Something wrong with Taz...update #56

[Taz_Zoee]

why won't the vet believe me!!! :mad:

Remember when I took him in a couple weeks ago for the "lump" or "knot" on his side? Well it wasn't there when we got to the appointment.
But it has come and gone since then, on both sides. Tonight it is pretty obvious. So much so that I was able to take pictures.
You tell me if this looks normal to you.
Look at his sides that bump outward and then behind toward his rear where it goes in.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q47/Taz_Zoee/2008/Sept2008016-1.jpg


These last two are very good to see what I'm talking about.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q47/Taz_Zoee/2008/Sept2008018.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q47/Taz_Zoee/2008/Sept2008019.jpg

I'm sorry I am starting so many threads lately. But it seems like when it rains it pours. :(

I don't know if this is normal for other cats, but it's definitely NOT normal for Taz. Even when he was sick a couple years ago and lost tons of weight he didn't have the buldges on his sides like this. Yeah, his hip bones stuck out, but not a bumpy tummy.

Ugh, I do not need this right now. With Paizly and her issues. Then me and my issues at work. Can I cry anymore? I think I'm running dry.:(

[Moesha]

That is very strange indeed. I've never seen anything quite like that myself. Does he seem to be in pain or acting differently? Hope everyhting settles down for you and SOON!

[Catty1]

awwwww hon! {{{{hugs}}}}

Give the vet's office a call...and just say they are back. Hopefully they will stay so the vet could do a needle aspiration and get the stuff checked out.

There's no tiny bite mark on the skin or anything where they are?

Prayers that everything settles down soon!

[Taz_Zoee]

No, he seems to be acting normal. He's eating and using the cat box normally too. There doesn't seem to be pain in the bumps. I've rubbed around on them and he doesn't flinch.

Thanks Moesha. :)

Well, I'm going to go try to sleep my troubles away. I'll check in bright and early to see if anyone has any more ideas.
I'm thinking I'm going to take him to a different vet. Or call mine first and tell her. Maybe see if I can email these pix to her. She's going to get sick of me. It's sad when the receptionist recognizes my voice when I call, LOL.
:mad::mad:This is so frustrating!!!

[Karen]

Poor momma, and poor Taz! If your vet won't take you seriously, I'd go somewhere else.

[Taz_Zoee]

No, there's nothing there except the buldges. No loss of hair, no scabs, nothing. I've rubbed around on them several times. I thought maybe he was blocked up. But don't they not eat when they are blocked? And he is still pottying just fine. I've been checking the box closely since this started. Even in the past he'll go a day without pooping, but never more than one day.

Sigh.....

ETA: Karen, it's not that she doesn't take me seriously. It's just that there was nothing for her to see when he was in there. I think these pictures may help, but I'm sure she'll still want to see him. I guess I'll have to break out the plastic......again. At least I get paid Monday.

Come on kids.......let's just be healthy please!!! Zoee, don't even think about taking a trip to the vet young lady!!

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Cindy, no that does NOT look normal. It may be nothing, or may be something. I would bring him back in, and demand xrays. I know it is pricey, but that would scare the Heck outta me.

Does it feel kinda Gushy when you feel it, when you give it a little pinch?

Is it tight? or does the inside move freely?

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Tell Taz I love him, Kiss his widdle nose for me. I will pray for him.

Now I am gonna have nightmares:( These old fellas always make me so nervous:(

*HUGS* to Meowmie.:love:

[Emeraldgreen]

The bulges are very evident in the pics and I think it's a great idea to email them to the clinic and then call and leave a message on their machine asking the receptionist to check the email and pass it along to the vet. I sent videos of my cat to the vet over the last year and it helped the vet see what he was like at home because he was worse when he was relaxed.

It almost seems like it's air/gas?? Maybe he is having an issue with his lungs or a reaction to a food? It is really interesting that it is on both sides and relatively equal as well. Xrays should show something. Prayers for Taz and hoping this mystery is solved soon. I'm sure glad you got the pics because I'm sure it was frustrating when you saw the lumps and then they disappeared. Now you have proof!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I agree with the others. That does NOT look normal!
I would print out those pics and take them along to show your vet .

[kimlovescats]

Is this the same way it looked last time or is this different? I was thinking last time that it appeared in one spot ... more like a small abscessed area from a wound or something. This being on the abdomen and on both sides worries me. Has he been hiding out more ... like wanting to be off to himself?

