Peanut had a bad morning

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

:( Poor little girl. :(

Early Saturday morning we were in the basement putzing, and a good thing too, because I noticed Peanut was doing the same thing Tubby did when he had his UTI. She went to one box, scratched around, squatted, left the box, went to another box, same routine, went to a big cardboard box on the floor, same routine, then back to the litterboxes. I checked and each time she squatted, she left just such a little bitty dribble, so I knew it would be off to the vet as soon as they opened.

The odd part was that when we went back upstairs, she came with us, and did her normal morning begging routine, took her pill, ate her treat, went and got a drink, everything like normal, so I was starting to question whether she was really sick. Then I cleaned the litter boxes and noticed all the little dribbles since the Friday morning cleanout, and one box had foot prints but nothing else, so I knew she had been in there. Oh, and they each have very distinctive litterbox trademarks, so I know it was her and not Tubby again.

So anyway, 11:00 am rolls around and time for her appointment. I get her in the carrier and head to the vet. She's more upset than usual about being in the carrier and I figure it's just because she's not feeling good. Then we get to the vet, and they're swamped as is usual on a Saturday morning. We sit on the bench and wait our turn. In the meantime, a big dog comes in....that is a total baby! ;) :rolleyes: He was terrified of being at the vet and was shaking and crying and putting up a real fuss. And there were two kids with the dog (and the dad). So here's poor Peanut who hates kids, hates the vet, hates the carrier, isn't feeling good and has a whiny dog to deal with on top of it!

We finally get called and head to a private room. I go to get her out of the carrier and she's all wet! The poor thing had peed all over herself, either 'cause of the ride (which isn't normal) the dog, the kids, or just because she couldn't get more than a dribble out all morning! :( We dried her up as best we could, and I wiped out the carrier which turned out to not be a good idea. The vet said that since her bladder was now empty, he couldn't get a sample from her to see if it really was a UTI. I told him to check the paper towel in the garbage and get a sample from that! :rolleyes: She did have one or two normal spots in the litterbox, so that along with peeing on herself told him she wasn't totally blocked, so he gave her some antibiotics for a UTI and told me to keep an eye on her. He didn't want her to be uncomfortable all weekend until we could get her in again on Monday. He said if she was still straining by Monday, I should bring her back.

So, after another wait in the reception area with more big dogs, a cat that was yowling and two very loud irritating kids, we finally headed home.

But her bad morning wasn't over yet. Oh no, not that having a UTI and having to go to the vet and put up with kids, dogs, etc wasn't enough, noooo, her her mean mommie decides to give her a bath to top it all off! I only washed her bottom half because that's all that had gotten wet, so it wasn't that bad, but I felt so bad for her having to put up with this one last indignity for the day. Oops, almost the last indignity. After she got out of the bath, Tubby, her ever faithful brother, wanted to help dry her off. Well, one good swat and he decided she could dry herself off. :rolleyes: :D

I felt so bad for her that I didn't take any pics until the end of the day when she was obviously feeling much better. It was a beautiful day so we had turned the A/C off, so it was a little warmer than usual in the house, which I was glad for so she wouldn't be cold as she dried off. So here she is late in the afternoon, relaxing after the worst morning of her life.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid75/p9d2da883e93b074801918fe4abc896e0/fb47ff97.jpg

I believe the vet was right and it's a UTI. Yesterday morning there were still a few dribbles in the litterbox, but this morning there were only nice little puddles (clumped of course), and she was completely normal this morning, even playing with her mousie again while I got dressed. So it's 7 1/2 more days of pills - twice a day - then she should be good as new again.

As you can see by the picture, she got plenty of smoochies and attention the rest of the evening for being such a good girl and not hating me too much after all the torture I put her through.

;) :D

[Edwina's Secretary]

You poor thing Peanut! I would call that a miserable, stinking rotten morning.
:mad: :mad:

I hope the week goes better for you!

[slick]

So sorry Peanut you've had this miserable time. Stress can do really bad things to us. Sure hope you get better soon. And BTW: your tum-tum is still sooo kissable....

