Misty's blood results

[Kim]

I mentioned on Elaine's thread about bloods, that my Birman cat, Misty had bloods taken on Tuesday after I took him to the vets as I am concerned about his weight loss He has a good appetite and I haven't noticed diarrhoea. I expected hyperthyroidism or kidney disease, but when the vet phoned me last night she said there is a problem with his liver. Kidneys are fine. She thinks the most likely diagnosis is FIP :shock: I don't know loads about FIP, but when I googled it, although weight loss is a factor, Misty has none of the other symptoms. He has to have a fasting blood test next Tuesday, so that should give us more info hopefully. Misty will be 13 in May and she said pedigree cats don't tend to live as long as moggies. I stupidly became very upset on the phone and so don't really remember everything she said except the prognosis isn't good. :cry:

This photo was taken a few years ago, but one of my favourites with my bridge dog, Ben.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i168/Brenkim/DSCF0055.jpg

[farthing]

Kim, sorry to hear this.
I think FIP is from a corona virus, so it might be worth testing for this, although most cats have been exposed to it, even if Misty is positive it doesn't mean it is FIP, however if she has now corona virus, it isn't FIP. FIP is very hard to diagnose.
Has a test for thyroid levels been sent off, ALT levels can be raised for a thyroid problem, and once the levels are stablised they return to normal, so if that is what suggest a problem it is worth checking the thyroid out.
It was suspected Triger had this but the vets rules it out due to something to do with the protein levels, I think. I will ask my vet on monday, if I get a chance.

[Elaine]

OMG Kim, I am so sorry to read this, must have been a real shock to hear that but I do agree with Farthing, from what I know about FIP, it isnt very common. Many cats will have been exposed to the corona virus and it's usual when there is a mutation to the corona virus that Fip can occurr.
Did she say if Misty was anaemic? What her white blood cell count was, most particular the lymphocytes? Was her blood protein high? Although these things go with FIP, they also go with many other illnesses too.
Here a a couple of good links for you.
http://www.fabcats.org/owners/fip/info.html

http://www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/cad/informationforvets/felinecoronavirusfcov/adiagnosisoffelineinfectiousperitonitisfipissuspec ted/

http://www.dr-addie.com/#fipguardian

Lots of hugs and best wishes to you and Misty xxx

[calismum]

I hope the next test results are more conclusive. It is difficult to take in all that is being said on the phone particularly if you are a bit upset. I'm sure the vet wouldn't mind you calling back or popping in to discuss it with you again. I don't know enough about FIP to comment but Elaine and farthing have given you good advice based on their sound knowledge.

Can I just add that the pic of her and Ben is lovely, no wonder it's a favourite.

[angieh]

I can only echo what calismum says above as I have no knowledge of FIP. It is very difficult to take everything in at first go, especially if you are upset. ((((HUGS)))) Kim and healing vibes for Misty. Really lovely photo.

[trick]

Not good. Sounds like there is no definate answer to this, could be many different reasons for the weight loss.
How long has she been losing weight for?

[yola]

Kim - so sorry that Misty's condition is so vague at the moment. Don't despair - maybe additional tests may clarify things.

I would say that speaking to your vet when you're less upset would be a good idea, that way you can discuss various treatment options with a clear and less emotional head.

Love and hugs to you and Misty - hopefully her condition is something that can be controlled and managed.

[Kim]

Thanks all for your replies, very helpful and have looked at the links too. I know Misty is very pretty but he is a boy!!! lol Misty has been losing weight for a while now, I took him to the vet is September andteh vet wasn't overly concerned and a general check up was all ok. Misty's heart rate was normal and the vet couldn't feel an enlarged thyroid whe we went on Tuesday, he is frail, but otherwise okay and his appetite is excellent! Everything I read about FIP says appetite is poor, also says FIP usually affects younger cats, a vet nurse on another site says she has never heard of FIP in a cat as old as Misty. I so hope the vet is wrong and hope the fasting blood test is more conclusive. Will let you all know. xx

[Kazz]

Hmmm....I know nothing about FIP ....that will be of any use. However I know when Oz was first poorly I was so upset and scared what with the vet not sure what was wrong with him...I sat down and wrote out what I knew were his symptoms...and what had led me to bring him to the vets....feelings and niggling ideas as well.

