Am I just a worrier ????

[sqwelch]

My cat Jock was recently in the vets for a week with a liver infection and got home just over 2 weeks ago. I had to take him back after a week and the vet was very pleased with his progress.

I'm not so happy, he seems to be eating okay and the weight is gradually going back on but I feel he's not his usual sociable self !! He likes nothing better than a cuddle up on the sofa but recently he's taken to sitting in the corner of the room or behind the sofa. Friends say he could be traumatised after the visits to the vet (he's never been ill before and he's 7 years old) but I was wondering what you (the experts) thought ??!!

Any advice would be great !!

[Barbara]

Does he still have to take meds? When they need to get pills or whatever it may influence their behavior. When Filou needed eye drops he used to disappear whenever he saw my husband and me in one room. He forgot after it was over (but now he needs pills again and I am already afraid of that period).

On the other hand: a liver infection sounds serious. So it may take time until he fully recovers.

Anyway I am glad to hear the vet likes the development. So I hope the rest is coming soon

[catlover4ever]

Is Jock on any medication? If he is, the meds could be making him not feel himself. Also, when a cat does not feel well, they tend to withdraw from social life (so to speak).

For instance, my Tony became quite sick at the end of 1998, I knew something was wrong immediately because he was the "social butterfly" of the family. Everywhere I went he followed, but when he did not feel well, he would go down to the basement and stay there.

Thats my thoughts on the matter. Hope Jock feels better soon.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I would say if the vet says he's doing well, you have to go with that, but if you have any doubts, a second opinion never hurt anything. It could be that he was traumitized, or the meds like the others mentioned, but it could be that he's in pain too. Have you discussed this behavior with your vet and he still said Jock is doing good? If not, that would be a first step.

Good luck and please let us know what you find out.

[jazzcat]

I went through something very similar with my cat Ripley just last Oct. He spent eight days at the vet and then I had to take him back for antibiotic injections for four more days all due to a serious infection. It took him almost two months to get back to his normal behavior (he was 10 1/2 years old at the time). Anyway, the vet said his behavior change was normal and not to worry but it was a long two months getting him back to his old self.

As long as he is doing okay physically I would not worry and just give him some time to fully recover from the experience. Give him lots of extra TLC so he will feel reassured that everything is okay.

[sqwelch]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barbara
[B]Does he still have to take meds?

No he's been off his medication now for 2 1/2 weeks !!

I've spoken to the vet and he doesn't think he is traumatised (as when he was in there he was very loving and demanded cuddles and kisses) he thinks he may of picked up another infection (his body was so busy fighting of the liver infection it may make him prone to another sort of infection). I've to keep an eye on him over the weekend, make sure he's still eating, check his weight and if he's still lurking behind the sofa I've to call him again on Monday. I've also to stop bugging him, I can't help it, its so unlike him, I'm missing my cuddles !!!

Fingers crossed he'll come round himself !!

[Killearn Kitties]

Aaaww poor baby!! Fingers and paws crossed that he feels better on Monday. Let us know!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Well hopefully it's nothing serious and he gets better over the weekend. Otherwise a trip to the vet on Monday is definitely in order - in my opinion of course.

Good luck and please let us know what happens.

[sqwelch]

It's been a long weekend, Jock has basically eaten nothing over the weekend (only tiny bits of my dinner!!), he's also been drinking loads. We're off on another trip to the vets again tonight, will keep you posted !!

[jazzcat]

I am anxious to hear how Jock is doing. I hope the vet can offer some good news today.

[Cataholic]

How is Jock doing?

[sqwelch]

Looks like it gonna be another long week, the infection has come back only worse this time, the vet has upped his doseage of medication and he'll be kept in all week so they can monitor his progress! If he's started eating by Friday then I'll be able to bring him home for the weekend but I'm afraid its just a case of waiting to see if the medicine works !!
The vet was very worried about the weight loss, seemingly he was retaining fluid thats why I couldn't see any change in his weight but I'm told he pee'd for Scotland last night so I suppose thats a good sign, I will be going up to visit him later so I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for your concern and advice !!

-sorry I didn't E Mail you direct Karen but I'm off work with the flu, lucky white Heather aye !!!

[Barbara]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Fingers and paws crossed that the Jock-man is better soon.

Good sign he could pee now that he's getting the meds

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh no, poor Jocky boy. I sure hope the meds do their thing this time and he gets better.

And....I'm just a kitty owner like you and am not a vet by any means.....but....when they say if he has started eating by Friday you can bring him home....well...don't you think he should be eating way before Friday? I mean, they said this on a Monday.....sorry to keep questioning your vet, but....

The good news is he "pee'd for Scotland" (I love the way you put that ) and that can only be a good sign.

Please keep us updated on his progress. I feel so sorry for him that he has to stay at the vet all week, but I guess that's the best place to be when you're not feeling well.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

I hope that Jock gets better soon--best wishes--