8/17. Checkers in Hospital

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Barb & Checkers (GA)

Barb & Checkers (GA)

Member Since 2009
yesterday; viewtopic.php?f=9&t=22538

Good Morning LL
We've regressed :sad:
Yesterday he ate, mostly when I put the food in front of him. He drank on his own. He got into bathtub for drink early in morning.
However, for the rest of day, didn't move any more than he had to. I told myself, he was getting over whatever was wrong over the weekend.
Today, he ate some breffis while laying on testing table.
I carried him to LB, and he peed right away, turned around to cover it. Jumped out, so he can move.
He walked down hall and didn't try to push open door where civvies were eating kibble. Unheard of.
Came back to kitchen, sat next to drinking fountain, just staring , not looking at it, walked back to living room and laid down again.
He's too compliant when I pick him up. He hates to be picked up, and always flails. Now he just complains a bit.
He stares into space , disinterested in what's going on around him.
Sometimes I think he can't see, He doesn't 'look' at me. He doesn't look whan I hold something off to the side of his face.
But he was doing that yesterday too, and still got into bathtub for drink. I don't really think he's blind, but he won't 'look' at things.

Not wanting to move around seems like he is in pain/discomfort, but I don't know where. He growls when I stroke his body lightly, but that's not unusual.

His temp is normal.
His complete bloodwork, last Wed..6 days ago, was better than good. How can he be so sick now :?:

He's going back to vet today, but I don't know how to convince doc that something is terribly wrong. :!:
I know my cat!!!!

Have I said anything at all, that could shed some light on this?
How can I possibly explain it any better to vet...they need specifics.
I'm afraid he will want me to leave Checkers "to observe", but he won't see the personality change. And no one is at the clinic overnight anyway.

Sorry, I'm rambling, 'cause I'm scared.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

((Barb)) All you can do is explain to the vet the symptoms that are causing you concern. If you explain it the way you just did to us, it should be clear that something is amiss. Just be aware of the different meds that may prescribe to you...if they are for a specific purpose or condition that the vet is suspecting, that's one thing. But if they are going to just mask things with cortisone or something, you might want to really think about that.
They might be able to look into his mouth a little more thoroughly...is he doing anything with his mouth now?
If you say he is lethargic and just lays around, maybe they will have a test or two that they can do.
It's good that you are bringing him in today...I hope they have some ideas....
Will be thinking of you both and are sending healing vines to Checkers...feel better sweet boy! (((Barb & Checkers)))
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Pat, he has a dental on Friday, earliest I could get him in for it. I was suspicious because his teeth and gum line don't look good.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

sorry barb, I don't really have any advice for you .... I wish I did because I know how frustrating it is to KNOW our kitties and to KNOW when things are "off" but not being able to explain it to anyone else .. Is there any vet in your area that could do an eye exam? I don't even know if eye exams are done on cats, but maybe he is starting to lose his sight, and he might be scared? How old is checkers? I don't want to scare you, but just trying to give you maybe something to go on ... Good luck at the vets today and please let us know what they say ...
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

They might get a better look at his mouth today Barb. If it is his mouth....well, that would explain a lot. So much can be going on and that affects everything. In a way, it would be a relief if it is dental related, right? They feel so much better after the dental...there might be cracked teeth or infection...countless things in his mouth. I hope they can help you out today...good luck!
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

((((Barb))))

I copied & pasted reply from WCF from the other day (sunday):

....IMO, if you bring him in tomorrow, I'd ask for x-rays, a full blood panel (I know you said he had one done this week already - if it's too expensive, at least get his current liver and kidney values and CBC), and the spec fPLI.
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And from your saturday condo, If this is something feasable for you, suggestions were he may need an abdominal X-ray.
I really hope it's nothing - but yes a vet visit will hopefully figure out what's going on.