I would get him to the vet and get him/her to do a belly tap for fluid.

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

[Medusa]

Except for the fact that you say the lumps are appearing, disappearing and reappearing, they look like fatty tumors to me. If you can get ahold of it and sort of move it around a little, it's probably a fatty tumor. If it's rock hard, probably not. Definitely email these pix to your vet and keep after her until she's able to see and feel the lumps. We'll say a special prayer for Taz and you that all will be well. :)

[Taz_Zoee]

The bumps are hard. It almost feels like it's his tummy. And it feels like it's one large bump protruding on both sides of him.
When I took him in, well before I took him in, the bump was larger on his left side. I felt bumps on both sides, but the left was larger. Then POOF it was gone.
The vet said all she felt was fat. Which is fine, but why does it look like this now?
I'm going to call the vet when they open, which is still 30 min from now, and see if I can email them pictures.

Thank you everyone for helping me feel like I'm not losing my mind! :D

[StarandBratsmom]

Hi. A week ago, Brat, my pixie bob has lost a lot of weight. He was acting normal, playful, eating, drinking, but yesterday he started acting like he was sick. He's lost weight and his coat seems oily. I also noticed a bump under his arm. Last year Star did the same thing, only it lasted a week, and the bump went away. I saw tooth marks in her lump though. Brat, he won't let me look at his.

I have an apointment with the vet. I am scared it is feline leukemia. I hate it my baby boy is sick. It's like a part of me is sick too. I am worried.

[Taz_Zoee]

Ok, I just emailed the last two pictures over to the vet. Hopefully I'll hear back from her today. I will be carrying my cell phone with me at all times, even in the bathroom!!!

[sugarpaws]

Good luck with your baby. I was going to say that older kitties develop fat deposits, but since you say the lumps are hard and symmetric this may not be the case. Hang in there!!!
Marina

[GSDOG]

you know sis..there is a thing called a floating rib that can look like it sticks out and then i just disappears...but how big is the lump..can you move it at all? like wrap your fingers around it? fist size or marble size?

[Taz_Zoee]

you know sis..there is a thing called a floating rib that can look like it sticks out and then i just disappears...but how big is the lump..can you move it at all? like wrap your fingers around it? fist size or marble size?

Ugh, I wish you lived closer so I could show you!!!
When I put my hands on his sides it just feels like it's his tummy. It's not a separate item. And it shows on both sides. What would be the chances of a floating rib sticking out on both sides? It is not small nubby, it's large and bulbous. Also, don't forget that last night his sides behind the buldges were sunk in, as the last pic shows really well.
I cannot wrap my fingers around it because it seems to be part of his belly. And it's fist size.
Sigh.........

[GSDOG]

i know money is an issue..but i would take him to another vet and tell them you want x-rays of his abdomen.

[kimlovescats]

I would still try to get a belly tap done. I didn't want to scare you in my first post ... but abdominal fluid from FIP could be involved. I pray it isn't ... but only a belly tap (inserting a needle into the fluid) would tell for sure. FIP fluid is thick and gooey like honey.

HUGS,
Kim

[GSDOG]

I wouldnt think FIP, mainly because of his history, and because otherwise he has been fairly healthy. i would be thinking of other things, but i dont want to upset you. should probably talk to you on the phone.

[jennielynn1970]

Oh gosh. I would definitely either get back to the vet, or if they do not give you satisfaction, go to another vet to get a 2nd opinion.

I hope it's nothing serious.

Big hugs to you and to Taz.

[Husky_mom]

just a thought.. when I saw the pics I just thought it was that he ate too much too fast...

or maybe he´s allergic to something in the food... and that´s why it comes and goes....:confused:

hope they can help better with the pics you sent... keeping you in our thoughts

[Taz_Zoee]

I understand what everyone is saying. I'll give my vet ONE more chance with Taz. If I'm not satisfied with the results I'll take him somewhere else.

Sister, what is the other thing you are thinking? It's okay tell me!! LOL Or you can call me tonight. Text me later!!

[GSDOG]

well he is 13 right..and unfortuantly cats when they get that age will almost always have kidney damage to some degree. i am thinking tumor...:( i see this kind of thing ever day. if it is upper abdomen it could be and enlarged kidney/tumor or if lower ab it could be liver or spleen.

