Gonzo Hasn't Eaten In A Week...

[Gonzo's grandma]

We've been to the vet twice. They can't figure what's the matter. We've been giving him IV twice a day.

He does this weird thing where he puts one of his paws in the water dish and stays there for a while.

Just noticed he threw up all the liquid we put in him last night.

How long can he go without eating? Is he suffering? Should we let him go?

Thanks in advance for any advise.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Cats normally cannot go without eating for more than 36 hours without having the possibility of liver damage. Has Gonzo had bloodwork done recently? I'm guessing if he's getting fluids twice daily that he already has a medical condition for that. Does he have kidney disease? It sounds like he is in dire straights if he is just sitting with his paw in the water dish. Has he been BACK to the Vet recently? (when you say IV twice a day, is it really sub-q fluids done at home just under the skin, or a medical professional inserting fluids directly into an IV port?)

I cannot tell you if "it's time" because I don't know his circumstances, but I would say it doesn't sound good

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I'm very concerned for Gonzo. I agree utterly with everything that mrsgreenjeens told you...she's one of those whose opinion I trust utterly. Something is very, very wrong, and must be attended to very quickly. Please, please let us know how he does!

 

[mservant]

How old is Gonzo? It can make a big differene how long a cat can manage without food depending on their age and general health. How long has Gonzo been having IV fluid, and is this due to a health condition you know about?

 

[Gonzo's grandma]

Thank you all for your replies. They are greatly appreciated. Gonzo is relatively young. He's a rescue cat and we estimate his age at 3 or 4 years old. We've been doing the IV at home. I dropped him off at the vet this morning and he had more xrays done and it was determined he has an intestinal obstruction and requires surgery. We have to decide tonight if we can spend all the money required or if we should let him go. This is so hard.

 

[lavishsqualor]

I'm so sorry. I can only imagine how difficult such a decision would be. Perhaps you could start a GoFundMe page?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Please let us know what has happened with your Gonzo.

 

[Gonzo's grandma]

I'm glad I found this site. You are all so kind. We decided to invest on Gonzo and schedule surgery. Our own vet recommended a clinic that would be more economical. The surgery was scheduled for this afternoon but, unfortunately, pre-op blood work showed he was too dehydrated so the doctor recommended we wait until tomorrow. There might be some organ damage so his fate is still on the line. Thank you for your messages of support.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Hoping all goes well. Do keep us posted

 

[catsknowme]

Major prayers and vibes that he rehydrates and surgery goes well. Please keep us posted! Once the obstruction is removed, he should feel so much better! ~ Susan

 

[mservant]

Hoping all goes well. Do keep us posted

More positive TCS vibes from me and Mouse. Willing Gonzo on to be strong enough for surgery and to make a full recovery.

 

[orange&white]

Good vibes your way for Gonzo.

 

[lavishsqualor]

I'm so glad you're able to help Gonzo. I'm pulling for him!

 

[Brittany89]

Hoping all works out for your young gonzo.

 

[rubysmama]

Sending vibes that everything goes well for little Gonzo.

 

[Gonzo's grandma]

Another update... Gonzo spent the night at the clinic and got some more fluids in him. This morning he had a bowel movement! YEAH! The vet decided to keep him under observation a little longer before operating on him hoping that he passes whatever is there. More blood work this morning doesn't show any serious organ problems. So the delay was a blessing in disguise...

Who knew that a cat pooping could make you so happy?!

 

[lavishsqualor]

That's wonderful news! Believe me, a lot of the folks here (Artie's mom, I'm looking at you ) are no strangers to rejoicing over cat poop!

Keeping my fingers crossed for Gonzo and hoping he's well on the road to recovery.

 

[catsknowme]

Add me to the list of cat guardians who celebrate a cat's pooping
Excellent update! Prayers and vibes for Gonzo's continued improvement

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Oh yes, most of celebrate cats pooping

Hoping that does the trick and Gonzo doesn't require surgery afterall . Wouldn't that be something?

 

[Gonzo's grandma]

Yet another update... Just when we thought Gonzo was getting better, he took a turn for the worse. The vet called and recommended emergency surgery. We agreed and it was done and it went well. She found a piece of foam in his intestine that was causing the blockage. He's recovering well and should be home tomorrow. The clinic has been fantastic (Friends and Family in Grand Rapids, MI); keeping us updated and not running up bills for the extra care they provided. We hope Gonzo will be home tomorrow.