Prayers for Raven UPDATE Post 18

[kb2yjx]

Our dear " Princess" Raven needs prayers!!! On 1/11, she had her P/E. bloodwork, and her rabies vaccine. She was OK for a day or so, then she became very picky about her food. Raven, despite having NO teeth LOVES to eat!!! When the bloodwork came back, her kidney function was PERFECT, but she had a high amylase, and two components of the differential were off. I called the vet, and Raven went in for repeat bloodwork. Her liver enzymes were elevated(and they were not in the first sample). Raven had an ultrasound yesterday. It showed a mass by her gall bladder and duct area. In the past, Dr. Ascher said that Raven is a surgical risk, because of her kidneys, and they could not handle the anesthesia. Dr. A is going to consult with another vet. She said if we went the surgical route, it is VERY VERY complicated and (I even hate to say this) very expensive. Raven is enjoying eating baby food and hanging out in her house by the woodstove. For now, as long as Raven has a good quality of life(eats and is happy), and is not in any discomfort, that is good for now!! Raven will be 12 in April. Raven's first 4 years were awful, that is why she lost all her teeth by age 5, and developed kidney disease at age 4. She is a tough cookie!!! We love her dearly!! Thanks in advance for your prayers!!!! Sandra

[Freedom]

Prayers for dear Raven, from RI.

[Medusa]

Prayers going out for sweet Raven......

[momtomany]

Prayers for Raven and family...............

[Karen]

Prayers for the lovely Raven are on the way.

http://catoftheday.com/archive/2004/December/09.jpg

[jenluckenbach]

Prayers for Raven (even though she is sticking her tongue out at me in her picture......just a little humor, I think it is CUTE!!!)

I sure hope she can stand her ground and keep comfortable.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope you'll be able to make her comfortable. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way.

[Catty1]

Prayers from here for Raven. Poor little princess!

I don't know if steroids affect kidneys or not, but they often reduce swelling in a mass like she has. Check with your vet. Could they do a needle biopsy? From what I have read/remember on PT, that is not a painful procedure for cats.

I remember with Lut's Snoopy, she had surgery but was intubated instead of intravenous for anesthetic because of her heart - she had some congenital oddities, and they didn't want to take chances. IF surgery is an option for Raven - maybe after a while on prednisone or the like - the intubation would be safer?

If the surgery stands a good chance of helping her, remember iMom and your friends at PT who can help.

HUGS and more PT Prayers to Raven and her family.

[kb2yjx]

THANK YOU all for your prayers, kind words, and offer to help!!!! Raven gobbled up her baby food this morning and is looking at me like " well, when will I eat again!??" The bloodwork that was drawn yesterday should be in this morning. Hopefully, there will be no changes. I sent a note to Mother Teresa at the Monastery where Raven visits. I also have a bottle of Lourdes water. I rub a few drops on her abdomen and in her food, it cannot hurt!!!!!! Sandra

[Catty1]

kb2yjk: Glad to hear she is eating again! :)

I found the following on a site that talks about high-fibre diets...and describes some of the negative effects as well:

Rations high in dietary fibre produce the following effects :

On the intestine itself

1. Increased small intestine wall thickness (mucosa)
2. Increased small intestine weight
3. Changes in the villi :
o Increased number of neutrophils
o Increase mitosis (cell division rate)
o Increased number of crypt cells
o Blunting and disarray of villi (soluble fibre)
4. Thinning of colon wall

http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/dietary%20fibre.htm

This is just one site...I am sure your vets will have other info also.

[kb2yjx]

Thankd Catty1!! Raven labs come back this morning. Her enzymes continue to rise.

[loveallfurryfriends]

prayers and good vibes on the way for Raven :)

[kb2yjx]

Raven has been DEVOURING her baby food and is looking for MORE to eat, si I gave her MORE!!! If a cat is eating like this there is HOPE!!! I will be speaking to our vet today...Thanks for all your prayers and supportive words!!!

[Medusa]

Yay! Good girl, Raven! I'll be anxious to hear what your vet has to say. Until then, YAY AGAIN! :p

[Barbara]

Raven, you are a good girl eating your food. Filou send his love and we all keep fingers crossed.

[Sonia59]

We are sending good thoughts for lovely Raven.

[Felicia's Mom]

So glad you are eating again, Raven.

[kb2yjx]

Spoke with Dr. Ascher late last evening. She feels that as long as Raven keeps eating the way she is now, she will do better that putting her on any meds. I had to think thru what she said, and physiology-wise, it made sense. If Raven eats, her gall bladder empties and will not obstruct. The way Raven is eating(devouring is a better word), she could use two gallbladders!!! Dr. A does not think that surgery is an option for Raven(which I was glad to hear). I also sent a fax to our homeopathic vet, who is going to send me some remedies for Raven. Both vets agreed NO PREDNISONE!!! Raven seems very happy, comfortable, FIESTY, and is playing with Barry as I write!!! We added a teeny bit of tumeric to her food. That is used to help increase circulation and is also used to treat cancer. Both vets feel it cannot hurt. So for now, a big WHEW!!!! Sandra

[jenluckenbach]

Sounds good to me. :)

[Catty1]

WOOHOO! Great news!

GALLbladder...I thought it was the other one...but yeah, Raven will keep that gallbladder a-cleanin' out! :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Raven is doing so well and I hope she continues to thrive in your care.:)

[catmandu]

I AM SORRY THAT I MISSED THIS SANDRA, AS THE LUCKY FOUND CATS ARE PRAYING FOR RAVEN TOO , ESPECIALLY TUBSTER PANTHER.
BO BO SAYS THAT RAVEN IS ALWAYS WELCOME ON HER HEATED BED AND WE SERVE SAE FOOD STEW MOST NIGHTS WHICH MICHAEL WILL GLADLY SHARE!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/cat%20angels/cats1011856.jpg
PLEASE GET WELL SOON RAVEN.