Del has lost a ton of weight.....

Del is pure white with green eyes. She is 11 years. Her twin sister Emma passed away of unknown causes last year. Del weighed over 20 pounds before Emma passed away last September. Emma's bloodwork came back normal 4 days before her mysterious death and I could not afford an autopsy at the time so I still have no idea why she died so young. Now Del weighs less than 14 pounds. She had her top canine teeth pulled last year due to gingivitis. And she sometimes throws up when given certain treats. I just had all her blood work done as well, and it also came back normal. Is it possible that she is losing weight due to depression or the pulling of her teeth? I am so worried.

Given her age, I'd ask the vet to take another blood panel checking her kidneys. My RB Murphy lost 4 lbs in less than a month. Turns out her kidneys were failing. It can come on real quick.

Yup, either CRF (chronic renal failure) or hyperthyroidism are the usual suspects in older cats. Or, it could just be the way the kitty is aging.

For the hyperthyroid, there is a blood test most vets don't make. They routinely test TSH levels; but that can be normal, where a T4 / T3 test will show an issue.

(Sorry I forget if it is the T3 or the T4, but the vet will know which one.)

I actually had them do a test for hyperthyroid also and that came back normal too. I have also tried to put a litter box down with unpopped popcorn to try to get a clean urine sample but she absolutely refuses to use it. :( I am wondering about her kidneys. There is a blood test specifically for the kidneys?? I will have to get that done.

Ask your vet for something to put in the litter box so that you can get a clean urine sample. It's very absorbent and it looks like black rice. It does sound as though it could be CRF or even acute renal failure (hope not); the symptoms are there but whatever the case, I think she needs to go back to the vet, especially if it's acute b/c there's no time to lose. Please keep us posted. And keep the faythe. :)

I am definitely going to get a second opinion. I think the vet I have been going to is more of a dog person than a cat person. :) I appreciate the opinions.

Your cat really isn't that old. While an older cat will gradually experience some kidney function loss (mine is almost 17 and doing very well) you are obviously having some troubling health issues with your pets.

It could be the just bad luck coincidence with your kitties, but it could be environmental. When I was a child, we lost both our cats to a poison that our neighbour was using in his garden to keep away bugs. So it could be anything in an environment. I urge you to see a compassion vet who likes kitties asap. Good luck!

It sounds like renal problems to me. Renal issues can accelerate suddenly and become fatal so quick diagnosis is essential.

The sterile "litter" which is used to collect urine samples used can be transparent, looking like small quartz stones (what my Vet uses here in Montreal, Canada).

See a veterinarian who specializes in domestic felines or one in general practice who loves and has cat(s) as companion pets.

Renal problems can come on at any time in a cat's life (just like with humans, me being one with renal problems). For Feline Renal issues, click onto http://www.cat-health-behavior.com/k...e-in-cats.html

It also can be a thyroid condition which can be controlled medically. http://catthyroid.com/

Your Del may need a new diet, daily meds and careful care -- please post back to let all of us know how Del is doing. Evey pet lover worries about all pets...