[Taz_Zoee]

well he is 13 right..and unfortuantly cats when they get that age will almost always have kidney damage to some degree. i am thinking tumor...:( i see this kind of thing ever day. if it is upper abdomen it could be and enlarged kidney/tumor or if lower ab it could be liver or spleen.

Ok, and will an xray determine that? Or do specific tests need to be ran?
His numbers were elevated slightly when he had his tests ran back in March. But now I can't remember which ones. I know I told you before it was his BUN, but I'll check my paperwork tonight.
Also, in case you check in on this.....I'm going to try and call you on my way home in two hours.

ETA: I just called my vet, since I hadn't heard back. Oh, the doctor is gone for the day and they are closed tomorrow. Because the second doctor in the office is out of the country. :rolleyes:
So, the girl reassured me that my email is on the top of the list and will be the first thing she sees when she comes in on Monday. Grrrr!!

[Husky_mom]

get another vet!!.. what if it is something serious...(crossing fingers it´s not)

yeah sure wait till monday....what an a**..........

[Taz_Zoee]

:(

[shais_mom]

I've no advice - just want to send hugs.
((hugs))

[sugarpaws]

Hi mom, I am sorry you go through this. How about starting to call around tomorrow for another good vet, if you want to wait until Monday? It may make you feel better...just a thought.
Marina

[Ginger's Mom]

Cindy, I have been checking this thread all day, and I am usually never in Cat General. Sending more hugs and positive thoughts your way.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Im sorry Cindy...:( I hope that this weekend goes fast for you...

If you need help with funds, I could probably throw in on it. Just let me know through PM if needed.

Prayers going out to you and Taz:(

[sirrahbed]

I am sorry this is so worrisome!! The pictures are good and you know your kitty best. The pictures don't alarm me for what that is worth but Taz is not my baby either. I have tried studying my own kitties in this way and only have a few things I notice: Robbie & Lizzie both eat really fast and are growing too fast side to side. So, I do sometimes see the changes during the day. Eliot is very thin and has ribs that stick out sometimes if I look from the top. Our very first female was Emily and when she was about 1 or so, I took her to the vet thinking she may have a tumor and it turned out to be nothing but that girly pouch that females can sometimes get after the spay. My vet and receptionist got a bit of a chuckle - but I was relieved. I know you are worried and I would be as well. Maybe the vet will contact you today? If not then Monday right? That belly fluid possibility would scare me - because some here (kimlovescats & others) have been through that heartbreak of FIP and I always keep that in the back of my mind too - probably WHY I notice the kitty silhouettes from the top.

(((hugs)))) to you and prayers that your mind can be peaceful very soon. Hopefully all will be well.

[sasvermont]

I think it sounds like fluids building up from time to time. I suspect an chest xray would answer your questions. I would keep an eye on this, for sure. The sooner you get to the bottom of this, the better. FIP is pretty serious and there is no cure for it. I think with a sample of the fluids, they would be able to diagnose the problem. That's assuming it is fluid, causing the problem.

Keep us posted.

[Taz_Zoee]

Thank you everyone! :D I just don't know what to do. This morning he was running around like a crazy boy playing with Paizly. He eats, and eats, and eats. And he pees and poops, and pees and poops. He is the same ol cat, like there is not a thing in the world bothering him. The buldges are still there today, but they are not as big. It's not slowing him down AT ALL.
I would take him to another vet today, but honestly, I don't want to take him to just any vet. I'd like to have a recommendation. Of course I will keep a CLOSE eye on him and we will be off to the ER vet if I suspect anything!!

[jazzcat]

At first I thought maybe he was like Ripley but after really looking at the pictures I don't think it is the same thing. Ripley has these hard bulging bands around his stomach and it makes his stomach seem very hard and distended, like he's just horribly overeaten or extremely constipated. My vet has been watching it for a year and was concerned about a tumor at first but it hasn't gotten any bigger or changed so she now thinks that for some reason Ripley is tightening his stomach muscles because she's able to get a finger through to examine his organs but then he will tighten up and force her finger out. She said it's very strange and not common but she feels that is all there is to it since it's been going on for over a year and he's health hasn't changed.

Now that I've rambled on I just wanted to say I'm sorry and I hope you can figure it out and that it's nothing more than Taz tightening his muscles or something harmless like that.

