeLV vaccine for my cat. For a cat that goes outdoors, I would consider the FVR CPC and R, upon discussion with your vet and going by what schedule she recommends. If Rusty is at all under the weather, I DO NOT think that this would be a good time to do vaccinations on him. If he needs shots, I would prefer that he go back when he is feeling well. The vet can draw blood and do a titre, which will show what his current level of protection is. It's quite expensive, though. I know he goes outside only under supervision, but he is getting pretty close to that squirrel and there is potential interaction with Shadow, so if it were my cat (and he has no underlying disease or immune suppression) I would consider the vaccines. I don't know enough about them to tell you what to do, but do have the discussion with the vet. I would hate to see him tear up a squirrel and end up ill. (Of course I would feel badly for the squirrel, too).
I think that you are doing a good thing in getting him completely checked out. The Spec fPL is a good idea (note that he should fast before this blood work). I believe that Idexx has a panel called the ADR panel for "Ain't doin' right". It is a good idea to check for pancreatitis if a cat is "off". Some do say, however, that the cat has to be in an active flare for the test to show a positive result.
You mention a urinalysis. This will tell you something about his kidney function, and if there is blood or protein or bacteria or crystals in his urine. You may want to go one step further, and have them draw a sterile sample via cystocentesis (needle in the bladder) and send it out for C & S (culture and sensitivity). This will test for an active urinary tract infection, and if one is present, will tell you what type of bacteria are present. He doesn't really have symptoms, but if you want to be very thorough, you could do this. Just make sure that they ALSO do the urinalysis, or at least get his USG (urine specific gravity) because you want to know what that is for his kidney function.
You do want to get a full blood panel with CBC, kidney values, liver values, electrolytes, etc. I might also suggest that you ask for a test for thyroid function. T4 may be enough. Some here also suggest a fT4ED.
Are you concerned about hepatic lipidosis? I think you would be seeing a very ill cat if he had that. But I know you want to have him lose some weight, and it is best to discuss with the vet a safe way to do this in order to avoid HL. She can weigh him, and perhaps you can bring him back monthly to be checked on the same scale.
I am concerned that he is scratching at himself. Have the vet check for any sign of skin problems or seasonal allergies. Check for flea debris.
The vet's general exam should look at everything. Is he bright/alert/responsive? Is he well hydrated? Eyes and ears and colour good? Palpate abdomen and feel his internal organs. Listen to his heart. Take his temperature. You should mention that he didn't want his side patted. I wonder if he might have any early arthritis? The vet can feel his joints for thickening, and see if he resents having them moved. If so, then his joints could be X rayed. If he is feeling mellow the vet could try to check his blood pressure. It's not necessary unless it turns out that he has renal problems. If he does, you will want to know his BP.
Of course, you want to have his teeth and gums checked. That always seems to be a culprit when BG's are elevated.
Is his file clearly marked no Metacam, no Convenia? Always good to have that on there. Also mention no steroids unless it is thoroughly discussed with you.
How old is Rusty? Has his bloodwork always been OK? Didn't he have some issues with crystals in his urine (or am I thinking of someone else)?
I think you are doing a good thing in getting him checked out. You don't have to do all of the above, but this gives you a starting place to have a discussion with your vet about his symptoms. You know best when he is not himself.
Hoping for a nice slow drop today down into some greens .. have a great day guys!