Agrees with Pat, tell doc everything you've observed, takes notes, rule out as much as you can.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

I'm guessing that your vet did not run a test for pancreatitis -- either an fPLI or a spec fPLI. The blood needs to be sent out for analysis. If you're going in to see the vet today, it probably wouldn't hurt to have pancreatitis ruled out.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

I'm sorry Checkers is so lethargic I hope the vet can get to the bottom of it.
Sending healing vines
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Good luck - I am glad that you are taking Checkers to the vet. I can't add anything more to what has already been said - but do be persistent with your vet, as you said- you do know your cat. Mannie and I send as many healing vines as we possibly can. Feel better Checkers!
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Barb, I hope Checkers perks up soon, sending healing vines. I think you have gotten good advice. I hope the vet will be able to find some answers for you and Checkers! Please keep us posted. :YMHUG:
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

The reasons for my suggestions from Sunday:
1. abd x-rays - to rule out obstruction from foreign material. You had mentioned being worried about string, floss ...
2. blood panel- to rule out liver or acute renal failure from ingestion of something bad
3. spec fPL - to rule out pancreatitis

If you're absolutely, 100%, certain that 1) and 2) are not the issue, then disregard 1) and 2).

As for 3), it could very well be pancreatitis, which while not great is not the worst thing that can happen to him, and which with supportive care should resolve in time. With the other two listed above, time is of the essence. Most vets would not give you the tools for supportive care (fluids, pain meds, etc) unless there is a firm diagnosis, or at least a history of CP, hence 3).

The spec fPL from Idexx should ideally be done after he's fasted. Ask your vet to call the lab (Idexx) and ask if it's ok to run it without a full fast; make a note of when he last ate and ask your vet to record that in the order form.

He stares into space , disinterested in what's going on around him.
Sometimes I think he can't see, He doesn't 'look' at me. He doesn't look whan I hold something off to the side of his face.
But he was doing that yesterday too, and still got into bathtub for drink. I don't really think he's blind, but he won't 'look' at things.
Click to expand...
Could be pain. Meowzi had a distant look in her eyes, like she was looking into another dimension, during her combined pancreatitis-UTI a year ago. Glassy-eyed, if that makes sense.

You could try asking for buprenex to see if that offers relief - if it does, then he was probably in pain. But I am wary of doing that unless you also run the fPL test (would take a day or two to come back, but you can start him on pain meds right after the visit) and also if you rule out 1) and 2) above. I would hate for pain relief to mask a bigger problem until it's too late.

Another thing I always check for, when there seems to loss of vision, hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to detachment of the retinas and blindness. But in Checkers' case, with his discomfort and just plain ADR (ain't doing right), hypertension would not be my first suspect. But I don't know for sure. You're there, with him; you know him best. Ask your vet.

How can I possibly explain it any better to vet...they need specifics.
Click to expand...
You may find to your surprise that your vet is not unfamiliar with the term "ADR." A good vet would not dismiss your instincts.

PS - I'm not sure I would put him under for a dental until you figure out what is wrong. Get liver and kidney values checked, at the very least, if you're going ahead with the dental. There is potential for an adverse reaction to anesthesia if he has an undiscovered/unresolved medical issue. Again, discuss with your vet.

JMHO. Usual disclosure: I am not a veterinarian or someone who works in the veterinary or medical profession. Diagnosing needs to be done by your vet; we in this group can only offer suggestions.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Thank you All. I am reading and absorbing all info. I just can't respond ,because I'm too scared and shaky to make any sense.
I appreciate all help. Told I wanted abdom ex-rays when I called this morning, Can eat, no vomiting. Pooped yesterday.
I tried to post a link to his recent bloodwork, but couldn't figue out how, once I got it scanned.
bun-32
creat-1.9
bun/crea ..17
phos... 4.0
ca ....10.8
tp.... 7.8
alb...3.4
glob...4.4
alb/glob...0.8
alt......50
alkp...86
ggt...0
tbil....0.2
chol...212
AMYL...654
lipa...1967
glu...182
All normal as of last Wed...6 days ago
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

I'm glad you're going to the vet, Barb. It sounds like something is off. Even if the tests were ok 6 days ago, something could have changed. I agree with what WCF wrote and I think a good starting point would be to discuss those items with your vet. Sending snowflakes and healing vines to Checkers....

ps: sometimes people have to get pushy with vets to get the fPLI or Spec fPLI run. I don't know why, especially in diabetic cats pancreatitis is common and should always be ruled out. Get pushy if you have to.
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

GREAT information...especialy WCF's....I hope you feel well-armed now with all of these posts Barb....hope things go well for you both!
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Hi Barb, I'm just now getting to your condo today and am very sorry that Checkers isn't feeling well again. We are sending good thoughts and good vetty vines for your appointment this afternoon. Just try to stay calm and explain all your observations and all of the "not-quite-right behavior" to the vet. You have gotten some really good advice in the above posts, so be sure to get the tests that WCF and the others are referring to. Keep us posted. Feel better, Checkers!

