Chestnut: update P 4 #60 Jan 31.

[Freedom]

I plan to phone the vet tomorrow.

I keep a baby gate at the bedroom door where the cat food is, to keep the dogs out. Past 2 weeks or so, I've HEARD (not actually seen) that Chestnut is having a time of it, getting over that durn gate.

Chestnut often comes up on my bed during the night, and wants some cuddles. Last night (or I guess this morning, it was about 3 AM) by coincidence, I was awake when he came up. He didn't jump, he used his front legs / feet / claws to haul himself up. What the ???

So today, I've checked him over, gave him a brush up. He has lost all the muscle tone in his rear quarters. :( He doesn't feel skinny or thin otherwise, plenty of pudge till covering his ribs (what ribs? Can barely feel them, so that is all normal FOR HIM).

Chestnut is a biter / fighter. I was able to brush him all over with a few complaints and that is all. HUH? No way, not supposed to be able to do that! So I kept going, even did his belly -- I don't believe I have EVER run a brush over his belly!

So something isn't right. I don't have a clue what this could be. Will learn more Monday or Tuesday, depending when the vet can see him.

[Pinot's Mom]

Prayers on the way! Is it possible Chestnut got into something (cleaning supplies, etc...)?

[Freedom]

All that type of thing is kept in cupboards here.

From the noise as he jumps that baby gate, this has been developing over about 2 weeks or so. I think some type of poison would be a much quicker type thing.

[Catty1]

Prayers for Chestnut - Truly hoping that whatever this is is very treatable.:love::love:

[jennielynn1970]

Thoughts and prayers going out for Chestnut, such a handsome boy. Hoping that all goes well at the vet!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear this.:( I sure hope it's easily treatable and nothing too serious. How old is he? Maybe he has arthritis or the cold weather is making his joints stiff. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[Lilith Cherry]

Ooh poor Chestnut! I hope he feels better soon and the vet visit goes well for him.

[katladyd]

Sending prayers up for Chestnut.:love:

[Karen]

Prayers on the way!

[chocolatepuppy]

Prayers headed out for Chestnut.

[Scooter's Mom]

Sending up a prayer for Chestnut. I hope the vet finds something that isn't very serious!

[Sus]

I too hope it's nothing serious. If no other symptoms, Chestnut's changed behaviour might be just "old age"! Kitties age on a different scale than we do, that is, much faster, but I guess you know that. It is very common that the muscle disappear a little, and a little arthritis is also very common. Good luck on the check-up! I'll include Chestnut in my evening prayer. :)
Love,
Sus

[phesina]

Prayers for Chestnut, that the vet finds nothing serious and will fix him all up again.

[Randi]

I hope nothing serious is wrong with Chestnut. He is such a gorgeous boy! How old is he?

Fister and I will keep our paws and fingers crossed for your dear boy! :love:

Best wishes for a good vet visit!

[Medusa]

Prayers going up for Chestnut right now, Sandie. Keep the faythe.

[pomtzu]

Prayers from DE to the RI Chestnut - hoping that there is nothing seriously wrong.

[Asiel]

Keeping fingers crossed that it won't be anything serious and Chestnut will be his old self soon.

[cassiesmom]

Big prayers for Chestnut from me too :love:!

And a candle
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=12527631

[Freedom]

Just got back from the vet.

Chestnut actually let them do an exam! For almost 2 minutes and then the "old" Chestnut appeared: screaming, hissing, biting swatting. :rolleyes:

So they took a blood sample, and sent us home with 4 meds: anti inflammatory for the potential back issue, and the other 3 for his URI. He goes for xrays Wednesday morning.

It "could" be slipped disc(s). The problem is the loss of muscle in BOTH rear legs. The vet said that much loss so quickly (about 2 weeks) is usually not from lack of use due to pain if he jumps. That quick is usually a sign of something more serious.

No jumping, so he is in the bedroom with Mandy for the next few days; where he has been for th past 2 days since I knew he had a problem.

Oh, Chestnut is age 12 years and 5 months.

Thank you for all the prayers.

[phesina]

Prayers that whatever is going on with Chestnut is not too serious and can be treated.

:love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Catty1]

More prayers for Chestnut!:love::love:

[lizbud]

Prayers for Chestnut to feel better soon. I do hope it isn't as serious as it might seem.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Chestnuts way.

