Billy Update

[Gaina]

Hello Everyone, I hope all humans and furbabies are in fine form. :D

I took Billy for a check up this morning and dropped off a urine sample.

My lovely vet just rang me with the results. Urine tests came back stable, but Billy's lost the weight he put back on when the medication kicked in, and she wants to get to the bottom of it so we're off for a blood test next week. He had to go to the cattery for 4 days last week and they're absolutely brilliant there but he doesn't get the 'little and often' he's used to at home so I think that may account for at least some of the weight loss. He's certainly been tucking in since he got home! :lol:

Generally speaking, he's happy and interested in life and his energy levels are tons better than they were when he was first diagnosed earlier in the year. Maybe he just needs his thyroid meds re-adjusting? We shall find out.

Becky (my vet) has suggested a whiff of 'laughing gas' for him next week so he doesn't get distressed like he did last time blood was taken. Of course, I'll keep you posted on the blood test results.

.....now I just need to find *something* that gets the ruddy weight back on him! Any suggestions gratefully received.

[angieh]

Hi Gaina! Glad to hear that apart from his weight, Billy is doing fine. I would think you are right - it was his spell in the cattery that has caused the loss, especially as you say he's eating well now. Maybe he needs a tiny bit more medication - guess you'll find out next week.

Good to hear that you have a vet who sounds on the ball with Billy.

[Gaina]

Hi Gaina! Glad to hear that apart from his weight, Billy is doing fine. I would think you are right - it was his spell in the cattery that has caused the loss, especially as you say he's eating well now. Maybe he needs a tiny bit more medication - guess you'll find out next week.

Good to hear that you have a vet who sounds on the ball with Billy.

Hello Angie :)

Yes, I make sure we see one or other of the two vets who know his history best now. I'm hoping he'll put at least a *little* weight on before next week. It's a shame as he was doing so well, but the trip we had to make was for a funeral so unfortunately unavoidable.

Hope you're well ;)

[Gaina]

Hello All :)

Billy went for his blood test this morning. The results of the blood test will be back tomorrow but he had a scan today as well, and his kidneys showed 'nothing remarkable' (vet's words) but his liver looked abnormal and Becky (vet) says there seems to be some abnormal tissue there. :?

Going on the theory that knowledge is power I've been reading up on liver disease in cats a I have found that the most common cause is Fatty Liver Disease, which can also occur in conjunction with hyperthyroidism. I don't know if that would show up as 'abnormal tissue' on a scan?

Anyway he's happy in himself and eating well so I am taking heart from that. We only noticed his weight loss after he came back from four days at the cattery (during which he was probably reluctant to eat as he's used to getting whatever he fancies at home, which obviously doesn't happen at the cattery).

Has anyone else experienced FLD in their cat and how was it treated?

[angieh]

I'm sorry to hear that Billy has a problem with his liver Gaina. I don't have any knowledge of liver problems. Maybe the blood test results will give an indication as to what the cause is. I do hope that whatever it is, it is treatable.

[Gaina]

I'm sorry to hear that Billy has a problem with his liver Gaina. I don't have any knowledge of liver problems. Maybe the blood test results will give an indication as to what the cause is. I do hope that whatever it is, it is treatable.

(((Thanks Angie)))).

[Gaina]

Hello All :)

The basic blood work is back and his kidney function is within normal range. We discussed some of the 'homework' I did yesterday and she confirmed what I suspected - that if he had any of the things I was worried about then he'd be feeling ill and refusing to eat. Well, I can say that's definitely not the case - he's still eating for NATO! :D

The results for more complex tests will be back on Monday so she's going to ring me with those, and he could well need to have his thyroid medication adjusted.

I asked more about the 'abnormal tissues' on the liver ultrasound and she says this is very possibly a simple matter of age (our best guess at his age is based on the fact he was about a year old when he waltzed into our lives and he's been with us 13 years, which would make him about 14).

My vet did a lot to put my mind more at ease so I'm feeling way less stressed than I was yesterday. As for 'Himself'? Couldn't give a stuff - he's my usual argumentative, eating, sleeping fluff ball and probably wondering what the knot in my brow is all about. :-D

I'll add more when I get the results on Monday.

