Back from the white coats with Ripley

[jazzcat]

It was time for his annual plus he's been having problems. He's been pulling out hair on his belly and he's been spraying. He hasn't been spraying large amounts, just drops and small spray in obvious places and in front of me. Since it was just small amounts and so deliberate I thought it was a behavioral problem (he's not happy sharing the house with 4 other cats).

Turns out he has some white cells in his urine so he does have a bladder infection. The vet says he is pulling out his hair right where is bladder is so it is probably burning and bothering him.

Ripley has to take antibiotics for 10 days and he also prescribed Valium to help him mellow and hopefully break the spraying habit. Please keep your fingers crossed that this helps.

Ripley has also lost 2 pounds since last year's visit. He's down to 15.07 pounds. The vet said if I think he is still losing weight after the infection is gone to let him know and we may need to run tests since he is 13 years old now.

[christa]

Poor Ripley

But I'm glad that you've got a handle on his problems . . . he'll be back to normal in no time!!!

Lost 2 pounds??? Tell me your secret! Josie needs to loose a pound or two herself!!!

[catcrazylady]

Oh Lori I'm sorry to hear Ripley isn't feeling well. Poor Big Guy! I'm really kind of glad it is a health thing and not behavioral because you can at least get him well with meds. He must have really been miserable to pull his hair out around the bladder area. Poor thing!

GIANT {{{HUGS}}} to Ripley and I hope he gets all better real soon.

[jazzcat]

Originally posted by christa
Lost 2 pounds??? Tell me your secret! Josie needs to loose a pound or two herself!!!

It wasn't intentional. I knew he was feeling a little boney and sharp in places but didn't realize he had lost that much. The vet feels he ideal weight is around 16-17 pounds. That is why he wants me to watch is weight closely.

Now if I could just get Scout to drop a pound or two.

Thanks Lisa, I'll give him those hugs whenever he comes out from under the bed, poor fellow.

[catnapper]

Oh Ripley, I am sorry to hear you have a bladder infection, hopefully the antibiotics will take care f it right away!

[sirrahbed]

Poor Ripley! Must be so miserable to pull hair, etc. This is one of those times - if only they could *tell* you what is wrong!!

I am sooo glad you have discovered the problem though Lori - and he is sure to be better in just a few days!!

When he comes out of hiding - pet him for me too, OK?

[catmandu]

The Found Cats,are sorry,to hear that Ripley,is under the wether,and we are praying,for him,to get well soon,Mr Fluffy Angel,is coming,to comfort Ripley,until he feels better.

[auggie]

Poor Ripley! Those darn bladder infections are no fun.
I hope he gets to feeling better soon.
How is he reacting to the valium?
Give him some hugs from me too.

[lisalee]

Poor Ripley, I hope he feels better soon and nothing else is wrong with him. He's a beautiful boy.

[jazzcat]

Poor Ripley, he isn't doing the best on the Valium. He's walking like he is drunk and acts very paranoid.

He's being a velcro kitty which is extremely unusual. I hope he will do okay with this.

[shais_mom]

poor Ripley!!
I hope he feels better soon.

[Jayna78]

Hope everything goes ok with Ripley's medicine and all. I know that it's hard to give our cats pills/medicine of any type, usually (we haven't had to deal with that with Leila or Claudia, but the boys are absolute babies about it!). Let us know how the kitty Valium works out.

[Killearn Kitties]

Poor Ripley, and just after his birthday too! Sending lots of positive vibes and cuddles to the big guy.

[jenluckenbach]

I hope Ripley feels better soon. I would inform the vet about is behavior on the valium...the dosage may need adjusting.

[catcrazylady]

I was going to suggest the same thing Jen did. I had to play around with Magoo's meds until I got the right dosage and it sounds like Ripley is getting too much. You might want to start of a with quarter of a pill and work your way up until you find the right amount for him. Poor thing shouldn't have to be that affected.
I know Magoo seemed more paranoid until I got his dosage right. He was super nervous instead of calm and he would constantly be on the move as if he were trying to walk it off or maybe even afraid to lay down and give in to it. I'm sure they get confused when their head doesn't feel right and they can't understand it.
Good luck Ripley and Lori. Keep us posted.