Oz had some tests same as Misty I imagine and then I picked him up took him home, and left the vet with a copy of my information then went back to the vets on my own (minus cat) to get the results....

Hope it works out good for you and Misty.

[dandysmom]

I too know almost nothing about FIP, but I do hope the diagnosis is wrong and that it is a misdiagnosis and will be something treatable. A good idea to have a clarifying talk with the vet; hard to take everything in when you're upset. (((hugs))) to you and healing vibes to Misty ......

[yola]

Sorry for muddling Misty's gender. As you say, he's very pretty and I naturally assumed 'she'. :oops:

[dandysmom]

Understandable, most of the Mistys here are female, my late blue torbie and Donna's girl, among others.

[Kim]

Please don't worry Yola, as Eileen says, most Misty's seem to ber female - guess we broke the mould!

[Mags]

Healing thoughts for Misty, wishing him well, Kim ...

[alexgirl73]

lots of healing vibes being sent Kim ((hugs)) xx

[pookyandjo]

Hopefully the vet is wrong.... and its not FIP... sending positive thoughts from across the pond xox

[Kim]

Misty has been back to the vet today, this time I asked for Rob, the most experienced vet. He agreed with me that it is very, very unlikely to be FIP, that was a relief as I was so worried for the other cats. However, when he examined Misty he could feel a mass which he said is a tumour, it is inoperable and therefore terminal. I am devastated, and so sad that Misty probably won't be here in 6 months time. He is not too bad at the moment, so we shall keep him comfortable and as happy as possible. His liver enzymes were raised so they did a fasting blood tests and we should know te results by the end of the week. The severe weight loss is due to the cancer. :(

[yola]

Oh Kim. I'm so very sorry - you're understandably devastated.

That was my fear too, with Balie's weight loss. I wish the outcome had been different for Misty too, but you know what you're dealing with now so you can cherish the time you have left with him and love him dearly in the intervening weeks and months.

Love and hugs.

[angieh]

I am so sorry to hear this news Kim. As Yola says, make the most of every day with Misty. ((((HUGS))))

[dandysmom]

Oh Kim, how very, very sad. Cherish the time you have with your dear boy. (((hugs)))

[Elaine]

Oh dear Kim, I am so sorry the prognosis isnt better for Misty.
All my love and best wishes to you, Misty and your family xxx

[Mags]

I'm so very sorry to hear this, Kim (((hugs)))

[Kazz]

I am so sorry to read this Kim, but the good news is you were aware enough of your cats health to know something was wrong and take him to the vets therefore you will be able in conjunction with the vets to manage his health proactively.

I am sorry he is poorly and "understand" how devestating that kind of news can be with regard to your much loved animals.

I send you all my best wishes..... I am available without appointment for PM's ;)

[trick]

So sorry to here your news.x

[calismum]

Sorry the news wasn't better for Misty. As above, now you know what you are dealing with you will be able to respond in the best possible way for his changing needs (((hugs))) for you both.

[farthing]

Kim, I am so sorry to hear your news, I can't say much tonight but I do know how you feel.
Stay strong and enjoy the time you have left.

[Kim]

Thank-you to all of you, it really, really does help. xx

[EmmaG]

So sorry to hear this Kim, same thing as what happend with Lucy. I know it is hard but try and be strong.

[James]

So sorry to hear the diagnosis for Misty. So many of us can identify with how devastating such news can be. At least you can be aware that we are all here for you and Misty.

