Amy

[emily_the_spoiled]

My CH guy (Farley) has a lot more difficult when he is stressed, but also when he is tired (as if a cat ever gets tired )

Can you set up a little heating station/pad where Amy sleeps? That might help her a little bit

[krazyaboutkatz]

Laura, I'm sorry to hear that Amy is feeling so poorly. I also don't know anything about CH but I agree that maybe you could get her some kind of heating pad to sleep on. It doesn't have to be the electric kind because there are some that you can heat up in the microwave and the heat will last for many hours. Here's a link to one: http://cozywinters.com/shop/snugglesafe.html. I hope that she'll start feeling better soon. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[katladyd]

I did not find the video upsetting at all! I saw a very sweet kitty who was going to get to her meowmie no matter what. What a determined little girl Amy is. I would send the video to the vet and see what they say. I hope she starts moving better very soon. She has such a cute purr. She sure loves her meowmie, doesn't she?

[Laura's Babies]

Amy wants nothing to do with heating pads, I have a closet full of them that I have tried. She realizes the heat is there and won't go back... she can be so fussy. I am hoping this weather gets hot SOON! Cold and damp always had a bad effect on her until the Cosequin.

While my vet is good with her, they are also learning from HER, as they learn about her. Dr. Gott has a friend that has a CH kitty and he always asks me lots of questions about Amy, wanting to learn all he can to perhaps help his friends cat and to compare things with.. His friends cat has seizures.

I know CH'ers are not suppose to get any worse. It was Nancy Efusey (the pet psychic) that alerted me to try something for arthritis, that Amy showed her arthritis like pain all over her body and there were immediate improvements on the Cosequin with her. She has been on this now for several years and has maybe built up a tolerance for it? It is the lack of cordination in her front legs that has me worried, I guess that could be arthritis? They just seem to want to not move in the right direction anymore and are what has her falling over more... I think! Shucks, I just don't know but I AM leaning towards the cold and damp weather and the Cosequin no longer working for her.

I would NOT hesitate to take her in to see the vet if it were not for how bad she stresses. She stresses so bad that it is alarming for me and the vet. That stress will make her even worse than she is and that is what I am trying to avoid.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Maybe talk with the vet about increasing the dose of the Cosoquin...

[Freedom]

Laura, do you keep a journal for Amy? Wondering if she has reacted to Spring dampness in the past; maybe not this much, but does she react to the weather? Would a dehumidifier in the house help?

Too bad there is not a forum for CH babies, I'm sure if there were, you would be on it for her.

Now for the arthritis: Cosequin is both glucosamine and chondroitin. Maybe a different formula of those 2 would help? There are just SO many out there!

Marlin has bad hips. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, he gets injections of Adequan; I give them here at home. Just checked, Adequan IS available for cats.

For cats, the start up is one dose every 4 days for 6 doses, then once per month.
However, I haven't info on possible side effects for cats, or useage in a cat with CH. Ask your vet to research it.

If you DO go this route, I found it MUCH cheaper to get the script from my vet and by the Adequan on line. (just make sure you order Adequan FELINE, not equine or canine). My vet charges $45 per shot. One vial holds 12 doses. I could buy a vial online for $65! My vet then gave me th 12 syringes, plus instructions how to give the shot, for free. QUITE a savings!

Although I mark the calendar, I can tell when Marlin is due for his monthly shot, he whines for help to get up on the sofa those last few days.

Here is one link (of many)
http://www.vetinfo.com/feline-arthritis-adequan.html

[freckledimple]

I would not be surprised if her arthritis is getting to her "good" muscles and joints. All of her "better" bits have been compensating for her weaker bits, and it is probably causing excess wear and tear. Upping or changing her pain meds is what I woiuld probably do, too. My CH baby is only 2 1/2 years old; and, fortunately, hers is mild.
Since Amy doesn't like heating pads, you might try bringing her into the bathroom while you shower. The moist heat would probably help her to feel better. Purrs and well wishes to Amy and your joints


PS. Surprise We though our CH baby Phoebe was fixed. That is, until she came into heat for the first time at 2 1/2 years old Vet visit in near future

[cassiesmom]

Awww, Amy! I hope this is arthritis acting up ... I loved watching you hop up and purr to meowmie!

[Laura's Babies]

Laura, do you keep a journal for Amy? Wondering if she has reacted to Spring dampness in the past; maybe not this much, but does she react to the weather? Would a dehumidifier in the house help

No Freedom to keeping a journel, but as you notice, I watch her close and notice changes in her right away. I usually notice within days and start watching her. I have been watching her for about 5 days now. It is usually the winters January and Febuary that she had the most trouble since they are our coldest but since on the Cosequin, she had no problems those months. Just as it is starting to warm up, now she is having a problem..

I will make note of your suggestions and discuss them with the vet if he is at a loss as to what to try next..

Since Amy doesn't like heating pads, you might try bringing her into the bathroom while you shower. The moist heat would probably help her to feel better. Purrs and well wishes to Amy and your joints

freckledimple- I don't have to bring her to the bathroom with me, she follows me every time and is my companion while I shower/bathe EVERY time. However, it is the combination of the cold and dampness that effects her.. and where we live is a damp climate usually. This year, worse than normal.

You have a CH'er too? Is your vet up to date on CH? You know he has to be careful what sedation she gets for her spay? The wrong sedation can kill her.. It was admitted to me years later by someone who was there when Amy got spayed that they were all worried to death about doing it because of her condition, although they kept assuring me she would be fine.

[Medusa]

Laura, I think you're on to something w/the cold and damp weather. My Creamsicle has CH and she parks her fuzz butt directly on the heat vent until she's warm enough. I also use a heating pad for myself and if I get up from the sofa, she lies down on the heating pad immediately. She's so fat b/c of her allergy meds that it's hard to believe that she could ever be cold but there it is. There is a space heater in the enclosed patio room but she doesn't sit in front of it. She likes to be directly on the heat vent. So I concur w/some others who have suggested that you talk to your vet about upping or changing her meds for arthritis pain. Cgirl isn't on any b/c she has improved over the years and my cat sitter said that she could hardly tell that Cgirl has CH. However, should the time come when I see that she's in pain or discomfort, I'll definitely start her on pain meds. Sweet little Amy, I just want to hug her.

[freckledimple]

You have a CH'er too? Is your vet up to date on CH? You know he has to be careful what sedation she gets for her spay? The wrong sedation can kill her.. It was admitted to me years later by someone who was there when Amy got spayed that they were all worried to death about doing it because of her condition, although they kept assuring me she would be fine.

Yep, I have a CH baby Phoebe is our baby doll My local vet is aware of CH, but I don't know how "familiar" he is with it. He is sending us to a vet in the next town over, so Phoebe can have her soft palate checked for obstructions(snotty & frequent nose infections). They plan on the blood tests before they even THINK of anesthesia. Sedation is in order though. I will be sure to ask about the different types of anesthesia. Thank you for the heads-up.

[lvpets2002]

Yes there is our Sweetest Darling Amy.. Your are just the Sweetest most Adorable Baby.. I just want to come thru that video & cuddle you.. I am going to say its the Cold & Dampness of the wheather.. My CH Babies have a little more trouble in the Winter due to the coldness.. I try to make sure to keep the house at a constant regulated temp day & night..

[Laura's Babies]

I have a call in to the vet, he is suppose to call me back..

[katladyd]

I sending prayers for Amy. I hope she improves with good weather.