Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
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 homeespecially 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 allI 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
RE: Hobbs, more info--Liver
If the bilirubin is high, could this be fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis)? I've been through this with my Luc and it is very reversible with proper treatment. The treatment is simple -- feed, feed, feed, and quick, quick, quick! The problem is that the cat may not feel like eating, in which case force-feeding or tube-feeding is the way to go. With Luc, force-feeding was so stressful that we elected to have an esophageal tube inserted through his neck. We thinned out and blended some A/D from the vet and syringed it through a little funnel into the tube. Within a week, he started to feel better and lapped it up on his own, and turned right around. We had to wait a while to have the tube removed -- the rough edges of the hole needed to heal over before they could be stitched shut. We too had the test to the tune of several hundred dollars, and then Luc didn't react well to the anesthetic and they kept him overnight for several more hundred, so I feel your pain on having to consider money. The tube insertion itself was only a couple hundred dollars (although the vet may have taken pity on us after the original $1200 we'd spent on tests and the overnight stay). Thankfully, my mother had left a small amount of money and I know she would have been happy to know it went to save my heart-kitty's life. I hope things turn out okay for Hobbs! Hugs to him and his hoomins. Diane R. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Heather Wienker Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:41 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver 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 homeespecially 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 allI 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 This electronic mail transmission and any attachments are confidential and may be privileged. They should be read or retained only by the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the transmission from your system. In addition, in order to comply with Treasury Circular 230, we are required to inform you that unless we have specifically stated to the contrary in writing, any advice we provide in this email or any attachment concerning federal tax issues or submissions is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, to avoid federal tax penalties.
Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
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 homeespecially 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 allI 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 - Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
Why can't she do the fluids? I did them for Ebony and there was no real problem. Not fun but doable. She may have very good reasons but have her check it out with the vet. Mine showed me exactly what to do and it works. On Apr 29, 2008, at 1:41 PM, Heather Wienker 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 homeespecially 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 allI 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
Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
Are they talking IV fluids where he will be hooked up to an infusion pump? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
YES. My friend's' Lucie was in liver failure because she was not eating her normal amount of food. Her blood count numbers were off the charts. The internal med doc did ultrasound to make sure it wasn't cancer and placed an E tube. They kept her (24/7 clinic) for a few days to get her started. There were meds ~ prednisone and anti nausea. Mike had to feed her 4 times a day. She thrives! She was REALLY bad when Mike took her in. I went with him. I did not think she would or could live. E tubes are the BEST! Hepatic lipidosis is reversible and Diane is right...feed feed feed and quick quick quick!! good luck. ps I would take kitty to vet during day and at home at night. I agree. At vet they are alone from 5PM-7:30AM. A ridiculously and perilously long time. I would also have them place the E tube immediately. Prayers, Energy and Thoughts for the kitty (name?) Laurie - Original Message - From: Rosenfeldt, Diane To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:01 PM Subject: RE: Hobbs, more info--Liver If the bilirubin is high, could this be fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis)? I've been through this with my Luc and it is very reversible with proper treatment. The treatment is simple -- feed, feed, feed, and quick, quick, quick! The problem is that the cat may not feel like eating, in which case force-feeding or tube-feeding is the way to go. With Luc, force-feeding was so stressful that we elected to have an esophageal tube inserted through his neck. We thinned out and blended some A/D from the vet and syringed it through a little funnel into the tube. Within a week, he started to feel better and lapped it up on his own, and turned right around. We had to wait a while to have the tube removed -- the rough edges of the hole needed to heal over before they could be stitched shut. We too had the test to the tune of several hundred dollars, and then Luc didn't react well to the anesthetic and they kept him overnight for several more hundred, so I feel your pain on having to consider money. The tube insertion itself was only a couple hundred dollars (although the vet may have taken pity on us after the original $1200 we'd spent on tests and the overnight stay). Thankfully, my mother had left a small amount of money and I know she would have been happy to know it went to save my heart-kitty's life. I hope things turn out okay for Hobbs! Hugs to him and his hoomins. Diane R. -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Heather Wienker Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:41 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver 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 homeespecially 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 allI 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 This electronic mail transmission and any attachments are confidential and may be privileged. They should be read or retained only by the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the transmission from your system. In addition, in order to comply
Re: Hobbs, more info--Liver
I ask because as Marylyn said subq fluids are easy to do, I am doing two of my cats now, Joey very early CRF and Fred CRF for 2 years now. Fred has been getting fluids for almost the whole 2 years and Joey for about 3 or so months. Her vet can show her how and I'd be happy to help: Are they talking IV fluids where he will be hooked up to an infusion pump? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://www.bemikitties.com HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://www.hostdesign4u.com ForYouByUs.com [custom printing] http://www.foryoubyus.com
