Halo needs PT prayers

[jazzcat]

I'm just now seeing this about sweet beautiful Halo. I am so sorry.

I think getting a second opinion is a good idea and I'll be praying that you get better news.

Lots of prayers and good thoughts on the way.

[Medusa]

Reading this about immunizations is scary! Dr. LeBeau was/is 'old school'. He told me years ago that as long as I was going to keep the cats inside that they didn't need immunized every year. So I got them what they needed to get them started in life and then that was it. I mean, my little ones, Creamsicle and Coco Puff both have an inflammatory brain disease. I wouldn't want to inflict any more tragedy on them than they've already endured. I'm so glad I read this because sometimes I get looks from people like "What? You don't get your pets their shots?" Even Dr. Lee's vet techs looked kinda sideways at me. Oh well...I'm devoted to my furkids and I want only what's best for them, as all of you do for yours.

Blessings,
M

[kuhio98]

We've got an appointment with my sister's vet, but he can't see Halo until September 1st. In the meantime, I've been doing research on the internet. Here's what I've found about her bloodwork:

ALT ~ An enzyme normally present in liver and heart cells that is released into the bloodstream when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood ALT levels are elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise ALT levels. ALT is also called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).
Normal range is 10-100. Halo's is 131

AST ~ Also an enzyme found in the liver, red blood cells (RBCs) and in muscle tissue; damage to any of these can result in increased levels of AST in the blood. An elevation in AST signifies more severe damage to the cells than an elevation in ALT. AST was previously called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).
Normal range is 10-100. Halo's is 272

CPK ~ Is an enzyme which is very useful for diagnosing diseases of the heart and skeletal muscle. This enzyme is the first to be elevated after a heart attack (3 to 4 hours). If CPK is high in the absence of heart muscle injury, this is a strong indication of skeletal muscle disease.
Normal range is 56-529. Halo's is 29,748 !! They did the test twice just to make sure.

I got this information from:

http://www.assistfeed.com/BloodTestValues.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article...p;articleid=314
http://www.cathospitalofaustin.com/...e_bloodwork.htm

Halo is doing well. She's eating and drinking and playing like a silly girl. Right now the stairs are littered with her wine corks. No, she doesn't drink the wine, but she likes to fish the corks we've saved over the last 20 years out of their container and then bounce them down the stairs. Each morning, we're greeted with quite a collection at the bottom. So, as long as she's still playing....

[Medusa]

I'm so glad to hear that Halo is still playing! That's great news! I wish I had thought to save all the corks for my furkids to play with. When I moved to my new house, I threw out everything that wasn't necessary and they went out w/the trash. I'll be sure to save future ones. I imagine my little ones would have a ball w/them and maybe leave my little crystal balls alone.

And thanx for the enzyme info!

Blessings,
M

[QueenScoopalot]

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about Halo's medical conditions. I agree 100% that a second opinion is needed, and sure hope the second vet can give you hope for Halo's full recovery. Being such a young girl, and with a good body weight, chances are a great for her to get through surgery fine. Sending many purrayers and nose rubs from the East Coast, to Alaska that things will work out fine for your beautiful little girl.

[slick]

Thanks for the uppydate and I'm continuing my prayers for this little one. So nice to hear that she's still playing.

[sasha the cat]

Meeow, I'm praying to Bastet, the Great Cat Goddess asking her to intercede on your behalf.

purrrs

[rosethecopycat]

Yes, I was going to suggest a 2nd opinion as well, but

Instead of waiting for Sept 1, can you get your vet to write a referral to an specialist? A cardiologist or internist?

I'm sure if she's acting fine, there is no problem in seeing the second vet, but when I went through this a couple weeks ago, the second vet issued the referral. Turns out I could have skipped that whole step and went from 1st vet to specialist.

I think the sighting of a tumor warants a specialist.

Positive thoughts and songs for Halo.

[TopCat3]

That's a good idea, Rosethecopycat. It's quite a while to Sept 1st.

I'm glad Halo is still playing and happy, and hopefully free of discomfort. Kuhio98, You must be beside yourself with worry. Thank you for the links, I've written them in my website reference book under C for cat, for future reference. Good luck and keep us posted with what you decide to do. Best wishes from the TopCats in Sydney.

[smokey the elder]

27000+! Wow! I bet that freaked out the technician running the test. I hope Halo feels better.

[Barbara]

Yeah, that third level is quite out of range. But the number of corks at the bottom of the stairs must warm your heart.

All the best for Halo

[K & L]

I'm just now seeing this thread and wish you the best with Halo! I'm so bad about only looking in cat general since my time is so limited here at work on the internet! Best of luck to you & Halo!

[Donnaj4962]

I am so sorry to hear about Halo.... poor thing. I am sending lots of prayers and hugs and kisses your way. I hope that the 2nd opinion will be with better news. Keep us posted.

[sirrahbed]

Kuhio98 - you are on my mind and I have said my prayers for you and Halo. Thank you for the updates and I will be sure to check back here to keep up with ya'll.

[NoahsMommy]

I'm so glad to see she's playing with her corks (SOO CUTE!!!) and eating OK.

We're keeping her in our prayers. I hope your sister's vet can offer some advice on how to make her all better.

Hugs,
Kelly xoxo