[angieh]

I am glad that you've been able to have a good talk with Billy's vet. It sounds as if Billy is acting normally and although it is hard not to worry, perhaps it's time to let that go and enjoy your furry friend.

Fingers crossed for the further blood test results.

[Velvet]

Big hugs from us x

[Gaina]

Thank you Angie and Velvet ((HUG)).

I tend to over-think and over-worry about things that are important to me - I prepare for the worst so that at best I won't be too shocked but I may get a nice surprise too!

Billy is still in good 'fettle' (he has 'marked' that spare room a few more times, but it's ALWAYS after he comes back from the vet. We just make sure the door is shut).

As soon as I know more about the blood work on Monday I'll update xx

[Shelley123]

Hope everything goes ok for Billy, what a worry these pets are for us.
It's a very good sign that he's eating and happy in himself, perhaps as you say his problem with his liver is age related.
We have had some problems with Jerry who is nearly 16 , basicaly the vet has told us that apart from his occasional toilet accidents he is a healthy cat and so we manage his condition. Good luck with the results on Monday.

[Gaina]

Hope everything goes ok for Billy, what a worry these pets are for us.
It's a very good sign that he's eating and happy in himself, perhaps as you say his problem with his liver is age related.
We have had some problems with Jerry who is nearly 16 , basicaly the vet has told us that apart from his occasional toilet accidents he is a healthy cat and so we manage his condition. Good luck with the results on Monday.

Thanks Shelley :D

Billy's generally a very clean little cat and even went out in the rain yesterday rather than go in his tray, so whilst age-related incontinence is understandable I'm nearly 100% certain that it's purely a reaction to the vet with him, as his accidents always coincide with a trip to the vet for a blood test, especially since he *always* does it in a room that's been recently renovated (luckily with laminate flooring!).

I'll be sure to let you know what the vet says tomorrow ;)

[Gaina]

Hello All :)

Sorry I forgot to update you all yesterday. It's good news. :-D

The second set of blood tests came back with the thyroid and liver enzyme readings at their proper levels. As far as his kidneys go, there's been no deterioration.

Because he's eating well and happy in himself Becky just wants to weigh him in about a month's time. Mum picked him up yesterday and thinks he feels a bit heavier, but I've also noticed his shoulders don't feel so 'sharp' when I cuddle him.

Gaina x

[angieh]

That's very good news Gaina - time to take a deep breath and give Billy an extra cuddle from me .... well done lad!

[Gaina]

Thank you Angie, I'll do that. He's had cuddles sent to him from Texas to Tunbridge-Wells! :-D

[Shelley123]

brilliant news about Billy, thanks for the update

[lynz85]

thats great news, hope he continues to keep well!

[Gaina]

Hello All,

Just a quickie to let you know Billy had a check up on Thursday and the vet's very pleased with him. He's back up to 3kg and the vet said she doesn't need to seem him again until August/September.

He's currently fast asleep in his bed under the stairs as it's nice and cool there. ;)

Hope you're all well.

Gaina xxx

[angieh]

Hi Gaina ....... what good news about Billy. Sounds as if he's sensible too, keeping cool after his vet visit. Thanks for letting us know he's doing OK.

[pamela81]

aww thats great news glad to hear hes doing well x

[Gaina]

Hello everyone, hope you and your fur babies are all well.

Billy had his check-up on Thursday and he's still 3kg, and appears to be stable on his medication. He will have a routine blood test while he's having his annual health check and booster in December, but so far everything seems stable :).

We've also managed to remove some little mats he had in his fur courtesy of a silent trimmer I bought. A little food bribery goes a long way and he'll just stand for a few minutes and let you trim a bit off. When he's had enough we just let him wander and do everything at his pace. So far it's doing the trick :).

[Velvet]

Glad to hear the wee man is doing ok

[angieh]

That's good news Gaina - well done you and Billy! I'd like to know more about that silent trimmer, could maybe work for me and Monty (dog)!

[Gaina]

That's good news Gaina - well done you and Billy! I'd like to know more about that silent trimmer, could maybe work for me and Monty (dog)!


