A bit overwhelmed here...

  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #21

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
I looked up the symptoms of low blood potassium and they are:

Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight loss or loss of muscle mass
Pain and associated vocalizations
Moderate to extreme weakness
Difficulty getting up or walking
Inability to support head weight
Trouble breathing
Muscle paralysis
Respiratory failure
Nervous disorders and depression
Heartbeat irregularities
Cardiac arrest
Poor growth
Poor coat quality
Increased drinking and urination


What confuses me is that he is mildly lethargic, doesn't have much of an appetite, he is vomiting, he lost weight, his fur is a mess from not cleaning, and he is drinking more and constantly trying to urinate. So he has all these signs but these are also signs of kidney inflammation as well as cystitis. He is also prone to bad stress reactions and is very stress-sensitive... Which can cause a potassium deficiency as well as cystitis. I can't find anything on stress being linked to kidney inflammation though.

I am wondering if this is all a result of stress because he is otherwise "healthy". This all started after we had adopted a new cat. He started with the constant in and out of the litter box and he was vocalizing that he was trying to pee. I thought he was blocked so got him to the vet and did the urine test. He has a mild infection and was treated for it... But this persisted and has not let up. Eventually, he started peeing on everything... rugs, towels, bags, etc. and he has never been a cat to do anything of the sort.

I am going to have to go over all this again with this vet and possibly try getting another opinion. He has been to different vets and no one is able to pinpoint why he is constantly trying to pee. I think that in and of itself is causing him a great deal of stress especially if he always feels like he has to pee and can't. I would be absolutely miserable. Since it is getting nicer outside, I will start taking him out for walks again (he walks on a harness) since I know he enjoys that and it can help with the stress. I am just so confused.

As for the food, we are going to try BFF food since it is low in phosphorus and sodium. That will be here today. I think I will wait until he gets started on the potassium though so he doesn't associate the new food with feeling sick to his stomach. He is eating, not much, but little bits here and there. We got him a can of Tiki Cat from the pet store the other day and he eats a few bites of that and then drinks the broth in it. I just add extra water to it.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
At this juncture, I agree that you need to go over everything with the vet again. And, when you do, make sure the vet thinks it is a good idea to go with low phosphorus foods at this point in time. I have also heard of giving some low phosphorus foods but also feeding cats their 'regular' food too. So, on that note, perhaps just one meal a day of low phosphorus would be a better way to start.

It does sound like it would seem to be cystitis from all that you have explained above. So, I would also press the vet for details on how they arrived at kidney inflammation. Perhaps, they actually mean bladder inflammation? Either way, nail the vet down to specific details about this diagnosis. And, ask why if there is inflammation no meds are being administered to help minimize it.

When was his last urinalysis/urine culture? It is my understanding that would be one of the test results used to help identify any urinary tract issues - bladder &/or kidneys. So, make sure that is part of the discussion as well.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #23

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
At this juncture, I agree that you need to go over everything with the vet again. And, when you do, make sure the vet thinks it is a good idea to go with low phosphorus foods at this point in time. I have also heard of giving some low phosphorus foods but also feeding cats their 'regular' food too. So, on that note, perhaps just one meal a day of low phosphorus would be a better way to start.

It does sound like it would seem to be cystitis from all that you have explained above. So, I would also press the vet for details on how they arrived at kidney inflammation. Perhaps, they actually mean bladder inflammation? Either way, nail the vet down to specific details about this diagnosis. And, ask why if there is inflammation no meds are being administered to help minimize it.

When was his last urinalysis/urine culture? It is my understanding that would be one of the test results used to help identify any urinary tract issues - bladder &/or kidneys. So, make sure that is part of the discussion as well.
That was tested just at the end of last week which is what showed protein in the urine and he believes this to be a sign of kidney inflammation. I am wondering if this can just all be pegged down to stress because for his age, the blood work would suggest he is very healthy. This is outside of the potassium deficiency of course.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #24

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
Oh, and the food, he will be getting half and half. So one can of BFF and one can of Fancy Feast (chicken or turkey & giblets pate).