Ella & Stu
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers amps 375

Sending Healing vins to Checkers--Because they maks their pain, I would take him back to vet too--
Hope dear boy feels better real soon!! HUGS!
 
Re: 8/17. Checkers at Hospital

abdominal x-ray showed all organs good. No masses. Nothing enlarged. No liver or other abnormalities. No reason to believe pancreatitis, although he would not say that it couldn't be that. But Checkers has no symptoms of pancreatitis.
His temp was 104.9 and still going up, when doc took therm. out. My DD was watching it.
Unbelievably she showed up to support me, even tho her beloved dog was PTS in that very clinic yesterday
Lucky for me she was there, as my mind was off in space. She's a RN, and also worked for several years at that vet clinic. I mention that, only to explain that she was asking medical questions, and I don't remember answers, as the doctor said them.

Back to Checkers. High fever. No organ abnormalities. No obstruction.
They could not get blood, because he was too dehydrated, and the blood was too thick. They couldn't get a vein. So blood will be taken in morning. (nice going mama bean)
He is to be hydrated overnite. If they can't get vein, they will do sub-Q. Doc pointed to his own throat, so I assume that's where they will do it.
Doc thinks massive bacterial or viral infection. Getting antibiotic, DD asked which one....he said probably Baytril.
Overnight antibiotics and rehydration.
Obviously can't cure virus, but doc said, he is healthy otherwise, and getting him rehydrated will get him on the road to self healing. Those are my words, 'cause I don't remember his.

So...last Wed, he went into that clinic for routine bloodwork, got a clean bill of health, and 4 days later had this massive infection? Hmmmmmm.
I was totally spaced out with fear, talking to doc, so am probably forgetting important things to say here.

I thought I would be a crying mess when I got home, but I finally feel that my baby is in good hands, and will be well soon.
Doc said to compare Checkers' inability to eat, drink, walk around, to a person having the flu. You ache all over and just want to lay in a heap.
 
poor Checkers and you, I know how hard it is to keep a clear head and absorb it all when you're scared to death.
I'm glad you feel Checkers is in good hands, that will help keep you calm.
I'm sending healing vines and prayers that Checkers will heal quickly.
 
((((Barb)))) it's so hard to leave our babies at the hospital, but it sounds like he needs to be there right now. The rehydration will probably do wonders. I hope they can get to the bottom of what is causing this.
 
I am very sorry that Checkers is so ill. Have they taken a sterile urine sample for culture and sensitivity, in case it is a urinary tract infection?
 
((((Barb)))) I am so sorry that Checkers is feeling so bad, but I hope his stay at the vet will make him feel better. I'm sending many healing vines to Checkers and comfort to you.
 
Looks like Checkers has had higher than normal AMPS & PMPS overall the last few days. If you look at my spreadsheet you'll see Kazi did the same right before her DX. Kazi went from being a bit peckish at mealtime to a puffed up cat loaf that had vomited several times and was glassy eyed by 3AM that night. She too had a temp of around 104 and was dehydrated. Vet said her bloodwork had elevated white and red? blood cells....indicating an infection of some kind. They kept her for the day on IV fluids and gave her a shot of penicillan and I brought her home at close that evening looking MUCH better. I know I was a wreck worrying about her that day, so big hugs for you!!! Keep us updated, hoping tomorrow morning you news that Checkers is feeling much more like himself!
 
((Barb)) ((Checkers))
I'm so sorry. I'm a wreck when my furfaces are sick. I do warn the vet that I'll call once I'm calmed down and may need to have things repeated or that I'll have all of the questions that I didn't think to ask. Most places are pretty good about making sure that one of the techs will answer what he or she can. I agree with Libby -- often fluids do a lot to make our kitties comfortable.
 
SO glad you brought him in Barb.....you knew something was wrong and did something about it!
Very good work! So nice of DD to go with you too. Poor lil guy....no wonder he was acting the way he was. A fever and dehydration. Well, he is in the best place now.
(((((Barb))))) The fluids will be so good for him and hopefully he will be right as rain tomorrow!
Must be lonely there without him....how are you doing now? You did the best thing for your boy!
Sending healing white light to him ((Checkers)) feel better boy!
 
