Advice, thoughts, prayers!

IMPORTANT: If your cat is in any distress or discomfort, please consult your own vet as your first priority.
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Lallum
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Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lallum »

I have two cats from the same litter. The neutered male (Midnight) has always been very shy. He loves me and my son but is less fond on my daughter and fights horribly with the other cat(Magic). He has always been fit and well without any health issues. This changed at the end of November. We had to have a new central heating boiler fitted which meant the plumber was in the house all day making lots of noise. Soon afterwards Modnight was diagnosed with cystitis. The vet managed to empty his bladder manually and prescribed medication. Over Christmas my daughter had friends staying. On Christmas Eve he got cystitis again. The vet emptied his bladder and gave us more medication. Last week the plumber came back to finish the pipe work. On Wednesday morning I thought I detected more cystitis. I rang the vet and got an afternoon appointment. The vet tried to empty his bladder and couldn't. We debated a visit to the cat hospital 20 moles away. I decided to give him more medication and monitor him. Alas! At 1am Thursday morning I had to rush him down to hospital. They tried to catheterise him and after more then two hours they gave up and removed urine via a needle through his abdomen into his bladder. They succeeded in catheterising him on Thursday morning. He seemed well so on Saturday morning they removed the catheter. He peed in the litter tray and so he came home on Saturday evening. However he didn't pee at home so he went back into hospital last night (Sunday). He is there now. The vet managed, with my help, to empty his bladder manually last night and he was catheterised again this morning. He is doing well. Why am I posting? The vet this morning said that I need to start thinking about euthanasia. Whilst I guessed this was an outside possibility, I had not given it any thought. I know it's not good not being able pee and he has been placed on a special diet but I have been distraught all day thinking about my very much loved cat. I am a wreck. He is adored and I just can't believe there is no other solution. I write this in the hope someone out there can suggest something. He is seven years old and neutered.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by booktigger »

Hi

I'm sorry your in such a situation. Has the vet suggested a PU? one of the posters here has been through a similar situation, hopefully she will see this and give you some advice, but at the very least I'd be asking for a second opinion.
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bobbys girl
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by bobbys girl »

Hi,

I am sorry I have no advice for you. But you are in my thoughts AND prayers. I'm sure there are folks here who can help and will see your post soon. Hope you can all hang in there until they do. x
Lallum
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lallum »

What's a PU? The update this morning is that they are leaving the catheter in until tomorrow morning. He is eating well, grooming and allowing nurses to tickle his stomach! I have been searching the internet and think I might give him unsweetened concentrated cranberry juice in small quantities in future. I can get this into him by shooting it into his mouth as he eats. I've had to do that with the anti inflammatory drug anyway so I'm getting good. I just pray that tomorrow morning he can pee when the catheter comes out. Many thanks.
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sarie
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by sarie »

I'm sorry I have no personal experience with recurrent cystitis, that sounds awful for you and poor Midnight :/
I'm sure someone else here will be able to provide you with more help but euthanasia seems like an extreme response. If all options have been exhausted and all tests have been done with no luck and Midnight is suffering terribly then I can imagine euthanasia being considered but right now it doesn't sound like you're at that point with him?? I'd certainly be seeking a second opinion. What tests has your vet done to determine the cause of his cystitis?
Has his diet been changed at all to try to limit the risks of it recurring?

I found a little more information for you, I hope this will help - I'm not sure what you've already discovered about cystitis but this seems like good information.

http://www.chestnutvets.co.uk/pdfs/feline_cystitis.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Upon reading I also came across some information that suggested that if the bladder is becoming obstructed by a blockage in the urethra then there is a small surgery that can be done to remove the narrow section of the urethra. This is only recommended in cases of recurrent bladder obstruction (as with Midnight) as it comes with its own risks but the risks are far less than the risks associated with repeated bladder obstructions.

It doesn't sound like your vet has considered many if any of these options?!

Seven isn't any age for a cat.. it's only just verging on middle aged... poor weenie.
Last edited by sarie on Tue Jan 20, 2015 1:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by MagnificentMogs »

I don't have much experience of this in a male cat but a few things spring to mind:

1. What are you feeding him? Have you tried him on a wet diet with added warm water mixed in?

2. Have you tried him on a maintenance dose of Cystophan or something similar? So he takes this everyday and you can up it if you know something is happening in the house that might set him off.

One of the regulars has a lot of experience with this and her boy Daz so hopefully she'll be along to offer some advice.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lilith »

Poor old chap! Do hope he pulls through!