They're called 'Wahl Pet Pocket Pro Battery Operated Trimmers'. They're not entirely silent but certainly as close to it as you're likely to get. I bought them because one reviewer had very nervous Maine Coon cats and they weren't phased at all by them. :D

[Gaina]

Just a quick update. He went to have his blood pressure checked today as I had a 'hunch' (you know, the one we get about our fur babies) - it was 170 last time which is 'borderline' for hypertension so my vet told me what to look out for in terms of eye changes etc, so I've been keeping an eye on him. Today with that reading of 170 in mind I decided a trip to the vet wouldn't hurt....

My hunch turned out to be well based and he had a BP of 200. Even taking into account 'white coat syndrome' it was decided this was too high and we came home with 14-days' worth of Amlodipine (2 tablets which the receptionist dilligently cut into 8th's), and he is to have one piece per day.

He's also got a slightly detached retina as a result of the BP, but the vet confirmed my understanding that once the medication kicks in the vision problems are often reversed or at least improved.

She also took some blood to check his thyroid and we get the results back on Monday. He hasn't lost any weight, he's very cheerful and eating well so I think she just wanted to be very thorough, which is great.

Right now he's a bit hacked off with me and sitting facing the wall under the stairs in a 'huff'. He'll thank me tomorrow when he feels better ;).

[angieh]

Well done Gaina, acting on your hunch. I hope that Billy's blood pressure soon goes down and he will of course forgive you for acting in his very best interests.

[Gaina]

Hello Angie,

Yes, I'm totally forgiven today (he's fickle when it comes to food! Haha).

Just over 24 hours later he seems perfectly cheerful so I think that means he's tolerated the new medication. I've been researching data on Amlodipine as a treatment for hypertension in cats and the results of the biggest trials seem to suggest it's extremely effective :).

Hope you and yours are well x

[JMPARK]

Hope all goes well and his blood pressure gets down ok!!

[Gaina]

Just got off the phone from the vet.

Billy's Creatinine and Urea levels are higher than they were in April, so he's going into a prescription renal diet to help his kidneys process the waste products.

Of course I understand that kidney failure is progressive and incurable but my vet is very positive that the prescription diet combined with the amplodipine he's now taking and his other medication will go a long way to stabilising his condition.

He's very happy in himself so we'll start the new diet and see how we go ;).

[angieh]

Fingers crossed that Billy gets on well with his new prescription diet Gaina. My dear old Merlin was on high pH diet for years as he had struvite problems ......... he must have got so bored with it and finally in the end refused to eat it. As he was in his 20's by that time though we believed that it was more important for him to eat something so spoilt him rather.

[Gaina]

Fingers crossed that Billy gets on well with his new prescription diet Gaina. My dear old Merlin was on high pH diet for years as he had struvite problems ......... he must have got so bored with it and finally in the end refused to eat it. As he was in his 20's by that time though we believed that it was more important for him to eat something so spoilt him rather.

Thanks Angie, hearing that Merlin lived into his 20's is very heartening as Billy is 'only' 14 so I am pleased to know it's reasonable to think I can give him a good quality of life for another few years yet. I do hope he loves this new food, as that would be perfect but I also agree with you that actually eating is the most important thing. It comes in Chicken, Beef and Tuna so we *should* be able to find something he likes out of that lot! (she says with fingers crossed, staring at the pedantic little article, haha).

[Gaina]

So far, so good. Not only does he like the new food he's shouting at us for not getting it in the bowl fast enough! :lol:

I've done some research and his favourite Cat Milk is also very low in protein so he can still have that (phew!).

Now I just need to find some low-protein treats. I know Royal Canin do them but I haven't found a place that sells them yet. Does anyone else know?

[Shelley123]

Great that Billy is enjoying the food. Have you tried searching on the internet for the treats ?

[Gaina]

Great that Billy is enjoying the food. Have you tried searching on the internet for the treats ?

Hi Shelley, I started out by looking at the protein content of the treats he already likes, and I'm happy to say the 'Dreamies' he loves are only 0.32% per gram. This is not going to be as hard as I thought it was.

Mind you he just bawled and shouted at my Dad cos he wouldn't give him any chicken (we had roast chicken tonight and he's used to having some while Dad's taking the left over chicken off four sandwiches etc, later). I think there may have been lots of feline expletives in there so I'm quite glad I don't speak 'cat'! :lol:

[Gaina]

Hello All :)
We went for a check-up yesterday and the vet was generally happy with him. His blood pressure has come down a lot so the tablets are definitely working. He's lost about 100g so she gave him some B vitamins and a steriod injection to stimulate his apetite.

