? Max’s Vet Visit--baby aspirin

[MindyC]

We went to the vet today, to see if Max has a urinary tract infection. He made a colossal mess in his crate on the way there and they had to give him a bath.

They couldn’t get a urine sample because he’d already peed in the crate, but given age, history, and that he was peeing outside the box, they gave him a shot of cerenia anyway.

The good news from the visit is that he’s gained a pound in the last month or so. He’s up to 9.5lbs, which the vet was VERY happy with. Vet was also very happy with his progress since switching to Lantus, didn’t insist on a test while we were there, and just asked for me to email the link to my spreadsheet again.

He also might have an intestinal tumor, they felt something, but it could also be a hard piece of poop that is being stubborn about moving. Given how much he pooped in the crate, I think this is doubtful, but they’ll look for it again the next time we’re in and we’ll go from there if it is still there.

We discussed the possibility that his litterbox issues are being caused by arthritis in his hips. She checked gabapentin (?) and it metabolizes through the kidneys the same as baby aspirin, so we’re in a win/lose situation there with his CRF. I’ll take the kidney side effects if it means he’ll use the box properly tho...and he’s 17, so while I love him to pieces, we want the best quality of life we can give him at this stage, even if it means he leaves us a little earlier. So she’s recommending we go with the baby aspirin because it is cheaper and it’s easier to give (liquid meds are rough with Max), and see if it improves. I remember from earlier discussions that enteric coated aspirin is not recommended because of digestion issues...is there anything else I need to know before I go buy some? She said to give it every 3 days.

 

[AmandaE]

I hope the aspirin works well for Max, Congrats on the pound gained!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Did your vet talk joint support such as Adequan? It can be quite helpful for arthritis, and is given subq so you can give it.

Good news on the weight gain
.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

When Witn was alive she developed walking issues and had problems with the litter box. I bought a dog litter box since it had a low opening. That may help you. Here is the type I am talking about. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/so-phresh-dog-litter-box-large-2745508?cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY18_SCShopping-Private Label-_-61469349532-_-A&kpid=go_1426171603_61469349532_274415551816_pla-642567759499_m&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY18_SCShopping-Private Label&utm_source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjwqqrmBRAAEiwAdpDXtGdIGzJ51hgOi7vIllddgzgbK0Mknpd86NjNp-ucDgzZnEYHbhTgsxoC_CcQAvD_BwE

 

[MindyC]

Thank you both. No, she didn't discuss Adequan, but I'll mention it. I have to email her the SS link anyway, so I can ask then.

I was actually looking at this litter box the other day: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/booda-clean-step-litter-box-in-dark-grey It has a ramp in it. We need a cover since this box is in the living room and we have dogs that won't stay out of it otherwise. He's always had a covered box, so that is nothing new for him. He has a tendency to walk into the box and go right at the opening, which is the only reason a low-entry box makes me nervous.

We're also going to try switching his box from non-clumping clay to the recycled paper pellets/crumbles since they are more absorbent, in the event that his issues are just about being picky with a wet/dirty box. I'm not sure my other cat will use them (he's very picky about his litter, but Max is usually not), but we'll keep his box in the basement with his regular litter.

 

[AmandaE]

I was actually looking at this litter box the other day: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/booda-clean-step-litter-box-in-dark-grey

Mowgli and Nyx use these litter boxes and seem to really like them.

Mowgli has a pretty easy time getting in and out. The lid was key because Mowgli can’t really pee straight down at the moment (not sure if it’s a neuropathy, old age, or just sheer volume of pee) so the lid catches the pee. One time he couldn’t wait to get in the litter box so all his pee ran down the ramp and luckily was caught by a little lip at the base.

The litter box is easy to clean. Especially the first few months when the plastic is fresh and hasn’t been scratched to crap by the kitties. One thing though is that the two I have are HUGE so you might want to take the measurements of it if you need it in a smaller space in the house. I do know there is a small and large size.

 

[MindyC]

Mowgli and Nyx use these litter boxes and seem to really like them.

