Feeling guilty and now worried

[BeccaCat]

I'll try to be brief. My Freya is 2 years old and has been sick since we got her. She's been to the vet and on so many shots/meds. First vet was concerned about her wheezing, understandably, but I felt wouldn't really listen about her stomach issues. Freya doesn't eat much and went from 6.6 to 5.6 pounds, which is a lot to lose when you're that little. She's also always struggling with painful gas. I took her tonight for a second opinion. The vet was incredibly nice and spent a very long time with us. This new vet suspects IBD. They did bloodwork (finally! I don't know why other vet wouldn't), urinalysis, gave her a steroid shot, a B12 shot, a penicillin shot, and some sort of shot to rehydrate her - that they said will cause a lump of fluid that her little body will absorb. Now that we are home she is breathing heavily (which is normal for her after the vet), and she seems nauseous (again normal after the vet) and she won't eat (but she hardly ever eats - hence the worry) BUT now she is also sticking her tongue out every now and again (not lip licking and not open mouth breathing) just sticking it out with her mouth closed. AND she is having a bit of trouble walking. She can walk, but it's slow and deliberate, and shes having a bit of trouble jumping onto and off of the table.

Should I panic and take her to the ER vet, which will cause her more stress? Her tummy is also making a weird gurgle with each hyperventilating breath she takes. Or do I let her sleep it off? Is it just stress and from being through so much when she's already kind of weak from lack of calories? Do you think the funny walking could be discomfort from her urinalysis?

 

[maggie101]

I would take her to er. Heavy breathing and nauseous is not a good sign

 

[BeccaCat]

I would take her to er. Heavy breathing and nauseous is not a good sign

Normally i’d agree with you, but she’s nauseous every day (which is why I wanted a second opinion) and she always breathes heavy for hours after the vet. She’s an incredibly anxious cat. I’m more concerned with what seems like a sore hind leg

 

[silent meowlook]

I wouldn’t worry about the sore right now. I would eorry that she got to much fluids. How big was the lump? Does she have any heart issues?

 

[BeccaCat]

I wouldn’t worry about the sore right now. I would eorry that she got to much fluids. How big was the lump? Does she have any heart issues?

She does not have any heart issues. She is two years old. The fluid lump didn't seem very large. I'm wildly frustrated that she won't eat. I'm also incredibly frustrated that they can't seem to, or won't - give her something for the gas. She eats, she gets terribly painful gas, she refuses to eat. Now she's down to 5.6 pounds. I feel like I'm losing my mind. My "free to good home" kitty cat has cost me close to $3000 at this point - which I would not mind if they were actually doing something to make her feel better. Or at least eat.

I'm sorry. I am just so frustrated and I feel like the worst cat parent in the world.
She's a little better today. She has used the litter box to both pee and poo, but is still refusing all food. She is walking better, thank goodness.

 

[BeccaCat]

I wouldn’t worry about the sore right now. I would eorry that she got to much fluids. How big was the lump? Does she have any heart issues?

We are at ER vet now. They are also suspecting possible heart issues.

 

[BeccaCat]

I would take her to er. Heavy breathing and nauseous is not a good sign

She still wasn’t doing well this morning so we are at ER vet now.

 

[fionasmom]

Let us know what you find out.

 

[BeccaCat]

Freya is still at the ER. She had an ultrasound which shows an incredible amount of inflammation in her esophagus and her GI tract. They said it is very rare to see this in such a young cat. I guess that’s why the other vets didn’t seem to worry too much when I kept saying about her painful gas. Her prognosis is guarded. They are going to try to insert a tube and relieve some of the excess gas and fluid that should be moving through her GI tract. The vet says if they can get her over this hurdle, she won’t be “all better” but we will need to be willing to manage a chronic condition. We love her so much and are praying they can help her so she can come home. Thank you for asking about her.

 

[fionasmom]

Stay hopeful; you are doing all that you can and keep us posted.

