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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / May 2005jaundice in elderly cat - need objective advice
I got home from work last night to discover that my 19 year old cat has jaundice.I took him to the vet this morning. I knew it was serious, but I figured it was either treatable, or I would be comforting him til he took a turn for the worse. After having been at the vet, I know now that it is more serious than that. I came away thinking I would probably have to put him down tomorrow. They sent the bloodwork out for a more detailed analysis than they can do inhouse. They will have the results in the morning. From what the vet said, it doesn't sound like there is much hope. If it is a parasite, then they can treat that. But it is most likely a more serious problem. The vet listed some things they can do, but they don't sound like they would extend his life by very much, and I'm not sure if they worth putting him through it. He is also dehydrated, so that is the first thing to work on. The vet did say that he is not suffering since he is still eating (though not as much as before). My mom talked to a friend who used to be a vet tech, and she had another idea. She said that sometimes an older cat can get dehydrated and that can be the cause for the jaundice. And that getting him rehydrated would be enough to get him past this. She said I could buy the supplies the from the vet, and she would show me how to do it at home so that I could try it and keep him at home. Part of me says that this is worth the try. Maynard is still eating, and I shouldn't give up on him. And part of me is wondering if I am grasping at straws in a selfish effort to keep him alive. What do you think? Is it worth a try, or would I be prolonging his suffering? If I try it, how soon should I know if it is helping? Will the yellow go away fairly quickly? Will I know that it is working? How long should I wait for new bloodwork? > What do you think? Is it worth a try, or would I be prolonging his > suffering? If I try it, how soon should I know if it is helping? Will > the yellow go away fairly quickly? Will I know that it is working? How > long should I wait for new bloodwork? Sorry to hear about your kitty. Bloodwork generally will take less than 24 hours to get results, but it depends upon the panel they run, the vet and the lab's turn-over rate. When a cat is jaundiced enough to be yellow in appearance, it's pretty bad. Usually this is a sign of liver and/or kidney failure. You can do sub-cutaneous fluids at home as long as the cat tolerates it, and I would keep him as comfortable as possible, but understand that it is probably a stop-gap measure and that there is underlying disease condition that may or may not be treatable. If he declines or stops eating, it's time to let him go. Here's a link that might help: http://angelshavenhere.homestead.com/makingthedecision.html My heart goes out to you, -L. > Sorry to hear about your kitty. Bloodwork generally will take less > than 24 hours to get results, but it depends upon the panel they run, > the vet and the lab's turn-over rate. It sounds like they send it all out at once at the end of the day and then get the results in the morning. So, they should have it at 8am. I asked them to call and talk to my mom as I will probably be unable to speak. I had trouble at the vet. My voice kept quitting. >When a cat is jaundiced enough > to be yellow in appearance, it's pretty bad. I could see it a little on Wednesday night, and it was bright today. I'm not sure if my eyes are playing tricks, but I think it is less bright now. I have been forcing water down him. I wish now that we had at least gotten a shot to hydrate him. The vet didn't mention it, and I didn't think of it. They only mentioned an IV which would mean leaving him there, and I don't want to leave him (and stress him), if there is no hope. At home, he has been taking turns napping in his favorite chairs and favorite laps. He had some gravy off the cat food and some peas from the tuna caserole (one of his favorites). >Usually this is a sign of > liver and/or kidney failure. You can do sub-cutaneous fluids at home > as long as the cat tolerates it, and I would keep him as comfortable as > possible, but understand that it is probably a stop-gap measure and > that there is underlying disease condition that may or may not be > treatable. If he declines or stops eating, it's time to let him go. Yes, if it will keep him comfortable, then I will do it. If he quits eating, then I will know for sure that he has given up. I have no advice...only hugs for you and Maynard. I know how much that cat means to you!!!! (((((((((MAYNARD))))))))))) xoxoxoxo Pam > I have no advice...only hugs for you and Maynard. I know how much that > cat means to you!!!! [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Pam Oh no, I did not realize it was Maynard. Hugs and prayers from me, too. > What do you think? Is it worth a try, or would I be prolonging his > suffering? If I try it, how soon should I know if it is helping? Will > the yellow go away fairly quickly? Will I know that it is working? How > long should I wait for new bloodwork? I think you need more information before you can answer those questions. I found that I could tell my cat was suffering; it doesn't sound like he's quite there yet, but you'll know from his demeanor and his eating and his appearance how he's responding to treatment.  