Oh Barb, so sorry! I'm glad he is getting hydrated though, that will help a lot. Savannah had a FUO a few years ago, and a stay overnight really helped heal things, she was back to herself within a few days.

(((Thinking of you and Checkers!)))
 
Thank you for kind words. I didn't even ask what kind of tests will be performed. I remember doc saying only that they would have to rehydrate just to get blood. He is a very sick kitty.

I have many conflicting feelings going on right now. He was there just 3 days ago for this.
I don't want to start doubting the clinic. Enough said!

I need now, only to have positive thoughts
My beautiful daughter, just emailed me a lovely prayer. I am keeping that in my head, and refuse to have any more bad thoughts. :smile:
Now I am going in search of happy kitty condos. :-D
 
Barb & Checkers said:
Thank you for kind words. I didn't even ask what kind of tests will be performed. I remember doc saying only that they would have to rehydrate just to get blood. He is a very sick kitty.

I have many conflicting feelings going on right now. He was there just 3 days ago for this.
I don't want to start doubting the clinic. Enough said!

I need now, only to have positive thoughts
My beautiful daughter, just emailed me a lovely prayer. I am keeping that in my head, and refuse to have any more bad thoughts. :smile:
Now I am going in search of happy kitty condos. :-D
Click to expand...


((Barb)) sending tons of healing vines and a blizzard of snowflakes to Checkers. I hope the new bloodwork and tests gets to the bottom of what's going on.
 
Oh Barb - I just sat down to visit condos and saw your post. I'm so sorry to hear Checkers is so sick! I know that feeling too well! Hang in there - I'm glad he's at a place where they can keep an eye on him and get him the treatment he needs!
 
gosh barb .. I don't know what to say .. but my mind would be in the SAME EXACT PLACE as yours is (about the clinic) though I'm sure nothing happened there ... but it's so easy to point fingers when we don't know anything and all we want are answers ... (((((((((barb and checkers)))))))))) we will be thinking of you guys and sending positive healthy thoughts your way ...
 
I'm sorry to see that Checkers isn't feeling to well, but I'm glad you got him to the vet and he's getting some fluids. I know you are so worried about him. Sending tons of healing vines to Checkers and lots of hugs to you ((((Barb))))
 
I hope the fluids make Checkers feel a lot better, and he is home and happy and healthy, real soon.
(((BIG Hugs))) to you, Barb.
 
I am sorry that Checkers is in the hospital. Poor guy! I too think that fluids and getting him hydrated will help immensely. I hope they can figure out what caused this. Mannie and I will be thinking of you and Checkers - many healing vines and positive thoughts coming your way. be better soon Checkers!
 
Oh Barb, I'm sorry that Checkers had to stay in the hospital, but your instincts were right, you knew there was something wrong! I hope the fluids and AB will make him feel much better and get him back on his feet! How considerate of your DD to come and support you, even though it had to be hard for her. He's right where he needs to be for now. Sending healing vines for Checkers! :YMHUG:
 
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healing vines and snowflakes and prayers your way for Checkers keep us updated (((((HUGS))) for you
 
Sending Green Healing Vines & Blizzard of Snowflakes to dearest Checkers--My civvie had fluids at an emergancy clinic, after different vet had screwed him up--and he got so much better, real quickly!! The fluids do great things for them..We go by that saying "KNOW THY CAT" and we all do--Your fast action has helped Checkers to get better--Hugs & prayers for a quick recovery!! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
(((Barb & Checkers))) Sending tons of positive thoughts and healing light your way! You'll be in my thoughts. Take care of you while you wait. I hope tomorrow is filled with relief!
 
(((((((Barb & Checkers))))))) Barb, it is good that you acted right away and got him to where he is getting help. We are sure that Checkers will feel much better tomorrow, once he is hydrated and treated. Dehydration is a terrible thing, so it's good that he's at the hospital. Sending lots and lots of healing vines and a blanket of snowflakes and healing light. Get better, Checkers! All of your LL friends are thinking about you tonight.

Hugs,
Ella & Stu
 
Healing vines and snowflakes for Checkers... I'm glad he's being treated...

Get well soon, Checkers!
 
(((Barb))) sending you my prayers for Checkers, I'm so sorry this is happening, but I am glad he's been seen by the vets.
Sending lots of good positive vines for a quick recovery.
(((((hugs))))
 
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