Yikes, how long have I been rambling?
I don't know how you do it. Really I don't. You have my utmost respect for the way you do SO much for Mazy to keep her as healthy as she is. I know I was running in circles when I had to split up 2 meals into 4 per day to get Vlad back to where he is today. Then it was awful trying to get him back down to 2 with a bedtime snack.
Ramble? Talk away. In case you haven't noticed, sometimes it's how I get everything into my head and work things out for Vlad. Who knows who might learn something that helps their own pets by our "rambling?"
I'm still struggling with my despair reaction that comes every time she regurgitates. I know this is how it is going to be for her, forever, so why can I not just ACCEPT it and not feel so darn terrible, frustrated and hopeless every time it happens.
This has been in the works for about 2 weeks and so far she has not lost any weight, so I will continue.thumbsup1
She is regurgitating once every 3-4 days though.:(
Next vet appointment will be for the Endocrine imbalance tests.thumbsup1 thumbsup1
Forgot to update yesterday. Mazy cat lost another ounce. :(
Conversely she went 9 days without regurgitating (today would have been 10, but she brought up lunch.)
This happened last year at this time too. First she had that week of diarrhea, then I couldn't get the weight back on her for months. Then suddenly it all went away.
Could be. She threw up her bed time meal last night. Sigh....
PS Thank yo for trying to think of ideas for her. I don't mean to sound ungrateful.
That's wonderful that she gained! So is she back to her normal weight now?
I'm so sorry about the puking. :(
grouphug GoodVibes grouphug
I think I forgot to post about that here, I'll need to make a thread. Back in early summer they changed the formula some what. They claim it hasn't changed all that much and the cellulose that is listed on the new label, was always in there, but it just wasn't on the label before. I am having my doubts about that now.
Still regurgitating every 2-3 days. I'm starting to wonder about the Vets'-Best formula change, and if that's the culprit.
I think I forgot to post about that here, I'll need to make a thread. Back in early summer they changed the formula some what. They claim it hasn't changed all that much and the cellulose that is listed on the new label, was always in there, but it just wasn't on the label before. I am having my doubts about that now.
I did a very slow transition from the old formula to the new. Queen Eva and Jennie aren't affected by it. But they only get Vets-Best once a week.
Anyway, she's maintaining now, but it's, again, costing me my after work walk to manage it.
Chia seed is a type of herb that grows annually. It grows up to approximately three feet long and has tiny leaves with white and purple flowers.
It is usually converted in gel-form which is used to cure digestive problems or upset stomachs among cats. Chia works simply to treat your cat’s stomach anxiety.
Due to its gel-like property, chia seed can hold liquid twelve times its size and act as coating to the intestines and lining of the stomach to ease discomfort in cats.
Desirable taste – It is not difficult to feed chia seeds to your cat because of its neutral taste. It doesn’t affect flavors or typical taste of a cat food. In other words, feeding your cat with chia seeds will not produce an undesirable taste.
Oregano provides fiber. What about some of that? I know some people use the oil as an antibiotic for their pets, but the plant itself provides fiber. So would catnip.
Thanks you guys. I'm going to go back to plain Slippery Elm Bark, and marshmallow . Those are the two active ingredients in the Vets-Best, aside from the psyllium, anyway. She gets psyllium in the Rad Cat and I'll see how she does without it.
Vet's Best can say/claim what they want... I believe SOMETHING changed, when they changed the size. I used it as a food topper to introduce new proteins, textures, etc. It was my go to "miracle" for years.
After the tablet size change... pffft!
All is well. Don't want to jinx anything with too many details at this point. Her poops are just containing massive amounts of fur.
Sounds like things are improving. YAY!
Do you add water to the Pure Bites? I have never bought them or fed them... just heard you talking about them. Curious
No, the PureBites is a treat. It's freeze dried chicken breast only. Mazy cat is able to tolerate them in small shreds thankfully, though I don't use them for her often. And when I do, usually it's just a dusting of crumbs as incentive. I get the dog size for the bigger chunks. Jennie likes big chunks and I like Queen Eva to have to work at a bigger chunk.
I don't dare breathe a word more.
Can it be used for the game "catch the kibble?" :) That is the ONLY thing I miss about kibble.... throwing it down the hallway and the cats chasing after it
Can it be used for the game "catch the kibble?" :) That is the ONLY thing I miss about kibble.... throwing it down the hallway and the cats chasing after it
Twenty days and five hours. TWENTY days between regurgitation episodes.
https://www.inhousepharmacy.vu/p-940-mussel-nz-green-lipped-capsules.aspx
Treating osteoarthritis with Mussel
Mussel capsules contain an extract of the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) that is used for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is commonly known as wear and tear, because as joints age, or as a result of injury, cartilage degenerates and this can result in degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis, where bones are no longer cushioned, causing pain and inflammation, which leads to limited mobility of that joint. GLM extract in Mussel capsules is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA), which have known anti-inflammatory properties; also glycosaminoglycans, particularly chondroitin, which is an important component of connective tissue particularly cartilage and tendons that keeps cartilage hydrated and flexible and this helps to maintain its role as the “shock absorbers” of the joints. The EFAs found in GLM block the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes and this mechanism is thought to be how they reduce inflammation in osteoarthritic joints and relieve symptoms including pain, swelling and reduced mobility of the joints.