I asked if he could have a small amount of lean chicken mince once as week because he does love that and I am primarily concerned with him keeping weight on. Becky said that was fine, so I'm back in his good books cos he can have his treat. I also asked about other brands of food because he's a very faddy eater. She said that whilst the Royal Canin prescription diet was ideal, anything with 'Renal', Kidney or Senior should be fine. Purina do a renal diet food so I'll give him a go at that too :)

Next checkup is when he's due his vaccinations in December. I can breath for a few weeks!

Hope everyone else's fur babies are doing well x

[Mags]

I'm pleased to hear Billy is doing well, I hope he enjoys his chicken mince...:D

[angieh]

Glad to hear that Billy's blood pressure has gone down Gaina and that he can still have his chicken mince!!! He's a lucky boy to have such a devoted mum.

[Gaina]

Glad to hear that Billy's blood pressure has gone down Gaina and that he can still have his chicken mince!!! He's a lucky boy to have such a devoted mum.

Thank you Angie x We are both lucky to have great vet practice that specialises in cats too!

[Gaina]

Billy was poorly over the weekend - snuffly, sneezy, hungry but having trouble eating and generally not happy and added to that bit of weight he's lost in the last two weeks I decided it was time for a trip to see Becky (vet).

It's quite possible he's got a cold, and on inspection the gum around one of his remaining teeth is inflamed but we can't think about taking it out yet as he's too light and the anaesthetic may burden his kidneys, so she has given him a long-acting (two week) antibiotic which will treat any respiratory problems (his heart sounded steady, despite the murmur) and clear up any infection in his gum.

As well as that, I've been given some syringes with painkiller in that I squirt on his gum, starting tomorrow. He's eating tonight and we should see an improvement by tomorrow.

We're back on Thursday afternoon for a check up.

[Shelley123]

Hope Billy improves soon Gaina.

[angieh]

What a worry Gaina - but at least you know now why Billy hasn't been eating as he should. No one likes toothache, so it's a good thing you took him to your vet. I hope he feels a lot better soon.

[Gaina]

Hope Billy improves soon Gaina.

Thank you x He's 'answering back' when you talk to him and getting up to see what's going on when someone passes his bed and has wandered into the kitchen looking for grub a few times so I am optimistic that the antibiotics will have kicked in by tomorrow morning :).

[Gaina]

What a worry Gaina - but at least you know now why Billy hasn't been eating as he should. No one likes toothache, so it's a good thing you took him to your vet. I hope he feels a lot better soon.

Thank you x He was his usual self on Friday, and he's a very 'faddy' eater at the best of times so we were expecting a little weight loss when we tried to change him over to the Renal diet and I was planning to ring Becky about the weight loss this morning, but it turned into an appointment when he looked under the weather.

[Gaina]

Billy has eaten more today than he did yesterday. We started the oral pain killer this morning (smearing the syringe with Marmite worked a treat - he was too busy chewing the syringe to notice the painkiller being squirted in!). About an hour later he had a good go at his food, and between the two flavours I think he's had about 1 small tin or close to it. I had sushi for lunch and he ate one of my prawn 'California' rolls quite enthusiastically (nearly had my finger too! haha). I had to break it up and roll it into little balls for him and we were both sticky and smelled decidedly fishy by the time he was done but whatever it takes to get him to eat, right? :lol:

He's just come through to the kitchen to ask for more food and had quite a respectable amount in one sitting, so I think the antibiotics are taking effect.

[Shelley123]

that's brilliant news Gaina, sounds like he's feeling better. What a relief for you

[Gaina]

that's brilliant news Gaina, sounds like he's feeling better. What a relief for you

Thank you Shelly, it is. I was genuinely bracing myself for the possibility it was 'Rainbow Bridge' day, yesterday. Today I am absolutely drained due to the tension and now the relief!