 

[BeccaCat]

Freya finally has a diagnosis. Her pyloric sphincter between her tummy and her intestines is hardened. So things can’t pass through properly. We can try to manage her condition with medication that she will need for the rest of her life. If that doesn’t work she will need surgery. We are hoping she can come home tomorrow. The ER said they tried feeding her tonight and she ate a small amount. I am hopeful the longer she is on the medications the better she will feel. Hopefully she will start eating again and absorbing nutrients. She‘s a pretty sick kitty but I am hopeful she can overcome this. Your prayers and well wishes are very much appreciated

 

[Meowmee]

Freya finally has a diagnosis. Her pyloric sphincter between her tummy and her intestines is hardened. So things can’t pass through properly. We can try to manage her condition with medication that she will need for the rest of her life. If that doesn’t work she will need surgery. We are hoping she can come home tomorrow. The ER said they tried feeding her tonight and she ate a small amount. I am hopeful the longer she is on the medications the better she will feel. Hopefully she will start eating again and absorbing nutrients. She‘s a pretty sick kitty but I am hopeful she can overcome this. Your prayers and well wishes are very much appreciated

So sorry for you and Freya. I hope she can do well on the meds etc. Do they have any idea what caused all of this? I assume they did an xray to check for blockages etc first but the us is better if there are delicate strings etc.
hugs

 

[silent meowlook]

Oh!! Poor little cat. I am sorry. Do they know why this happened?

 

[BeccaCat]

So sorry for you and Freya. I hope she can do well on the meds etc. Do they have any idea what caused all of this? I assume they did an xray to check for blockages etc first but the us is better if there are delicate strings etc.
hugs

They believe she was born this way. Yes she’s had x-rays, bloodwork, and been examined so many times poor kitty. I’m a little frustrated because her first vet was treating her for pneumonia. I kept saying she had incredibly painful gas, but the vet thought if the pneumonia cleared up she’d stop swallowing so much air and the gas would clear up.
However, this ER has specialists, and their radiologist thinks Freya never had pneumonia and the first vet was mistaking her distended esophagus on her X-rays for pneumonia. So the reverse was true, her painful intestines and esophagus swelling were making it hard for her to breathe.
Poor Freya and her sister came from a not-so-upstanding backyard breeder. Then they were adopted and abandoned after a week or two. Then they lived in a veterinarian’s kennel, then they lived with a foster family but had to be kept in the basement because one didn’t get along with other pets. THEN they finally came to us. Freya just turned two, and I think with all of her bouncing from place to place no one ever had enough time with her to notice how sick she was getting. She’s very good at faking like she’s okay until the intestines really flare up.
The ER was able to insert a tube and relieve a lot of the excess gas and fluid, so I am hoping that makes her more comfortable and able to start to heal. She’s such a sweet baby and her sister has been crying for two days. They are Tonkinese so they’re very vocal to begin with.
I should know in a few hours if she can come home today. I’m so thankful we finally have an answer. We have also found a wonderful cat only vet who just met Freya the night before the ER, but is very attentive and willing to help us navigate all of this. Thank you for asking and for caring about Freya I’ve attached her picture

 

[di and bob]

She is SO beautiful! She looks like a little doll! I pray she gets better and continues healing. She (and you) needs a break!

 

[BeccaCat]

She is SO beautiful! She looks like a little doll! I pray she gets better and continues healing. She (and you) needs a break!

Thank you so much. This is her sister, Tessa, who is feeling very lonely.

 

[di and bob]

What a little sweetheart!

 

[fionasmom]

They are gorgeous little cats and Freya does look like a doll. It is frustrating that you had to go through this, and Freya as well. However, with a more obscure condition like this, I am not entirely surprised that the first vet went for a more "obvious" diagnosis. I am glad that you were able to connect with some good doctors and hope that surgery can be avoided. I agree that no one noticed this before because of the chaotic early lives of the sisters.

