PT prayers for Ripley please - update post #9

When I had Alex, the very sick shelter cat, here with me in February, he did a lot of the mournful wailing/howling and the staring out into space deal. The thing is, he had done that wailing in the shelter, but the way he behaved when he was here, it was so distressing. Granted, he was a very sick kitty (brain tumor, blind, deaf, partially paralyzed). It was just heartbreaking to watch his deterioration in the two short weeks he was here with me.

I hope they can figure out what is causing Ripley's discomfort. Poor old guy! Big hugs to you and to Ripley.

Oh Lori, I am so sorry to hear that your Ripley isn't doing to well. I hope that the suggestions that others have given you will help him.

Prayers on the way for your dear Ripley and {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} for you Lori.

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Originally Posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom

Is it possible for the vet to do an ultrasound on him instead of an x-ray? I don't know if it would be less stressful, but it might show an enlarged _____(whatever) or something.

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Thanks, I will ask about that.

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Originally Posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom

As for the yowling/mournful cries, The scary part for me is that CJ has already started doing this, and he's not even 10 yet!

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My vet said her 9 year old male has started doing it and "talking" to his toys more. She's worried that is a sign so I guess they can start young.

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Originally Posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom

Renal failure often causes high blood pressure, which could contribute to the strokes he might be having. I really believe it was the high blood pressure that burst a blood vessel in Peanut's eyes making her go blind. I have no idea how to check a cat's blood pressure, but it might be something else to ask your vet about.

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Oh yes, the vet said that exact same thing about the blood pressure with renal failure and possible stroke. She didn't say if there was a way to check though. I didn't realize burst vessels caused Peanut's blindness, wow. :(

Thanks for the support Debbie!

Catty - the vet has given valium for Ripley in the past and said it wouldn't hurt in the small dose but the stress of trying to pill him has become too hard on the old guy so I quit using it. I've been using Feliway spray and it doesn't seem to help the peeing issue with him right now and I really haven't noticed it relaxing him either. I wonder if Valium is available in a cream for his ear? That would be easy to apply.

I use to give Disney, my dog, fish oil on her food to help her skin allergy (vet suggested), I wonder if I could do that for Rip to get the Omega 3 in his system. Of course on that note she had bad canine cognative dysfunction so I guess it didn't help her much but I don't think she had strokes. Sorry, I think I'm rambling now.

Thanks for the support Jenn and Lorraine. And everyone!

Lori, I'm just now seeing this thread :o and I'm so sorry to hear that Ripley isn't doing well.:( I would just try to make him as comfortable as possible and if you're worried about him peeing in the house then I'd also do what Jen suggested and try to confine him to a bedroom or a bathroom.

Have you ever considered taking him to a holistic vet? I know that they can be more expensive but there may be some other herbal remedies that might help him remain more comfortable. I'm going to be taking both Starr and Storm to one on Aug. 9th so I can let you know more about it. You may also want to start buying the puppy training pads to help catch the pee from Ripley. I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I know that it's very hard to watch our furkids get old and have health problems. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

I'm sorry you are both going thru this.
{{hugs}}

Oh, Lori, I am so sorry to hear about Ripley. Sending prayers, good thoughts, love and hugs for you both.

I am so sorry that the vet couldn't find "something specific to fix". Poor you and poor Ripley. The advice seen here from so many seems feasible. I hope something will help. Many prayers from me and the girls for you and Ripley.

I'm so sorry that you are having these continuing problems with Ripley. :( I think he is as adorable cat and the girls and I are sending him all our good wishes and good vibes tonight. We are sending to them to you too, of course. :)

Lori, I'm so sorry to hear Ripley isn't doing so well. :( It's frustrating that the vet can't give him something to help. I hope that the suggestions given here will be of use.

Lots of positive thoughts and hugs to you both!

Thank you all.

Just a little update for today. Ripley is acting about the same but he just seems pitiful one moment and then grumpy the next. I caught him heading to the inappropriate pee spot again but carried him to his litter box and he went there. I guess for now I will just have to place a box in that spot and hope he goes. In the past when I've tried that he just finds a new inappropriate spot to pee on. :( Oh the joys of my disgruntled kitty.

I have to stay with my Dad tomorrow so I'm not sure what to do with Ripley. If I leave him out in the house he will pee in the floor. When I'm home I can let him in and out of the garage where he likes to go. The only places I have to confine him are small and he gets too stressed. Maybe I will try backing my car out the garage, coming back in and putting Rip out there and then going out the front door. I just hate to do that because it's suppose to be 92 degrees tomorrow and the garage does get a bit hot. Gee, no easy answer. :(

Oh Jazzcat, I'm so very sorry to hear about sweet Ripley. I wish I could offer you some advice but my knowledge of cat health is rather limited. Please know that both you and Ripley are in my prayers

Prayers for Ripley....on the way.

Aw, I'm sorry to hear about sweet Ripley. Here's hoping that you have lots of good days coming up.

I am so sorry to hear that you have another pet that is having some cognition problems. I am sure you will find a way to make him as comfortable as possible. Hugs to you and gentle ones for Ripley.