Is My Cat Dying?

[Toadywot]

My Rambo is a five-year-old male Russian Blue whom I adopted when he was 7-9 weeks old. He was neutered shortly after adoption and has always been current with his shots. Some time back he developed extremely noisy, explosive loose stools that spewed on the walls next to the litter box. His appetite was normal....he's never been a big eater; liked the sauce in Friskies canned cat food, but little of the shreds, but till now has always been healthy. The vet checked for parasites on the first visit; none were found and he prescribed a steroid. It made no difference at all and it was back to the vet. Rambo was checked for parasites again and his weight was down by four ounces. By the third visit, it was clear he had lost more weight; the vet took an x-ray, but no blockage was found. He checked again for parasites; again, none were found, but administered a de-wormer orally anyway. I was given a probiotic powder...Purina FortiFlora....after a month, there was still no difference. No positive diagnosis has been made; initially the vet said he had the feline version of Crohn's disease/IBS, that the explosive noisy bowel movements were due to gas, but at this point I don't think the vet knows what the cause of the diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss is. Nothing has worked to date and while Rambo doesn't act or behave like he feels bad, he's looking like skin stretched over bone. He's eating more grass than I've ever seen him eat and throws it right up. He does get a little testy if his hindquarters are touched, but other than that and the obvious weight loss, you'd think there was nothing wrong with him just by looking at him. He's pooped and dripped liquid feces on the floor, though he still uses the litter box, he's pretty much turned my laundry room into a litter box.....not a day goes by that I don't have to scrub the walls and mop the floor. His stools fluctuate from thin and runny to a slightly thicker sticky texture. I have some photos, but I'm a little hesitant about posting pics of stools if someone happens to be eating while reading this.

What would be the next step in determining a diagnosis? Blood test? Surgery? Could it be a terminal illness? It was suggested that he should be euthanized to end his suffering, but as I said, he doesn't appear to be suffering in the least.....he continues to play with my other cat in some roughhousing, but if she messes with his hind end, he turns serious in a heartbeat and hisses.

What can I do next? Does anyone have ANY idea of what the problem could be?

 

[Antonio65]

Hi, the situation of your cat Rambo is heart-crushing, I feel so sorry for him and you.
I am astonished that no blood test has been done yet, I mean, your vet has done many things, I can't explain to myself why he hasn't thought of it yet.
Ask him for a thorough test, with electrolytes as well.
From what you say, I think that Chron's disease is consistent with the symptoms described, but IBD is also a good candidate because you say that Rambo eats lots of grass, as he has stomach troubles.

Putting him to sleep is the very last options at the moment.

 

[babiesmom5]

My Rambo is a five-year-old male Russian Blue whom I adopted when he was 7-9 weeks old. He was neutered shortly after adoption and has always been current with his shots. Some time back he developed extremely noisy, explosive loose stools that spewed on the walls next to the litter box. His appetite was normal....he's never been a big eater; liked the sauce in Friskies canned cat food, but little of the shreds, but till now has always been healthy. The vet checked for parasites on the first visit; none were found and he prescribed a steroid. It made no difference at all and it was back to the vet. Rambo was checked for parasites again and his weight was down by four ounces. By the third visit, it was clear he had lost more weight; the vet took an x-ray, but no blockage was found. He checked again for parasites; again, none were found, but administered a de-wormer orally anyway. I was given a probiotic powder...Purina FortiFlora....after a month, there was still no difference. No positive diagnosis has been made; initially the vet said he had the feline version of Crohn's disease/IBS, that the explosive noisy bowel movements were due to gas, but at this point I don't think the vet knows what the cause of the diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss is. Nothing has worked to date and while Rambo doesn't act or behave like he feels bad, he's looking like skin stretched over bone. He's eating more grass than I've ever seen him eat and throws it right up. He does get a little testy if his hindquarters are touched, but other than that and the obvious weight loss, you'd think there was nothing wrong with him just by looking at him. He's pooped and dripped liquid feces on the floor, though he still uses the litter box, he's pretty much turned my laundry room into a litter box.....not a day goes by that I don't have to scrub the walls and mop the floor. His stools fluctuate from thin and runny to a slightly thicker sticky texture. I have some photos, but I'm a little hesitant about posting pics of stools if someone happens to be eating while reading this.

