My cat has liver disease

[Purron]

I recently took my cat to the vet for his shots. Since he is 12 years old, my vet recommended the "50,000 mile check up" including blood tests. We did this a couple years ago and everything was fine then. She called to inform me the tests indicate liver problems and is sending me to a specialist for an ultrasound and liver biopsy. Naturally, I'm worried sick about him. I have been all over the Internet and know the results of the tests will help pinpoint what the problem is. I did see several reputable sites that recommended using milk thistle as a natural supplement. If any of you have been through this with your pets, I would welcome any advice or suggestions. BTW, I updated my avatar with his picture. Isn't he a beautiful boy?

 

[brewer12345]

Sorry to hear about your poor kitty. Don't really have any advice to offer, but find a good specialist. There must be one in your area, no? I can only point you to the place we have dealt with in Central NJ, but if you have to travel for service, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is world class: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital

 

[simple girl]

Yes, he sure is a beautiful boy! So sorry to hear about him being sick. My kitty had some type of liver disease, but they never fully figured out the diagnosis. I'm sorry to say he passed last year. Let us know what you find out after the tests - hoping for the best!

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Bummer. Went through that with Sophie the Doberman last year. Don't know much about cats, but suggest you decide in advance just how much you are willing to do and spend on vet charges - it's almost impossible to do that when you are in the throws of more severe illness. Have the talk now.

Many causes of liver disease either get better on their own, or are very hard and expensive to treat. We decided to just watch and hope, didn't even biopsy, but after a week or two knew it was a losing battle. We lost her with her dignity mostly intact.

Here's hoping it goes well for you and kitty, and that he improves on its own.

 

[CuppaJoe]

I'm sorry to hear about your beautiful boy, Purron; I can see how much he means to your considering your name, Purron. One of my cats died of liver disease. Her biopsy didn't show cancer but the vet said it is often missed in a biopsy and that some cats live a relatively long time with it. The most reassuring thing at the time was that the vet repeatedly told me "kitty" was not, and would not be in pain. It was very hard to decide what to do; we had the vet do whatever she could and our cat died at home.

 

[Khan]

Bummer. Went through that with Sophie the Doberman last year. Don't know much about cats, but suggest you decide in advance just how much you are willing to do and spend on vet charges - it's almost impossible to do that when you are in the throws of more severe illness. Have the talk now.

Many causes of liver disease either get better on their own, or are very hard and expensive to treat. We decided to just watch and hope, didn't even biopsy, but after a week or two knew it was a losing battle. We lost her with her dignity mostly intact.

Here's hoping it goes well for you and kitty, and that he improves on its own.

I can only agree.

Just remember that the cat doesn't know that it's important to live, that stuff you're doing is for his own good...; all he knows is how he feels.

 

[CuppaJoe]

Purron, I want to add that "kitty" was pretty good up until almost the last day. A couple of days before she went, she arrived at my door and gave out a muffled meow, it was muffled because she had something in her mouth--then presented me with a large mouse, one of the best gifts I've ever received. And the night she died, she made the rounds and later I thought she knew and had said goodbye to everyone.

 

[Purron]

Purron, I want to add that "kitty" was pretty good up until almost the last day. A couple of days before she went, she arrived at my door and gave out a muffled meow, it was muffled because she had something in her mouth--then presented me with a large mouse, one of the best gifts I've ever received. And the night she died, she made the rounds and later I thought she knew and had said goodbye to everyone.

Thanks for sharing this. It is a comfort to know this condition doesn't necessarily mean a lot of suffering. If there are treatments available providing a reasonable chance for recovery, I plan to give it a try. My main concern is his comfort and happiness.

 

[Meadbh]

Sorry to hear about your cat's illness, Purron. He is a beautiful cat.

This reminds me we have not heard form Citrine in a while. Hope she and her feline firends are well!

 

[Buckeye]

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. I have been frustrated fighting a persistent case of ear mites in my rescue kitty who loathes being restrained for treatment but this reminds me to keep it all in perspective.

 

[JanF]

I don't know about feline liver failure, but when my Nikki dog was 12 she had very high liver enzymes and the vet put her on Denosyl and liver failure dog food. She's 14 now and looking good. She's a 70 lb. mixed breed and is probably at the end of normal life span for a dog her size-but the liver failure hasn't gotten her yet! Good luck with your kitty. Jan

 

[vanilla_jane]

I'm very sorry to hear it. Less than a month ago I had my cat put to sleep and he had liver disease, as well. He was closer to 19, diagnosed about a year ago. We did blood tests but not the ultrasound. At 18 what extraordinary measures would I be taking?