 

[cat nap]

Freya finally has a diagnosis. Her pyloric sphincter between her tummy and her intestines is hardened. So things can’t pass through properly. We can try to manage her condition with medication that she will need for the rest of her life. If that doesn’t work she will need surgery. We are hoping she can come home tomorrow. The ER said they tried feeding her tonight and she ate a small amount. I am hopeful the longer she is on the medications the better she will feel. Hopefully she will start eating again and absorbing nutrients. She‘s a pretty sick kitty but I am hopeful she can overcome this. Your prayers and well wishes are very much appreciated

They believe she was born this way. Yes she’s had x-rays, bloodwork, and been examined so many times poor kitty. I’m a little frustrated because her first vet was treating her for pneumonia. I kept saying she had incredibly painful gas, but the vet thought if the pneumonia cleared up she’d stop swallowing so much air and the gas would clear up.
However, this ER has specialists, and their radiologist thinks Freya never had pneumonia and the first vet was mistaking her distended esophagus on her X-rays for pneumonia. So the reverse was true, her painful intestines and esophagus swelling were making it hard for her to breathe.
Poor Freya and her sister came from a not-so-upstanding backyard breeder. Then they were adopted and abandoned after a week or two. Then they lived in a veterinarian’s kennel, then they lived with a foster family but had to be kept in the basement because one didn’t get along with other pets. THEN they finally came to us. Freya just turned two, and I think with all of her bouncing from place to place no one ever had enough time with her to notice how sick she was getting. She’s very good at faking like she’s okay until the intestines really flare up.
The ER was able to insert a tube and relieve a lot of the excess gas and fluid, so I am hoping that makes her more comfortable and able to start to heal. She’s such a sweet baby and her sister has been crying for two days. They are Tonkinese so they’re very vocal to begin with.
I should know in a few hours if she can come home today. I’m so thankful we finally have an answer. We have also found a wonderful cat only vet who just met Freya the night before the ER, but is very attentive and willing to help us navigate all of this. Thank you for asking and for caring about Freya I’ve attached her picture

I'm coming late to this thread, but just wanted to say a huge 'thank you to you for writing up this thread, and writing up the update, too.'
I think your thread about your Freya, may help many others, who might be in similar situations, and will have to advocate for their own pets.

It's so amazing that Freya and Tessa found you, and you found them, so that they came into your life,...and you were the one to be able to help Freya. I shudder to think if not for you, then Freya would still not be properly diagnosed.

I am kind of frustrated at your previous Vet(s), for not listening to you enough, and not doing more timely tests concerning Freya's digestion.( I don't know if it's because they might be similar to human ER doctors, who first look at the 'ABC's' of medical assessment. At least that is what one ER human doctor, told me once.) It seems that different Vets have certain trained procedures they follow in examining our animals, but I would Hope that they would listen better to when their clients are describing the cat's symptoms. (Especially when you had repeatedly told them about the painful gas.)

I am really glad that you have now found a better Vet, who can work with you, and will help with Freya's recovery.

Freya is truly beautiful, B BeccaCat .
And you are amazing, too,...for not giving up, and taking her to the ER, Specialists, for further tests.
Sending you Mega Health vibes, for your Freya's recovery, and saying some more Prayers, that she gets Better fast.

 

[BeccaCat]

I'm coming late to this thread, but just wanted to say a huge 'thank you to you for writing up this thread, and writing up the update, too.'
I think your thread about your Freya, may help many others, who might be in similar situations, and will have to advocate for their own pets.

It's so amazing that Freya and Tessa found you, and you found them, so that they came into your life,...and you were the one to be able to help Freya. I shudder to think if not for you, then Freya would still not be properly diagnosed.

I am kind of frustrated at your previous Vet(s), for not listening to you enough, and not doing more timely tests concerning Freya's digestion.( I don't know if it's because they might be similar to human ER doctors, who first look at the 'ABC's' of medical assessment. At least that is what one ER human doctor, told me once.) It seems that different Vets have certain trained procedures they follow in examining our animals, but I would Hope that they would listen better to when their clients are describing the cat's symptoms. (Especially when you had repeatedly told them about the painful gas.)

I am really glad that you have now found a better Vet, who can work with you, and will help with Freya's recovery.

Freya is truly beautiful, B BeccaCat .
And you are amazing, too,...for not giving up, and taking her to the ER, Specialists, for further tests.
Sending you Mega Health vibes, for your Freya's recovery, and saying some more Prayers, that she gets Better fast.

Thank you. Please continue to pray as Freya is home now but looks thin and seems uncomfortable. She has no interest in food. I have Miritaz but have never given it to her before. But I might try giving it to her in the morning. I’m still very concerned. I’m hoping she just needs to relax and heal. Though her condition is chronic, I guess I was hoping she’d seem more comfortable.