Rex is in the hospital **Tuesday Update**

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Carolynn FletcherGA & RobbieGA

Carolynn FletcherGA & RobbieGA

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He is not well... his temp is elevated, respiratory rate elevated, heart rate over 240, lost 1.25 pounds in 10 days (now down to 9 lbs 1 oz-- should be around 12.5-13lbs), sunken eyes.... and a mass was felt in his abdomen. They are drawing blood and urine and doing xrays. We're looking for kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure and/or cancer...

It's only been 5 weeks since I lost Fletcher... and it's coming up on a year since I lost my stepdaddy... I don't know how to handle this...

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Re: Rex is in the hospital

(((((Carolynn))) Sending tons of healing vibes that Rex will pull through whatever is wrong with him and that you will have many more years with him.

Mel
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

Any updates yet? Maybe PM Jess when you get some information, she'd probably be able to help with the resp and heart rate issues.
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

Carolynn
I'm checking in - have tried calling/texting you. I'm worried. Anxiously awaiting updates.....
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

Carolynn, I am waiting here with everyone else... do you have any news yet how Rex is doing? Sending positive thoughts.
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

Sorry for taking so long...I had to take my youngest daughter, Kelly, to start getting ready for braces and then had to wait to pick Rex up and talk to the vet.

We're home and still don't know much. Xray really didn't tell anything definitive (no u/s... have spent $1K+ between Fletch, Honey and Rex in just over a month and cannot in good conscience spend more right now) so have to wait for labs and hope they tell some sort of story. He was getting very testy, which is SO not like him, but he did eat a little there (some wet FF and some dry something-or-other). Will give him an appetite stimulant if he'll take it in a treat--- she does NOT like cats getting pilled (yay!) and only does it as a last resort, so said if he'll take an appy stim give it, but don't stress him out. His heart is still racing away...

So, we wait...

Thank you all for being here for us... it's what has kept me sane(?) lately.
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

(((((carolynn and rex)))))
so happy to hear he ate a little bit.
hope you get the answers you need from the tests. sending positive thoughts for an easy fix...
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

((((((((((((((((((((((((CAROLYNN and REX)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Wrapping you in cyber hugs and crossing all paws for Rex.
 
Re: Rex is in the hospital

We got his labs back and most everything looks ok, except for really elevated liver enzymes. We're running an fPLI test for pancreatitis and should get the results tomorrow. We'll give denamarin for his liver, and depending on the fPLI, pain meds and fluids. She would like to try to restart the Tapazole because his heart rate is just out of control, but wants to know the pancreatitis results first.

If the fPLI is normal, then... ????

I'm just very, very tired...
 
HyperT kitties sometimes present with elevated liver enzymes that go back to normal after meds are started. Maybe by stopping the meds, the liver enzymes went up.

If this were my cat I'd do a few things, (1) want to see what the fPLI shows, (2) think about adding a heart pill, I'm not sure, maybe Norvasc for a little bit since unregulated hyperts often become hypertensive, (3) start up the tap again, and (4) add the appetite stimulant until Rex is eating well on his own.

Has he been getting regular T4 checks once he started the Tap? What were the results? Under 4, over 4?
 
Hugs to you and Rex! I know that despite having a diagnosis, there are still new hurdles to scale - we're sending you our best and healthiest wishes!
 
Jenn, he was just diagnosed mid July and his T4 hasn't been below 23 (was 28 at diagnosis). We do want to restart the Tap and hopefully that will slow his heart down, but will definitely talk about heart meds.

However, Rex's condition is bothering his vet, so she consulted with an internal medicine specialist and wants me to call her asap... will update if/when I know anything.

Thank you all... again... and always...
 
I'm no expert, but I'd think the liver stuff could be secondary to the T4. What dose are you starting Rex back on, 5MG BID? This is pill form, right, not transdermal?
 
The internal med specialist agrees that we should be testing for pancreatitis. If that's the case, then we'll treat for that and see what happens and recheck labs in a week.

He (specialist) is also strongly suspicious that Rex's liver is inflamed as a result of the Tapazole. It isn't a common effect, but it has been reported in cats and Rex's symptoms fit it to a "T." Sometimes this can resolve itself, but there's also a good chance that he just cannot tolerate it and never will. If that's the case, we'll look at palliative care. It would be a hard balance keeping him happy while his heart continues to race.

So, it's kind of a mixed review and we still aren't sure what's going on, but at least we're heading in the right direction. Rex is eating a little bit, but still is so not himself. I just don't want him to hurt.
 
Would you think about an ultrasound?
I know I don't understand about hyperthyroid and neither of my cats were but...
with other liver kitties - they always start Ursodial, yes the dreaded prednisolone, fluids to thin the bile, some sort of antinausea meds (pepcid or reglan) and antibiotic (Metronidazole and Amoxicillin). It made a huge difference in a couple days for Boris. Simba who was VERY ill with sky hi LFT's and who I thought I was going to have to put to sleep took longer - a week - but he made a dramatic turnaround and he was BRIGHT yellow at one point. I know the pred is a pretty dramatic drug but all the others "in general" seem worth starting and giving a chance. Has there been any mention of any of that? And with Boris we didn't do an ultrasound either. I'm know I'm rambling on - just seems I'm always fighting/looking for something to help...

sorry Carolynn - you know me...........
 
Well, it sounds like you have a couple good drs and a bunch of others here with a wealth of knowledge for you.
I am just glad to hear he's eating a bit, relieved that you are getting closer to some answers.

I hope Rex starts to come around once you know about the fPLI results and treatment has been decided. With Shadoe's pancreatitis, I know she is almost a brand new cat after getting the fluids in her and give her pain meds and pepcid.

Whatever is found out, I'll be thinking of you and Rex.
 
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