Mowgli has a pretty easy time getting in and out. The lid was key because Mowgli can’t really pee straight down at the moment (not sure if it’s a neuropathy, old age, or just sheer volume of pee) so the lid catches the pee. One time he couldn’t wait to get in the litter box so all his pee ran down the ramp and luckily was caught by a little lip at the base.

The litter box is easy to clean. Especially the first few months when the plastic is fresh and hasn’t been scratched to crap by the kitties. One thing though is that the two I have are HUGE so you might want to take the measurements of it if you need it in a smaller space in the house. I do know there is a small and large size.

Thanks for the info. I will definitely need to check the listings, because Max is a big boy, and needs a big box. He's always been that way. I also need to find out if there are plastic liners for that box. I fully admit I am lazy, we've gotten used to the liners over the last 12 years or so, and with his current issues, it makes for an easy litter change if the box is too wet and he's boycotting it (I've seriously had to change litter out at like midnight, or at 7am, so speed of change is key). We currently have his litter box inside a litter box cabinet, which could also be contributing to the difficulty to get in on painful days. I work for an exhibit company, and we have a fabrication shop...I may do some heavy thinking/designing to make some modifications to the cabinet we have to see if that will help. I've already had the guys build me stairs up to the cat feeding table (we have dogs, so cat food has never been on the floor). They thought it was hysterical, but on the same token, my boss has stairs for his dogs to get up to his bed so...lol.

 

[AmandaE]

Thanks for the info. I will definitely need to check the listings, because Max is a big boy, and needs a big box. He's always been that way. I also need to find out if there are plastic liners for that box. I fully admit I am lazy, we've gotten used to the liners over the last 12 years or so, and with his current issues, it makes for an easy litter change if the box is too wet and he's boycotting it (I've seriously had to change litter out at like midnight, or at 7am, so speed of change is key). We currently have his litter box inside a litter box cabinet, which could also be contributing to the difficulty to get in on painful days. I work for an exhibit company, and we have a fabrication shop...I may do some heavy thinking/designing to make some modifications to the cabinet we have to see if that will help. I've already had the guys build me stairs up to the cat feeding table (we have dogs, so cat food has never been on the floor). They thought it was hysterical, but on the same token, my boss has stairs for his dogs to get up to his bed so...lol.

No judgement from me on the litter liner front. You absolutely can use a standard XL litter liner in these boxes. The litter box is shaped kind of like a bean so you have to kind of flatten the bag out but it works!

Ooo la la - you’re fancy with your litter cabinets! Definitely get some measurements so you know what you’re working with. If they aren’t online let me know and I can grab the measurements of mine.

 

[MindyC]

No judgement from me on the litter liner front. You absolutely can use a standard XL litter liner in these boxes. The litter box is shaped kind of like a bean so you have to kind of flatten the bag out but it works!

Ooo la la - you’re fancy with your litter cabinets! Definitely get some measurements so you know what you’re working with. If they aren’t online let me know and I can grab the measurements of mine.

Thanks for the info about the liners, that is very helpful to know! And LOL, not trying to be fancy, just trying to appease my husband, who has an extreme aversion to everything litter box related. He learned to change the litter when he had to because I was pregnant, but is still (12 years!) whiny about it at times.

 

[MindyC]

Did your vet talk joint support such as Adequan? It can be quite helpful for arthritis, and is given subq so you can give it.

Good news on the weight gain
.

THANK YOU, Wendy! I did ask about the Adequan when I emailed Max's SS yesterday. Vet just called and said she thought it was a great idea (I didn't ask why she didn't think of it), and that she's had lots of dogs and cats with spectacular results on it. She also said she didn't think it would cause any issues with his kidneys, so yay for that! When I did some research online about it, I found some articles that said it can also help with feline idiopathic cystitis, which she said could be a cause for him to pee in the bathroom instead of the litter box too...so it sounds like a win all around.

I'm going to get it ordered, and she said I can give it sub-q when it arrives. .2mL a week for the first month and then once or twice/mo after that (I can't remember, I know instructions will arrive with the meds). He's doing so well now with Lantus, I can't wait to see how much more active he gets with the Adequan.