Luna: Increased bilirubin level in urine (new pictures added)

[Asiel]

So sorry to hear about Luna Kirsten. I think you're doing the right thing trying the Hepar comp first. I don't think putting her under at her age would benefit her and I would feel the same way about not wanting to know if it does happen to be something serious. Just enjoy Luna and feed her a special diet for her liver. I'm sure all the PT prayers will help her.

[Kirsten]

Thank you very much for your support, advice, and prayers.

Zara, thank you very much for the information. My vet hasn't suggested that biopsy with ultrasound yet, but I totally agree with Barbara on this. What would it help if they'd find out it's something chronic, something that cannot be treated ... Maybe it's better not to know. Of course, in case of her developing jaundice or any other symptoms, I need to discuss further options with my vet, but so far, she seems to be fine (apart from the pain caused by her back problems), so I'll go for the Hepar comp treatment and hope this will keep her liver problems at bay for a while.

Randi, as for the bloodwork thingy ... Candace is right, it isn't possible to draw blood from her while she's awake, she panics at the vet's and is fighting. This only works with anaesthesia, but when it comes that, I'm not only concerned by her age, but also by the fact that Lily won't recognize Luna for two days, she will completely freak out and panic. Been there several times, and it's a tremendous torture for both my cats.

Right now, she seems to be doing fine and I hope she will be like this for a while.

[Kirsten]

Today I went to the vet's to get Luna's Hepar comp and when I arrived, a 17-year-old kitty was just put to sleep. Her human mom sat in the waiting room, crying, and I heard the cat scream when she got her injection. :-( It was so hard to bear! I felt so sorry for the woman and tried to express my sympathy, but I also thought that this could be me in a couple of weeks or months. Looking at Luna, however, makes it hard to believe that she might me seriously ill, she looks so healthy and good, apart from the problems with her hind legs and back.

This was her the other day, watching her beloved "kitty light" (laser pointer):











(Hope this works; I linked to my Facebook pictures)

[Barbara]

Kirsten, these pictures are wonderful- and I am sure that right now Luna enjoys her life. That is what counts!

[Randi]

What lovely pictures of your Luna girl. I'm glad she looks okay, and it doesn't look like she has lost weight. Also good to see she's still interested in the lazer pointer. I so hope you will be together for quite some time, yet.

Give her lots of attention and comfort - and some gentle kisses from me, too.

(((hugs)))

[Karen]

Oh, those crazy Luna whiskers! They make me smile every time. I am glad she is feeling good, and hopefully stays that way for a while.

[cassiesmom]

Could the abnormal urine bilirubin have been a happenstance thing? Could it have been from the infection, or from the treatment? I'm saying big prayers for precious Luna and I have a candle for her on the Pet Talk gratefulness.org page.

xoxoxoxoxoxo
some for Lily too,
Elyse

[Kirsten]

This morning, I tested Lunas urine again and bilirubin was still increased, and so was protein. She's still acting "normal", though ...

Could the abnormal urine bilirubin have been a happenstance thing? Could it have been from the infection, or from the treatment? I'm saying big prayers for precious Luna and I have a candle for her on the Pet Talk gratefulness.org page.

I don't know, but according to the vet, it's unlikely ... Thanks for the candle, Elyse!