Panther is acting wierd..updated..not good

[fragrancehound]

The latest update....

I took him back to the specialty vet today and they did another ultrasound. Things are looking a little better! His small intestine is not as inflamed as it was before and looks almost normal. The segmental thickening is also gone.

The vet thinks Panther has a severe case of IBD. She also thinks surgery is not necessary at this time. She gave him more fluids and another shot of Prednisone. She also wants me to try to give him subcutaneous fluids myself. I felt like passing out when the tech showed me the needles and bag. That is going to be a challenge. I don't like needles! She wants to put him on the Pred. for awhile too.

Overall he is making progress. I don't know if it was the holistic accupuncture or vitamins or maybe the pred. but he is getting a little stronger. I need to get more food into him. He has lost almost 3 lbs. since this whole stomach trouble began. I have to fatten my baby back up. The vet recommended Eukanuba low residue formula so I will see if he likes that food. I have a whole collection of various cat foods growing in my pantry ranging from pescription diet formulas to holistic formulas. I'm probably going to donate them to the local cat shelter. Anyway, things are finally starting to look a up just a bit.

[jenluckenbach]

I love a good update. Come on Panther, everyone gains weight at the holidays.

[fragrancehound]

Thanks. He is still vomiting but it is with less frequency. I guess 1 step at a time.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that he's doing much better and hopefully he'll be able to gain some weight back. Giving sub-q fluids is fairly easy and I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. You might want to try doing this in the bathroom so he won't try to run away from you. Also remember to put the needle all the way through his skin to prevent it from leaking. Good luck.

[emilysgk]

Im glad to hear things are going better. I hope all is back to normal soon enough. As for the fluids, I had to do it on a 3wk old puppy, off and on for several weeks... Once you do it a few times, its pretty easy. Im sure a kitty would be harder than a pup though.

[TopCat3]

Oh Fragrancehound I have been so busy working and I have just caught up reading this thread - you and Panther have been through a TERRIBLE time!

I'm so sorry for you, but I'm glad to see things seem to be picking up now.

I think you need to get some reiki and herbs or something yourself, even just some Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy (for all of you!) it is calming and soothing.

You know how on the plane they always tell the mothers to put the oxygen mask on themselves first before the children when everything inside you wants to say - no! first my baby, then me! - well , it's so we stay alive and able to help them stay alive - so get something good for yourself as well!

I see on another thread you're doing the fluids now. I see everyone has their preferred way so you have many ideas to try. I won't add more, except to say it works best for me on a bench in the laundry with the door closed so Cleo can't jump down or run away easily. It doesn't hurt them, as someone said, they seem to know you are helping them. Cleo is as good as gold, sits still.

Good luck, soon it will become second nature. Medusa will tell you how scared I was and she helped me get confidence. I did it with my vet's supervision a few times first.

Do something nice for you, too, even if it's a simple footbath with some lavender oil and restful music -very soothing! You sound really wound up.

I really hope and pray things improve for Panther and you soon, you've both been through so much.