Hi Laura,
I really appreciate how difficult things are for you at the moment. As I mentioned before, I've had difficulties with 'gatekeeper' type vets before (and human doctors of similar ilk). It's tough enough to see our little ones poorly without the additional trauma of having to beg for diagnostic testing and treatments to help them get better. I also know what it's like trying to get help when finances are limited. You're holding things together so well in spite of all you're contending with. (((Laura))) You've got your hands full trying to get some nutrition into your little one. If I can help by tracking down some info for you, I'm only too glad to do so.
Wish I could do more ...
Definitely you need to let the vet know about the blood in the vomitus. I had another gander online and excess stomach acid may be another possible cause - feasible considering she hasn't been eating properly and the nausea may be indicative of excess stomach acid production - but it's definitely something you need to investigate with the vet.
The Pepcid dose that you're giving is the same as my vet prescribed for Saoirse. I think I've seen some cats here prescribed a slightly higher dose, but I can't remember what that dosage was. Perhaps you could ask the vet about dosages.
I've found a link to a
very good video with a vet talking about cause, diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis. She mentions the latex agglutination test for diagnosis. In the video the vet advises that the fungal infection can be a sign of an underlying problem that's affecting the cat's immune system and she emphasises the importance of checking for and treating any underlying conditions. She also gives a good indication of how long it takes to treat the condition. With the proviso that I don't have any experience with cryptococcosis, the presentation comes across to me as quite comprehensive, well-researched and balanced. I've seen some of her other videos on subjects of which I have some knowledge and experience, and I've found her advice to be generally quite accurate (with a sales pitch for Mercola products, granted!) . I hope that you find it helpful, and it might give you some pointers about how to handle your consult with the vet at the Humane Society tomorrow.
For what it's worth, I got brushed off by the vet I took Saoirse to when I first knew something was seriously wrong with her last summer and she got an initial Dx of 'old lady'. Just as you know your baby better than anyone else in the world, I know my girl and I knew there was something not age-related wrong with her. It scared the willies out of me to go back a couple of weeks later to demand she be tested for diabetes, but my baby was depending on me and I am so glad that I didn't accept the first vet's opinion and I got her the help she needed. Also, I wasn't happy about the protocol they use for treatment of feline diabetics. Luckily we moved to another practice shortly afterwards and both the feline diabetes treatment protocol and the general approach to patient care and client collaboration was much better. I've got better at asserting myself with the vets now and asking about treatments, tests etc. that I
want for Saoirse instead of waiting to be
told what she's going to get. It took time to find the right vet, but the difference is fantastic. We are partners in Saoirse's care, and she's doing great as a consequence. I fervently wish the same for you and Skinky, and I pray to God that you will come away tomorrow with all the medication she needs to give her a fighting chance. If Skinky were my cat I'd be looking to ensure she has:
- an appetite stimulant.
- a decent anti-nausea treatment (the vet might be able to give her a Cerenia injection and an Rx for some ondansetron generic for continued home treatment).
- something for pain.
- assuming cryptococcosis is the cause of the swelling, an Rx for more of the fluconazole.
- depending on the vet's assessment, something else may be needed to help with any underlying condition he may find.
- something for her eye.
Needless to say, I'd want to get an idea of any drug side effects to look out for and possible interactions.
With respect to the Cat Sure, I think the right food for Skinky just now is anything she can eat. Hopefully tiny amounts frequently will help her. If you can get her stabilized on that and eating a bit better there's a
recipe for a liver shake for sick cats that members here have found helpful for their cats that you might want to consider if Skinky continues to have trouble with her regular food. I've not tried the liver shake, but when I was nursing Saoirse through her pancreatitis flare I did feed Saoirse a liquid commercial food that was chicken meat and chicken liver based and it helped her a great deal.
With respect to the Convenia, Saoirse has been given it in the past but since I learned more about it I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with her getting it again. I do wonder whether it may have been a contributing factor in the duration of her diarrhoea during the pancreatitis flare, but I have no research to back up that concern: it's just conjecture on my part. From what I've read since, one of the reasons for Convenia being a popular treatment choice for vets is that some caregivers aren't as compliant as they might be when administering courses of antibiotics, particularly if their cats are difficult to pill. Again, something for you to discuss with the vet.
I am hoping and praying that your consult will go well with the HS vet today, and that he will give you the help and advice you need to help your beloved baby girl. My thoughts will be with you both. Blessings to you both.
((((Laura and Skinky))))
Edited to Add:
I've just seen the pics of the kitty successfully treated. Fingers and paws crossed that if it's the fungal infection you're dealing with that the same could happen for Skinky.
I'm relieved to know that you have friends coming to you tomorrow.