[Shelley123]

I do understand how you feel more or less as will most of us.
Whenever one of our pets is ill, life seems to revolve around getting them better or at least a good quality of life. It can be uphill and downhill sometimes. Lets hope you are going up and up now

[angieh]

I can sympathise too Gaina. Glad to hear that Billy Boy is eating more now. Sometimes Merlin's vet gave him low dose steroids just to stimulate his appetite but sounds like your Marmite, antibiotics and sushi did the trick too. I've never eaten sushi!

[Gaina]

I can sympathise too Gaina. Glad to hear that Billy Boy is eating more now. Sometimes Merlin's vet gave him low dose steroids just to stimulate his appetite but sounds like your Marmite, antibiotics and sushi did the trick too. I've never eaten sushi!

Becky gave Billy the Steroid and b12 two weeks ago at our last check-up when he'd lost a bit of weight, so she didn't want to give him another yesterday but the antibiotics have obviously started to do their thing :D.

He took his next dose of pain killer then had his tea, and made a 'proper job' of it. He likes it in two sittings - have a munch, a little snooze then goes back for some more. He's in the 'snooze' phase as I type ;) .

I'm just glad that through the whole time he's had no problem taking his thyroid and BP medication. :)

[Gaina]

Just a quick update :).

After a slow start this morning, the painkillers kicked in and Billy's eating steadily, enjoying food more as the day goes on, like he did yesterday. He's now quiet contentedly sunning himself in the back porch :). He's also giving his opinion on everything, which is always a good sign. :lol:

We got back to see Becky tomorrow afternoon so I'll give you an update tomorrow evening.

[angieh]

Sounding good, Gaina! Fingers crossed improvement continues.

[Gaina]

Sounding good, Gaina! Fingers crossed improvement continues.

Thanks Angie :). He's still a bit wobbly when he's walking, which had improved when he was put on Istin (blood pressure medication) after the visit to the vet based on my 'hunch' a few weeks ago, but I suppose if he's not been eating normally for a few days, even humans are a bit wobbly so it's understandable the cat might be too!

I noticed when he woke up from a long nap and went out to the garden for the toilet he was wobbly but walking much better when he came back so I think he'd had a little wander and exercised his creaky joints, bless him.

[Gaina]

Billy took a turn for the worse this morning. He wouldn't eat at all or take his medication so we pushed his vet appointment forward.

I was seen by a wonderful lady called Helen - herself owned by several cats - and she confirmed what I suspected. Billy was all tired out and ready to move on. We could have kept him going for another three or four weeks but should couldn't say that his quality of life would be good and I just knew he was ready to leave. I stroked him and thanked him for being my best friend for 14 years and I let Helen do her job.

I chose not to stay because someone had been there at the very end with his cat and advised others not to do the same, but to remember your friend as he or she was.

Thank you all so, so much for your kindness and help during my time on this forum. Now we need to give ourselves some time to grieve and I will probably come back here in a few days time to chat.

Gaina xx

[angieh]

I am so sorry to hear this news Gaina - it is what we all dread the most. You have done the very best for Billy and I am sure that he would thank you for not letting him suffer any longer. Bless you.

RIP dear Billy.

[Shelley123]

Gaina, so sorry to hear this, you did you're best by him.
Run free now Billy xx

[Mags]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Gaina :(

Sleep tight Billy .....x

[TiggerMoon]

So sorry to hear such sad news. RIP Billy xxx

[yola]

I'm very sorry Gaina - it's so difficult when a long-standing friend leaves us, you have my every sympathy.

I have had one peaceful and one very traumatic experience during a PTS, so I can completely understand why you decided against staying.

[Gaina]

I'm very sorry Gaina - it's so difficult when a long-standing friend leaves us, you have my every sympathy.

I have had one peaceful and one very traumatic experience during a PTS, so I can completely understand why you decided against staying.

Thank you Yola x I was beating myself up on Sunday about not staying but I know that would only have resulted in me capitulating and not doing what was right for Billy, so I am now back to feeling that my choice was right and Billy would agree.

Something odd happened yesterday morning. At this time of year Billy used to enjoy a bit of porridge for breakfast made with his cat milk. Yesterday morning I woke up with the same sadness but the crushing grief had lifted off my chest...and I was craving porridge, which I hardly ever eat. I took this as a sign that Billy his settled where he's gone now and I should begin to move forward.