Moo isn’t feeling well

LuxBear

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So recently Moo has taken to peeing in the litter tracking catch tray in front of the box. Two weeks ago I took him to the vet and she concluded it was a stress related behavioral thing. She said his bladder felt small and empty and he’s not blocked. She also has him on liquid Gabapentin for the stress which I give him everyday.
The past three days I can tell he’s not feeling himself and I don’t think it’s related to the drug. He’s eating, drinking, peeing and pooing but he’s also not wanting to play anymore and sometimes sits a little hunched. He didn’t finish his dinner last night which has never happened before. The urine in the tray seems to be a larger amount than he should be peeing and is a darker yellow. I’m collecting the urine tonight to take to the vet with Moo tomorrow morning. He is slightly chunky (14 lbs) and I’m worried about diabetes. Does anyone have any ideas what could be ailing him?
 

neely

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Two weeks ago I took him to the vet and she concluded it was a stress related behavioral thing.
When you took him to the vet did they run blood work? Have you tried any calming products for his stress related behavior, e.g. Feliway Comfort Zone, etc.? Here is a thread with different suggestions for calming products that might have some helpful information for you:
Chill Pills for Cats
 

sweetblackpaws

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I am not sure since he is peeing and pooping normally. Thank God he is not blocked. You will just need to see what the vet and bloodwork say. Please do keep us posted on Moo! :alright:
 
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LuxBear

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Moo had a rough morning. Hiding under the couch and crying in pain. So I was able to suck up some urine into a syringe and take it with me this morning. The vet said he was cheerful and didn’t seem in pain (of course) and that he looked healthy. His urine showed normal glucose and kidney function. She diagnosed cystitis in his bladder and is keeping him on the Gabapentin and also gave some clavamox for seven days. He’s still out of sorts and drinking a lot but is more mobile and not crying. I’m hoping the antibiotics kick in soon as I miss my snuggly, happy boy. Thank you to those that replied and gave us well wishes. :heartshape:
 

sweetblackpaws

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Thank God you were able to get him in. Hopefully, the clavamox will work well. For what it is worth, I had a boy many years ago who was prone to UTI's and clavamox worked well for him. Did you get the pink liquid or does it come in pill form now? It is a very old antibiotic, but an effective one. :)
 
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LuxBear

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Thank you! The clav is actually a whitish liquid 2x a day. My other boy used to have UTI issues as well and the clav always fixed him up. Moo must have been hit hard with it as Lux never seemed to be in so much pain with his. Very thankful that’s all it was. So hard to see them hurting.
 
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LuxBear

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Thank you sweetblackpaws sweetblackpaws , that’s very kind of you to say. I’m still worried about him. When I got up this morning there was a HUGE urine puddle in the litter tracking tray. I don’t know if he’s holding it in or what. He ate pretty good but he’s still hiding under the couch. I looked before work and he looked stretched out and relaxed under there, not all hunched up like he has been. The vet said she would call me tomorrow (Wednesday) to check on him and I’m debating taking him back for bloodwork this week. Maybe I’m just being impatient waiting for the antibiotics to do their job. Thanks for listening, it means a lot! :hearthrob:
 

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Gabapentin can also make cats drowsy and sleepy.
What amount in mg is the gabapentin?
100mg is sedative, makes them appear drunkish and off balance- thats what we use to take my boy to the vet and calm him
 
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LuxBear

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His dose is 50mg/day and twice a day if I feel it’s necessary. I haven’t given him two doses before. His vet said the gaba should help with his bladder pain also. Hopefully once this is all over he will stop urinating in front of the box. When I’m home and sitting near he uses the box normally. I’m stumped. As long as he’s eating/drinking and using the bathroom without issues he should feel better once the meds heal him. I still just have this nagging feeling something else is going on. Only time will tell.
 

sweetblackpaws

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I think that is good, actually, that he peed so much at once. As for the hiding, you said he appeared more relaxed and stretched out, so that is also a good thing. 50 mg gaba is not a huge dose, even if given twice daily (my boy is on 200/day and some days even that doesn't calm him). Perhaps the vet can try alprazolam or another type of tranquilizer (gaba is in a different class of drug and is actually not a tranquilizer). It is worth a try. I really think that is great that he is peeing a lot at one time. At least he won't block. :)
 

neely

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The vet said she would call me tomorrow (Wednesday) to check on him and I’m debating taking him back for bloodwork this week. Maybe I’m just being impatient waiting for the antibiotics to do their job.
No, you're not at all impatient. When our cats hurt so do we. :hugs: I think that's a normal response for any caring and compassionate pet guardian. Since Wednesday is only one more day I would probably wait. That way you may have a little more info. for the vet and then you can ask about bringing him in for bloodwork. I'm a big believer in bloodwork because the lab results tell you what's going on internally. Best of luck and fingers crossed for Moo and you.:crossfingers:
 
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LuxBear

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Thanks so much for the concern everyone. Moo isn’t getting better. Another rough morning with a half eaten meal and hiding/crying under the couch. He’s still drinking a lot. He usually has such an excited attitude towards mealtime and now he won’t even finish his food. I still think he’s holding his pee in. I’m waiting on the vet to call later and I really want to get him some bloodwork today. The crying is stressing Lux out and he’s on edge now too. I just don’t know what’s going on.
 

neely

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I’m waiting on the vet to call later and I really want to get him some bloodwork today. The crying is stressing Lux out and he’s on edge now too. I just don’t know what’s going on.
I understand how difficult and frustrating this is for you. :hugs: I know it's not easy but if you can try to relax and remain calm when with Moo. Cats are experts at picking up on our anxiety and stress. If you have any concerns that you feel are not being addressed by your vet by all means consider getting a second opinion. I'm guessing this is not the case but I just wanted to mention it since sometimes another vet or feline specialist from a different practice may find something else. I will keep Moo in my thoughts, thinking of you and sending healing vibes.:vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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LuxBear

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Just a little update on Moo. Yesterday afternoon I got him to play a bit and he was laying around with his body as stretched as it could possibly be. His expression started looking more relaxed and relieved. We had a good evening of no hiding or crying. He still didn’t finish his dinner but he did pick around in the bowl. When we got up this morning he was chirpy and cheery. No urine in the catch tray, no obsessive water drinking and he finished his breakfast! :hyper: He’s once again laying beside me and wanting pets so I feel we are definitely on the other side of the hump now! He has always been quite a nervous boy so when the vet calls to check today we’ll see if the gaba is going to be a long term thing for him. Thank you so much to everyone for the advice and concern. You really helped ease my mind with you kind and caring words.:redheartpump:
 
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