[jacks]

So sorry to hear the sad news.My heart goes out to you.(hugs)

[pookyandjo]

so sorry the prognosis isn't good for Misty Kim... hopefully he will be comfortable and enjoy all the love and care you give him in the coming months....take care

[Kim]

The vet phoned me today with the results of the fasting blood test. They show Misty's liver is in a bad way, probably because of the tumour. The vet said it is an option to refer him to a specialist who could do scans and then possibly try and remove the tumour, however, she wasn't really recommending this. Misty is so frail and terrribly thin, he has a very runny nose, runny eyes and sneezing a lot at the moment, for which I now have some antibiotics. The vet said if they operate and the tumour is bad they may suggest putting him to sleep on the table. I don't think it is worth putting his frail body through this, especially as there are no guarantees and considering his age (13 in May). I have some medication and food to help with liver function. I would really appreciate your thoughts/opinions/experiences. I want to do the best for him and obviously give him a chance, but at the same time, not put him through anything needlessly. Thank-you x

[angieh]

Kim - I really feel for you, it is such a hard decision to make but all I would say to you is that you know Misty best. If and when you think that he is in any way distressed or that he no longer has a decent quality of life, then the kindest thing for him would be to let him go. You will know when the time is right. Better to err in the interests of his comfort than hang on because you love him so. ((((HUGS))))

[farthing]

Kim, I really feel for you.
Milk thistle is very good for liver function, and the liver enzymes can be quite high and the animal can still feel well within itself.
Deli, our 13 year old dalmation was diagnosed with liver problems, at one point her liver enzymes were 10 times above normal- using samylin ( dog meds with milk thistle in it for liver disease) and a hepatic diet it dropped to 5 times above normal- she is stable at this level for the moment and you wouldn't know anything was wrong. I am aware things may be different with a tumour. Deli was scanned initially and nothing was found, she may well have gone on to show a tumour but we decided not to bother as levels increased because it wouldn't have changed what we do- we decided against a biopsy and certainly an op- so much for an old animal to go through.
Is Misty jaundiced at all, I am always checking Deli for this but no signs of anything yet, and her appetite is still good. This is how I am monitoring her. She was diagnosed with a problem 18 months ago and is still going strong. I hope you get Misty's infection under control and he goes on to have a happy time left.

[dandysmom]

Oh what a hard decision; only you who know him best will be able to decide when/if it's time. Hopefully the meds will keep him healthy and enjoying life for some time. (((hugs)))

[jacks]

A very difficult time for you.Im sure you will make the right decisions.Misty will let you know.Sending you hugs and love to you both.

[Moli]

Cannot advise Kim, but thinking of you...xx

[Elaine]

Oh Kim, I really feel for you and Misty, such a very difficult time and extremely hard to know what to do for the best. All I can advise is to trust your instincts on this.
Sending all my love xxx

[Mags]

Thinking of you Kim, you will know in your heart when it's time to let go (((hugs)))

[calismum]

Can only echo what has already been said. ((hugs)) for you both.

[Kim]

Thanks so much. The vet I saw on Tuesday, who is a much older experienced vet never mentioned about a scan or operation, in fact he said there would be no point in operating as they wouldn't be able to do anything. What the vet said yesterday has put my mind in turmoil. :( However, this was the vet who said he probably had FIP, so I don't have much faith in her! The supplement the vet has given me contains milk thistle. Misty wasn't impressed with the Hills L/D food, so I think I will just carry on giving him what I know he likes. I spoke to Mr Burns at crufts today and he said Burns food would be fine for him. Misty isn't jaundice at all at the moment. xx

[Kazz]

Isn't it irritating when you get differring information....I must say I did not change Oz or Cleo's diet when they got CRF I tried they hated it (one night) I just left them with what they normaly ate plus a lot of things that they loved to keep them eating.

All the best did you enjoy Crufts I am going tomorrow...