The vet wanted him on that Science diet stuff for kidney issues and the ingredients put me off, not to mention he won't eat the stuff. Too much filler and grains.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
That was tested just at the end of last week which is what showed protein in the urine and he believes this to be a sign of kidney inflammation.
It can also be from things like hypertension, or a chronic infection for example. I just don't know why a course of antibiotics would be such a devastating reaction - or, as I said anti-inflammatories. But, he is the vet, I am not.
The vet wanted him on that Science diet stuff for kidney issues and the ingredients put me off, not to mention he won't eat the stuff. Too much filler and grains.
I think you are wise to choose the path you are for feeling him. Again, from a layperson's perspective only!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #26

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
It can also be from things like hypertension, or a chronic infection for example. I just don't know why a course of antibiotics would be such a devastating reaction - or, as I said anti-inflammatories. But, he is the vet, I am not.
The test checks for infections and was clear of them. He had no signs of one in his urine. I will have to bring up hypertension with him and see what he thinks. I know not all vets work from the same books these days. The younger ones seem to have more knowledge on stuff like this.

Just late last summer we took him to a different vet and spent over $500 testing everything and he found nothing wrong with him. He checked for every possible thing he could think of as well as what I suspected based on research. I believe he was tested for blood pressure issues then but I am not 100% certain. I would have to call that vet.
 

Talien

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
2,650
Purraise
5,131
Location
Michigan
Stress could definitely be a contributor, I had a Cat with with so many struvites in her bladder due to stress it was, according to my vet, like she was peeing sand. After cleaning it up when she peed on the kitchen counter I was inclined to agree, it literally felt like there was sand in it. If you can put him in a room by himself where he isn't coming into contact with the other Cat it would probably be good for him.

Oh, and the food, he will be getting half and half. So one can of BFF and one can of Fancy Feast (chicken or turkey & giblets pate).

The vet wanted him on that Science diet stuff for kidney issues and the ingredients put me off, not to mention he won't eat the stuff. Too much filler and grains.
Good call. The "prescription" diets are literally overpriced garbage.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
The younger ones seem to have more knowledge on stuff like this.
From what I have learned, the younger vets are more prone to testing for everything, it helps them to gain knowledge through practice - not necessarily a bad thing. The older ones tend to go on their experience. Even my vet who has been in practice for nearly 30 years said the same thing - and, it is also about vet preference based on their knowledge and experience. I do know that my vet is very open to discussing options.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #29

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
Stress could definitely be a contributor, I had a Cat with with so many struvites in her bladder due to stress it was, according to my vet, like she was peeing sand. After cleaning it up when she peed on the kitchen counter I was inclined to agree, it literally felt like there was sand in it. If you can put him in a room by himself where he isn't coming into contact with the other Cat it would probably be good for him.
He has a whole floor of a house to himself with his own box and eating space. He can come into the other cats' area but I seldom let them in his space. I did this to help reduce the stress and it has been this way for a year now. I have feliway and some other stress spray I have been trying to make a habit of using in the community spots. Not sure it is doing much for him. The other cats seldom bother him, the youngest hugs him when he sees him which he is not a fan of but he will play with him (rough house) a few times a week. Mostly just him beating up the younger one which to m surprise, he enjoys. lol
 

Talien

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
2,650
Purraise
5,131
Location
Michigan
He has a whole floor of a house to himself with his own box and eating space. He can come into the other cats' area but I seldom let them in his space. I did this to help reduce the stress and it has been this way for a year now. I have feliway and some other stress spray I have been trying to make a habit of using in the community spots. Not sure it is doing much for him. The other cats seldom bother him, the youngest hugs him when he sees him which he is not a fan of but he will play with him (rough house) a few times a week. Mostly just him beating up the younger one which to m surprise, he enjoys. lol
Well, if he actually interacts with the other Cats instead of hissing, growling, and running away then he's probably not stressed by them. Especially if he plays with them.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #31

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
Well, if he actually interacts with the other Cats instead of hissing, growling, and running away then he's probably not stressed by them. Especially if he plays with them.
He only wants to play when he wants to play, otherwise, he hates them being around him. He is a strange cat. Actually prefers the company of dogs lol
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #32