[AmberLee]

Awww, I'm glad that things are looking up for pretty little Peanut, after a really stressful day.

[Steffi N]

AWWW, I'm sorry you had such a rotten morning dear Peanut.
Bellyrubs, cuddles, and skritchies for you and I hope you feel better soon.

[Cataholic]

Peanut, you poor little peanut! You get better, hear me?

[bisi.cat]

Aaawww, poor little Peanut Girl!!!

I hope you'll back to your old self soon...just take your pills and enjoy the extra attention and cuddles and snuggles...

What a bad day at the vet you've had, but I hope by now everything's forgotten and you're happy and healthy again!!!

Sending you loads of virtual belly rubs for a quick recovery!!!

[Barbara]

Poor Peanut that sounds like a rotten bad morning.
I am so glad that in the evening you could again be so relaxed and show off your kissable little belly.

Now be a good girl and take those pills. Oh Debbie I am feeling with you. 7 more days! And they are getting more intelligent each day in how to avoid the pills.

But the good thing in antibiotics is the symptoms go away soon -even if you have to take them much longer.:)

[ChrisH]

Awww, poor little girl, :( hope you are all better real soon sweetie.

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Peanut... I love you!!! {{{Peanut}}}

I am so sorry you had such a sour morning you pretty girl. I hope you are feeling better soon... Take your medicine like a good girl... so you won't have to go back to the nasty vet's office.

[jenluckenbach]

What a hard day you had. Poor Peanut. I would not have wanted to be in the vets with loud dogs and kids either. Hope the antibiotics make you feel all better real soon.

[anna_66]

You look like your frazzled after the horrible day you had:(

Get better soon little girl!

[sqwelch]

Poor peanut, hope you getter better soon pet !!!


I know what you mean about the mess, Jock had an accident in his box too last night at the vets, poor soul, it went everywhere, he's never done that before, I guess he had just been holding it in far too long !!!

[HayleyRosie]

I sure hope you feel better really soon Peanut.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks everyone, she's doing much better today. Back to her old goofy, sweet self. And no more little dribbles in the litterbox, so I'm confident it was a UTI and she's on the mend now with the antibiotics. And she's extra soft and cuddly because of the bath....the bad news is she didn't get much extra attention last night because Tubby had a bad night, which I'll be starting a new thread about.

And Barbara, luckily Peanut is very easy to pill. She doesn't like it, but really doesn't put up a fuss. I just open up her mouth and pop them in. She makes me feel guilty by doing a little bit of the gagging sound, but swallows them up and looks for the treat she knows comes afterwards. My wish for all kitty mommies out there is that all kitties were as easy to pill as she is. :)

[Russian Blue]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
....the bad news is she didn't get much extra attention last night because Tubby had a bad night, which I'll be starting a new thread about.



Poor Peanut!! And a bad hair day too! ;) Oh no, now Tubby too? Hope everything soon works intself out in the Peanut and Tubby household.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Boots, da Kat, here ~

OMG! :eek: A *BAFF* !!??
I'da been reelee :mad:!!

Good to hear da pillz are werkin an yur feelin better, PeeNut
(no PUNN intended! :p )

I simpersize wiff ya bout thoze White Coat *waitin* roomz! :(
They otta have a KAT'z ONLEE room!!
ALLUZ gotta be wun noxshus Dawg dat wunz ta either tear ya up
or gib thoze durn *slobberie* kissez! YUCK! :p

An them lil shortie 2-Leggers!
"Mommie - I wanna *pet* da kittie!"
Quickly followed by *SMACK* *SMACK* *SMAK*
on yur hedbone!
Grrrrrr!!! Da Lil Kittie duz NOT wanna be *petted*!! :mad:

Keep Feelin Better, PeeNut!
Take yur pillz, *pee* inna box -
that'll make You anna Hoominz all feel gud!!

:D

/s/ Boots, da Kat ;)

[koxka]

So here's poor Peanut who hates kids, hates the vet, hates the carrier, isn't feeling good and has a whiny dog to deal with on top of it!

