Poor Skinny- Update Page 2

**Craftlady** · 10-27-2006, 09:10 AM

We had to make a trip to the ER vet last night didnt get home until 3 a.m. this morning. Skinny had bad hairballs late afternoon and continues to vomit (foam/spit) on/off throughout the evening. Turns out he has low postassium level. Poor thing acted up so bad they had to put him out to draw blood and do xrays. Just got off the phone with our regular vets office and our vet feels the shot of postassium they gave him last night is sufficient and they dont need to see him. I'm so glad because Skinny would not tolerate that stress of another visit. The level should come up on it's own when his tummy settles. $485 later

Now to turn into insurance which thankfully he has already meet his deductible.

When it rains it pours

**Sonia59** · 10-27-2006, 09:28 AM

Oh poor Skinny! What happens to you, boy?

Hope you recover fast now and that the problem is over.

**Laura's Babies** · 10-27-2006, 09:35 AM

I am astounded at some of these vet bills... but they are worth every cent of it and it is cheap when you consider what they bring into our lives..

I hope Skinny gets better right away and that is the the only thing he needs. Poor baby!

**jazzcat** · 10-27-2006, 09:56 AM

Wow, that is some expensive hairballs!!! Poor Skinny, I sure hope you are feeling better.

I never thought about low potassium in cats causing so much trouble. Good to know.

**Freedom** · 10-27-2006, 09:57 AM

Skinny, you DON"T have to live up to your name!!! Just feel better fast, kitty cat!

**catnapper** · 10-27-2006, 10:22 AM

I am so sorry! I am glad to hear that he's already responding to the treatment. Now, can you monitor his potasium levels at home? How do you raise his levels? Is there a special diet?

**krazyaboutkatz** · 10-27-2006, 11:44 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I hope that the shot will continue to do the trick. Get well soon Skinny.

**fragrancehound** · 10-27-2006, 01:19 PM

I hope your fur baby feels better!

**Catsnclay** · 10-27-2006, 01:32 PM

We too have been experiencing hairballs & problems. Our vet gave us a wonderful suggestion, and it works!

Pumpkin.

Yup, Lucky gets a teaspoon of pumpkin every morning and it actually worked right away! Not only has it helped with the hairballs, it also took away that dandruff he had on his fur, and an added bonus: he actually likes it! Picky Lucky love it!!

He use to get hairballs almost every night - of course around 2:30 AM

Now he will get a small hairball about once a month

Good luck with Skinny - I know how much we love these guys, and we will go to the moon for them if we have to!!

**columbine** · 10-27-2006, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Catsnclay

We too have been experiencing hairballs & problems. Our vet gave us a wonderful suggestion, and it works!

Pumpkin.

Yup, Lucky gets a teaspoon of pumpkin every morning and it actually worked right away! Not only has it helped with the hairballs, it also took away that dandruff he had on his fur, and an added bonus: he actually likes it! Picky Lucky love it!!

Smudge doesn't like it plain, but he gets a spoonful mixed in with his canned food (along with all the other stuff - 3V caps, Cosequin, bonito flakes (for flavor) and extra water (because he likes lotsa gravy). He still horks the occasional hairball, but as long as the doggone thing comes out one end or the other I don't mind. If he's still stopped up (small poops, more than a day without pooping) he also gets Purina Pro Plan anti-hairball treats, but only between meals.

Love, Columbine

**Craftlady** · 10-27-2006, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by catnapper

I am so sorry! I am glad to hear that he's already responding to the treatment. Now, can you monitor his potasium levels at home? How do you raise his levels? Is there a special diet?

No monitoring needed at home.
The shot made his level go normal. If he would of continued barfing then our vet would precribe a potassium supplement. No special diet.
Our vet said the potassium level wasnt that alarming (the ER vet made a big deal about it). All it did was reflect the fact he barfed allot.

Cats can cause their potassium levels to go down when they hair ball to much and spit up to much.

Always something new and interesting to learn about our fur babies.

Skinny has eaten a small meal and drank water no barfing

He is also interested in roaming around the house, when we got home last night he was only interested in laying on living room floor.

**jenluckenbach** · 10-27-2006, 02:11 PM

Poor Skinny. Sure hope you feel better real soon.

**catmandu** · 10-27-2006, 05:56 PM

We Are Adding Skinny To Our Prayers, And Moose Angel Is Flying Down With A Kitty Bag To Make Skinny Feel Better.
Joseph Says Whiskas Temptations Will Make Him Feel A Lot Better.
Hairball Formula, Of Course.

**rg_girlca** · 10-27-2006, 06:27 PM

Poor adorable Skinny. I'm glad to read that he is doing better and I pray that he continues to do so.

Thanks Catsnclay for the heads up on the pumpkin for hairballs and dandruff.