I hope Mazy feels better soon! Maybe she needs some ACV with the GLM? :-\
Any thoughts with my plans are welcome. Do different skins have different fat content (weight for weight) or is it : fat is fat? I'm going by: fat is fat for now.
Fat is fat from one species is what's true, but chicken skin isn't ALL fat.
But if you're talking about fat between different species, then it's not the same. Like this comparison between beef and chicken:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/food_vs_food.asp?food=1_5_steak_versus_chicken.
Unless you're not talking about the exact polysaturated/monosaturated/saturated aspects of it. In that case, you can consider it fat is fat. But some will have different calories than others anyway.
Is that what you're asking? If that's not what you're asking, then just ignore me. As for me, I'd just measure it the same no matter what species I was feeding. It will all round out eventually.
Rabbit is generally a very lean protein source. Cats require more fat in their diet than we do (20% – 35%), so, while rabbit is great as a part of the diet, it shouldn’t be the sole protein source.
Remember, too, that there is also fat in the bone broth you're giving her. :)
Fats
Fats are burned as fuel during endurance exercise. They are tougher to break down, but they contain more energy than proteins and carbohydrates. According to Purdue University, fats don’t begin to break down until physical activity is well underway, usually about 20 minutes or more into a workout. The longer an endurance activity continues, the more the body turns to fat for fuel. So, if you are a marathon runner, you use fats to get across the finish line. But if you are a sprinter, you burn carbs to push ahead of the pack.
More at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/520143-do-carbs-or-protein-burn-first/ (http://www.livestrong.com/article/520143-do-carbs-or-protein-burn-first/)
Thanks Dee. I don't think that's the case with Mazy cat. I am not replacing food with fat, I am adding fat.
Moan away. I know what you're going through ....
Moan away. I know what you're going through every time I leave the house and can't be back in a couple of hours. I'm always tense and wondering about him, and that tension only expands almost to the point that I can't breathe when I hit the garage door opener when I get home.
Am I going to walk in to a dog that's gotten overly stressed, for whatever reason, this time or not? My being tense when I walk in doesn't help him either. It's just crazy what we go through at times, isn't it?
Doesn't help your Fibro or my FMF either.
I went through that with Pookie and his sister for years, before I stopped feeding the dry. And even after I changed their diet, I still wondered, just not at the stress level it had been before.
There's really nothing I can say that will help, just know that continued purrs are being sent your way. GoodVibes grouphug Hug1
It was like that with Ootay too, after her first stroke. I worried she would have a stroke right after I walked out, and be stumbling around suffering for hours and hours until I got home. I never went anywhere I couldn't come home to every two hours in all those months after her first one, but thankfully both the second and third happened early in the morning and I was of course home.
Nope, the 12 hour fast didn't work. She's pooping okay but there hasn't been much fur in it the last few times. And now it's lodged itself somewhere, all that fur that hasn't been coming out in the poop. She puked up her pre-meal just now and the lunch came with it (lunch was 3 hours previously) Very foul.
the IBD group recommend Vaseline for 'emergency hairball relief" but petroleum jelly (hairball gels) have always backfired with Mazy cat.
:(
I'd never give that internally. I don't care what they say about its purification process and all that. It's made out of petroleum, and it has a nasty scent. I'll never be convinced that it can be harmless.
Last night she had a normal poop and it was chock full of fur so I guess she's finally passed the wad.
You know, that looks like owl poop. Weird.
You know, that looks like owl poop. Weird.
MC, is that poo that you "investigated".... or is that how it looked when it was deposited?
Remind me again :-[ why you give her Konsyl pure psyllium... and why you stopped?
I truly mean this in the kindest way... the cats being upset about poo in the kitchen had me chuckling a bit.
Mazy cat was up and greeting me when I came home for lunch and ate her lunch right up. So far kept it down.
Since I've been dealing with this for years you'd think I'd be used to it. It's just...the episodes, or flare ups are lasting longer now. Not more frequent than ever, but lasting closer to 48 hours than just a day.
Overtime wil be starting next week. How I dread it.
Up and greeting me when I got home from work too. But then she had more poop, and it was very sticky. Stuck to her, she had to scoot to get it off. Full of fur again, but the shell was sticky. From the psyllium?
Knowing what happened last year when overtime set in, should I start the psyllium as a regular addition in order to try to prevent it?
Knowing what happened last year when overtime set in, should I start the psyllium as a regular addition in order to try to prevent it?
But I don't know how to turn that into a percentage to know how much fat I have added percentage wise.
I have a 1.2 ounce portion of chicken breast or chicken thigh that are both listed as 3 grams of fat per 4 ounce serving.
I have added another gram of fat.
How on earth do I figure out the percentage of fat (not DMB) in that meal?
The second picture is ADORABLE!!!!
Expert Opinion and Historic/Folkloric Precedent
As a food or as a dietary supplement, green-lipped mussel is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is not listed inthe FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list as a food additive.
Ulbricht et al. 59Brief Safety Summary
Likely safe: When eaten in moderation, due to its long history of use inthe Maori diet (Halpern & Georges, 2000).
Possibly safe: When handling green-lipped mussels, although therehave been occupational case reports of lung dysfunction and multiplerespiratory symptoms in New Zealand mussel openers (Glass et al.,1998).