Signaturehttp://www.slywy.com/ Message board: http://www.slywy.com/phpBB2/index.php > I got home from work last night to discover that my 19 year old cat has > jaundice.I took him to the vet this morning. [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > the yellow go away fairly quickly? Will I know that it is working? How > long should I wait for new bloodwork? Speak to your vet about Denosyl- its a nutritional supplement not a drug- that protects liver cells from cell death and may also help with cell regeneration, and *especially* Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) (UDCA). UDCA increases bile flow and reduces hepatocyte toxic effects of bile salts. If your cat is jaundiced, he might a have a problem in his bilary tree in which case UDCA would almost definitely help. Mention these two possibilities to your vet as soon as possible- before you make an irreversible decision. Best of luck, Phil > Speak to your vet about Denosyl- its a nutritional supplement not a drug- > that protects liver cells from cell death and may also help with cell [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Mention these two possibilities to your vet as soon as possible- before you > make an irreversible decision. Thanks! It sounds like it is worth a try. He looks more yellow today, but he's still getting around and eating. And he purrs everytime anybody picks him up and cuddles (that's normal for him - he's always had the best motor). I got the bloodwork results back. His liver enzymes were all elevated, and they listed his liver as severe. But his kidneys looked good, and they seemed a little more positive. I took him in today, and they gave me a short course on how to do the the fluids at home. We did the first round there in the office. I also got some antibiotics, and I asked about the supplements that Phil recommended. One is a special order, so if he improves well over the next week, I will have them order it. The other one I can get at a health store. Hopefully, I can find that one tonight. He is still eating and getting around. He's spending more time on my bed and less time in the living room chairs (his normal hangout). He ate well before the vet visit, and a little more when we got home, less than an hour later. So, his appetite is good. The nurse that did the blooddraw also commented that he is sassy and still has some energy. Apparently, he told off a big dog in the back room. Hopefully, I will be able to report some improvement as the meds and fluids take affect. I know he is old, and he still may not live that much longer, but I am feeling better about the situation now. I was really afraid I would lose him in the next few days, and it sounds like he has a fighting chance to hang in there. > I know he is old, and he still may not live that much longer, but I am > feeling better about the situation now. I was really afraid I would > lose him in the next few days, and it sounds like he has a fighting > chance to hang in there. Meghan, Maynard has had the very best friend any cat could have in you. He is a lucky, lucky boy. My heart is with you during this hard time, and I hope he has many more good months to come. > > I know he is old, and he still may not live that much longer, but I am > > feeling better about the situation now. I was really afraid I would [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > during this hard time, and I hope he has many more good > months to come. Thanks. I am relieved that we at least have some more time. I did realize that I stopped giving canned cat food on a regular basis. I used to give a can every night, but we did some rearranging, and I got out of the habit. That may have been enough to cause Maynard to get dehydrated. So, I will go back to the canned food. Right now, I am offering him several cans a day so that he can lick off the fresh gravy. Once he settles down okay, I can probably stick with 2 cans a day, which is more than I used to do. I want to keep him on his senior kibble too since that has made a huge difference with his arthritis. Hopefully, I'm not imagining it, but I think his yellow ears are less bright. If I'm right, it should be more obvious. > So, I will go back to the canned food. Right now, I am > offering him several cans a day so that he can lick off the fresh > gravy. That should help keep him hydrated, and I bet he loves it too! >Once he settles down okay, I can probably stick with 2 cans a > day, which is more than I used to do. I want to keep him on his senior > kibble too since that has made a huge difference with his arthritis. I think you have actually given this advice--but might it help to give him new and exciting water sources? Maybe his own water glass if he likes to drink out of yours, or filtered water in new places or a few additional places? I have noticed that Cheeky drinks more deeply and more frequently from the extra bowl I put in the kitchen, and she clearly likes the filtered water best of all. > Hopefully, I'm not imagining it, but I think his yellow ears are less > bright. If I'm right, it should be more obvious. Wishing the best for both of you. I think you are doing the right thing. I'm a big believer that before you can make any decision about your cat, you have to have all the facts and make an informed decision. If Maynard tolerates the treatments suggested, then I think it's worth doing. Good luck. I hope Maynard continues to improve. S. >I got the bloodwork results back. His liver enzymes were all elevated, > and they listed his liver as severe. But his kidneys looked good, and [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > lose him in the next few days, and it sounds like he has a fighting > chance to hang in there. |
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