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Old April 27th, 2010, 02:11 PM
Jennie Edsall Jennie Edsall is offline
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Unhappy Cat with LYMPHANGIECTASIA

My year old cat, Mittens, has lymphangiectasia (very rare in cats). He is on prednisone at the moment, but I am unsure what to feed him. I know he needs a low fat, high protein, grain free diet, but is there one that works? I know switching him to the raw food diet might be best, but I want to know what type of raw diet as well. I would really appreciate any help. He also has haemobartonella as a result of this lymphangiectasia, so we are hoping the medication and new, strict diet will be the best way forward. I appreciate your thoughts on this.
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Old April 27th, 2010, 02:53 PM
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Welcome to the board, Jennie, though I'm sorry it isn't under better circumstances I don't have any advice but I do want to send along some that the meds and diet change will do the trick for Mittens.

our cat gurus will be along shortly with suggestions.
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Old April 27th, 2010, 04:35 PM
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Hi Jenny ~ ditto on the welcome. I think you are absolutely on the right track with raw. Total control is what you need. As Hazel noted the cat-persons will chime in. Be a little patient if you can for all the answers to come in as a few of our catxsperts are away from the board for a day or so.
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Old April 28th, 2010, 05:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
My year old cat, Mittens, has lymphangiectasia (very rare in cats).
So sorry to hear that. How was the lymphangiecteasia diagnosed?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
He is on prednisone at the moment,
Is he on any other meds or supplements?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
but I am unsure what to feed him.
What does he eat now, and what was he eating when diagnosed?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
I know he needs a low fat, high protein, grain free diet, but is there one that works? I know switching him to the raw food diet might be best, but I want to know what type of raw diet as well.
A raw diet using a single novel protein source would be your best option. Any chance you can get your hands on some raw rabbit? It tends to be very easy to digest and lower in fat than something like chicken.

It's also important to supplement the fat soluble vitamins (E, D, A) and you might want to ask your vet about cobalamin (vit b12) injections.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
He also has haemobartonella as a result of this lymphangiectasia,
I'm actually not sure how these are related. Haemobartonella is a mycoplasma infection transmitted by ticks and fleas.
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Old May 3rd, 2010, 12:23 PM
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Dearest Jennie Edsall

Wishing you all the best as you look for answers for your little kitten Mittens.
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  #6  
Old May 3rd, 2010, 12:25 PM
Jennie Edsall Jennie Edsall is offline
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Thank you all so much for your replies. Mittens is still not well. He is still on prednisone and is now taking something to fight intestinal and other infections. He does NOT have haemobartonella after all. The DNA test was negative. He still has a fever though, and is not eating anything. We have to syringe his food and water still. He was diagnosed through a biopsy that showed negative FIP and either IBD or lymphangiectasia, but they figured the latter was more likely based on all of the blood work and the look inside. My vet says although FIP was ruled out, it doesn't show on early biopsies and that it may be FIP after all. So many diagnoses, not one answer. He was eating normal kibble and wet food. NOw we are trying to get him to eat EVO or raw venison, even canned EVO. He doesn't eat anything we give him. He was eating chicken and tuna, but he has no time for it now. Is it a good idea to take the results to another vet?
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Old May 3rd, 2010, 01:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
Is it a good idea to take the results to another vet?
Or maybe get a referral to a specialist. Have you tried any appetite stimulants? A feeding tube may also be necessary, and aren't as scary as they sound (had to resort to using them on 3 separate occasions for my kitties). Here is some info on that: http://www.catinfo.org/feedingtubes.htm

Hope you find out what's going and your kitty makes a full recovery!
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Old May 3rd, 2010, 02:23 PM
Jennie Edsall Jennie Edsall is offline
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Thanks SugarCatMom. My vet did mention a feeding tube but she said it doesn't really help either diagnoses in the end, it only prolongs things for a short while. We also talked about a specialist, but she has been conferring with specialists around the country for my cat. Internal Medicine Specialists at Royal Canin have also been involved. They are the Drs that said it was likely FIP :-( I will likely need to go to a specialist, as I can't imagine anything else for my kitten. Have you had a cat with FIP before?
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Old May 3rd, 2010, 04:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennie Edsall View Post
Have you had a cat with FIP before?
No, thankfully. It's a heartbreaking illness with no cure, so I pray that's not what Mittens has. There is a ton of excellent info on the subject at these 2 websites, if you want to read more about it:
http://www.sockfip.info/
http://www.dr-addie.com/

Good luck! Let us know what happens.
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Old May 6th, 2010, 06:09 PM
Jennie Edsall Jennie Edsall is offline
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Unhappy Good bye

I just wanted to let everyone know we had to say goodbye to our gorgeous boy today. Thank you for all of your help, he was too sick, sicker than we thought and is now in a better place. Thanks again.
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Old May 6th, 2010, 07:12 PM
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Oh Jennie, I'm so sorry! How heartbroken you must be. Were the vets ever able to figure out what was wrong?

Mittens
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Old May 7th, 2010, 06:06 AM
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Oh I am so so sorry. Mittens could not have been in better hands during his all too short time here. Sounds like you did all you could and more to get some answers.

He is whole and healthy again running at the Bridge waiting for you

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Old May 7th, 2010, 11:15 AM
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I'm so sorry, Jennie You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Mittens
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  #14  
Old May 18th, 2010, 11:54 AM
Jennie Edsall Jennie Edsall is offline
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Thank you all so much for your kind words. Mittens had FIP in the end which is what they originally thought, but then changed it to lymphangiectasia and back to FIP. This has been one horrible roller coaster ride. Even though we tried our best to save him, nothing would have been enough. I don't understand how a 15 month old kitten can be taken away from this world. It's so sad. I still feel like I didn't have enough time with him. I never would have had enough time. I take comfort in knowing he is happy and healthy again. It's all we ever wanted for him. Thanks again xxx
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Old May 18th, 2010, 11:57 AM
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I am so sorry

I know it is never a good time to say goodbye to our beloved pets, but it just seems so much sadder when they have not had the chance to live a full live.
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Old May 18th, 2010, 01:55 PM
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I am so sorry for your loss. Mittens
Sorry I did not see this earlier. I had just lost one of mine on Apr. 26 who was not quite 3. I know how hard it is to lose them young. If it's any consolation FIP is not curable.
We have a forum for pets that have passed. Maybe you would like to remember precious Mittens there?
http://www.pets.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=34
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Old May 18th, 2010, 11:34 PM
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sweet Mittens He is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with those who've gone before
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