:D :D (oops, soory!)

Poor little Peanuts! Too much things to deal with at the same time! :o

Hope you feel better !

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that Peanut had such a bad day on Saturday but I'm glad to hear that she's now doing much better. Please take care sweet Peanut and have a speedy recovery.

[Randi]

Poor Peanut! What a rotten day you had. :( The vet visit must have been quite an ordeal with loud dogs and kids on top your And then a bath!! :eek: Be a good girl and keep taking your pills and you’ll feel much better. :)

Love the bath picture, you look SO kissable! :D

Cuddles, purrs and nosescritchies from us all.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks everyone. :D Peanut is peeing normally again, but last night I got home and she was acting weird again. I paid attention to her to see just what "weird" was, and it's like she had bugs or something. She would twitch, then start licking madly at the spot that twitched - usually her chin/chest. Then she'd lay quiet for awhile, then her leg would twitch and she'd pull it out and start licking madly. This went on and on and she wouldn't stop! With the obsessive licking, I thought maybe her allergies were acting up (because it seemed like bugs, but there really were none, it's like she was hallucinating - and hadn't even had any catnip!) so I gave her another Prednisolone to see if that would help. It must have because she eventually calmed down. This morning I saw her twitch and lick just once and thought oh no, here we go again.

So I was wondering......I give her the Prednisolone at the same time I give her the antibiotic....Oh, you know what I think I just answered my own question. Sometimes antibiotics make other medications not work so well, right? I think that's what might be happening. I'll have to stop giving them to her at the same time. Hmmmm...this is going to be interesting as her friend Anne is coming in over the weekend since we'll be gone. Normally she comes in once a day to feed them and clean litter boxes and spend time with them. Now she'll have to come twice a day to give Peanut her antibiotic, now I have to figure out how to get the Prednisolone in at a different time without Anne coming 3 times in one day.....Ah yes, it never ends....;) :rolleyes: :D

[Barbara]

I think you're right with your idea that the antibiotic may prevent the prednisolone from working. However I would ask the vet whether she can get both meds. I would always be afraid they could interact in a bad way.

All the best for you, little Peanut:)

[Randi]

Debbie, I recognised that name - Prednisolon, and just checked. This is what Fister got at the animal hospital when he was blocked up and had a cahteter put in. He also got Synolux tablets, which contain Amoxicillin og Clavulan acid. This is antibiotic.

I don't remember him acting strange during that period, but in any case, you better check with your vet.

Best wishes that you feel better soon, little Peanut! :)

[Lerah021399]

I hope that Peanut feels better real soon! Jack and Ali send you lots of hugs and nosebumpies!

[kimlovescats]

I somehow overlooked this post, Debbie...I'm so sorry! I do hope sweet Peanut is feeling back to her lovely sweet self soon.

About the Prednisolone, I had to take that when I had double pneumonia .... well, a very common side effect of any steroid, is what is called "steroid acne".... and it is yucky. Have you noticed any bumps on Peanut's skin... could be that it is making her itchy. Just a thought!

Good luck,
Kim

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Hi Kim, yes, Peanut has acne on her chin. She had it a long time ago, and I have noticed that it recently came back. She has these other lumps on her skin, but they were there before the pred. and the vet doesn't seem concerned about them. But when she was acting "itchy" she was trying to lick her chin quite a bit, and it was bloody. She had licked a "pimple" to the point of bleeding, so I did think that might be part of the problem. I put some hydrogen peroxide on it, which I'm sure didn't help with the immediate situation, but it's healing up nicely now, and she has stopped the frantic licking so maybe it was just that one "pimple" was bothering her. Thanks for the suggestion. I was wondering why the acne had come back since she only has ceramic bowls now. I had plastic cups down for them to drink from before, but then when I noticed the acne I went out and bought ceramic bowls to replace them, but the acne didn't really clear up. Now I know it's because of the pred. and can keep a better eye on it. Thanks so much! :D And good luck with Spitfire! She sounds like a real she-devil, but a little cutie all at the same time. :D

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Peanut had a set back this morning. She was back in the litterbox with her little squirts. I was able to get such a tiny little bit for a sample, but even from that little bit I could tell there was blood in it. And this time it seemed worse than before, because she was licking herself and doing the "butt scoot" thing. Even Terry could see there was something wrong with her - so it was off to the vet.

