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Rupert has Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
A bit of background can be found here: http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=67664
Well, Winston called it - I just wish she hadn't been right! (due to the whole need for steroid shots thing) The vet today was REALLY great. I would recommend them to any cat owners in the Hamilton area. Rupert was given one steroid shot designed to last 24 hours and then the same medication in pills (Dextabs) to follow up with for three weeks. Then, if it's needed we'll go to the Depo Mederol (sp?). I appreciated that the vet didn't want to bring out the big guns right away and understood my concerns about steroids. We also got Clavomax liquid, as an infection has started to develop where he's been overgrooming his paw and he got a dose of Revolution to be on the safe side, though no fleas etc. were apparent. Finally, we got a tub of Viralys powder (Lysine) since I've had concerns about Rupert being sneezy and having a runny nose off and on this winter. The vet did try to recommend the Hill's but I told him no, that I prefer grain-free foods and do a lot of research in the area. He didn't push it (much appreciated!) and said he ultimately doesn't think a food allergy is the issue here anyway. We go back for a follow-up on Tuesday. He noticed Rupert also has a lot of gunk in his ears and he swabbed that to look more closely this afternoon. He'll call us tonight if we need to go in and get any other meds. Rupert was an absolute superstar during his visit and the vet and techs could not believe what a friendly and tolerant kitty he is! Vet told FH that he should keep cleaning and wrapping the paw exactly how he has been until we go back on Tuesday. And the shot he got is already giving Rupert quite a bit of relief from the itchies. for my little guy....I hope we can get this resolved without the use of too many steroids.
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl Last edited by Chaser; January 22nd, 2010 at 03:51 PM. |
#2
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Aww, poor Rupert but at least you know what it is.
Hope the meds you were given clear everything up so you don't have to use the steroids. |
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Chaser, I remembered reading a thread about eosinophilic granuloma complex here (which is amazing since I suffer from CRAFT disease ) and did a search for it in case any of the info can help you ....
http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42431 |
#4
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Quote:
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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I'm glad the meds are helping the little guy out. At least now you know what you're dealing with, Chaser!
for Rupert!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
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Quote:
It was really funny that I asked about the Granuloma before the vet even mentioned it! He was like "How did you know I was thinking that?" I tild him I'm part of an online forum full of devoted animal rescuers and doggy/kitty experts
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Update
No call from the vet, which is good. Means the ear gunk is just part of the condition I guess and should be cleared up through the current course of treatment. If he has concerns after looking at the swabs he would have called asap.
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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That's good news, anyway! At least you don't have to worry about treating his ears on top of everything else.
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"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
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Great news ....at least that's one less thing to be concerned about.
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Chaser not bad news and at least you know what your dealing with.
You can now rule out environmental and food allergy! The vet told us to remove all plastic items from the home that the cat could come in contact with. So we removed plastic dishes, bags, mats etc to help. With Brady the depo shot was an immediate relief and it lasted for approx 5 months. The food change has been really helpful too. He was just a kibble kitty before and now he is all wet ! He is a food hound though so anything motivates him. The worst areas on Brady were the mouth like a cold sore and the pads of his feet. He also had some dry scabby areas on his head but they have never returned. I think he has only had 2 shots now over a couple of years. A previous vet had my mom scared silly that if she gave the shots to Brady he would become an instant diabetic cat...Brady is young, otherwide healthy indoor kitty. Mom tried prednisone for a very long time and finally we opted for the shot which as I said was an instant relief. Rupert will be feeling better in no time I am sure! I hope he learns to like the wet food. Youll have to be persistant and just keep trying a can of different kinds and eventually you will find it. We did but it took months..Mine still eat some dry but very minimal now. Some folks also call it Rodent Lip or Salmion Lip... Give Rupert a smooch for me! and Kailey and Chase!
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Tabitha April 10, 1995 - August 23, 2013 Bomber April 10, 1995 - July 12, 2010 Winston Nov 15, 1999 - September 15, 2011 Sophie Aug 30, 2011 "UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED" He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -Unknown |
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Rupert isn't presenting with Rodent Lip specifically....but regardless we've never used plastic dishes etc. - just stainless steel or ceramic.
The vet was really good about addressing my concerns about steroids. He said Rupert's heart sounded excellent and given his activity level and all he doesn't have concerns about giving a Depo shot. I still think it's ridiculous that anyone could think a vet kibble full of corn would actually be good for this condition I'll stick with the novel proteins and will keep working on the wet food with him. He seems to like venison best so far and I've made some headway with that....have yet to try rabbit though. Will be thrilled if he likes it! And I'll give lots of kisses all around for you! Aside from the four hours I was at work today Rupert hasn't left my lap. And I bought him a new collar online on Etsy...spent $18 Holy "Worried Momma" Complex.....
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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I forgot to mention streess was also key! I know Ruperts not but just another thing that brings it back..poor Mommy Complex!
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Tabitha April 10, 1995 - August 23, 2013 Bomber April 10, 1995 - July 12, 2010 Winston Nov 15, 1999 - September 15, 2011 Sophie Aug 30, 2011 "UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED" He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -Unknown |
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It's great you have some answers now for Rupert. Much easier to treat. krdahmer's Fagan if I remember correctly gets those shots too. Maybe once or twice a year. I'm sure kr will be along soon to set me straight.