What would be the next step in determining a diagnosis? Blood test? Surgery? Could it be a terminal illness? It was suggested that he should be euthanized to end his suffering, but as I said, he doesn't appear to be suffering in the least.....he continues to play with my other cat in some roughhousing, but if she messes with his hind end, he turns serious in a heartbeat and hisses.

What can I do next? Does anyone have ANY idea of what the problem could be?

 

[Sarthur2]

T Toadywot

I agree that blood work should be done. I also think you should see a different vet for a second opinion.

Many parasites do not show up in tests. I would think that treating him for parasites anyway, with Panacur, might help and would not hurt.

He also may need a course of antibiotics for bacterial infection in his gastro-intestinal tract. Sometimes this can cause pretty bad, chronic diarrhea.

I hope a different vet might offer you a fresh perspective and new ideas. I would not give up!

 

[babiesmom5]

Based on your description from my own experience, I'd say Rambo definitely has IBD affecting the lower GI system (ileum, colon), possibly it has advanced to Lymphoma given the explosive diarrhea and weight loss.

I would suggest complete blood work closely followed by GI Ultrasound.

I would get a diagnosis ASAP. I would not be thinking of euthanasia right now. Focus on diagnosis and treatment.

 

[cheeser]

I would get a diagnosis ASAP. I would not be thinking of euthanasia right now. Focus on diagnosis and treatment.

Even if a vet can't pin down a definitive diagnosis after further testing, there may be some things you can do to alleviate Rambo's symptoms and help provide a good quality of life for him.

 

[cat nap]

T Toadywot ...I'd also suggest seeing a different Vet, for a second opinion.
(You can have copies of all the tests that were performed by the first Vet, made for you, so that the second Vet does not have to re-run the exact same tests. Just tell your Vet, that you would like copies for your own records. Plus, the results of the initial tests are good to have in your own records.)

Definitely get a full blood panel done.
De-wormers can also cause slight diarrhea in some cats.
Because Rambo is having diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss...he is definitely not absorbing enough nutrients from his food.

I'm not sure why your Vet would not have suggested trying a different cat food.
Especially a cat food with a different new protein source, that Rambo has never eaten, to eliminate possible food allergies.
If the Vet thought it was IBD, then doing an elimination diet would help rule out, if any of the food, contained allergy triggers that triggers Rambo's diarrhea or vomiting.

I think a second opinion, would help.

For the litterbox issues, can you get a tall-sided tote box, and cut a hole in the side, so that when Rambo has to use the litterbox, the high sides will contain his poops. He's probably standing up, to feel better, versus squatting, and the taller sides should help with not getting on the walls.
Something like this: clear high sided tote box - Google Search

Or this: DIY: Make Your Own Cat Litter Box
(You don't need the top lids, and you can cut holes in the longer sides, for easier access, instead.) Just make sure they are long, and wide enough for your cats.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

@artiesmom take a look at this and see if you have any suggestions for Toadywot. You know this stuff like the back of your hand!

 

[artiemom]

Mamanyt1953 , You are much too kind...I do not know this like the back of my hand.. I am just punting along

I am not a Vet, I am only speaking from my own experiences..

I would also take your baby to a new Vet. Are there any Internal Medicine Specialists near you? A teaching Hospital. I think your baby needs more intensive help than your Vet is able to give.

Can you keep him away from the grass? That may be adding to the diarrhea, and upsetting his stomach.

Also.. FortiFlora is not such a good probiotic. I am using Proviable--cheaper from Chewy.com

I would try a probiotic that contains S. Boulardi. That really seems to help with the diarrhea. And Slippery Elm Bark, this can help for both diarrhea and vomiting..It just seems to calm the stomach and intestines. You can make a syrup of it and give a tiny bit at a time.