Although that seemed to be easier said than done. My current vet wasn't being very cooperative about calling me back. They said they had an 11:30 appt., but I couldn't wait that long because I had to get to work and because I didn't want her to be so uncomfortable for so long. So I called another vet that is nearby.

Things always turn out for the best because these people were sooo nice. I was in with doctor for at least 45 minutes while he explained about anything and everything there is to know about cats, UTI's, allergies, prednisolone, you name it!

So it turns out that because of the blood and because they could tell there was bacteria in the small sample I got, they gave her a prescription of Baytril. But, thanks to Minnie and Ritzy's experiences, I told him I want her thoroughly checked, blood and all. So they are doing a more thorough test on some urine they got while we were there, and they are doing comprehensive blood test to check her liver, kidneys, blood sugar level, etc. They will have the results tomorrow am for me.

The part that I'm wondering about is that when I take Tubby in for his blood test, it cost me $215.00. For everything today, the office visit, 10 days worth of Baytril, the urinalysis and the comprehensive blood test, it cost me a total of $149.00! :eek: The receipt said the blood test was only $72.00!!! :eek: :eek:

Am I way overpaying at the other place or what!?!?!? I know there are different levels of blood tests, so I'm going to have to give both of them a call to find out exactly what they are testing so I can compare apples to apples, but we may just be switching vets - partly based on the cost, but also based on how much time he spent with me and some of his philosophies he talked about in regards to the care of his patients.

But anyway, hopefully the Baytril is doing its thing and Peanut is resting comfortably at home now. Poor little snotty girl. :(

[slick]

A comp blood test up here at my vet is about $100 canadian so I would say that $215 down there is way over the limit. My Speckles was on Baytril about 2 yrs ago with her last bout of UTI and it took about 8 days for it to kick in. She would be peeing little spots for about 7 days, then all of a sudden she was fine. I kept her on the Bayril for an additional 7 days after that and she's been fine every since (knock on wood - my head :eek: ). The thing I liked about Bayril is that it's only a once-a-day pill and since pilling her is not an easy task that was great news for me.

Here's hoping little Peanut will get well soon. You've really been through the mill lately and I'm sending extra hugs over to you, Debbie.

[Steffi N]

The new vet you visited sounds compassionate and understanding. Dear Peanut, I hope you are better soon.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear that Peanut has had a relapse and isn't feeling well. :( Hopefully the Baytril will do the trick. The vet that you ended up seeing really seems like a great one. If I were you I'd also think about switching to him too. Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way for a speedy and total recovery and for good results on Peanut's blood test. Please keep us updated. Take care.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I just got a call from the vet on Peanut's blood test results. He said he didn't see anything life threatening, but there were some things that caused him concern.

The first thing was her kidney levels are a little increased and her urine is a little diluted, indicated the beginning stages of kidney failure - just like Tubby. He said the bladder infection might be affecting this though, especially since it came back, it might have gone further into her system - from the bladder into the kidneys. So for this he wants to do a retest in a month after the bladder infection has been completely cleared up.

The other thing he noticed was an increase in her thyroid levels. I guess the other vet had made a note in her records that he felt something unusual with her thyroid, but evidently didn't see it as a problem, just something to watch. But the blood test showed increased levels and he had noticed her heart rate was a bit faster than normal - even faster than other cats that are scared being at the vet - when we were there, and the blood test confirms it. He said this, too, is nothing that needs immediate attention, but when I take her back in a month, if her weight is down even a little, he will start considering medication or surgery. I'd opt for the medication at this point because I think her weight is doing fine and I don't think I need to put her through surgery at this point.

