Chronic Vomiting

[corvidae]

Okay, so I sent an email with my questions because I haven't had luck getting them on the phone lately - these were the questions I asked:

"1. Initially we were told that the ultrasounds looked very normal and that they may need to be sent to a specialist to see if someone could get more information from them. Is that still the case? Were abnormalities actually noted on Jem’s ultrasound, like thickening of the intestinal mucosa?

2. Since Jem’s symptoms are vomiting rather than stool related, does that make a difference as far as the best ways to treat his case? I noticed you said that certain IBD foods look to improve stool quality, but Jem’s stool has always been fine - it’s just the vomiting. I also am wondering if the fact that he’s vomiting within 15 minutes of eating here makes a difference. He does definitely gag, so it seems more like vomiting than regurgitation, but it seems weird that it’s always so close to eating.

3. Are there changes we can make to Jem’s diet that aren’t necessarily prescription/vetrinary diet? I’ve heard people have great success with limited ingredient novel protein foods for IBD cats (particularly rabbit-based), although those were cats with bowel/stool problems.

4. Is there any significance to Jem vomiting more after breakfast (wet food, Nulo freestyle, multiple protein sources in each flavour) than after dinner (Dr. Elsey’s clean protein chicken kibble)? He vomited the hypoallergenic wet food (Royal Canin VR Selected Protein) more than the dry (Royal Canin hypoallergenic dry), as well. Should I try looking for common ingredients between those wet foods?"

This is the response I received from the veterinary assistant on behalf of the vet:

I feel kind of frustrated - it sounds like we are just trying things out to see what sticks at this point, and some of the vet/tech's suggestions (water fountains, breaking up meals into smaller portions) are things that I've already tried. Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[artiemom]

Hummmmm.

Not much information. Sounds as if your vet is at a loss..

If it were me, I think I would try the Rayne, at the same time, make an appointment with a specialist. These appointments usually take a while to get.

No more treats, no more regular non-prescription food.
I would feed Jem, only the Rayne.

Do not do a drastic change over— do it slowly, over a week or so— adding more of the Rayne to her diet.

This way, you will be ahead of the game, when it come time to see the Internal Medicine Vet.

To me, it sounds like regurgitation.

Have you tried raising the food bowl? Just a thought.

 

[fionasmom]

I agree, start the diet and get the referral. You aren't getting much from your vet. If you continue to refer this to him, you will probably get more of the same for the money you are paying. A specialist usually can cut to the chase much more quickly and this saves money in the long run.

 

[corvidae]

I reached out again with some questions about the referral. They're telling us it will be $245 to send the ultrasound images on to a diagnostic specialist based at a company called Idexx, and they would pass their interpretation back to our vet clinic and that would inform the course of treatment. I feel so stuck. Luckily Jem has pet insurance, so after the first 300 dollars we are reimbursed 80%, but it's still a lot.