Did the vet suggest any x-ray for her teeth? I wonder if there's something going on below the surface for her teeth that they couldn't see on regular exam.
I do wonder this also and have been in consultation with the vet as part of our frequent correspondence. She suggested perhaps a "sedated dental exam". There has been basically no food vomiting of late, so still not sure on pursuing the ultrasound. As mentioned in my other thread, I'm going to try a chewable cosequin instead of the antinols gel capsules that she's been on the past two years. The eating, since switching brands, has also been quite good - for the most part. Not consistent though. It's puzzling for sure. Wonder how much is a combination of senior age and simply not eating as much anymore at times / less appetite / possible tooth issues / arthritis (haven't been giving her the antinol as much lately since the oils once squeezed out of the capsules could also be a deterrent to eating / or, possible whatever other issues. Too many variables and also no consistent behavior / eating habits that makes it all the more confusing. It's all sort of random.
I highly doubt potential kennel issues as being associated with this. For one thing, her recent (short) stay was at a different kennel - one we've never been to before. They had no trouble with her and I basically haven't either - till today.
The thought of using this stuff just goes right through me, being that it takes me right back to my previous hyperthyroid cat who was on a stimulant until it no longer mattered. Weight continued to drop anyway. What nags at me is the question that I'm asking myself - is using this an extraordinary life-prolonging measure? I mean, if i get to the point where I no longer feel like eating due to whatever health issues, I don't believe I'd want anyone 'force feeding' me by giving me drugs to suddenly make me want to eat. It just seems to unnatural somehow. I regret, now, dragging things on for too long with my hyperthyroid cat. It's so hard to be objective when you're in the situation. Before all this started, had someone asked me how I'd feel about having to use an appetite stimulant on Marzi (that's her name) very honestly I think I'd have to say, no, probably wouldn't do it. But now, of course, here I am grappling with it. IF, of course, it's a temporary thing due to some as of yet undiagnosed - and yet hopefully treatable - condition, then, ok, I'm good with it to get her over the hump. But as a long term thing, sorry but I just have a real problem with it. I say this with hoping to offend noone here on the forum, but it just stems from all I went through years ago.
My vet simply feels this is the next logical diagnostic move to make being that, thus far, with the single view x-ray they took, and all the bloodwork, nothing abnormal has shown up. So we're in 'troubleshooting' mode. If nothing shows up on the ultrasound, then I'd say we'll probably look closer at the teeth. My gut feeling (and of course hope) is that there is no serious underlying medical issue here, since you'd think that so many of those would manifest themselves in the blood results. Also, a really sick cat, I'd estimate, doesn't eat well one day and not the next. Something's just 'off' here. Watch her get the 2nd convenia injection on Monday and do much better. That's my prediction, but we'll see. As much as I want to hang on to her, as we all do with our pets, I'm trying to promise myself that I won't let things get near as bad as I did with my last cat. Starting a longterm use of an appetite stimulant seems to be heading down that road.
You got me on all that. I have no clue, having never been through this before (I don't think anyway...hard to recall all that Jasmine went through back then). It's all documented here somewhere.
You're absolutely right. I didn't mean to offend, truly. I think I just have a bit of a mental block against it (appetite stimulants) since I feel guilty for how bad things went with my last cat and I chose to maybe go on longer than I should have. So easy to say that in retrospect though.
I greatly appreciate your educated thoughts on it. I'll have to discuss with the clinic when I get there, or probably best before the appt. even. So is a mild sedative generally used for most any ultrasounds? Guess if they can't keep them still enough to get a good reading it makes sense.
I'd think so since, if memory serves, they tend to be hungry all the time due to the thyroid issues.
My daughter mentioned some of this also from her own experience with her calico that has a history of being VERY picky. Always was. They've gone through lots of different foods already and used stimulant occasionally. I used close to the full measurement on the side of the box. It's not precise for sure, since you're supposed to apply a "thin line" to the surface of a glove. So "thin" for one person might not be the same for another.
How is she doing, overall? I can tell you're so devoted and caring for managing all these various issues.
Yep - totally agree!!! Part of the reason for experimenting too!
Thanks for asking. She is 'hanging in there'. She isn't in the greatest of shape, but she holds her own. She has certainly become a full- time job, for sure, but I don't mind (most of the time
).