One thing he said that I found interesting is that by the time the higher levels show up for the kidneys, 75% of the kidney function has already been lost! 75%!!!:eek: :eek: That means Tubby's kidneys are only working at 25% or less of their capacity! I had no idea! But obviously they're still doing what they need to because he's doing so good.

Anyway, nothing serious at this point, but some things that need to be monitored before they get to the serious point.

And she is back to herself again this morning, begging for treats and refusing to eat her treats that I had crushed the antibiotic into - snot! Must be kinda nasty though because even Tubby - my "he'll eat anything" cat - wouldn't touch the stuff. :rolleyes: So that was one pill wasted. :rolleyes: So back to her snotty self - which is good to see. :D

[Barbara]

Debbie, this sounds just like older people. Things start and you can be glad if they are not dangerous immediately:(

However I am glad to hear, Peanut is getting better. With Filou the antibiotics worked immediately and you could see how his mischievous personality came back.

You may remember Mona's mom Gudrun. She now has to give beta blockers to Mona twice a day and in the 4 weeks has gone through so many pilling tricks that she could write a book about it:( .

At the moment, Mona accepts crushed pills in joghurt:rolleyes:

We seriously think the cat food industry could earn money in creating irresistible cat treats that can be opened and sealed again after you put a pill in:cool: (Hint hint for those marketing managers who could come to our website to see what we say about their food:D )

BTW -the new vet sounds good!

[anna_66]

Even with the new problems, I'm glad to hear that she's being her old self:) Hope things stay that way!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
... and refusing to eat her treats that
I had crushed the antibiotic into - snot!

Must be kinda nasty though because even Tubby -
my "he'll eat anything" cat -
wouldn't touch the stuff. :rolleyes:
So that was one pill wasted. :rolleyes:

Glad :) yur Feelin Better, PeaNutter!! :D

Psssssssst... Hey MOM!
Read up on da Pill Shooter an go get one!
Four Bucks (cheep at twice da price) an ya
Kant LOOZE gettin da *pill* Downa Hatch!
:p

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
Glad :) yur Feelin Better, PeaNutter!! :D

Psssssssst... Hey MOM!
Read up on da Pill Shooter an go get one!
Four Bucks (cheep at twice da price) an ya
Kant LOOZE gettin da *pill* Downa Hatch!
:p

Thanks everyone. :D Yep, I've got two old fogies on my hands. But instead of being sad that they're starting to show their age, I'm ecstatic that they've made it this far with just these minor health problems. :D As we all know, there are many younger kitties out there with much more serious problems, so I'm not complaining in the least.

Actually, about the pill taking, Peanut takes them being shoved down her throat pretty well, and I've got no problem doing that, so for me nothing else is necessary except the pill, my finger and her open mouth. ;) :D However, I'm going to be away this weekend and Anne, the pet sitter, doesn't like using my technique because she doesn't want them associating her with having a pill shoved down their throats - would make them dread her showing up and running and hiding when she does. So amazingly, she is able to get them to take their pills by hiding them in treats. Doesn't work for me....but as long as it works for her, I don't ask how she manages it. ;) But this Baytril is a bigger pill (thought the vet mitta thunk Peanut was a horsey instead of a itty bitty kitty ;) ). So I was experimenting with the crushing thing to see if it worked to make it easier for Anne to dish this one out.

But seeing as how it didn't work, and hopefully this will be a one-time thing, I'm going to have her just shove it in. Peanut just does a little bit of gagging then looks at me expectantly for her treat, so I really don't think she'll hold it against Anne - just this once anyway. ;) :rolleyes: :D

However after all that is said and done, I think I'll ask Anne about the pill shooter thing and if she thinks it'll be easier for her, I'll gladly invest in one.

[Barbara]

Gudrun had tried the pill shooter and no way. I think every cat needs his/her own tricks and you are glad Peanut is not the most difficult;)

[K & L]

OMG! How did I miss all of this? I can't get on here as much cause they're monitoring us at work now so I overlook a lot. Poor little Peanut. I sure hope she is OK. I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!:(