[Medusa]

Hmmm, but your vet didn't say what the more serious issue could be? Well, whatever the case, we're still praying here that Chestnut will get over this quickly and be better than before. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Pinot's Mom]

Chestnut, you get better this instant, and no more jumping (not even on the bed) until you're healed! We're all worried about you! :love:

[Freedom]

Hmmm, but your vet didn't say what the more serious issue could be? Well, whatever the case, we're still praying here that Chestnut will get over this quickly and be better than before. Keep the faythe. :love:

Yes, she did; I avoid using the "c" word until I KNOW.

[Lilith Cherry]

Lots more prayers and good thoughts for Chestnut the feisty! I hope the xrays go okay tomorrow.

[Randi]

Lots of positive thoughts and crossed paws and fingers for dear Chestnut. I hope it's not anything serious and that it can be treated. It seems he hasn't quite lost his spunk. :)

Purrs and kisses to Chestnut and hugs to you. :love:

[katladyd]

I was reading up on this and while the "c" word was mentioned, it was also said that this is often a symptom in cats who have diabetes. Chestnut is in the right age group for that and the articles all said that the symptoms lesson greatly once treatment is started. Whatever is wrong with Chestnut, I hope it can be easily treated.:love:

[Freedom]

Got the results of his blood work today, all is fine except slightly elevated white blood cell count, indicates infection, and we know he has the URI.

So we move forward to the xrays tomorrow. Thanks for all the prayers.

I'm leaning towards a slipped disc issue. My RB Amber had spinal issues and could not jump, but his was due to hypothyroid, calcium deposits developed in between the vertebrae.

[jennielynn1970]

Many thoughts and prayers going out for Chestnut. I hope the xrays don't show anything that is bad!

[cassiesmom]

Continued thoughts and prayers for dear Chestnut!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Chestnuts way.

[Freedom]

Just got the phone call from the vet, Chestnut is groggy, I can pick him up at 2 PM.

The xrays didn't show anything re the spine; but she said again that is not conclusive. She also xrayed his hips. He DOES have changes there, and she expects he has some arthritis in them. But she isn't seeing such a big change as to explain why he can't jump. I 'could' do an MRI, that costs a LOT and still may not be conclusive.

So I will bring him home and keep him on the meds, get the URI cleared up, and the prednisone will continue to help as an anti inflammatory, and we will see if this helps him.

Wish it was more conclusive.

Many thanks for all the prayers and good wishes for my orangie.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that his xrays were inconclusive. Hopefully he'll continue to improve. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

[Freedom]

The vet is leaning more to cancer. She went over the xrays w/ me when I went to pick him up. She said all the vertebrae are lined up properly, no gray areas or spots where you can't be sure. Once he was under, she was able to examine him better -- he is a biter at the vets only, ha haaa He has lost almost all the muscle on both back legs, this is a major issue. We are just keeping him comfortable w/ the anti inflammatory. He was wobbly when he got home but just 15 minutes ago was hollering his food dish is empty! Yes I went in and added some. He is going to stay in the bedroom w/ Mandy, so he doesn't have to do stairs -- I keep the litter boxes in the cellar.

I took Marlin in at 2. He had blood work done as he is eating 3 times normal. Cushings Disease is a concern there. Plus he has a lump on his left rear leg, so she tapped that to have the lab check it. BUT that lump came up quickly and is deep into the muscle, she wasn't able to get anything "visible" out. So may have to surgically remove it and test it that way. We tried to catch a urine sample, but this boy who pees every 10 steps on a walk didn't want to go!

So between Chestnut's Monday visit and today for him and Marlin, I've spent a bit over $1,000. I think I see more PB &J in my future!

Edit: I started a separate thread for Marlin, in Dog Health.

[cassiesmom]

Continued prayers for dear Chestnut!

And a candle:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=12544727

[Pinot's Mom]

Prayers for your babies.:love:

[Catty1]

Many prayers for your furbabies.:love:

[phesina]

Prayers for Chestnut and Marlin.. :love::love::love::love::love::love:

[kaycountrygal]

Just saw this thread. I do hope your babies will be ok. Kay

[Laura's Babies]

Goodness! What is going on that so many of our PT babies are getting so sick? I hate reading this and will keep you, Chestnut and Marlin in my prayers..