Possibly unsafe: When used in immunosuppressed patients, or in pa-tients not vaccinated against the polio virus (Greening, Dawson, &Lewis, 2001). When used in patients with pulmonary disorders such asasthma (Emelyanov et al., 2002; Glass et al., 1998; Halpern, 2000b).
Likely unsafe: When used in patients with hepatitis or other hepatic dis-orders (MacKenzie et al., 2002; Miles et al., 2004; Suzuki, MacKenzie,Stirling, & Adamson, 2001); possible toxic hepatitis has been associatedwith Seatone in several case reports (Ahern, Milazzo, & Dymock, 1980;Croft, 1980; Fabrin, 1988). When used in patients with neurotoxicity(Ishida et al., 2004; Morohashi et al., 1999). When used in allergic pa-tients (Glass et al., 1998). When used in patients who are pregnant orbreastfeeding (Miller & Wu, 1984; Shiels & Whitehouse, 2000).
Note: Green-lipped mussel appears to be generally well tolerated innonallergic people (Cho et al., 2003; Halpern & Georges, 2000), andsecondary sources suggest that heavy metal contamination is usuallynot a concern (unlike oysters). However, the B4 analog of brevetoxinB (BTXB4), has been associated with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning(Ishida et al., 2004; Morohashi et al., 1999). Complete toxin profilesof green-lipped mussel may also include yessotoxins (YTXs), pecteno-toxins (PTXs), and low levels of okadaic acid (OA) (MacKenzie et al.,2002; Miles et al., 2004; Suzuki et al., 2001). Possible toxic hepatitishas been associated with Seatone in several case reports (Ahern et al.,1980; Croft, 1980; Fabrin, 1988)
Precautions/Warnings/Contraindications
Use cautiously in patients taking anti-inflammatory medications. It has been suggested that green-lipped mussel may enhance not only thebenefits of other anti-inflammatory drugs, but also their adverse effects(particularly gastrointestinal upset).
Use cautiously in patients with asthma; although green-lipped mus-sel has been suggested to have anti-asthmatic effects (Emelyanov et al.,2002; Halpern, 2000b), lung dysfunction and multiple respiratory symptoms have been reported in New Zealand mussel openers (Glass et al.,1998).
Avoid in patients with liver disease, due to potential toxic hepatitisassociated with green-lipped mussel (Ahern et al., 1980; Brooks, 1980;Croft, 1980; Fabrin, 1988).
Avoid in patients with known allergy/hypersensitivity to green-lippedmussel or other shellfish (mollusks, crustaceans). Powdered green-lipped mussel is reported to be more allergenic than lipid extracts; allergic reactions to gelatin (used in capsule preparations) have also been noted.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: New Zealand green-lipped mussel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take by mouth during pregnancy. There is some evidence that it might slow the development of the unborn child and might also delay birth.
There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking New Zealand green-lipped mussel if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
How long will it take before you get the results?
Results are in. The milk is fine. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Can hardly wait to hear about all these parasites Mazy cat has. IF she has something it wasn't from raw meat. I more likely would be something I tracked in.
Results are in. The milk is fine. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Can anyone recommend a good milk thistle source? What I really want to know is, if I use milk thistle instead of Denosyl or Denamarin, do I still have to worry about no food for an hour after giving it? THAT is the main problem here.
Dosage and administration
The standard dosage of milk thistle seed extract is based on a silymarin content of around 80 percent; most supplements contain anywhere from 50-500 milligrams (175 mg is typical). Silymarin is found mostly in milk thistle seeds, but in low amounts. Therefore a milk thistle seed extract will contain the richest source of this active component, as well as other natural compounds found in the seeds.
Because of its excellent safety record and lack of adverse drug interactions, when I’m treating a very sick animal with advanced liver disease, I do not hesitate to use the full human dose–up to 200 mg per 10 pounds of body weight–of milk thistle extract daily. For most purposes, however, one-third to one-half of that dose is more than adequate.
Human research studies have shown that it is more effective to administer this herb in three or four small portions over the day than in one large daily dose. When it is not possible to split the daily dose and administer the fractional portions three or four times a day, give it at least twice a day.
The capsule form is easy to find – any health food store, and even most pharmacies and grocers, will have them in stock. The herb also comes in a liquid extract, but most human products contain a fair bit of alcohol. If you prefer a liquid preparation, get one specifically intended for use in animals.
NOTE: Consumer Lab® released a report in December 2009 regarding test results from 10 commercial milk thistle preparations. Only Jarrow Formulas® Milk Thistle contained the industry standard 70% silymarin; all the rest fell short. They suggest using a product containing milk thistle “seed extract” as opposed to “seed powder” or “whole herb” to get the most silymarin.
While it’s not exactly the fountain of youth, milk thistle clearly has wide-ranging positive effects throughout the body. However, before you add this potent herb to your pet’s daily regimen “just in case” it might do some good, it’s important to consider that some herbalists believe milk thistle is best reserved as a treatment for existing disease, rather than being used by itself in a healthy animal.
While moderate use of milk thistle is very safe, there is some experimental evidence to suggest that long-term ingestion of very high dosages of milk thistle will eventually suppress liver function.
Send out fecal is negative. ;D
Nobody commented so I wondered if you'd all missed this
Sorry, I thought I'd already talked about the constant battle I have with her paranoia over raw and parasites.
Nobody commented so I wondered if you'd all missed this
Mazy cat has gained 4 ounces since starting the Denosyl. Any thoughts?