He was skin and bones at the end except for the distended stomach. He drank a LOT, but until the end he ate fine. It's hard to say how much of his slow-down was old age and how much was liver-specific. I probably held on to him for too long, but he never seemed unhappy or distressed.

Your sweetie is beautiful and I wish you both the best.

 

[Rambler]

Purron, hope all goes well with your kitty. We don't have any animals at the moment but my folks have a cat that looks a bit like your pretty kitty. He was a stray (drop-off) that they began feeding when they could not find an owner. They didn't let him in the house for several years, although he was constantly trying to come in. A couple years ago they started letting him in, after my sister and her kids moved away (I think they needed the cat as a proxy for the grandkids...). Now, they would be heartbroken if their kitty became ill.

Wish you and kitty the best of luck and a speedy return to health.

R

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

We're all hoping and praying for it to turn out to be a goofy test or nothing serious.

 

[itsmyparty]

I'm sending supportive thoughts that your kitty will be well again. We've always had cats...and sometimes as many as 4, but are now down to one. We've spent alot during that time (including several months of weekly 6 hr round trips to UofC at Davis Vet College for treatment of a rare cancer) and have to say without doubt worth it. I do believe too that your kitty knows you are trying to help. They make such a positive difference in our lives ... the time, effort and $ that we are able to provide them is very rewarding. And I totally agree .... he's a beauty!!

 

[Purron]

I'm sending supportive thoughts that your kitty will be well again. We've always had cats...and sometimes as many as 4, but are now down to one. We've spent alot during that time (including several months of weekly 6 hr round trips to UofC at Davis Vet College for treatment of a rare cancer) and have to say without doubt worth it. I do believe too that your kitty knows you are trying to help. They make such a positive difference in our lives ... the time, effort and $ that we are able to provide them is very rewarding. And I totally agree .... he's a beauty!!

Thanks - I appreciate the words of support from everyone! The specialist I'm taking him to has an advanced degree from UofC at Davis Vet College - perhaps the best vet college in the country. His appointment is Wednesday. Keeping all fingers and paws crossed.

 

[podey]

Purron - Wishing you all the best of luck with your vet appointment this wednesday. I know what you are going through. Last month we put down our 15 year old cat. No one knew what was wrong except she was eating like crazy but losing alot of weight. We defintiely knew it was her time to go in the end and didn't want her to suffer. Best of luck to you.

P.S. He is a beautiful cat!

 

[kaudrey]

Purron - my thoughts are with you and your beautiful kitty!

I, too, have a black cat (as well as a bengal), and they are my babies.

I know how you feel. Over the Christmas holidays, I fought a losing battle with my other bengal cat - many tests and hospital visits later, I had to put him to sleep. I opted not to do invasive surgeries to try to save him, as he was so sickly that I couldn't put him through it. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make, and I miss him terribly, but I know it was the right decision.

I am praying that your kitty is OK and that you won't have to go through these kinds of things.

 

[tangomonster]

So sorry you are going through this, Purron. Please let us know what happens on Wednesday.

I too have an elderly cat (15 yo), so I know I will be facing similar issues all too soon.

Your cat is a beauty! And he appreciates your love and good care!

 

[Purron]

Hi all,

Just a quick update on my kitty. The ultrasound showed his liver looks pretty good. We are still not sure why his blood tests revealed liver disfuction. The vet has him on some meds (Denamarin) and we will recheck his levels in a couple of weeks. So, while I'm still very concerned, the situation doesn't appear as bleak as I first thought. Fingers and paws still crossed in my house in hopes the medication helps him get better. BTW, he seems to feel great and doesn't show any sign of illness. Poor boy had to have several large patches of fur shaved for the ultrasound though.

Thanks again for all the supportive e-mails!

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

YAY!!!!!!!

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Good news, so it seems. No tumor is good, and no ductal enlargement is good.

Hope things stay peaceful. Glad to hear your news.

 

[REWahoo]

After so many sad pet stories, it's nice to hear one with a positive outcome!

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Hmmm...dont get me started on ductal enlargement.

 

[HFWR]

Aw, go ahead and start...