We took Kali to the vet yesterday, after a week in which she had about 4 “peeing outside of the box” incidents. She wasn’t her usual sassy self, and we noticed that she had lost some weight, but we had no idea how scary things were going to get at the vet’s office.
Her abdomen was extremely firm on examination, and the vet noticed that she looked anemic. X-rays showed that the firm abdomen was caused by a pretty extreme case of constipation (which Kali has had off and on for years), and once that was dealt with everything looked pretty clear. But the cause of the anemia was still a mystery. She wasn’t running a fever, but her heart and spleen were slightly enlarged. And the weight loss was troublesome. The vet ran a full range of blood and urine tests, and we brought Kali home for the night with some medications. And we waited.
The news we got this morning was better than I think either of us was expecting. Her blood work came back with no signs of thyroid trouble, kidney problems or leukemia. Her urine was a little dilute but otherwise normal. The vet told us to up her dosage of the Prednisolone we started her on yesterday, and continue with the course of antibiotics and the Laxulone she was prescribed. She’ll go back for a recheck next week and we’ll see where we stand.
Those of you who remember Kali’s litter-mate/brother Dub may also recall that he suffered from Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia for most of his life – anemia which came on when he was just 11 months old, with no apparent trigger. It took a while but we got it under control, and as far as we know it wasn’t a contributing factor to his early death. So I’m hopeful, I guess, that if we can just get Kali’s blood count back up and get her eating, her prognosis is good. But what scares me is that we are in such a bad position financially. I can’t tell you how devastated we will be if we have to make a hard decision because we can’t afford more intensive or aggressive treatment, or if she takes a turn for the worse. She’s eight years old – middle-aged. She should – and hopefully does – have a lot of life left in her, but I’ve learned that things don’t always go as you expect or hope they will. We’ll just do the best we can.
Sending healing thoughts Kali’s way. Sending hugs for her mommy and daddy too.
Start a paypal account and see what you/we can raise to help her should she need it. How much is it? Worst case? You guys have done so much for cats over the years, it’s time maybe we help you back as much as we can.
I made the hardest decision of my life almost a year ago when I had to put my beloved Boochie down. If the vet would have told me that what they wanted to do would guarantee me years of snuggle time with him, I would have taken out a loan for him. But all that talk to feeding tubes inserted on his side, meds, etc. sounded like too much for him to deal with. Fatty liver disease and jaundice were the dignosis.
I’m rooting for you and Kali and yes about perhaps starting up a paypal. You do so much for pets so maybe we can all repay you.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you guys. Feel better soon, Kali.
Oh this is so tough. Keeping my hopes up for you.
Hi Jen. Hopefully the prednisone will stimulate Kali’s appetite and she’ll start eating again. Wonder if the peeing out of the box was just her way to tell you that she wasn’t feeling well, or if she was straining to have a bowel movement and all that came out was pee, or if she had a bladder infection?? Did they suggest adding canned pumpkin to her food? It’s a great way to add fiber…miraculously helps with either diarrhea or constipation and most cats find it highly palatable.
I agree 100% with Melanie…do set up a PayPal account so that we can help you out a bit. You were so good to all those kitties in your Brooklyn yard and you’ve been so good to (the late lamented Dubya), Kali, Kirby, and Junie…do let us chip in to help you with Kali’s bills.
I agree with the idea for a Paypal account. You and Mike do so much for kitties and I am sure many people would be there for you if you end up needing financial assistance.
Poor Kali girl. I will keep you all in my thoughts. Our little Louis Bear, a Siamese mix, has always been sickly. I think it’s because he was so wee and neglected when we rescued him from the wall of an apartment complex…it started with eye infections, but for years now he’s had chronic UTIs no matter what we do. He is only 3, but I worry about his health down the road, no question. It is horrible to know that one of your fur babies is in pain!
Set up the PayPal account. The worst that could happen is that no one helps. And then there’s the best.
I’m here. I’ll help. As best I can.
Mary
The idea of the Paypal account is excellent & I think the posts here show you that we, your readers, want to help in any way we can. It’s been said, but I must also say, you & Mike have helped so many furry-purries…now it’s your turn to accept help!! It’s all about karma & you two have got a huge amount banked for all you do/have done!
Wow, Jen, I’m so sorry to hear about Kali. My thoughts go out to all of you – sending healing, healthy vibes your way. I have been so nervous this whole past year that if anything were to happen to our dog, Miele, we wouldn’t be in a position to take care of it, so I completely understand the stress of your situation. I think the paypal account is a great idea – and this is the sort of help that does come in the face of economic crisis. I’ll be thinking of you!
Thanks doesn’t even begin to express our gratitude to you guys.
Her blood work from yesterday’s visit came back and she is beginning to regenerate red blood cells, which is good. She’s not progressing as quickly as we’d like, but she is progressing. Mike gave her her new medicine, prednisone in transdermal gel form, and she took it like a superstar. So hopefully we can now get her on a regular twice-daily regimen and get her stronger. She isn’t eating as well as we’d like, but I know that yesterday’s appointment took a ton out of her, so that may have something to do with it. She wants to eat, I think, she’s just very weak.
We’re just taking things a day at a time right now. I’ll be heading to NYC tomorrow and while I know Mike will be right here with her, watching her and caring for her, I’m dreading being away.