I've been thinking about this and I remember my reaction the first time I saw her do it, I thought it was like she staggered from the force of the hurl,
Geesh, Pookie, wish you could come with me to these appointments!
Vomiting causes inability to breathe.
Inability to breathe causes the lungs, brain, heart to lose oxygen.
Loss of oxygen can cause blackouts (fainting) or partial fainting that looks like loss of control of muscles because the brain, heart, all other muscles need oxygen to work.
Once breathing resumes, the patient returns to normal.
Maybe you should take DeeDee to these appointments! She did a much better job than I could of understanding and explaining it. (My brain fog is making it harder to concentrate and comprehend or explain things these days.)
Mazy cat's liver values have returned to normal. Alt is now 98, was 123, which was what caused all the fuss. Her eosinophils, by the way have returned to normal range too, after being elevated for almost 2 years.
Did not talk to the vet. Don't knw if I should keep Mazy cat on the Denosyl or not. So frustrating to never be able to talk to her.
Did not talk to the vet. Don't knw if I should keep Mazy cat on the Denosyl or not. So frustrating to never be able to talk to her.
Her eosinophils have been elevated for almost 2 years. At 18 at it's highest. 12 is high normal. Vet was all freaking out about parasites and wanting to do ultrasounds.
Here's the part that I always get annoyed with msyelf about. As i served her her second breakfast serving this morning, something in my head said, she's going to bring this back up. I don't know WHY I thought that but I did. I hesitated to give it to her, then shrugged it off and gave it to her. And she brought it right back up (that and the previous serving a from a half hour earlier)
I don't know why I "know", like that sometimes, but I do. Maybe there's something in her look, her face or posture or something, that I am noticing subconsciously. And I don't know why I don't listen to myself more often, when I do know like that. But..I don't know how much difference it would have made. Other times I DO listen, skip the meal, and it only seems to delay it by a few hours or a day, if I withhold that meal.
I think I am going to aim for a once a month 12 hour fast.
None of that staggering thank goodness.Yay!
Nope,. not over yet. Just brought up her supper pre-meal.
You have done and do everything imaginable! I believe you know that. I also get it that it still makes you feel badly FOR her. HUGS to you both!!!
Darn. Four 10 + hour fasts overnight in a row and she she didn't produce that big furry poop that is due. Her regular poops, but they haven't been very furry. So the fur is building up.
Darn. Four 10 + hour fasts overnight in a row and she she didn't produce that big furry poop that is due. Her regular poops, but they haven't been very furry. So the fur is building up.
I have to walk though cat nip to get to my door this time of year
This morning she was back to normal.
This place is kind of like Dr. Google as a source for many things, but I'm sure these amounts are right because they're not ranting on raw food:
http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypomagnesemia
nd is also important in the production and elimination of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter); a low concentration of magnesium in the extracellular fluid (fluid outside of the cells) can increase concentrations of acetylcholine at motor endplates, resulting in an involuntary reaction of muscles. Interference with the electrical gradient can result in neuromuscular and cardiac abnormalities.
You might need to learn to can meats for her for emergency rations. You'd at least get one worry off your hands.
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2015/01/canning-meat.html
How about organic meat canned for humans? You'd have to add the minerals and vitamins with that stuff that's mixed with raw food (brain freeze here on the name), but it would be organic and canned. Surely if there were an emergency, the hospital could actually measure a bit out for her to eat?
http://www.wildplanetfoods.com/product/value-vault-organic-roasted-chicken-breast-nsa-12-pack/
https://www.foodcity.com/product/0004711709700/
I think I'd be tempted to try some of the canned meats from the Amish. They don't go after "organic" labeling b/c of hoops, but they eat organic, and that's why so many of them are so much healthier than (for lack of a better word) "normal people" are. I know preppers use the Troyer and Yoder brands of canned meats, and there's a ton of different meats available.
I can't remember. What is Agar-Agar? http://naturalplanetpetfood.com/pet-food/cat-dinner/10
More fur poop this morning. No straining, but man, that fur must feel scratchy coming out I would think.
But is it top-coat or undercoat that's coming out with grooming? I know V&B's undercoat feels like silk.
Today I started the Organix canned food introduction, chicken pate. I am posting it in Mazy cat's thread because it is Mazy cat who is the issue. I am sure Jennie and Queen Eva could handle any canned food, any time (not that I would give them just "any")
As I have mentioned here and there, I need a canned food Mazy cat can eat, for emergencies (such as a power outage). Even after a year or more without it, she could eat the By Nature Organic, without re-introduction, because her body had always been able to handle it. Since that is gone, I have been searching for years for something else.
Organix recently revised their recipes and have gotten two certifications, USDA Organic, and equally, if not more, important (to Mazy cat) non-GMO Project Verified. They still include things I would rather not feed, the food is very pea heavy, and has other fruits and veg in smaller amounts. But no gums, no carrageenan no menadione sodium bisulfate.
I have got to have something.
I've been talking to Feline Natural by the way. While they are not certified organic or non-GMO Project Verified, they are a New Zealand company and that is where their ingredients come from, and they have confirmed their foods are non-GMO (I think GMO is mainly a problem in the USA)
I haven't turned to their canned foods to try because they don't have single source proteins. however in a recent conversation with them they told me they are planning a new line with single source proteins. So that may be a better option, in the future.