There is a group on Facebook: IBD KITTIES.. it is a closed group, but they are so helpful and knowledgable.
They also have a web page: IBDkitties.com. The main founder was a member of this forum. She is amazing, as are her admins.. They have a huge amount of information on IBD and tips, data base, etc

When I say, IBD, I mean Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It is complicated, but you do not have to put your baby down with this diagnosis.. it is frustrating, but there are things you can do for him, with and without a biopsy.. You just need a Vet who is willing to work with you..

If it were me, I would try changing his food. Try a novel protein, meaning a protein you cat has never had before: Duck, Venison, Rabbit...Nature's Variety is good food. and I would buy the canned. I would stay away from dry food because of all the additives in them.

Sounds as if your guy needs steroids, something to help with his vomiting, and something for his diarrhea. He may be dehydrated from all the fluids coming out of both ends of him... He probably needs some sub-q fluids, from the Vet.

Can you try some baby food.. just to see if he can hold it down. Make sure it does not contain anything but meat.. no veggies, no onion, no garlic.. Beech-nut is good.. Gerber is another one.

Even Tuna water is good. Get a can of tuna, put it in a jar and add some water. Store in the refrigerator, adding water as needed. This is also good for some nourishment.

Some people give Goat's Milk.. not cow's milk--cats cannot digest the lactose in cow's milk.. or even some pedialyte (unflavored)..

The main thing to do is find a new Vet. If there are teaching Vet hospitals around, that is the way to go. You need a specialist, but you may have to just find a good Vet first, to get Rambo under control, while you are waiting to see the specialist.

My guy has IBD, but has never had the explosive diarrhea. He has constipation issues.. he did have some vomiting, which I think was associated with a chicken allergy.

Get some canned food, without additives...no corn, no veggies.. Yes a bit more expensive but you need to try at this point.

I am sincerely wishing you the best with this. I know you are going frantic.. I have been there and still are there.. (((HUGS)))

There is so much on this forum about IBD.

@stephenq Can you help?? You have been so helpful for me.

 

[Clancy's Mom]

"He's eating more grass than I've ever seen him eat and throws it right up.”

Is he an outdoor kitty? I think I would keep kitty indoors to control what he eats for the time being.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

If he goes out, there are all SORTS of plants and such (insecticides, fertilizers, antifreeze, deliberately set poisions) that he could be nibbling that are causing the symptoms. Do keep him in and control what he eats for now!

 

[Sarthur2]

T Toadywot

How are things going now?

 

[Toadywot]

Thanks so much to everyone for your help.....the responses are overwhelming! I apologize for the elapsed time between my initial post and now.....it's been somewhat hectic lately! But finally I can give an update.

I took Rambo to another vet and in ten minutes I had my answer.....Rambo has leukemia, which the vet said he likely contracted in a fight with another cat. As y'all probably know, there's nothing that can be done about it. I've absolutely no clue how long he has. The vet prescribed something in pill form and something in premeasured syringe to give Rambo once a day and to refrain from giving him canned food, which was supposed to quell his diarrhea and get him to using the litter box again....he pees in the box, but poops everywhere else....nothing like getting up and stumbling to the coffee pot, only to feel a yucky mess squish between your toes.....but the meds don't help it at all. The vet also recommended a certain specialty dry food, which I purchased, but with Rambo, any sort of dry food has to be fresh out of the bag before he eats it. If someone can recommend anything that might help me with the diarrhea, yet not interfere too much with his new diet, please advise.....I'd be most grateful. He seems hungrier than usual lately, but he's getting thin as a rail and I'd love to give him whatever he wants to get a little weight on him. But the pooping....I'm constantly cleaning up behind him....walls, floor, rug. But euthanization is not an option for me right now, not as long as he feels good and he certainly acts like he does, though he's gotten somewhat testy and irritable lately.