I've seen a good few cases of cystitis and although every animal (and human) responds differently to homeopathy, I found I had consistently good results with homeopathic cantharis (available from health food stores.) I would use the human dose (a homeopathic vet told me that this dose can be used for a mouse or a horse, unlike conventional medicine) and crush it between two teaspoons - the dose is tiny, in either tiny crystals or pills. Then I'd take a 2" square of stiff paper, fold it diagonally so that it acted as a funnel, pour the powder on to that and (this is the fiddly bit as the cat may wonder why you're putting this paper thing next to its mouth) gently raise a lip and sprinkle the powder on to a gum. It mustn't be swallowed; it needs to be absorbed by the mouth's membranes.

I would use the 'acute dose' first (dosing every hour) and at first the cystitis would get worse - then it would improve, even if the cat had been passing blood. It got so that I'd ring the vet and make an appointment, then use the cantharis as a first aid measure.

I'm not an alternative medicine 'freak' and I'd always consult a vet, but in this case I was impressed by the results. If you did try it, at least it wouldn't do any harm even if it did no good.

I used to know a brilliant homeopathic vet but this was back in the 80s - if you did go for a second opinion it might be interesting to consult a homeopathic vet. Some conventional vets use alternative medicine too.

With many many good wishes and all the best for his full recovery x
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Crewella »

My cat Daz (neutered male 5 at the time) had about 12 urinary blockages the year before last, the vet mentioned euthanasia at the first blockage and also a Perineal Urethrostomy, but I wasn't keen on either and wanted to give him a chance. The PU operation basically removes the penis and creates a new opening, but it doesn't solve the cystitis, just maybe helps the blockages ........ but all the research I read seemed to show that it was only successful in the long term in less than 50% of cases.

The most important thing with Daz seemed to be to get his weight down, he was about 1kg overweight, and apparently overweight cats are more prone to blockages. He was on metacam and dantrium for a few days after an op (a muscle relaxant to help stop him straining for a few days after the catheterisation), and was on Cystophan all the time (and still is on a maintenence dose, just in case) to help reinforce the bladder wall, it also eases stress. He also went onto a urinary diet (also still on), though I had trouble getting him to eat the wet and didn't want to feed him just dry food, and I added about two tablespoons of water to each meal. The idea is to get lots of water running through them to dilute the urine so it's less likely to irritate the bladder wall. I still add water to his food.

It's worth getting an ultrasound scan to see what's causing this, it could be crystals, and if it is you'll need to know what sort of crystals they are.

I found these websites very helpful.

http://www.catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_fe ... t_dis.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It was a long, tough road, and cost a fortune on an uninsured cat, but we did get there, and Daz (now 1kg lighter) has now gone over 18 months without a blockage. Touch wood. I still have days where I worry he's getting cystitis and immediately give him Metacam and up the Cystophan, but we've had no real problems. Everything crossed that you can get your boy through this. xx
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

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Thank you all for wise words. I am prepared to try anything. Midnight has been, since Saturday, on Hills cd for urinary tract problems packets. Prior to that we was on Applas salmon and chicken dried food. He was drinking well. He is slightly overweight. I have been advised he should lose 500g to get down below 5.5kg. He is insured but only for the first £2500. It's cost about £1000 so far. The X-rays and tests have shown no crystals, no kidney stones and no physical reason for the problem. I also have a Feliway diffuser in the living room waiting his return. There is no obvious reason for this other than the plumber! He was a very nice man but Midnight hated him. My other cat sat with me in the living room snuggled up. Midnight chose to go to the back of the jumper cupboard but that's on the floor most of the work and loud noises came from. I will look at the homeopathic solution. I am also going to think about cranberry juice and organic apple cider vinegar. I just hope when they remove the catheter tomorrow he can pee on his own with manual intervention. I cried all day yesterday and most of last night. Today has been better but I am worried sick. I love that boy more than I ever thought possible.
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Crewella
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Crewella »

Please, please at least put him on Cystophan and add extra water to his diet. Those two things, along with the weight loss, will help him the most and they cost very little. The cystitis is caused by an inflammation to the bladder wall, and the Cystophan does much the same as cranberry juice does for people, but it's more accessible for a cat's metabolism and also does help with added serotonin to lower stress levels. Cats wouldn't naturally eat cranberries, they are obligate carnivores, so they don't break them down and digest them the way people, or dogs, can. Their systems are designed to digest meat only.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Kay »