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
A bit of an update. He seems to enjoy the BFF food. He ate half a can earlier and the potassium supplement has increased his energy. He is still hiding but he has been out more than normal today I think. I started him on the fish oil and he doesn't seem to be bothered by that and I am giving him slippery elm as well, just twice a day a few hours after his potassium since I read it can affect the absorption of certain things. Hopefully, with the new diet and the supplements, he will start eating more and put some weight back on. He also did not puke today which is great considering he was puking at least 3 times a day before.
 

Talien

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
2,650
Purraise
5,131
Location
Michigan
A bit of an update. He seems to enjoy the BFF food. He ate half a can earlier and the potassium supplement has increased his energy. He is still hiding but he has been out more than normal today I think. I started him on the fish oil and he doesn't seem to be bothered by that and I am giving him slippery elm as well, just twice a day a few hours after his potassium since I read it can affect the absorption of certain things. Hopefully, with the new diet and the supplements, he will start eating more and put some weight back on. He also did not puke today which is great considering he was puking at least 3 times a day before.
If he's eating it and not throwing up, keep feeding it to him. He needs to make up for that lost weight so just go with what works for now.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #34

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
A bit of an update...

He has gone back to snubbing his food. Not all of it but enough to where he isn't putting on weight. Still not puking nearly as much which is good. He still has blood in his urine though and I feel as though this is stress-related. I was looking up options for stress in cats online and came across "Zylkene". I am wondering if this could help with FIC. Does anyone know? I am going to see if the vet knows anything about this. I don't know what else to do for him at this point.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #35

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
A bit of an update...

He has gone back to snubbing his food. Not all of it but enough to where he isn't putting on weight. Still not puking nearly as much which is good. He still has blood in his urine though and I feel as though this is stress-related. I was looking up options for stress in cats online and came across "Zylkene". I am wondering if this could help with FIC. Does anyone know? I am going to see if the vet knows anything about this. I don't know what else to do for him at this point.
Vet said he did everything he could and he needs to see a specialist and knows nothing about Zylkene. The pee saga continues...
 

suzeanna

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
268
Purraise
472
My vet suggested Zylkene and Feliway as calming options when my new-ish cat was having some aggression issues. She was already on gabapentin and he switched her to fluoxetine, so it was ultimately kind of moot because the fluoxetine (Prozac) ended up being sufficient in solving the issue.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #37

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
I am going to see if I can get him in with a specialist soon. He is still peeing blood and while he seems less wired and is not pacing as much, he is still trying to pee on everything in the house. He is only eating maybe a can's worth of food a day which is not enough either. I'm trying not to worry about it but if nothing is showing in his bloodwork or is urinalysis, for all I know he could have a tumor somewhere.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
Has anyone mentioned the possibility of kidney disease? I didn't go back through this entire thread, so maybe someone has already suggested it to you.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #39

BluOnyx

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Messages
176
Purraise
208
Has anyone mentioned the possibility of kidney disease? I didn't go back through this entire thread, so maybe someone has already suggested it to you.
The vet he recently saw said there is protein in the urine which suggests very early signs of kidney disease but not that he has it, rather he is heading that direction if I don't change his diet. I changed his diet for this reason. He doesn't have kidney disease according to his blood work and urinalysis.

I just don't understand... Both the CBC and urinalysis only showed two issues, that being a bit of protein in the urine and low potassium. He is peeing blood and trying to pee everywhere so clearly something else is going on. I have had two vets tell me there is nothing else they could think to do for him. He is clearly suffering here. I just want to help him.
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,429
Purraise
33,191
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
I am sure someone already noted to you that low potassium can be a sign of kidney disease. Did you actually look at the blood test results? I have found that some of the kidney related values can be within what the vet considers the 'normal' range, but for an older cat they are likely too high. Such as phosphorus - Feeby is in range, but some of the members on other related sites say at her age her phosphorus level is way too high. Likewise with other readings as well.
 
Top