My Nipo is getting some intensive care

[Queen of Poop]

Prayers for you and Nipo.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'll be keeping Nipo in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she'll get better soon.

[Sonia59]

Nipo is in my thoughts

[wolf_Q]

Please get feeling better soon sweet Nipo!

[Cataholic]

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.

[Kater]

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.

[Lizzie]

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.

[popcornbird]

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}}}

[auggie]

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.

[Kater]

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

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

[jenluckenbach]

I am very glad to hear that there is progress.