I second this wholeheartedly - I have had Tiffany on this product for years now, and it's a godsend for cats subject to stress cystitis

it goes under different names - Cystophan, Cystease, Cystaid etc - all available without prescription on line - my own preference is Vet UK's Bladder Nutriment, because the capsules are very easy to open http://www.vetuk.co.uk/vetuk-vetuk-clin ... ap-p-20409" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

the powder seems to have no smell or taste - I mix the contents of a capsule each day with some Gourmet Gold pate, and have never had it refused by my Miss Picky
Lallum
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lallum »

Thank you for your advice. I will write this down and speak to the vet tomorrow. I called at half past five for an update. He's stopped eating the cd diet so they've had to give him something else but they didn't say what. He is less settled than he was. I just hope this isn't going to stress him out and cause him not to pee tomorrow. They also said that the vet on hospital duty tomorrow specialises in behavioral issues and she wants to talk to me about the environment at home. I've accepted the plumber can't come back but I'm worrying about putting him in cattery or having him cat sit at home. If I can't go on holiday for a number of years, so be it. I'd rather that than have to go through this experience again


On a completely different note, when I went into the consultation room on Sunday evening, I started to wheeze. After an hour my eyes were red slits and are still very sore. I have allergies but something in that room was bad for me. I drove home (without Midnight as he stayed) gasping for breathe and having to stop to be able to clear my eyes. It's obviously not Midnight as I've lived with him for seven years but something caused me to be very ill. I am dreading going back. I mentioned it to the vet but she said something about lots of animals of different types having been in the room. I thought I was going to pass out! I am taking my daughter with me. She can talk to the vet if it happens again.

Sorry about the ramble!
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Janey »

I do hope your cat is feeling much better soon poor lad.

Just a thought on visiting the vets next time, you could pop on some glasses, sunglasses or whatever so that will at least protect your eyes and should reduce the symptoms if something is irritating you.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lallum »

An update. This morning they removed the catheter and soon afterwards Midnight peed on his bedding! They have been waiting for him to perform again and he's just peed in the cat litter. There's no blood. His bladder is small so he is managing to completely empty out. He's eating and being friendly. They hope to discharge him tomorrow morning if he continues to pee. This is such good news but I've lots yo ask them tomorrow when I collect him. Thanks to everyone for the support and advice.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Crewella »

That's good news, I'm glad he's peeing better. :)

This is likely to be someting that might recur, I'm afraid, so do have a chat with your vet about how to keep him on an even keel. Whenever we've had a potentially upsetting situation for Daz, like a house move a year ago or a new cat (I foster, so a new cat is something that happens quite often!) I do up his Cystophan dose and monitor him carefully, just in case and always have Metacam handy also.

To be honest, Daz gets very fine struvite crystal sand (which gets mixed up with 'gunk' from the inflammation and caused the blockages) and is very laid-back by nature, I'm not convinced stress is the cause in his case, but I'm careful just in case!
Last edited by Crewella on Wed Jan 21, 2015 6:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lyn from Australia »

Just caught up with this thread. I've had a female with mild cystitis which cleared quickly, so no real experience, thank heavens. All I can do is send you all my good thoughts for Midnight and wishes for his recovery and return home. I can imagine exactly how you must be feeling.

As far as your allergic reaction goes, it may help to dose yourself up on you allergy medication before you go to the surgery, on the offchance that doing so may decrease your symptoms.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Lallum »

It's been a long ten days. Midnight should have been discharged from hospital last night but he was still not peeing. They kept him in and put another catheter into this bladder. For this first time, of his four catheterisations, he managed to pull it out. As he peed, they allowed him home and he is sitting next to me now. He seems very chilled but has to go back tomorrow for another examination. Let's just hope that this is the last time although he was peed very little today.
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by LadieM »

Please tell me what happened to Midnight? Did he make it? My cat is currently at the vets and has had his catheter removed for the second time. I'm praying he can pee tonight. X
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Re: Advice, thoughts, prayers!

Post by Kat7 »

My Max also had issues with this and had to be hospitalized twice the second time for 10 days he ended up getting urine scalding because they weren't cleaning him and changing his padding and so I ended up having to walk out of the vet's office with him with an IV still in them to take him home because they planned on locking up for the weekend and no one would be there with him as they only came in to check once a day on weekends and you could tell he wasn't doing good as afraid he was going into shock. I have been researching and heard about the organic apple cider vinegar and so I mixed some up and put it in a syringe and was able to get it down his throat although he didn't like it much that's been 3 years ago and I still if he starts acting like he's having issues I just give him another dose I did after the initial dose I gave him after getting him out of the hospital started adding about a teaspoon of it in his water bowl everyday and we've had no problems he's on regular food and what food was it able to do this without the use of the urinary food diet. I hope everything goes well and send my prayers for you both
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