Thread: Amy

**Freedom** · 03-21-2010, 07:44 PM

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** · 03-21-2010, 07:58 PM

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** · 03-21-2010, 09:10 PM

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

**Laura's Babies** · 03-21-2010, 11:18 PM

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** · 03-22-2010, 07:13 AM

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.

**Anikaca77** · 03-22-2010, 07:54 AM

My prays are coming for Amy and for you as well.

I don't have an experience with CH kitties but I would incourage you to talk with your vet or maybe find a more experienced vet who deals with CH and see if they would be willing to talk with you.

Take care,
Melissa

**Freedom** · 03-22-2010, 10:30 AM

Hey Laura, reading that Amy does NOT like heating pads, and does follow you in the bathroom, suggests maybe she is more comfortable with moist heat than dry heat? I know even for us humans, there are times to apply a pad and times to apply a water bottle; I never know when to do which!

Maybe that is something to give a try? Again, no idea, just reading over what you have written.

**lvpets2002** · 03-22-2010, 11:11 AM

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** · 03-22-2010, 11:26 AM

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

**katladyd** · 03-22-2010, 12:07 PM

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

**momcat** · 03-22-2010, 01:31 PM

Problems seeing the video but your post just broke my heart. All I can offer you and sweet Amy is non stop prayers. Gentle lovies being sent for Amy and [[[[[HUGS]]]]] for you.

**freckledimple** · 03-22-2010, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Laura's Babies

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.

**Laura's Babies** · 03-22-2010, 01:58 PM

The vet returned my call, he offered those injections but I would have to take her in 3 times the first week for them... That would REALLY stress her so I asked him what else could we try and he suggested the medicam (?) drops. I am going to try that first and see how she does on them, maybe just get her through till the heat of summer gets here...?