Help for Thomas - ARF Kitty

[mom2thomas]

Funny you should mention the B Vitamins.

When I arrived home from work last night, the twitching (I like ticks much better ) were much worse than in the morning and he had not eaten, drank or used the litter box at all during the day. I called the vet and they had me bring him in.

They checked his blood pressure, his calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels, and everything was well within normal ranges. So he remains a mystery.

The vet then thought perhaps he has a Thiamine deficiency, so gave him a shot of a B vitamins along with some other vitamins to see if that helps.

Last night he ate well, used the litter box (woohoo!!!), and was generally a happy boy.

This morning, his ataxia was less severe - he was able to go down the stairs a little bit faster, he was more vocal, and he was moving a bit faster. The ticks are still there, but they are not making him stumble like they were.

They also sent us home with HiVite to give 2 x per day.

Please keep us in your thoughts and thank you!

[Catty1]

Good news! I apologize for not responding to your first post, but I honestly had no ideas for you.

Sounds like the B vitamins are a winner! I wonder if he could get regular shots, or are there yummy ones that kitties will eat?

Give Thomas some love and scritchies from me.

[Medusa]

I'm sure glad that the B vitamins are helping. It made a world of difference w/Puddy. Better and better....

[mom2thomas]

Well, he's now had 7 doses of the HiVite vitamins, and 2 100mL of fluids since I last wrote. He's definitely more active and occasionally will run to his food dish at feeding time. He still has some difficulty with the stairs and balance at times, but overall his balance has greatly improved.

He is still twitching some, but it's not as pronounced as it was before.

He'll be getting the B vitamin shot again at the end of this week, and we'll be evaluating whether or not to cut back his fluids even more.

I'm still concerned about his litter box usage. He's only had one BM since 8/8 - but the vet is not too concerned...so I guess I should not be.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers - it's helping!

[mom2thomas]

Well, a sad trip to the vet on Friday. Although his tremors are now gone, and it seems the constipation issue may be over, he is not eating again, and our 14 lb kitty is now down to just over 11 again.

Based on his current behavior (lost, aggression towards my husband, ataxia, and sometimes confusion), the vet is pretty convinced he has meningitis. I'm just starting to research this latest possible diagnosis, and this does not sound good for poor Thomas.

The vet sent us home with some prednisone and a broad spectrum antibiotic to see how he does for the next week. Hopefully this will kick whatever is in his system and help him along.

We are still continuing the fluids and vitamins.

[Medusa]

Of course, many prayers sent right now for sweet Thomas and for you. Keep the faythe.

[kb2yjx]

WOW!!! This is sure a tough one to call...I will light a candle for Thomas and one for his family who loves and cares very much for him. Please keep us posted on Thomas...