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Old September 19th, 2011, 09:20 PM
Sammy_Cat Sammy_Cat is offline
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Tiger needs help

My 13-year-old tabby cat, Tiger, started losing a lot of weight in July. He appeared to be eating okay but was weak and purring inappropriately. We took him in to the vet and had multiple blood tests done and he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. We gave him pills for several weeks and he gained weight back and seemed to be back in good health, but just about a week ago he took a nose-dive for the worse.

He was still on his pills but he stopped eating, started acting strange/reclusive, and he is weakened and wobbly when he walks (sometimes falling over). I am very worried for him. We took him to the vet again last Friday. Initially he had signs of a slight infection back in July and was never given any antibiotics for it, but when I came back for follow up last July the vet said he wasn't concerned about that so I didn't worry. This last Friday when I came back again I asked him to give the antibiotics this time. So he gave him subcutaneous water and an antibiotics shot. His condition has not improved. He is hiding behind the washer/dryer. I give him food but he hardly eats if at all. Last night I had to feed him with a syringe. My parents took him back to the vet today where he got more water (subcutaneous) and a shot for nausea. He ate a little more today (tuna). The vet did x-rays and could not find anything physically wrong. I wish I knew what the problem is. He is purring all the time and seems to have laboured/fast breathing. Does this mean he is in pain? What do you think is wrong with him?
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Old September 19th, 2011, 10:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy_Cat View Post
The vet did x-rays and could not find anything physically wrong.
What about blood work?
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Old September 20th, 2011, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Sammy_Cat View Post
I wish I knew what the problem is. He is purring all the time and seems to have laboured/fast breathing. Does this mean he is in pain? What do you think is wrong with him?
Yes, that does mean he's in pain.


What about toxins? How is his bloodwork? After the hypothyroidism is the vet doing follow up blood work to ensure the meds are adequate? Is there another vet that you can take Tiger to for a second opinion?
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Old September 26th, 2011, 12:28 AM
Sammy_Cat Sammy_Cat is offline
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He has had all kinds of blood work done and they cannot find anything seriously wrong. Last Wednesday we had him stay at the Vet hospital and they gave him intravenous liquids, pain and anti-nauseants, he came home like a new cat. He was back to his old self and eating great and running around, energetic, it was wonderful - but that lasted just for about a day, and then on Saturday he ate one last little bit in the morning and then stopped eating for the rest of the day. We took him back to the vet today where they gave him subcutaenous fluids and vitamins. The vet suggested taking him off his thyroid meds for a week to 10 days in case it is a bad reaction/side effects to the meds. He also said we should bring him back for regular fluid injections and force feed him with a syringe just to keep his immediate needs met.

The vets seem stumped. There was no indication that there was anything wrong with his kidneys or otherwise. I wish we knew what was wrong.

I can't find any info on these symptoms:

-not eating or drinking on his own
-dehydrated
-weakened
-wobbly/falling down when trying to walk
-purring regularly/fast breathing

Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
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Old September 26th, 2011, 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Sammy_Cat View Post
Last Wednesday we had him stay at the Vet hospital and they gave him intravenous liquids, pain and anti-nauseants, he came home like a new cat.
What pain meds was he given? I think it might be worth trying analgesics again to see if that's a factor in how he's feeling. I'd be careful using an NSAID like Metacam though, which can cause kidney failure in cats. There are a couple of better options, like Buprenex or a Fentanyl pain patch.
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Old September 26th, 2011, 10:08 PM
Sammy_Cat Sammy_Cat is offline
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I came home from work today and Tiger was having terrible seizures. He was stiffening up and meowing when touched/moved. The vet recommended putting him down.

We lost a dear friend today who meant more to us than you will ever know.
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Old September 26th, 2011, 11:32 PM
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Oh Sammy_Cat, I'm so sorry. That must have been very traumatic. I don't have any words that could possibly come close to making you feel better, but know that you did the best you could for Tiger and he is pain-free now. We're here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on.

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Old September 27th, 2011, 01:00 AM
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sweet Tiger He is playing at the Rainbow Bridge with those who've gone before
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Old September 27th, 2011, 07:42 AM
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I am so very sorry... go with the angels little one
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Old September 27th, 2011, 07:45 AM
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This is unfortunately after the fact,but I cannot help wondering if this sad happening was the result of the Antibiotics shot(maybe Convenia).
I know,I am paranoid about Convenia...
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Old September 27th, 2011, 12:23 PM
Jim Hall Jim Hall is offline
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is sounds like it was meant to be sometimes kits are just to sick
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Old September 27th, 2011, 12:24 PM
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So sorry for your loss of Tiger, but he is pain free now, no more questions about what else you could have done for him. Tiger went to the bridge knowing you loved him and did all you could. RIP sweet kitty.
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Old September 27th, 2011, 06:21 PM
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I'm so sorry, Sammy_Cat!

Tiger
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Old September 27th, 2011, 06:31 PM
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I am so sorry for your loss Sammy Cat...

RIP sweet Tiger!
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