Barney is an Angel Now.

[Catty1]

About the liver - I have read on PT that cats who are not eating or starving (as Barney was) can develop something called "fatty liver disease".

I found some interesting info - here is an excerpt:
http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/fatty_liver.htm

The disease progresses this way:

* A previously overweight cat stops eating for whatever reason
* Lacking food, the body starts sending fat cells to the liver to process into lipoproteins for fuel.
* Cats' livers are not terribly efficient at processing fat, and much of the fat is stored in the liver cells.
* Left untreated, eventually the liver fails and the cat dies.

FLS is Reversible if Caught in Time

The treatment for Fatty Liver Disease is dietary, and works quite well in reversing the condition if diagnosed early. The idea is to force feed the cat enough nutrients to reverse the metabolic malfunction that caused the condition in the first place.

Since Barney's appetite is good, I hope this gets reversed. Given his diabetes, I hope there is some kind of richer food that can help reverse this.

HUGS to precious Barney! Prayers that he does not have cancer, just that the lymph system is still 'carrying out all the dead' after the war with the infections (which is what the lymph system does). That can really swell up the lymph nodes. I am hoping that since the big node is in his throat, and the big infection was in his ears, that the two are connected somehow.

Any harm in giving the Transfer Factor? It's supposed to help chronic diseases as well.

I LOVE that Barn-Barn! Maybe he will start to show signs of hearing now that the drops can get where they belong. But he sure knows his Meowmie (and daddy too, I hope!).

[Emeraldgreen]

Hi guys. Thank you, everybody, for the heart warming posts. Mary, your words are so very kind and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
I know that if Barney crossed any one of our paths, you all would do exactly the same for him. And it frustrates me to no end that my coworker didn't do more for him for a year, other than toss dry food out for him. The more I think about it, the angrier it makes me. She is back now and has worked a few shifts but I haven't seen her. And part of me is really wondering if those two broken ribs weren't from a kick. If he had been hit by a car, then wouldn't he have more damage to the rest of his body? I know that my coworker's partner didn't want him around and I have to wonder. Even while Angela was staying there, he came over just about everyday and was apparently irritated that she was staying so long and he didn't want Barney in the house. Angela is strong willed and she basically ignored all of that and did what she thought was best for Barney but she left the house everyday to run errands and go to the gym and then returned in the early evening so Barney was alone at those times.
It's just a gut feeling but I could be totally wrong. I can't figure him out, he stops by my work and asks me how Barney is doing but then he says things like "ya, Angela has totally ruined Jack, he gets up on the couch now and I had trained him not to get up there". I said "yes, I know she had left Jack one of those soft microfleece blankets for him on the couch" and he said that he got rid of it?!? I said "why don't you just put it on the floor for him?" and he said that Jack only likes to sleep on the bricks under the woodstove or under the dvd player on the shelving unit. I know that is not true though because everytime I went over there, Jack was loving that soft blanket. Anyway, I heard yesterday that my coworker broke up with him the day she got back and I'm pretty sure Jack stays with her.

Moesha, the vet didn't tell me how long it would take the ribs to heal or if they would heal. I will have to ask her about that. You should have seen the images, his ribs are like little match sticks and these two were completely snapped. Maybe in his case it will take longer because he isn't the healthiest fellow. But now that I know, I will try and lift him, holding more on his right side than his left.

I've decided to let him sleep through the night without the collar and have him wear it during the day. He was so happy when I took it off last night before I tucked him in. And then I gave him breakfast and then put the collar back on. It actually makes giving him his ear drops easier and it helped a bit with giving his injection. I put him on my lap and was trying to tent the skin between his shoulders and he kept trying to swing around a bite me. The collar helped make that a bit harder for him. Once I was able to get the needle in, then it wasn't too bad. He only gets 2 units in the morning.