Rupert will be back to himself in no time. Maybe he will be "lucky" and only need one shot at the first of the heating season and then he will be fine. He doesn't present with any symptoms in the summer does he? It's a great time to get him moving over to wet food. If the vet thinks he isn't suffering allergies then maybe you could try him on some of the chicken ones.
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Assumptions do nothing but make an ass out of u and me. We can stick our heads in the sand for only so long before it starts choking us. Face it folks. The pet population is bad ALL OVER THE WORLD! |
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Luckily Rupert is such a laid back kitty he doesn't get stressed by much. The only thing that seems to upset him is if he is left home alone overnight and we're in the process of hiring a stay-over dogsitter that would therefore be here with Rupert as well on the rare occasion we need to be away
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Quote:
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Yay! He was surprsingly good with all his meds this morning And his cone is off for a little while and although he's trying to get at his paw a little it's not frantic/obsessive like before
We're off to a good start I think!
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Thankfully, at least you know what you are dealing with. Is this something Rupert will eventually get over with meds, or is it something he's got for life?
I hope it's just something he'll get over.
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There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
#18
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Quote:
My hope is that one long-acting steroid shot each November will be sufficient to control it.....I don't want to pump him full of steroids. It's just a matter of seeing how well he responds to the shot. As long as his symptoms stay controlled he doesn't need another, but at the first sign I'll know what it is and it will be time to go in for a shot.
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Sounds like keeping his immune system strong is really the key to this.
__________________
There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
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Chaser, I highly recommend you look into a product called Transfer Factor Classic. It helps to balance an outta whack immune system. 4Life, the makers of Transfer Factor, also make a cat version but it's the human "Classic" version that you want. A little on the pricey side, but if it helps, it would be worth it. Start with 1/4 cap per day and work up to a full cap. Mix it with food.
Is Rupert still getting salmon oil? That can also be useful for EGC, along with 50iu of vitamin E per day (or 400iu per week). Some more links for you to check out on the subject, if you haven't already seen them: http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/CLERK/Starnes/index.php http://daisythecurlycat.blogspot.com...loma%20complex http://www.fabcats.org/owners/skin/e...granuloma.html
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"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler |
#21
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Quote:
He's still getting the salmon oil - vet was happy to hear I've been doing that. I'll add the vitamin E now too
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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The Treatment is Working!!!
I am VERY relieved to report that Rupert's horrible itchies have stopped! His paw is almost totally healed, as is his nose.
He never developed Rodent Lip, as seems to be common, but one of his symptoms was an itchy nose that he would not stop licking and rubbing on things until it bled. We're finishing up the antibiotics and will continue with the Lysine since it is really decreasing his sneezing and snotting (sorry...TMI?) He is on 0.5 mg Dexamethasone until Friday, then 0.25 mg for seven days, then 0.25 mg every other day for a week. Then we go back to the vet. The goal is to find the lowest dose that will control his symptoms. Good news is that the vet sees no need to load him up with a long-acting steroid - thankfully it isn't that severe. And we're considering ourselves lucky that he's easy to pill! I'm so glad my boy is comfy again! We left his cone on last night to be cautious but during waking hours he's not doing any scratching etc. so I think he can go without it now
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Yay! I'm so glad he's better. Hopefully he won't need a high dosage of the meds from now on.
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There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
#24
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So good to hear he's feeling better, Chaser!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#25
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Thanks guys
I guess now that he's not a conehead I'll have to work on taking some pictures to post. He's quickly getting back to His Royal Cuteness.....much improved from the flaky, bloody,"I just got in a huge fight with myself" look.
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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So nice to hear of his improvements Chaser! It's always a relief to know what the situation is and to have great people & vets that give advice and guidance.
Pictures...pretty please?
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A dog wags his tail with his heart Dogs have Masters--Cats have Staff Rest in Peace Bailey: 12/10/95-1/9/09 (Golden Retriever) Rest in Peace Kitty: 7/1/2000 - 10/7/2013 Rest in Peace Gryphon (sounds like Griffin): 10/15/2004 - 11/18/2017 (English Springer Spaniel) Bella: 3/09/2005 LHD Cat adopted by/from Child Mollie: 6/2/2009 (English Setter) |
#27
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I'll get to work on the pics ASAP...all the critters are snoozing right now and are bound to look cute!
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Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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Great news!!
__________________
Assumptions do nothing but make an ass out of u and me. We can stick our heads in the sand for only so long before it starts choking us. Face it folks. The pet population is bad ALL OVER THE WORLD! |
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WOOOO HOOOO for Rupert.
And, hope he doesn't have any relapses. |
#30
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__________________
Chase (Friendly Resident Wigglebum) - Border Collie/Lab/Shepherd X Kailey (Misunderstood Gentle Beauty) - GSD & foster failure #1 Rupert (Gold-Medal Winner of the 3 a.m. Kitty Destruction Olympics ) Heidi - RIP my sweet baby girl |
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