Organix isn't ideal. it is pea heavy (as was the By Nature so I know Mazy cat can handle it), has other ingredients I don't like, and is owned by Purina, which galls me. But (they claim) they operate independently, and they HAVE gone through the rigorous and expensive steps to become USDA Certified Organic and non-GMO Project Verified.
Jennie and Queen Eva each had half an ounce today and Mazy cat had 0.2 oz. In a couple of days I will slip her another 0.2 ounces and continue that way for a couple of weeks, every few days. Once I am sure it's not going to bother her ( fingerscrossed fingerscrossed fingerscrossed) I will try her with a bigger serving every few days. If that stays down consistently I will consider her transitioned and just have it here for emergencies.
Incidentally, they all went berserk over it. funny2
First day, first hurdles.
1)She kept it down. If rejected immediately by her body, I wouldn't try again.
2) She did not show any signs of discomfort at any time period after eating it.
3) 3 hours later she had her denosyl and normal raw lunch. Again, no signs of discomfort.
4) 3 hours later again, she's had her pre-meal (raw). Had a pee, and a Game after that. All is still well.
So, I know her body can handle it. Now to give it in a way for her body to get used to it, permanently, so if ever there is a time I have to abruptly switch to it for a full meal, or for a longer period of time, either way she will be able to handle it.
Incidentally, today is day 8 in her non vomit cycle.
I've had a thought. Did she had a wad of fur in her gullet yesterday at lunch time? And the pill got glommed up in that, so never passed through? Is that possible?
It seems weird to me that the pill didn't dissolve
I can't remember. Did you look into some digestive enzymes for her?
Mazy cat gets digestive enzymes in her EZcomplete meals (EZc contains digestive enzymes). She takes ACV in her other meals.
No Proviable DC anymore... or was that someone else... besides myself. :)
If there's any chance at all that she has pancreatic insufficiency, she needs extra enzymes at every meal. I'm suspecting that because the Denosyl didn't digest. I read somewhere that PI is common in animals that had been fed an improper diet in the past. Their pancreas just gets worn out working so hard to digest it.
Proviable DC is probiotic.
I'm an idiot. Ignore me. Silly7
If there's any chance at all that she has pancreatic insufficiency, she needs extra enzymes at every meal. I'm suspecting that because the Denosyl didn't digest. I read somewhere that PI is common in animals that had been fed an improper diet in the past. Their pancreas just gets worn out working so hard to digest it.
Sorry to sound so crabby and ungrateful. I'm not ungrateful;. I'm just carrying a load of stress and anxiety that is intolerable. I often wonder what my life would be like if I wasn't chronically sleep deprived. What I would be like. I haven't slept in a thousand years.
Following her usual pattern when she goes 10 days or more between vomits, (skip a day, then puke again for two or even three more days) Mazy cat brought up her third breakfast meal this morning. There was no denosyl in it.
I keep reminding myself to feed it as is, room temperature, stop warming it up for them, because if I DO have to use it as their food if the power goes out, it wil not be warmed up and I want them to be used to it that way.
So far I have not remembered until AFTER adding the warm water. Doh1
We talked again about the coughing
I must have missed that there was coughing. How long has it been going on?
Thanks Pookie, seem to have missed your post before. Well using a candle to warm the food never occurred to me, that would work in a pinch for sure! Except I don't have any candles or tea lights here. Guess I should get some.
Have you considered an x-ray or ultra sound?
For what?
Heart? Lungs? Nighttime coughing can be a not so good thing.
Thanks for explaining but can you please elaborate on what you mean? Hug1
Coughing for two years, especially when rested...worse case scenario... heart or lung disease. It is more common in dog, but...
The heart and lungs can sound good, but still have a serious problem.
Remember.... We do the best we can.
All I can do is admire your patience and dedication.
Never static with Mazy cat. So after her almost 11 day span, she skipped a day and then yesterday, following her usual pattern, is when I would have expected the next vomit. I had to work late though so she wasn't fed her usual time. She DID vomit, but before she was fed, so no food came up, just a lot of liquid, fur and her denosyl that she had 3 hours previously. This only confirms my belief that these vomits are caused by motility problems (built up fur) and when the fur builds up that much, the denosyl gets caught in it and is not absorbed.
I waited a while, and gave her her usual meals, with SEB in the first one.
She also had another poop (had pooped in the morning) after her pre-meals that was mostly fur.
So, still following the same pattern, but was able to keep her meals down, due to me working late.
This revelation may or may not help going forward. :)
(IF she is still following her normal pattern though I can expect vomiting today and tomorrow as well)
Me and my big mouth. Silly7
Vomited last night and again this morning. No fur, in either batch, so it's lodged in there, hope it moves through tonight.
It also had her denosyl from yesterday lunch. I'm going to start her on some milk thistle powder and possibly sam-e powder instead, if they aren't too awful tasting (powder from capsules mixed in food) The denosyl tablet is just not effective because it keeps getting caught up in the fur in her gut.
Can you not put it in something then take a hammer to it to turn it into powder?
Thanks Dee. The tablet is supposed to pass into the intestinal tract, intact, for maximum absorption. But because she's always got a wad of fur in her stomach, it gets caught and doesn't make it out.
Is 20 days the longest she has ever gone?