[krazyaboutkatz]

Sandie, I'm so sorry to hear this.:( When it rains it pours sometimes. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent to both Chestnut and Marlin.:love:

[Freedom]

Chestnut is not doing well, all he does is eat and sleep. He is the bedroom with Mandy. She sits in front of the heater; in the chair, up on the cat perch to look out the window; and sprawls out on the floor.

Chestnut is constantly curled up in a tight ball in one of the pet bed cubes. When I had him out for his meds this morning (I do that in my bathroom) I set him on the floor to walk around a bit. He stood and looked around, went to the door (about 2 steps) and sat down. His hind quarters are quite weak.

His URI is clearing up a bit, but he is still quite congested.

The vet said to keep on the meds regimen (which involved lowering the dose of prednisone as of tomorrow) and see if there is any change. If he is worse at the lower dose, put him right back up and let her know.

But there doesn't seem to be any change / improvement with the prednisone, so whatever ails him does not have an inflammation component -- which slipped discs would have for sure. So not looking good, and the vet is pretty down about this as well.

[Medusa]

Oh I'm sorry about this, Sandy. It's so frustrating not knowing for sure what's going on w/our furkids. We'll pump up the volume on our prayers here and will do it w/o ceasing. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Freedom]

Thanks, Mary, and you are so right, it is frustrating because we just don't KNOW what is going on with him.

[phesina]

Sending prayers and good wishes and healing energies to dear Chestnut.

Love, Pat and kitties :love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Freedom]

Thanks fo all the payes and wishes.

This evening, I went in and vacuumed in that bedroom. Mandy has a routine, she sits at the very top of the cat perch while I do the room; then she hops down and sits in a corner while I clean the perch.

Chestnut stayed curled up in the pet cube on the floor, while I worked around him. He did raise his head to see what I was doing, but then just settled back to sleep. :(

This is NOT like Chestnut at all, he HATES the vacuum. Normally he snarls at it a few times, and then moves to another spot. As I work from room to room he continues to follow me around the house. And periodically reminds that vacuum who is boss!

I wish I knew what more to do for him. I just can't see spending $1200 for the MRI. Am I wrong? Maybe I need to rethink this?

[Catty1]

I don't suppose there is a vet school near you that might do it for less?

Hugs and prayers for Chestnut! :love::love::love:

[Freedom]

I don't suppose there is a vet school near you that might do it for less?

Hugs and prayers for Chestnut! :love::love::love:

No . . . . Thanks for the hugs and prayers for my orangie!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Sandie, I'm so sorry to hear that he's not much better.:( No, I don't think that you're wrong for not spending $1200 on a MRI. It sounds like it would still be inconclusive any way.:(

What I've learned to do with my cats is to only have tests done on them that are necessary to help diagnose illness or health related problems and to also know when enough is enough. Then I try to make them as comfortable as possible until they let me know when it's time to let them go. I'm not a rich person and I have to also remember to not let my finances get out of control. Of course only you can make this kind of decision and if you do decide to pursue more tests then there's nothing wrong with this either. I hope that Chestnut's health will improve and also his quality of life. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[Freedom]

Thank you.

[cassiesmom]

Continued prayers and good thoughts for Chestnut!

[kaycountrygal]

I'm sorry your Chestnut is still not up to par. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do or not do and vet bills can add up quickly. Hope he gets better. Kay

[Medusa]

It's never wrong to consider your finances, especially in this economy, b/c you have others to consider as well. I know very few independently wealthy people who would think nothing of a $1200 MRI. That's a major decision. If I feel that it will help me get to the bottom of things and it's an affordable expense, then I do it. Before Boo died last November, I spent $860 on procedures to warm him up and keep him comfortable and I don't regret doing it. However, it didn't last and 24 hours later I was faced w/the same decision. If I had spent another $860 and could have some assurance that the procedure would last more than 24 hours, I would've done it but to put Boo through all that again and again...no. Plus I'm not made of money. I couldn't have done that for long. I have other furkids to consider. Somehow you'll make the right decision, Sandy. :love:

[phesina]

No . . . . Thanks for the hugs and prayers for my orangie!