He now has two litterboxes! Because when he has the collar on he gets a bit off balance and has been peeing over the edge of the box onto the floor. I'm hoping that two boxes next to each other will catch the 'spillage'. lol

Thanks for that info Candace! I think that is exactly what the vet was trying to explain to me except somehow it was also connected to his diabetes. I do hope that continued meals will help reverse the enlarged liver. I think I would like to try Barney on the Transfer Factor but I will wait until the blood work is back and see if I can stop giving him the Tapazole. I feel like he is on so much stuff right now with the Surolan, Tapazole, Metacam and insulin and polysporin for his nose. But the TF is a natural supplement so it probably wouldn't hurt. He needs all the help he can get right now.

Randi, I was thinking smaller dishes might be good too so I might try that. And he does have lots of blankies. He has his favourites, so I just rewash those.

Mary (Purr-Tender), I think the regular blood test with the thyroid results should be back today but the sample that was sent off to the lab might take a few days. It was sent to a lab in Langley which is outside of Vancouver so it shouldn't take too long. I will post as soon as I know though. The vet hasn't ruled out Squamous Cell Carcinoma either and that can only be determined with a biopsy of his growth or from his nose. I showed the vet the scab I saved from his nose (gross, I know!) but she said that the biopsy would have to come from tissue from his nose. I don't want the vet to cut into his nose and if I do go that route (biopsy) it makes sense to take it from his ear. The vet seems to think that surgery would just be too much for him and she said that diabetes is a real problem with anesthesia. I still don't know why, I have to find this out. The xrays were fairly useless with regard to showing how deep the growth(s) is/are in his ears but they did show us alot with regard to his body so I'm glad we did them.

Taz_Zoee wrote:

Awww, Barney and Taz have matching collars now. How is he doing with the collar? I hope it's working.

I still think about Mr Barney each day and always hope to see another good update on him.

Thanks! My thoughts/prayers go out to Taz each day too.

Lizzie, thanks for your comment about bathing him. I have hope now that he will get 'fluffy' at some point. I'm going to try and stay on top of his fur, now that the girls at the clinic got out some of those mats for me that I wasn't able to snip off myself. I had gotten them down to the base but was too concerned about cutting his skin if I got any closer. If I had done that, I would have felt so horrible. As if he needs one more thing wrong with him! lol
They combed quite a few of those out though so he's alot further ahead today.

Thanks Scooter's Mom and lvpets_2002 for your posts and encouragement and thank you 3catCondo for your PM.

[Medusa]

It hurts my heart to think that someone might have kicked Barney. However, he could've been hit by a car as your vet said. My Specs got hit while he was an outdoor cat, I heard the thunk and saw him roll under the car and I thought that was it for him but he came out w/out a scratch. (That's what got him in the house. I figured there was no use trying to place him. He earned his place w/the Fur Posse, that's for sure.) Barney is the strongest survivor I have ever witnessed. He has so many health issues but he just loves you, Lara, and he keeps on fighting for life. I so badly want this to be a happy ending. We could really use a Christmas miracle right about now.

[Emeraldgreen]

I'm so, so sad. Barney has cancer. I'm at work and I'm having a hard time focusing on anything other than this news. The vet called me and her first sentence was "I don't have good news". I will post again when I get home tonight but wanted to post this now. I called back and asked the receptionist to ask Robin if I can stop the insulin. I had a bit of a struggle with him this morning giving the shot and he hated it. So did I. Yesterday went much better. If he is otherwise 'comfortable' with high glucose and it just means his urine output is more, then I'd like to stop the injections so his time left isn't uncomfortable. After this morning, he is mad at me. I can't stand that.
I also asked the receptionist to ask Robin if she thinks he still has FIP or not now that we have a confirmed diagnosis for cancer which would most likely explain his high white blood cell count. I can't bear the thought of him out there in the damp shop in a cage. I want to bring him in. It will take a miracle if my husband will allow it. Maybe this will be our Christmas Miracle Mary. If everyone could pray that my husband will let Barney spend his last days inside, I would be eternally grateful.

[lvpets2002]

Oh mymy I am soso Sad to hear Barney has Cancer.. Come on SweetHeart Baby Barney Please Stay With Us As Long As You Can.. I will agree with no more shots.. That is if Barney is still comfortable without them.. Must make his life very comfy.. Please Please Hubby Let Barney Come Stay Indoors In The Warmth & the Comfort of the Loving Family.. Sending Prayers to All..