I am going to talk to the vet about it. For some reason I feel like anesthesia is the lesser of the two "evils" here, but I don't know why. I think it's because, under anesthesia she doesn't know anything at all. I worry being drugged up will just make her more anxious.
In my stinky opinion... With her barf history and being 14, I think the visit (and results) went rather well! Not that you asked, but I would also go with leaving things alone for now. 2cents
Glad you both made it back home safely, and things went well. Is Mazy cat speaking to you yet? Silly7
She's quite the goalie! :) And getting down to 8 servings a day is HUGE! Congratulations! DrLisaPiersonWorthy DrLisaPiersonWorthy DrLisaPiersonWorthy
Mazy is cute... as always. I wish more people, with older cats, would watch this video. Older cats CAN continue to be alert and active.
Mazy cat has some good news to report. She went 16 days between vomits.
A long span like that, as you may know, generally leads to several more days in a row of vomiting.
However, this one did not! She went on for 6 more days vomit free, until this morning. bananamiddlechild
Mazy cat has started to leave half her bedtime meal and I wonder if for some reason she is objecting to the yolk, so as of today I am splitting the yolk into two meals. 1st morning meal and bedtime meal.
She gets 1/4 of a boiled egg yolk daily for choline (increases motility). That's about 0.14 oz of yolk. I'm trying .07 am and pm now.
As I mentioned...her last longer span (16 days) did not result in another 2-4 days of vomiting. Also, she is pooping every 24 hours now instead of every 36, so her transit time and motility are definitely increased. The stools are perfectly normal raw fed poops chock full of fur, but I think the increase in frequency means the fur is moving out more quickly, so maybe there is going to be less build up!
Loss of hearing.
Sensitive.
Stress or anxiety related to the passing of Jennie maybe.
Good to hear (no pun intended) that Mazy passed your hearing test.
Also want to mention something I have worked out about the cyclic nature of the vomiting and why it helps her, even though she rarely brings up any fur. I don't think I've ever mentioned (or maybe I have) how forceful the contractions are when she vomits. It is NOT regurgitation, even though it happens right after she eats. Her body has quite strong and repetitive spasms before the food is ejected.
I think that these contractions not only are bringing up the food but are forcing the fur that is causing it, that is blocking the other exit, the pylorus to start moving through. THAT'S why it's cyclic, and only happens once, every 7 days or so. (with some variation of course)
In the past, her longer spans led to more vomiting, because the longer span led to a bigger build up of the fur. But now...with the increased motility/transit time, the longer spans are becoming more frequent, AND, since there appears to be less fur built up, she doesn't need three more days of puking to force the pyloric emptying. The one time is enough.
Hope that makes sense, it's a new thought, but I am sure I am on the right track here.
Just talked to the vet. Mazy cat's ALT is down 2 points. It's still higher than normal at 127 (100 is high normal) but 127 down from 129 is a good thing, means it hasn't climbed. I try not to worry about what damage the rabies shot may have done, but won't know that until her next blood work.
Everything else, all other blood values, are nomral for her. bananamiddlechild
Thanks Pookie. When I told vet about the bad reaction to the rabies vaccine this time, she seemed skeptical. Maybe it's just me reading things that aren't really there. Phone calls are difficult enough for me. . But it did seem like she didn't really believe me, or rather, didn't believe it was the rabies vaccine at fault. I know she is anti-over vaccination, or used to be.
Mazy cat is still struggling since the rabies vaccine. She did go 10 days between vomits, but lots of urpy days and not eating all her meals. I think she's lost some weight this week, I'll know at weigh in tomorrow.
Is it too late to do some sort of detox? And how to detox a cat? Especially a cat as sensitive to any dietary change as Mazy cat is? I've tried giving her fluids and she got so upset I am reluctant to try again.
Detoxing heavy metals post vaccination may help, but you can surmise it won’t help to a great extent, as vaccinosis is clearly much deeper than intoxication. Nor will vaccinosis be addressed by any type of bodily cleanse. It’s an energetic disturbance.
Thank you very much Pookie. Yeah I am not really a fan of the detox route anyway. I've looked at those products, and most come with alcohol in them.
Increased ACV was what I started with, I should have said, but it made things worse, so I have stopped the ACV for now, and have decided to go with a two week course of pepcid, then start back on her regular regimen. If she's developing an ulcer, the pepcid will help, and ACV of course would be making things worse.
With Mazy cat it's always guess work.
No more signs of that urpiness thank goodness. She's back on her usual AVC drops. Her vomitng pattern hasn't changed wither. She's thundering around the house, dancing sideways to ask for Games...all is well and normal.
So I've bought some to try, pray she's okay with it.
I do wonder if the change in water has anything to do with it. We're still all on bottled water because I am still worrying about the chlorine.
I have more progress to report! Home from work, I was getting ready to give Mazy cat her pre-meal and wondering how I could coax her to initiate a pee run on her own, and she did it for me. Not only a pee but another poop, too!
I think this was all cumulative from the series of events. I do hope we're over the worst of it now. That she chased Queen Eva out of her way and went down on her own is a big step.
Well hell, after all that good news she had to bring up her pre-meal (lactulose and all) with a giant wad of fur. I'm not sorry, she obviously had to get that wad out. It's also most likely a result of her feeling better, she must have had a good long bath sometime today, and that fur just had to come up.
multistars multistars multistars
Poor girl. :( Would Rescue Remedy help her at all?