Sandie, could you get him to Tufts? I don't know if the small-animal part of their vet school is in Medford (outside Boston) or way out in the country.

[BarbPond]

Just reading this and I sure hope that your Chestnut improves. He is such a cute little orange guy!

Love, hugs, and prayers going out to both you and him! :love:

[Catty1]

525 South Street, Walpole MA

http://tuftsvets.org/

The Small Animal Foster Hospital
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/fhsa/contact.html

Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536
Phone: (508) 839-5395
Fax: (508) 839-7951
Emergency Services: (508) 839-5395

Financial info: http://www.tufts.edu/vet/fhsa/financial_policies.html

More prayers for Chestnut. Come on, baby boy, get better....:love::love:

[Freedom]

I am going to speak w/ my vet and discuss options including a possible referral to Tufts.

[Freedom]

Had a long phone conversation w/ the vet this morning.

Chestnut is not able to groom himself, so that twisting action must hurt. He eats and uses the box fine. If you stroke your hand along a cat's back, as you approach the tail you should get "elevator butt." The rear end rises, the cat goes up on her toes. Chestnut just sits down, no matter how light my touch. He has finally realized he's been in that room a week and is bored, wants out every time I open the door.

We aren't anywhere near the PTS issue, not at all. It is just, do I resign myself that he is this way, or do I try for more diagnostic work? So that's what we discussed.

There are only a few things this could be:
- cancer and / or tumor. An MRI would show that. Then what? Would I put him through surgery (cost $3000 to $5000) which is high risk and may or may not be successful? No, I wouldn't.
- spine degeneration. An MRI would show that. Nothing you can do but keep the cat comfortable.
- slipped disc. An MRI would show that. May or may not require surgery. Would I put him through the surgery ($2700 to $3000) which is high risk and may or may not be successful? No, I wouldn't.

So we are going to treat this as a slipped disc which can be addressed w/o surgery. Keeping him on the prednisone for anti inflammatory. Only been a week, if he really aggravated it jumping the baby gate to eat, and going up and down stairs to use the box, it could be 3 to 6 weeks before we see any improvement. Adding a pain med, tramadol, for now.

I am going to take some time to close the cellar door and let him out so he has a change of environment. As he can't get up on the perch to look out the window, there really isn't much for him in Mandy's room. So of course, he just sleeps. I'll have to watch him, we don't want him trying to get up on a chair, sofa etc. And can't leave him out too long, as the others need to get the cellar door open again.


I feel more comfortable having discussed this with the vet.

Thanks you all for your support and prayers.

[kaycountrygal]

Freedom, It sounds as if your talk with vet with very helpful in sorting out what to do or not do. I do hope your cat gets better. I have a thought and I dont know if it is helpful or not. Obviously I dont know the layout of your house or what irritates Chestnut's disc problem... but would a ramp of some sort be of any help to Chestnut? A ramp to his perch maybe? just trying to help. Kay, Mon, Jan 31 2011.

[cassiesmom]

We are going to treat this as a slipped disc which can be addressed w/o surgery. Keeping him on the prednisone for anti inflammatory. Only been a week, if he really aggravated it jumping the baby gate to eat, and going up and down stairs to use the box, it could be 3 to 6 weeks before we see any improvement. Adding a pain med, tramadol, for now.

I am going to take some time to close the cellar door and let him out so he has a change of environment. As he can't get up on the perch to look out the window, there really isn't much for him in Mandy's room. So of course, he just sleeps. I'll have to watch him, we don't want him trying to get up on a chair, sofa etc. And can't leave him out too long, as the others need to get the cellar door open again.

I feel more comfortable having discussed this with the vet.

Thanks you all for your support and prayers.
Awww, Chestnut! I hope the medications help tremendously! Big ((HUG)) for you and ((HUG)) x15 for your mum and everyone else.

And a candle http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=12579999

[phesina]

More prayers and warm wishes and healing energies for dear Chestnut.

Love from Pat and cats :love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Freedom]

Thanks, Kay, I'll think about that for long term!

I have stairs up to my bed, for the dogs. The cats use those sometimes, especially going up (lazy cats, lol!) but mostly they just jump down. Until we have a better idea what is happening, a ramp "could" pose the same situation -- he'd take it up, and jump down. And even jumping down could hurt him more.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope that the meds will help him. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.