(((HUGS)))

[Taz_Zoee]

Thanks jazzcat. You raise a good question. Do you think he is doing this stomach tightening thing due to stress of Paizly joining the household?
Hmmm....this is something to consider. Hopefully I'll find out that it is nothing to worry about. *fingers crossed*

[Taz_Zoee]

So we went out of town for a long weekend. I took the "kids" to my parents, well Zoee went to my brothers right next door. I took Taz because his auto feeder only feeds for 3 days AND I wanted someone to watch him since his issues. I'm glad I did.
I talked to my mom on Friday (we left Thursday) and she asked if she should take him to the vet because he hadn't eaten at all. He had eaten when I fed him Thursday morning but threw it all up 20 minutes later. At the time I didn't think anything of it. So I gave my mom some suggestions to entice him to eat. It didn't work. He was drinking plenty of water though. We told her not to take him unless she really felt he needed to go.
He still hadn't eaten anything when I picked him up Sunday night. So I stayed home today (Monday) and took him to the vet this morning. We saw the other vet in the office (which now I think is a good thing). She felt his belly (she also saw the pix posted in this thread) and felt two masses around his kidneys. She did an ultrasound and saw two large fluid filled cysts that were pushing on his kidneys. She did blood work and his BUN only went up about 7 numbers since March and his creatine (sp?) only went up 3. So those are not extremely high to be causing the not eating issue. Of course she's never seen these cysts before. Leave to me to have an animal with a new discovery :rolleyes:.
So, she drew urine (which is very diluted) and drained the cysts. He is on appetite stimulants (which aren't working yet) and potassium. I'm sorry I am not clear on the details because I was upset and worried. Plus the fact that I couldn't pay for it all today....that was another BIG issue which I have since solved. But the urine culture and sensitivity was cancelled to lower my bill. I will do it later if it is necessary. Oh, along with a specialists doing another ultrasound I'll do later if needed.
So for right now I'm just hoping the draining of the fluid and the pills will help get him back on track. We went through something similar about two years ago, so I believe we can get through this too. Of course a little PT power is always appreciated. :)

[Moesha]

You know that you and Taz will be in my thoughts! I'm glad that they found something wrong with him. Well, not that something is wrong, but at least there they discovered a reason for the concerns you've been having. I hope that Taz is feeling better and eating soon.

[Catty1]

Prayers that dear Taz will start eating soon! Do you have some stinky tuna or salmon?

Hugs to you and Taz. :love:

[Taz_Zoee]

LOL, I understood what you meant Moesha. :) And I agree. Thanks.

Catty1, my mom tried the tuna and it didn't work. I tried to give him treats that he usually loves tonight....didn't work. I'll give the appetite stimulants some time to do their magic. But yeah, I need to get some tuna. I don't think we have any in the house.

Thanks Ladies!! :)

[Karen]

Taz will be in our prayers. For me, the thing that was the most amazing appetite stimulant ever was the prednisone they put me on for my asthma. Man, I thought I could eat everything and anything you put in front of me. Of course, it has the opposite effect on my brother ... he had to be reminded to take in nourishment ... so if the appetite stimulant isn't working for Taz, after a couple days maybe see if there's something different they can try.

[Medusa]

You have prayers coming your way from Mary and the Fur Posse.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I would try to give him his alltime favorite food; even if it isn't very nutricious ;)

[Taz_Zoee]

Karen, that is a great idea. I will definitely do that if this doesn't work.

Mary, thank you so much.

Lut, I gave him some Greenies last night and this morning. And he meowed at me while I was getting them out. He ate only a few. :( I am going to pick up some tuna today.

Thank you all. I do think he is at least feeling better. He was out and about this morning with me rubbing all over me and wanting to be loved on. Now all I have to do is get him to eat.

[Randi]

If none of the above works, go to your fish shop and get some fresh cod and some shrimps, that should do it. ;)

Hope Taz isn't losing too much weight.

Sending positive thoughts. :)

[Taz_Zoee]

Ugh, I hope it doesn't come to that Randi. I can't stomach seafood, especially the smell. :( But I'll do what I have to for my baby.

Oh, a few weeks ago (on the 9th) when I had him at the vet for the original "buldge" in his belly he weighed in at 13lbs. Yesterday he weighed in at 11.9lbs. So he has lost lots of weight. :(

Thanks for the positive thoughts! :)

[jazzcat]

Poor Taz. I sure hope he starts eating soon. Tell that boy he needs his strength.

