Darwin - checking in, update

Tasha & Darwin

Tasha & Darwin

Member Since 2017
Happy New Year, FDMB!! We sure have missed you guys!

I've been meaning to get on and post an update for some time! Of course Darwin has reminded me, in a not so happy way, to get on and update!

Thankfully, his FD is under control - he's remained a low rider in his OTJ BGs! He's been doing really, really well overall.

We've noticed recently that his appetite has been more ravenous than it was (he's always been a foodie!), and his weight has still been dropping off. He is finally at about his ideal weight, but he's continued losing despite being on the same amount of calories for the last year. He's gone from 13lbs in 1/2019 to 11.25lbs now. I'm happy his weight is good, but I became concerned that he is continuing to lose.

We did labwork and radiographs yesterday - the labwork looks great! We were, initially, concerned about something in his chest, but the radiologist feels it's normal for his chronic airway disease (asthma and chronic herpes). However, his intestines do appear moderately thickened - this could indicate IBD vs small cell lymphoma - either one would account for increased appetite and weight loss.

Next step is an ultrasound, and I have to decide whether or not to proceed with that. It's very non-invasive (though he will HATE it!), but he is as happy as ever at the moment, and very active! I may elect to hold off and monitor his weight. Unfortunately, the typical recommendation for either of those diseases is corticosteroids, which I don't think I'll be pursuing due to his remission given that he feels well.

Not sure, just a lot to think about. :nailbiting:

Here's a few recent photos of the little monkey!
IMG_2299.JPG IMG_2527.JPG IMG_2114.JPG
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2299.JPG
    IMG_2299.JPG
    59.6 KB · Views: 124
  • IMG_2527.JPG
    IMG_2527.JPG
    51.2 KB · Views: 98
  • IMG_2114.JPG
    IMG_2114.JPG
    58.9 KB · Views: 95
Good to hear from you Tasha. What is Darwin eating now? Have you tried a novel protein diet with probiotics? Often IBD, if that is the issue, can be controlled with diet.https://www.ibdkitties.net/ Any other GI issues present? Has he had a GI panel to check B12 and folate? I presume the lab work checked for hyperT.

Darwin is still relatively young. If it is SCL, it is relatively easily treated and the right chemo protocol had good odds for remission. Now on my third rodeo there. :rolleyes: Neko was on budesonide, which did not impact her blood sugar. ECID on that, but it's a better option that pred for diabetics.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Good to hear from you Tasha. What is Darwin eating now? Have you tried a novel protein diet with probiotics? Often IBD, if that is the issue, can be controlled with diet.https://www.ibdkitties.net/ Any other GI issues present? Has he had a GI panel to check B12 and folate? I presume the lab work checked for hyperT.

Darwin is still relatively young. If it is SCL, it is relatively easily treated and the right chemo protocol had good odds for remission. Now on my third rodeo there. :rolleyes: Neko was on budesonide, which did not impact her blood sugar. ECID on that, but it's a better option that pred for diabetics.
Click to expand...

Hey Wendy! Darwin is currently eating Purina DM and Purina Pro Plan Plus Prime. He has been doing so well on this food, and is very active. No other GI issues - his stools are always perfect, and he has had zero vomiting since switching to this diet (anti-jinx!!). I haven't done a GI panel yet (though have thought that might be one of the next steps - along with abd u/s - if he keeps losing weight).

He was tested for HyperT - levels are well within normal limits.

I think, for now, I am going to monitor his weight weekly, and then pursue additional testing if he continues to drop weight. He IS really active after his last stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis, so I am really hoping this is the cause for the weight loss. We have stairs now, and he ZOOMS up and down those, and up and around the cat towers like a kitten. It certainly could be the cause...fingers crossed!
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Stem cell for osteoarthritis? Tell me more. Having had a couple kitties with arthritis, always looking for options.
Click to expand...
It's been an absolutely life-changer for Darwin! I'm a technician at a clinic that does stem cell therapy, so I'm actually the one that assists with the procedures. We seem to have a LOT more canine patients, but I wish we had more cats because there are SO many less helpful options for cats than dogs when it comes to arthritis!

We actually use the pet's own adipose (fat) tissue to harvest the stem cells. It's a fairly non-invasive surgery to remove the fat tissue (from the belly), and then we process the fat through a series of steps (using MediVet technology) and the end product is stem cells + platelet rich plasma (which we get from the patient's blood).

For Darwin, we treated both elbows, and then sent the remaining cells to the lab for cryo-freezing (for future use). He has had the initial treatment and one re-treatment, and he doesn't limp AT ALL now. He is able to RUN up and down the cat towers and stairs again, and is really comfortable. He has enough vials of stem cells for the rest of his life (around 8 annual treatments, if needed). It's amazing! My dog has been treated as well - she has had bilateral knee surgeries for torn ACLs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top