Sorry, I was asking if it would help her AFTER the vet visit as well. I'm glad she's doing better! :)
Do you think it would help with the joint and muscle pain somehow?
I don't know.
As I have mentioned here, I have seen this before, if she has fur stuck that can't pass. I mean, with the Denosyl pill stuck in it fur that has been brought up (usually with a meal, but since she hasn't eaten more than a tiny sliver of chicken, there is no food to bring up). It's been almost 24 hours since she had that pill and there it was, still whole, bound up in the fur wad.
GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes
Don't you wish you could give her tummy a massage to help move things along? If only . . .
Crossing fingers and paws that the fur moves out soon and she feels better! fingerscrossed fingerscrossed fingerscrossed
Hug1 Hug1 Hug1
Mazy cat had 0.48 oz at lunch so I think she's put this episode behind her. Whew. Tomorrow we'll go back to all regular portions and supplements and denosyl.
She TOLD me she didn't want that second meal but because she had just had a poop that was pure fur, I was sure she was just holding out for some incentive. I was wrong.
I am no biology expert but I do wonder sometimes if the force of these vomits are causing the fur that is blocking the pyloric sphincter to move through. I don't know how to search to find the answer but it makes sense to me.
I am trying hard not to worry about the move.
It caused some stress for her at first but she's gotten used to it now. I didn't like restricting her that way, but I was turning into a crazy maniac dealing with the puking on the rugs. One time, after a bad night with no sleep (work was really really bad at this time as well) I found myself chasing her around the room, throwing furniture out of the way and screaming, (and I mean SCREAMING, I'd never heard that sound come out of my lungs before) "not on the rug not on the rug!".
I was horrified when I came my senses! Poor Mazy cat! She ran away from me and puked at the same time so it went every where. It was then I knew I had to do something to keep her off the rugged areas after she eats.
It's awful to feel so frustrated and helpless isn't it? And then pile on the guilt feelings afterwards for yelling. The cats seem to take it in stride though, I guess they are used to living with a maniac lol. However, I'd never screamed like THAT before. It was frustration borne of many things, no sleep, work stress, it was right after my sister died, there was a lot going on I guess.
Last night she had her not unexpected puke, (10 days span) safely on the kitchen floor, since I now keep her in the kitchen for 10-15 minutes after she eats. No chasing no screaming, I simply cleaned it up.
thumbsup1 I'm glad you've found a way to manage that. I couldn't do that with Pookie or Bonnie. There was no rhyme or reason as to when they'd vomit or regurgitate. Of course, I was free-feeding kibble yuk at the time, and had I known better (and sooner), that would have made a HUGE difference. My floor plan makes it difficult to close off rooms, anyway. But it's great you've found something that works for you! thumbsup1
8 pounds 12 ounces this morning. She just doesn't want to eat as much. No point in trying to coax her, it will just come back up. She's still as active as ever though. Loves to thunder around the house, and play play play!
dancingbanana dancingbanana BanWooHoo bananamiddlechild multistars coolgif2 thumbsup1
How'd you do it? Were you giving her extra meals or slighter more food per meal?
None of the above. :). There is no getting "extra" into Mazy cat any more. She can only eat what she can eat. I feed her her normal amounts at each meal and she eats what she can of it, and whatever she leaves gets scooped into the next meal and so on throughout the day. Feeding extra meals, or trying to coax her to finish inevitably results in her vomiting it all back up, and likely as not the last meal too. She calls the shots. So when she gains weight, it's because she has felt well enough to eat more that week.
Thanks for the explanation; that makes sense. I remember that there were limits to what she could eat or else she would vomit, which is why I was wondering how you did it. I'm glad she felt well enough to eat more that week. thumbsup1 I don't know if a hairball would affect her weight that much, but who knows? :-\
I notice, even when she appears to be in a deep sleep she sleeps with her face toward me. If I get up and move to a different part of the room, within a few minutes she has moved so her face is again pointing toward me, even though she looks like she hasn't woken up in hours.
Some of these are great, but if you have to pay someone to do it......
https://www.wcmanet.org/diy-catio/
Mazy cat got up and asked for supper tonight and ate .76 ounces and kept it down. bananamiddlechild
I invited Mazy cat to poop before I fed her lunch. I knew she was due. She declined. She ate her lunch then promptly threw it up-no fur. Then went back to the litter box and had a furry poop. I have been convinced for many years that the contractions from vomiting help move her bowels along.
I'm sure I've mentioned it a time or two in this thread over the last 5 years. ;D
So on we go. HeadButt
I agree with you about the contractions from vomiting helping to move her bowels. Too bad that she had to vomit her lunch before she could poop, but what can you do? It is what it is.
Thanks for the update! Do you think bumping up the GLM would help with the arthritis/inflammation? Hug1
She's already on the maximum therapeutic dose for her weight. Her digestion tolerates it, just, but it does make her a bit urpy as it is.
Weigh day - Aside from a vomit day on Monday (day 6) She's been eating all her meals and finishing them so I did hope there would be some gain, and there is!
Mazy cat gained 2 ounces this week. bananamiddlechild
I try not to worry too much about Queen Eva, after Mazy cat leaves. It will just have to be got through. But not yet, Mazy cat is still having a Thunder Around the House now and then and playing her games and enjoying her Sunbeams.
