My Nipo is getting some intensive care

Oh, I didn't know. :( I hate that I am so distant from PT Cats these days. Full speed prayers on the way for Nipo.

Nothing good to report. We got her blood work back and her liver values are much worse, which I expected. However I thought the change would be assumed to be a RESULT of not eating (and thus the damage would conceivably be "reversible"), Dr. T says it's probably not.

Woah. That's when my heart got stomped into the floor. :( :( :( We are still waiting on the liver aspirate results.

I hate to ask this, but I really must. Are there any PTers I could talk to over the phone about this? I feel so frustrated, unsupported and alone right now. I would be glad to make the call (& pay for it). If anyone is willing, please PM me and we can set it up. I should say that because of the time zone difference, it will probably have to be someone who stays up late.
I'm not up to writing more right now. Thanks so much for your prayers, they are deeply appreciated. :(

I can imagine how devastating this news must be to you, it's happened to me several times and it never gets easier.

While the news is bad, is it truly immediately hopeless? I ask because I had a cat, Simka, who stopped eating and became nauseous, and was diagnosed with both liver cancer (the results from her aspirate said it was a very aggresive type of cancer, but that must have been wrong) and chronic renal failure. I thought I would lose her very quickly and it was hopeless. However, like Nipo, Simka was still full of life and so, with the vet's approval, I decided to try treating her for a while. She was on anti-nausea medication and I force fed her for two weeks. After a few days, she kept most of her meals down and became stronger. I treated the CRT with daily sub-q fluids. After two weeks, she began eating by herself though it was always difficult to find out what she wanted to eat each day. She remained on the anti-nausea medications and I offered her a wide range of foods, both wet and dry, cat and human, each morning and evening. She lived for 2 years and 3 months past that terrible diagnosis. Good years, playing with her toys, demanding attention, lolling around in the sun on the deck. The mass did become larger and larger, but apart from making it harder for her to get up on the bed, didn't seem to bother her. When it did bother her, she was euthanized.

It was a great deal of work to take care of her. But when I remember how much she loved walking around talking to her felt mice, laying them in turn in front of the heat vent until there were three in a row when she would like down next to them, I'm very glad I was able to give her that time. I tucked three of the mice into the blanket I wrapped her in when I handed her body over for private cremation.

I've no desire to encourage you to prolong a life that has become painful and miserable, only to suggest you query your vet.

:( Oh Kater. I've been so scarce on PT lately I had no idea. I'm so sorry for not knowing about precious Nipo sooner.

I know how very dear Nipo is to you, and will keep her in my prayers. May your precious kitty have a speedy recovery, and come through this quickly. {{{hugs}}}

I losrt my RB gigi January 05 from Lymphoma. She declined very rapidly, one day being fine to one day I thought "she hasn't moved from that spot all day" and completely quite eating. No vomiting at all, I took her in a she had quite a large mass.

I am not trying to scare you just saying it doesn't sound like they have felt a large mass so I am hoping it is not cancer.

I feel so badly for you. Most of us have gone through this at one time or other (even if not with the exact same problem).

I'd be happy to PM with you, but I am phone-shy, so talking to me would certainly not help you cope. :(

Prayers for Nipo and prayers for you as well. Prayers that you have the strength to do whatever is needed.

Darling Nipo - sending you some positive blessings (and a few for meowmie)

Sending many prayers to your precious Nipo. I hope she recovers and feels better very soon.

Kater I sent you a PM. You know my phone line is always open to you, no matter what time it is! If you want you can always try sending me an IM and if I respond that means I'm home.

*deep sigh* The liver aspirate came back and she has "marked hepatic lipidosis." This is really the best diagnosis I could hope for after seeing the blood work. "Marked" refers to the severity; I think its one level below the most severe.

I brought her back home today as well. I will have to force feed her myself now, but she was pretty good for her afternoon feeding today. She is happy to home, that is very clear. Now comes thrice daily feedings for a minimum of three weeks...I hope she doesn't make it too difficult!!

I will talk to Dr. A about specifics tomorrow. She may put Nipo on more herbs (she's on milk thistle now) and/or other supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc). For tonight and tomorrow morning I'll go with the A/D, water and Nutri-Cal in a blender.

Whew, I am feeling so relieved!! I know her condition is serious - but to know that the liver damage is reversible lifts a huge weight from my shoulders. :)

I want to thank you all so much for your support. Thank you thank you thank you!! Sorry I got a bit hysterical, but I'm sure you all understand.

I'll work on getting some pictures up sometime soon.

Thanks again! Mahalo Nui Loa!!! :)

Kater, I'm glad to hear that Nipo's liver aspirate results weren't as bad as you had expected. My RB Pepper also had hepatic lipidosis and was jaundiced. He was able to bounce back but also had to be force fed and it took a while before he was well again. Many more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

It is good to know that her condition can allow her to bounce back. Your 3 weeks of forcefeeding will be over before you know it.

Praying for Nipo to come back from her illness. She must be very happy to be home; that in itself will benefit her a great deal.

Hugs to you and gentle scritches to Nipo.

I’m so happy that Nipo’s liver damage is reversible.
Sounds like you’re doing everything possible to make her well again.
I’m also glad that Dr.A believes in some alternative treatments like herbs and supplements. I wish we could buy Gimpet vitamin paste over here. My cats absolutely love it, while they dislike Nutrical. Being at home in your loving care should make her feel so much better.
Prayers continue for Nipo’s recovery.

Nipo is doing pretty well. She pooped over the weekend, for the first time in a long while, and I was just ecstatic! :D :D

The force feeding is quite stressful...but I know I'm getting a good amount into her. I still may have the feeding tube put in. I want to see how she is doing after a week. If she is pooping, active, and I'm still able to feed at least 100 cc at each meal, then I feel that this is the less stressful option. I know weight gain will be slow, but I hope to see some when I next take her in. If everything continues on this course, I think I will wait until Saturday for a recheck.

I ordered some tempting treaties through Pet Food Direct today. I have searched for websites & communities related to HP and/or CRF kitties since both conditions cause decreased appetite. Many of them have reported success with the two products I purchased. The rosedust in particular seems to get rave reviews and one person claimed NO cat would ever turn it down. I would love to find a product that can jumpstart Nipo's appetite - since she is eating some (a very limited amount) on her own, I know she does have SOME appetite.

Kitty Kaviar
Rosie's Rosedust

I will let you all know how everything goes with these. For now, Nipo is doing as well as can be expected. Continued prayers would be much appreciated.

Love and Aloha,
Kate & Nipo