Weight loss/vomiting/IBD...

[Hellojosie]

I was going through some of the posts in this forum and noticed a lot of people talking about their cats having IBD. My little 10 year old orange guy, Ollie, has been suffering from this for a looooong time, probably forever. He's been on prednisolone daily for about two years now, plus he eats the Purina EN dry and canned food. This past November he dropped a ton of weight suddenly- was down to about 4.8 lbs- so we started him back up on weekly B-12 shots, metronidizale twice a day, and Forti-Flora sprinkled on his food along with continuing the daily prednisolone. He was starting to look better again after about a month- his appetite was back, the accidents were becoming less frequent, was back up to about 5.3 lbs (at his largest, Ollie was 8 lbs- but I haven't seen him that size in a good 4-5 years), until about two weeks ago. All of a sudden he's turning up his nose at his canned food, and when he does eat, he's vomitting it all up. We were at the vet for his B-12 shot last week and found out he's dropped weight again and is back down to right around 5 lbs. The vet decided it was time to run some bloodwork again and I'm still waiting for the results, I guess he thinks it could be hyperthyroid. But he's run the same tests at least twice before and it always comes back negative. They've checked for pancreatitis too, and that's been negative as well.

I'm just worried right now mostly about the not eating and the vomitting when he does. Poor little guy has got to get some food in him! Should I ask the vet about nausea? Is there something they can give him to help him stop vomitting so much? Just curious...

[Catty1]

There is a medication or some drops that help the nausea. Did your vet suggest x-rays? With his IBD it may not take much to cause a blockage in his colon. I know x-rays can be expensive, but ask your vet if it is worth doing.

I hope your baby gets better soon!

[Hellojosie]

Actually, he's pooping like a champ these days! Honestly though, his stool has looked better than it ever has. Right now his main issue is the weight loss and vomitting. Back in November the vet did want to run an ultrasound to check for colon cancer, but we decided to do a few rounds of all the meds and stuff first. And since he did improve for a while, I really don't think the issue something like that. Ollie's had a bad tummy since I first got him at 8 weeks old. He's been on and off meds his entire life, and I think sometimes he just has flare ups and feels yucky. But I'll see what the vet says when the results are in, and I'll definitely mention that he's having issues with eating and vomitting too.

Thanks!!

[Karen]

What food does he eat? Has he ever been checked for food allergies? Try giving him some simple food - like just boiled or baked chicken, for example, and see if he can keep that down. As a human with food allergies and intolerances, I know how miserable that can be!

[Hellojosie]

Well, I heard from the vet late on Friday and he said most of his bloodwork came back normal- Ollie's kidneys were great, no hyperthyroidism, etc., but his liver values were elevated since the last time we did the tests. I guess this could mean an inflamed liver or possibly a tumor, so the vet wanted to do a few x-rays to check it out. Those were scheduled for this morning.

However, over the weekend Ollie's taken a turn for the worse. He hasn't really eaten anything other than a few bites of chicken and tuna- it was all I could get him to eat. He wasn't interested at all in his canned or dry food. He also won't drink unless I physically carry him to the bathroom sink and let him drink from the faucet. So he's been extremely lethargic and I'm sure has lost more weight over the course of those three days...I'm just so thankful I was taking him to the vet this morning anyway. I'm really, really hoping they can do something to perk him back up after the x-rays...but I'm also trying to prepare myself for the worst. I have never seen Ollie quite this bad, he's been sickly his whole life but when he's always bounced back from these bouts.

I'm really trying to stay positive for my little buddy...really hoping I get to bring him home with me later today.

[phesina]

Lots of prayers and good wishes and healing energies and love are being sent to Ollie and you too.

[mrspunkysmom]

I am so sorry to hear of Ollie's loss. That was a difficult but good thing you did for Ollie. He is at peace now. Cherish the memories.

[Cataholic]

RIP, sweet Ollie. Your mommy made the most difficult but most loving decision to end your suffering, while hers has just begun. Send her a message letting her know you have arrived at the Bridge, and are waiting for her, patiently.

[maerlyn]

My tears are for you and your pain, which I know is great. You acted out of love for Ollie, taking pain upon yourself to spare him any more - and there is no greater love than that! Your reward will be Eternity with Ollie - what a great reunion that will be! May Ollie's Creator hold you in the hollow of His hand, comfort you, and lead your heart to peace.

[Hellojosie]

Thank you, everyone. I am slowly getting used to Ollie not being around...although he'll always be with me in my heart.

My husband and I decided to go to some local shelters over the weekend, not to replace Ollie, but to find a new kitty to share our love with. We still have our big fat cat, Stewie, and it really seems to me like he's lonely. He and Ollie weren't the best of friends, but he did have Ollie around his whole life to keep him company. Since Stew is a huge sissy, we put our names on a list for a kitten when they are of age to come out of foster care. Hopefully this will help our healing process.

Thanks again for all the kind words, it really means so much! *hugs*

[Randi]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Ollie. Keep him your heart and cherish the memories.

You did the right thing letting him go, but it's hard. Now, he is playing at the RB and he will send you a sign one day.

(((hugs)))