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.
I am so glad for this thread. I'd forgotten all about this theory, and I do think it is true. Mazy cat's last long span was 12 days, and again, she did not continue to puke for 3 or 4 days after. Before the 12 day span she did have shorter spans 4 days, 5 days, 5 days. But that's not unusual especially this time of year. It's those 10 days or more that I watch for and they ARE coming more foten, and she is not having the former consequences.
Mazy cat had her 6 month check up today. I agonized and agonized over the rabies vaccination. she is almost 15. I KNOW she doesn't need one, and I could do a titer instead. But my state does not recognize titer as proof of immunity. With Mazy cat's bite history, I just feel I can't risk her being unprotected. If she were to bite someone at the vet during an examination or treatment (which has happened a few times), without current rabies, they would have to quarantine her, in a cage, for 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 6 months. That's the law, and around here this law is taken very very seriously. So I did the 3 year purevax. It's the last one she will ever have, she is close to 15 years old and if she makes it another three years..well I'll just have to risk it then. Frankly, I didn't expect, given her problems, I was going to be faced with this, after her last rabies shot, but here she is still going strong, still healthy as anything with the exception of the vomiting and the liver values
But, vet and tech kept marveling over her age, and incredible condition. Well of course that's the raw diet. But I don't say that any more I just nod and say yeah, she's like a cat half her age at home.
Vet liked my stories about Mazy cat sleeping in Jennie's bed and keeping to only one side. (It happened again last night)
When the tech went to get a towel to wrap around Mazy cat she brought a big fluffy one with butterflies on it. She said she chose that one because she hoped the butterflies would help Mazy cat feel relaxed and free.
Mazy cat did very well, lots of growling, but didn't try to bite, because they didn't try to look in her mouth. I'll hear about the blood work next week. Anal glands were very full and thick on the left, the right not quite as bad.
Regarding the asthma, we talked about it in depth and the vet gave me clear directions on watch to watch for, and so far I am not seeing ANY of those signs. She thinks the coughing may be more of a reflux than asthma related. So I'm thinking, if I do see an increase, I might increase her SEB instead of worrying about steroids or other anti-inflammatories.
