Heather,
Here is what Broadwater Vet Hospital says about high bilirubin.
Broadwater Vet BW Explanations
http://tinyurl.com/2ex549
The total bilirubin level is high. Bilirubin is a product in red blood
cells (RBC). When it is released from natural or diseased destruction of red
blood cells, it is processed (or conjugated) in the liver. Therefore, a high
bilirubin usually indicates either excessive RBC destruction (such as with
haemobartonella infections or immune mediated hemolytic anemia) that is
overwhelming the livers ability to process it, or when there is primary liver
disease, especially a biliary obstruction, which disables the livers ability
to process the bilirubin. When this occurs, abnormally high amounts of
bilirubin start to build up in the blood. If the bilirubin gets too high, the
skin of your pet can start to turn jaundiced, or yellow colored, as a result of
this buildup in the blood. This is most often noted in the whites of the eyes,
inner ears and on the gums.
Is Hobbs anemic? If so he could have a haemobartonella infection. Here is a
link to more info.
http://www.pets.ca/encyclopedia/haemobart_cat.htm
Did they get test results for ALT, AST and ALP? If they are high he could
have hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Food is the cure for HL.
Usually some form of assist feeding is required. Here is the link to the Yahoo
Assist Feeding group.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/
I haven't had to deal with liver disease so don't know about the meds. I do
know Hobbs would be better off at home every night instead of being at an
unattended hospital. It would be a hassle to pick him up every evening and
take him back in the AM but well worth it. And that way she could make sure he
is getting food. Many hospitals do not do a good job of assist feeding. If he
has HL he has to get food. That will mean some form of assist feeding.
Kitties with HL can recover if they receive enough food.
Hugs to Hobbs
Sharyl Sissy and Rocket
Heather Wienker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I thank you all so much for your caring & insightful replies!
It appears the problem is Hobbs' liver, his bilirubin is very high. They
are suggesting a regimen of meds including Denocil, baytril, amox., Cartinine &
Arginine, and fluids. BW suggested an infection which may be the reason for
the antibiotics.
They also suggested doing X-ray/ultrasound/fine needle aspirate & cytology
for the liver. I asked if we can start the meds and see how he responds. If
anyone has comments on this it is appreciated. My rescue vet bills were
$1,100 last week and I hate considering money, but the vet did say we could
proceed that way...I also thought sedating for the aspirate might not be good
if he's so weak?
What we are trying to figure out now is if it's best to hospitalize him for 3
days for fluids as suggested, or, for my friend to take him home where she can
watch over him more during the night (my vet's does not have staff there
overnight). She can't do fluids so would have to bring him back each day for
fluids if so. I think that would be stressful, but it might be best for him
to be at home....especially if he took a turn for the worse, I don't think
she'd like his last moments to be in the hospital if possible. I am always
boarding cats so they can get proper care but in this case am not sure which is
best, kind of a toss up.
Karen, if you have suggestions now that we know that the liver seems to be
the issue, it's appreciated or I can give you a call. A good rescue friend
suggested SamE, but I think the Denocil is like an RX version that might have
some further benefits if I'm understanding correctly.
Thank you all....I haven't been active in the group but always scan the
messages and pray for all of our kitties.
Blessings to you all--and especially to your furry ones,
Heather
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