I can usually get any of my guys to eat a little boiled chicken breast - unseasoned.

[Taz_Zoee]

Ok, so yesterday I stopped and got some tuna. When I got home I opened the can and just took the lid near Taz to see if he was interested. OH MY GOODNESS!! You should have heard him! Meowing his head off. Bruce came out to see what was going on. I poured some of the juice on his wet food and also some dry food. All he did was drink the juice away. So later I tried and mixed some tuna IN his wet food. Nope, he didn't touch it. This morning I tried again, NOPE. So I put some plain ol tuna right on the top of his food and he wouldn't even eat that!!! I just don't know what to do with this boy. He acts hungry but won't eat. Tuna is his all time favorite, if he won't eat that he won't eat anything. Sigh.
This morning when I tried to give him one of the appetite stimulant pills I put it in plain tuna. He ate most of it, but I think he tasted the pill. Of course he didn't eat the pill so I had to stuff it down his throat after it was basically already mush. I just hope he got enough of it in him to work. It says to give him one every 2 - 3 days, so I'll give him another one Friday.
I don't even want to take him back to the vet until I pay off my balance which will hopefully be the end of this week or beginning of next.

I know there are lots of PT kitties that needs thoughts right now, so please add Taz to your list. All the other kitties are in our thoughts as well.

[Kirsten]

Taz, you're in my thoughts! Please eat, sweet boy!!

Gosh, it's weird that he has these huge cysts, and obviously they come and go... Are they still there?

I really hope his appetite comes back soon, so that he can regain some weight!

Kirsten

[Alysser]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear Taz isn't well. Hope the cutie is okay.

[Taz_Zoee]

Kirsten, they are not there at this moment because they drained them on Monday. But they could come back in a week or months. The only way to completely remove them would be to open him up and remove the membrane. That's not a step I want to take right now unless absolutely necessary. Thank you for keeping my boy in your thoughts. :)

Thank you too Alyssa, I just keep telling myself he will be okay. We've been through something similar and he came back fine. So that's how my brain is working right now. :)

[jennielynn1970]

Wow.. won't even eat real tuna?! I hope he'll start to get hungry and eat something. I hope he'll get better soon, and that draining the cysts will be all he needs. I wonder what caused them... so strange things that our pets come up with.

Will be keeping Taz in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs to you and your guys!

[Taz_Zoee]

Thanks Jennie.
Well, I gave him tuna tonight and he did actually eat some. But it's not enough. AND I don't want to only feed him tuna. He'll become used to it and not want his special diet food. I just don't know what to do. He meows at me like he's starving (well, I guess he is!!) but then he doesn't eat. I want to scream!!!! I don't know what he wants. I just wish he could tell me what it is he wants. :mad::(
I'm still giving him the potassium twice a day. I hope it's okay on an empty stomach. And like I said before, I have to wait until Friday to give him more appetite stimulant meds.

My other problem is since Taz won't eat his food right away Paizly goes and eats it. She's going to out weigh him here soon. We do put her up to feed him. I don't want to have to lock Paizly up all day just waiting for Taz to eat. Tonight I sat right there by his food until Bruce persuaded him to finally go eat.

It's okay if no one reads or responds to this. I'm just sorta getting my frustrations out on "paper".

[Sevaede]

Oh no... :( Poor wittle Taz. :( Come on honey you HAVE to eat. :( It sounds like he want to but just can't. Maybe a bit of lunch meat? Cheese?

[Taz_Zoee]

Progress....sorta.
When I got home Bruce had fed him some of his food and some tuna, not mixed together but on the same dish. He ate most of it. BUT threw all of it up right beside his dish. :(
So I gave him just some regular food, NO TUNA, when I got home. Because I really need him to eat his food. He can't live on tuna. Well, I am happy to say he ate some of it. :D :D So this is a start. Of course the little she-devil, Paizly, snuck in there and ate the rest of his food. I caught her and when she heard me coming she jumped down real quick. Little brat!
So now I'm just hoping he can keep down what little he did eat. I may be taking him back to the vet next week if he is not eating enough for my liking.

Thanks for reading and any good thoughts being given. :)

[Moesha]

How has Mr. Taz been doing lately?