Now I have a new set of problems and in a quandary about how to handle it. I'm a two-cat household and the vet had me bring my other cat (Sissy) in to be tested. She tested negative for leukemia, which is good, but he advised me to keep her and Rambo separated, as she could get it from him through their play-fighting and grooming each other. Sissy is strictly an indoor cat, while Rambo was inside/outside. The vet gave her a shot and I need to take her back in three weeks for a booster injection. He warned me that the shot could fail and she could get it anyway, and strongly advised to separate them, but I have no clue how I can do that. Keeping Rambo outside 24/7 is not doable; I live in the country and there are nightly visits from possums and raccoons, which could tear him apart even if he was 100% healthy. He has NEVER been out after dark in the five years I've had him.

Suggestions??

 

[darkhorse321]

The vet should have prescribed or given him a dose of mirtazapane (spl??). It's known to help with diarrhea. Also, I'd get him some b12 if his bowels have been runny as he might be losing vitamins that way and that will cause him nausea.

I'm not sure if cats have pain with leukemia, but bupernorphine is a good drug and a liquid you put on their gums.

Did your vet run a test for pancreatitis? That sounds an awful lot like pancreatitis--especially the sensitivity to touching the back side. That will cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and weight loss--pancreatitis is always found as a symptom of a bigger issue (leukemia). I would have thought they'd have run that test with a normal blood panel thought. Hugs to you!!!

 

[Antonio65]

I'm so sorry to read this update!
Leukemia is a death sentence to a cat, it might also open the door to other diseases. Most FeLV cats develop a lymphoma in the last stage. My cat Tom developed the FIP.
One thing that can slow down the leukemia is the interferon. Talk to your vet. Be aware that it may be very expensive!
Your vet was right in telling you to separate your two cats and giving a shot to Sissy, but the test he did told you how Sissy was six-seven months ago, not how she is now. You will know in a few months, with a further test, if Sissy has got FeLV too.
The only way to keep them separated is to confine one of the two in a room with all his/her things. You also should wash your hands and change your clothes and shoes every time you deal with Rambo. The virus can stick to clothes and shoes.
For the diarrhea I had found that the thing that worked best for my cat was a probiotic for babies, half a dose each day. All other remedies, prescribed by the vet and expensive, failed.
Again, I am deeply sorry for Rambo and for you. I know what you are going through.
Hugs!

 

[Antonio65]

Did your vet run a test for pancreatitis? That sounds an awful lot like pancreatitis--especially the sensitivity to touching the back side. That will cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and weight loss--pancreatitis is always found as a symptom of a bigger issue (leukemia). I would have thought they'd have run that test with a normal blood panel thought. Hugs to you!!!

The test for the pancreatitis is specific and can be done on request at a facility in Texas. That's no cheap.

 

[Sarthur2]

Try plain, boiled chicken and white rice. You can give the broth, which can be salted.

Also try baked, mashed sweet potatoes and plain, canned pumpkin. These are good for firming the stool.

I agree regarding a B12 shot, and also the vet giving an anti-diarrheal that you can also give at home.

The chronic diarrhea is surely depleting his electrolytes. This is where broth is good. You can also put unflavored pedialyte in his bowl instead of water.

I think it's your personal decision to allow your other cat whole house access. She's being vaccinated, so the chances of her contracting it are probably slim. The vet is just responsibly telling you that she could get it; that the chance and opportunity are there, and that a vaccine is not a 100% guarantee.

I hope your fellow gets better!

 

[darkhorse321]

Pancreatitis is a common test to run with most blood pannels. It's included with many blood tests and is not separate ---it's usually in a normal panel. It's not cheap but it's not a separate test. At least not where I am.

 

[Sarthur2]

How is Rambo doing today?

 

[foxxycat]

Hope to hear how Rambo is doing. I wonder if he's got a hint of arthritis going on. Pooping on rug/floor could be pain in hips and not able to squat or doesn't like the cat litter. I had one cat who pooped on carpet-she hated clumping litter. And she was long haired. Is Rambo long haired? I had to trim her behind too. YUCK!

An xray of hips could show whether there's arthritis going on but I am wondering if it's more preference for a different cat litter. What kind of litter do you use?