[3Catcondo]

Lara,
Don't be sad, and although it would be nice for him to be in the house, the shed is a safe, warm shelter that has just what he needs in it. It's better than being a stray outside somewhere not knowing where his next meal is going to come from or if something/someone would hurt him. I will pray that your husband agrees to the house, but I am at peace knowing Barney has been well taken care of for the time he has left here. He was blessed to have been found by you and loved very much, and I am very grateful to you for that. I'll check in with you later over PM, I am at work and starting to cry. Thank you for all that you did for him, I know he loves you for it and will forever be grateful to you.

[Randi]

Oh no! This is just too sad! When I saw the title had changed, I knew it was not good news - and this is the worst. I'm so sorry.

Barney has been through so much and I was so hoping he would get better, with all the care you have given him - you have been wonderful! No doubt he IS enjoying the time you spend with him, and I really hope your husband will agree to let him inside to spend his last time in a warm loving home - he deserves that, if nothing else can be done. I know you will do all you can and I will send strong thoughts that your husband will let him come in. I hope he is not in pain. Have you talked about which painkillers will be good for him?

Gentle scritchies and kisses and lots of good thoughts for Barney, I hope he has some quality time with cuddles and spoiling still to come.

Big hugs to you Lara.

If you want to talk, please don't hesitate to PM me.

[kb2yjx]

I am just so sorry to read this update....You have done all the best for Barney, and I know you will continue to care for him and love him, too!!! Prayers that Barney will spend his last days in your house, surrounded by lots of love......

[Medusa]

Oh no, Lara! This is the worst. That poor sweet boy. What a lousy rotten break for such a good cat. This is just so unfair. I pray that your husband will allow him to come inside and spend his last days w/you but if not, Barney is still warm, dry and safe from all harm. He has known love as he has never known before, thanx to you. I know how sad you are; I am, too, but you have so much time and love invested in Barney's care. I wish I could be there to help you and to give you a big hug. And I wish that I could be there for Barney, too. I'm so sorry. Please PM me at any time if you feel the need. And give Barney some extra love from me and the Fur Posse.

[pomtzu]

Poor Barney - I wish the news could have been better. You've done so much for him, and when he does leave for RB, he'll take with him all the good memories that you so lovingly gave him. How lucky that he found you to care for him.

[Catty1]

Barney has already had heaven with you and your care and love.

And...why not try the Transfer Factor now? It may make him more comfy, if nothing else, as it seemed to do with Tiger.

I am SO SO SORRY, Lara. The little guy is such a fighter.

When you get more details let us know...if it's lymphoma, well maybe the TF being in the system would help, combined with his love for you.

HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS!

[Catty1]

Lara - tell your husband about the diagnosis, and he might suggest bringing Barney in on his own.

There have been PT Miracles before...and I pray like crazy that Barney is a big one!

HOW many cats with diabetes and cancer GAIN a whole pound?

HUGS again - Barney, we are all with you!

[MoonandBean]

I am so sorry to hear this news. I do find myself thinking though what a blessing it has been for Barney to spend whatever time he has left with you. You have given him care and love that he has never known and that is the best gift anyone can give another living being. I would be so much sadder if he lived 5 more years but the way he was living. I hope that makes sense

Love ya, girl! You're one of the best!!

[momtomany]

Lara

I am so sorry for you and for all of us who love this little guy, but he is so blessed to have you in his life loving him. No matter what your husbands decide, Barney has more now than he has ever had because of you. Just like others have offered, please feel free to PM if you need to talk and if you want my phone number, I will be more than happy to give it to you.

My prayers, along with everyone else's are with you.

[Moesha]

I am so sad to read this update but am not surprised. Once you have time to process the information and find out more specifics about his condition and where you are going to go from here, please let us know so we can help. I wish there was more we could do to give Barney love and support this is quite a bit for you to take on alone. So if I can help in ANY way, please say the word.