My best buddy has been lethargic and poor appetite the past few days, so as soon as vets opened today, I got him in there. He is very yellow. His ear skin, even his eyes, so the vet is guessing something is going on with his liver. He’s going to have blood work, and perhaps an ultrasound, and I’ll hear back from her this afternoon. Just reaching out to see what anyone’s experience has been with liver problems in cats. I know it is usually a death knell in humans. He is my best buddy, been with me for over 13 years, and I’m dreading losing him. He’s a good boy, and will be okay to medicate. Just want to get some advice from my peers. Thanks.
My kitty had liver complications from what turned out to be complications of pancreatitis; called triaditis.
Pancreas, liver and intestines were involved. He was VERY sick, but pulled through with the help of an excellent animal hospital.
That was 8 years ago and he hasn’t had a recurrence. My husband calls him the $6000 cat.
Caleb was 4 at the time, 12 now.
I hope your buddy also has a good outcome.
I hesitate to post as my cat suffered from liver disease and did not make it. She never pulled from the downward cycle and did not live long after diagnosis.
Sorry your kitty isn’t well. Reread post #1 and hope for that good outcome
I’m afraid my experience is also bad. When my cat became ill last fall, the xray showed a large mass around his liver. He was 13…I had him euthanized.
An ultrasound revealed no tumors on the live, but an enlarged spleen. Vet did not a biopsy, but a needle aspirate of cells, sprayed on a slide, which she sent off to cytology. Waiting on results from that to rule out lymphoma. My buddy is having some good days, some bad days. Syringe feeding A/D food to supplement what little he is eating.
I’m so sorry, Montegut.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Montegut. My best buddy kitty just turned 17 and has slowly failing kidneys, so I think about losing him all the time. My only message is that when it comes to pets’ end of life, take care not to wait too long. We held on to our Labrador Retriever well beyond when we should have for what were, in retrospect, selfish reasons. Our wildly extroverted girl couldn’t even stand up to greet the vet when he came to our home to euthanize her. It was awful. My feeling now is that when a pet ceases to be able to live the life that made him or her your long-time companion, it’s time for a dignified and easy passing surrounded by loving arms.
I know, MommaJ. If we get a lymphoma diagnosis, I am wondering if I should just put him down, to prevent a lingering end. But we have always been fighters with our pets. I have three times said I would never syringe feed a pet again, but here I am, doing it again, as it is the treatment for fatty liver disease, if that is what he, in fact, has. He is still his sweet self, sitting with us, loving us. Return visit with vet on Wednesday, but will probably get test results back earlier. Thank you all for your good thoughts.
I’m sorry @Montegut. It is so difficult when our pets get ill. We had to put down our sweet cat almost 2 months ago (she would have been 20 on June 1st). I still get sad when I come home from work at the end of the day and she isn’t there to greet me. I will keep good thoughts for you and your guy!
Cytology came back for no lymphoma. Return visit tomorrow. Please continue the good thoughts. Love my bud!
Continuing the good thoughts.
That’s good news! Is his appetite improving?
Monty is still not eating, but he has gained six ounces. We are syringe feeding him A/D three times a day. His bilirubin count is down, but the ALKP is up, though not concernedly so, in the vet’s view. His hematocrit is also better. Vet gave him a steroid shot and told us to keep doing what we’re doing, come back in a week. She gave me some samples of some prescription food to try him on. I put it down next to his Fancy Feast that he has picked at. I asked about fatty liver disease, and she said she could not confirm that without a biopsy, which she may do if he stops improving. She would do it with ultrasound guided needle aspirate rather than an incision, using mild sedation. We have to board him over the weekend due to an out of town commitment, and pray he doesn’t “crash” as many of our sick cats would do when we had to leave them. I don’t mind syringe feeding him, but don’t want to do that for months. He is active, comes to greet me and snuggles with me on the couch, so he is not just lethargic and lingering. Thank you for continued positive thoughts.
When my about-to-turn-30 son was 12, we adopted a cat who was around two years old. He’s living with my son and his vet-tech-SO these days and is doing well. He’s had liver problems a few times. He’s had diabetes (which was cured). He’s been on and off steroids, appetite stimulants, and a whole bunch of other dogs. He has a pill planner. I tell my son that I hope he takes as good care of me when I’m old as he takes of his cat.
The key to managing liver disease in cats seems to be precision timing. Meals at the same times every day, drugs at the same times every day (they set alarms!), tolerating unusual habits. My son’s cat will drink water out of a glass but not a bowl.
As for boarding, is there any way you can find someone to come in and take care of him at home? It’s made a huge difference with my son’s cat to stay in a familiar environment.
Monty ate the samples of W/D with chicken dry! Happy dance! Of course, he got not only an appetite stimulant today, but also, a steroid shot. I have been reading up a lot on this, and wonder if anyone has had experience with gallbladder problems with their cats. I’m seeing a lot of signs pointing to this as well. Thank you!
Wanted to give an update on my buddy. It’s been a month, and he’s gained a good bit of weight. We are still syringe feeding him, but he is eating more of the W/D on his own. His blood work is still not good, and his liver and spleen are still enlarged, so vet biopsied his liver last week. Will get the results after the holiday. He’s back to his old self, getting in the tub with me when I take a bath, jumping on my lap and licking my face. He is the cat who thinks he’s a dog. No matter what his prognosis, he’s having a good quality of life, and I’m willing to give him that. Still a mystery as to what exactly he has, but hope the biopsy will give more guidance. Vet was able to do it via ultrasound with a guided scissor looking instrument. Didn’t have to cut his belly open, which I would not have wanted. Cherishing every moment I still have with him, and letting him know he’s loved.
Best wishes to you and your buddy.
Hugs to you both, and fingers crossed!
Thanks for the update. I wondered how your kitty was doing.
Results from the liver biopsy came back as cholangiohepatitis. Vet didn’t do any more bloodwork, but will do it in two weeks when he boards while we visit son. Pathologist will also do another test to rule out hepatic lymphoma, which he is suspicious of because of the splenomegaly and large amount of lymphocytes. Started on steroids for the new diagnosis, in addition to the other treatment he’s on. Prognosis is good if hepatic lymphoma because lymphoma is responsive to therapy. They have a vet oncologist that they work with. Hoping we have caught the cholangiohepatitis early enough that he’ll respond to treatment. Thanks for all your good thoughts and keep them coming!