[Kim]

Thanks Kazz. Yes, I did enjoy Crufts. Not as busy as normal, which was nicer to walk around. Spent a fortune on the dogs, I actually had a list of thing to buy them!!! Spent quite a lot at the Burns stand and bought them a paw plunger for cleaning muddy feet - saw them last year and have regrettted so many times that I didn't buy one then! Also bought some 'plaque off', BARF food, treats, a furminator, which was a bargain and fab! After the shopping we spent quite a long time in the main arena watching the agility. As usual we headed for the rescue stands, particularly the greyhounds. :-D Hope you enjoy your day tomorrow. :)

[Kim]

Just an update on Misty. Very sadly he has deteriorated very much in the last few days. he has not eaten anything today and hardly moving. I think his time is very near. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, but I have given him some metacam just in case. I am also syringing some water into his mouth as his gums are very pale. I would rather he passes away naturally, if not I shall have to take him for his final vet visit. :( I did phone the vet this evening and they said that it does sound as if his time is near, but our decision. :(

[Kazz]

If he is no pain then I understand your P.O.V......I am sorry to hear your news, but he is much loved and cared for there is nothing else to do but wait.

Take care of yourself and remember Kim cats (animals) do not have expectations of what is to come....they just slow down and take it as normal...its us who worry not them. They live in the present moment not the future moment.

Take care I know its hard Karen

[angieh]

I'm very sorry to hear about Misty, Kim. You will know when the time is right. (((HUGS)))

[Elaine]

So sorry to read this Kim, all my love and best wishes are with you and your family xxx

[Kim]

Thanks all. I really thought I would know when the time is right, but I'm actually not sure. Misty has always hated the vets and meowed the whole time he was there, he is lying on his heated pad in our conservatory and the heater is on, I have covered him with a light blanket. He looks peaceful, I just pray that he goes naturally.

Kazz, sorry to be thick, but what does P.O.V mean?

xx

[Kazz]

Sorry Kim, apologises....Point Of View, my apologises we do it at work don't know why.............

[yola]

So sorry to hear you are faced with making this decision Kim. God willing, Misty will take this onerous task off your hands and just 'fall asleep'.

I can understand your anguish and also the 'should I; shouldn't I' confusion. It's something I'm beginning to get to with my old boy and you just feel unable to trust your judgement at a time like that.

Much love xxx

[dandysmom]

Oh Kim, s sorry to hear this. Never easy knowing when is the right time; I do hope he'll go quietly to the final sleep at home .... (((hugs)))

[Kim]

Just to let you all know that Misty passed away peacefully during the night. :( I came down at 3.30am and sat for ages stroking him. He was in his soft bed covered with a blanket. We decided to take him to the vets today, but I'm glad he died in his own home. We will bury him in his garden that he loved so much. RIP Misty, he was such a character and I will miss my beautiful blue eyed boy. x

[yola]

So very sorry Kim that your beautiful boy has left you.

Love and hugs.

[Mags]

So very, very sorry Kim, my thoughts are with you ... xx

[Elaine]

Very very sorry for your loss Kim xxx

R.I.P. Sweet Misty xxx

[jacks]

Sorry to hear of your loss.Thinking of you.
Sleep tight Misty.

[angieh]

Oh Kim, I am so very sorry to hear that Misty has passed on - peacefully at home is really special. You knew, didn't you? Misty will rest gently in his favourite place and be in your hearts forever. (((HUGS))))

[farthing]

Sorry for your loss.

[alexgirl73]

So very, very sorry Kim :( He was a beautiful boy, and obviously much loved.

RIP Misty xx

[dandysmom]

I'm so sorry, but at least he was in his own home with his family around him. It is so hard, but he is at peace and in no pain now. RIP, Misty, play at the Bridge.

[EmmaG]

So sorry Kim :(

RIP sweetie

[Kim]

Thanks everyone, as ever it means so much and much appreciated. xx

[Moli]

So very sorry Kim....
Run Free little one...xx

[Kazz]

My sympathies Kim, its hard but so nice when you know there time has come after a long and happy life.....

[pinklizzy]

Sorry I missed that your boy had been poorly :(
Run free at the bridge beautiful Misty and hugs to you xxx