Thanks for the info. on the CBD! My mother uses the gummies, too, for her back pain, and it seems to help. I'm glad it's helping you, too. I'm a bit less concerned with it's use in people than I am with use on/in cats. I'll be interested to hear what results Mazy gets.
I've probably asked you this, but don't remember: do you give Mazy milk thistle for liver support?
I look forward to the vet update. :)
PS how did your mother happen to get started on CBD gummies?
Mazy cat had a pretty good day yesterday, two play sessions with me, one Solitaire Game (when I went out for my walk) and a big Thunder Around the House with Queen Eva last night. I expect she'll need to rest today.
Mazy cat appears to be tolerating the prednisolone well, after 4 doses. Yesterday she cleaned her dish with every meal and is very active. I hope it's not making her feel...antsy or anxious. I'm watching her closely of course.
If she hasn't had to use it, I am hoping it means Queen Eva is not giving her a hard a time as I worried she was.
The funny thing is Mazy cat can actually LOOK Queen Eva out of the favored heated vent spot. She simply walks over to Queen Eva and stares at her until Queen Eva hops straight up onto the half wall. Sometimes Mazy cat doesn't even want the spot for herself, she just doesn't want Queen Eva to have it.
She had her peacock feather game, a toast by the heating vent, a drink of water and a cuddle on my lap. In the 9th hour she brought up a little fur and then had a poop (normal, not hard and crumbly). If I'd not waited her breakfast would have come up instead, so that worked out good.
Little victories. :)
Oh my OH my OH MY!!!! MAZY CAT PLAYED AIRBORNE last night! That is not to say she got airborne, she didn't, but she initiated it and played it, all three ways!
I am not happy with the regression in mobility I am seeing so I'm going to start the two days on one day off right now.
She seems to have developed an intolerance to the GLM. Keeps puking up her lunch, which is the meal she gets it in. :(:( GoodVibes HangInThere
Hmm . . . maybe she was just having some "off" days? :-\
I am really happy with the two days on one day off prednisolone regimen. It's been two week since I started it. bananamiddlechild
Wasn't the 2 days on, one day off working well? Would it be ok to go back to that?
The off day was too hard on her. Right now she's just coming out of one of her bad IBD episodes, but I think she needs the pred daily.
CBD - I've become a believer. Not for everyone I know, people have different chemistries. But by a series of coincidences I have found a brand both for myself and for Mazy cat. (different brands)
I just don't know if I can sustain the cost for myself. Mazy cat's is inexpensive, and I would afford it no matter what. Myself though..I don't know I am trying to figure out how to fit it in to the budget. I watch for sales and discounts and that helps but..it's getting tight..
She KNEW I was going to take her today. 3 days makes a habit I guess. As much as she hates going to the vet, she just sat there and waited for me to pick her up and put her in the carrier. And she didn't say a word while she was there either. She's an incredible cat.
I'm glad she's doing better!
Maybe she knew it would help her feel better, even if it's not her favorite place. :)
Kudos to Queen Eva and Mazy (and thanks, Tolly) for being such good girls!
Mazy cat is now on 1 ml lactulose 3 x a day. She's managing to pass stool without too much trouble, every other day. She's eating okay and her weight this morning was 7 lbs 15 1/2 oz so she gained an ounce from last week.
I have some BRILLIANT NEWS! Mazy had a great big poop today. Soft but firm with formed pieces and chock full of fur. Looks like 3 ml (1 ml 3 x a day) is the magic number for her, for now. I do realize that the very nature of laxatives, they gradually do have to be increased. But I'll keep a closer watch this time and not let her get to the state she was in 2 weeks ago, ever again.
I dread tomorrow, Queen Eva to the vet, but we'll get through it somehow. Then her Dental on the 28th. Then that's it for vet appointments for a long time.
:(
Tossing this out there: When Queen Eva comes home from the vet, put her in a room, close the door, and rub one of you shirts over her so some of your scent gets on her. Then you can open the door. And I only mention closing the door because I don't know if the Queen would let you do it, or if she'd run off as soon as you open the carrier door.
As for the furnace guys . . . have you ever tried the Feliway diffuser? Personally, I'm not a fan of the smell, but maybe for a couple days it could help with the furkids' stress?
Every low spell she has I prepare myself that this is the one she won't come out of, but so far she always does.
Have you tried to purr to her? Maybe that will help comfort her, too, even if she doesn't purr back.
((((HUGS)))) grouphug grouphug grouphug
Queen Eva is doing a little better this evening. Still not eating much. I'm hoping she's going to turn out to be one of those cats who decided they LOVE being the only. After all she's been at the bottom of the heap all her life. Perhaps she'll thrive in new ways now.
She ate her first breakfast meal. All of it. After playing String Game with me for a good 10 minutes. She really isn't looking for Mazy cat at all, she knows what happened to her I am positive.
I did all I could and I got her as far as she could go, with her digestive disabilities. I really do believe that.
My quality of life has already improved, not having the work and worry of taking care of Mazy cat. It was a 24 hour a day job. But I miss her so much. I just can't seem to take it in, that she's gone. It all happened so fast at the end. I knew she was failing, I even mentioned she was in Love and Cheese Danish phase. But all of a sudden it seemed like..she was gone.
Sometimes I have to stare at pictures of her, I feel like I can't remember what she looked like or how she was, how we were together. I suppose that's just shock and all that will come back to me in time. I miss her so much. I just miss her so much.