Asking for prayers, healing vibes, good mojo...

[AlisonK45]

Lucy stopped eating again.  I've been watching her eating habits like a hawk since her feeding tube came out, so I know exactly when it started. She nibbled at her food on Friday night, but I didn't feel like she ate enough so I fed her again Saturday morning. She licked the food twice and started scratching around it to "bury" it, just like when she was sick. She hasn't eaten anything willingly since. I say "willingly" because yesterday and this morning I syringe fed her using some left over syringes from when she had the feeding tube just to get her through till her vet appointment today at 5:00. She's drinking water here and there but not much at all. I can't afford to go the tube feeding route again, and even if I could I don't know if I can make her go through that all over again. I'm really scared I'm going to have to make a tough decision tonight. I wish some miracle would just occur and she'd start eating. My son (he's 6) is so upset because she's his best friend. SHe sleeps with him at night and helps me wake him up in the morning. We've had her longer than we've had him, so she's always been in his life.

[aligator79]

You might try crushing the pill in as little liquid as possible. Less than a teaspoon -maybe even a 1/4 depending and use a dropper.  It's enough liquid that you can get it in but so little she can't choke with a quick squirt.  Just a thought.

[Jade59]

Me, too, Alison, me, too.  I was so hopeful the appetite stimulant would be the answer.  Jade was given Cyproheptadine.  It worked well, but being an antihistamine, it made her loopy.  The other A.Stim I see online is Mirtazapine.  Whichever one Lucy was given, maybe the other will work.  

Praying for a positive update.  

Hugs to you honey~

[AlisonK45]

Well I was able to get the appetite stimulant pill into her by crushing it and mixing it with food and syringe feeding it to her. She kept it down, but she wasn't very happy about it. She hides in the same spot under the christmas tree all day. She's still drinking water and peeing, which she wasn't doing last time she stopped eating, but she seems so much worse off in every other way. She's down to 6 lbs now, down from 8 three weeks ago. Today we are supposed to call the vet and let him know if we've seen any change since Monday, and sadly we haven't. I just hope the vet has good news for me, something new we can try or some new advice from the specialist, anything.

[LisaMarie2323]

A friend of mine had a cat that suddenly stopped eating. He was younger, she found out he had a corn allergy and it was causing pancreatitis. The vet was sure he wasn't going to pull through but she prayed and spoke over him to eat and he did, he ended up getting better. This was about 6 and a half years ago. Stay positive and be there for her. Not sure her age, but if she is ready to go, you will know.

[AlisonK45]

We already got the blood work results back, they showed nothing abnormal aside from her liver levels.

I've been feeding them in separate areas ever since the last time Lucy got sick. She grew accustomed to eating in the spare bedroom, so every feeding time after she got her feeding tube out she ran to the bedroom, so that's where I fed her. That's at the entire opposite end of the house from where Bella eats, with two rooms and a long hallway between them. I honestly cannot think of a single thing that would be stressing her out.

The look in her eyes is heartbreaking. I think she's trying to tell me it's her time. It's different than before. I'm going to finish this course of treatment and if it doesn't work, I don't think I can put her through much more.

[CML2014]

By the way didn't you say that Bella can be pretty aggressive with Lucy and food? Do you thing Bella is up to her old tricks again and maybe you need to feed Lucy in another room with her own food. Maybe she just feels too stressed out with Bella around--Just a thought?

[CML2014]

Maybe the blood work will give you a better idea of a problem. Sure hope so--it is so sad not knowing.

......well I believe in Miracles and this is the season so "Miracles have at it"

Please don't give up Lucy , too many friends are pulling for you.

Of course keep us posted on any little thing, K?

Hugs to you Lucy,
CML

[AlisonK45]

Thanks so much everyone. The vet is truly puzzled. He said he has been in the practice since 1980 and he has never seen a feeding tube cat regress right after getting better. She has fatty liver disease again, but this time there is nothing else. Last time she had a UTI, which is what we believed led her to stop eating. This time there is no reason. He gave her a cortisone shot and sent us home with an appetite stimulant. We are supposed to call him back within three days and let him know if there's any change or not. In the meantime the vet is going to consult with a specialist to see if there could be any other underlying cause. She isn't under any stress that I know of. After she got better the last time she was happy like she always was. She would get "the crazies" every morning like normal. She would walk around the house and play like usual. Then she just stopped eating again, for no reason that I can see. There have been no changes in our home life, we have not changed what she eats or where she eats. i'm truly stumped. I really want these appetite stimulant pills to work because I have a feeling this is the last stop... I can't let her suffer.

The vet really has been wonderful. He held her yesterday after examining her and said sadly "she really doesn't deserve this..." And she really doesn't. She is hands down the best cat I've ever had. She was always right there when any of us were sick. She stuck by my son's side like glue after he got out of the hospital following complications from his tonsillectomy. I have a friend who always said he hated cats (i know, i know, where did I find THAT guy) but he LOVES lucy and in fact he will be coming over today just to visit her.

But anyway, back to my point about the vet being wonderful, he didn't charge us for the visit, cortisone shot or the meds. He only charged for the bloodwork. I feel so fortunate to have found that vet. It's 45 minutes away and there are plenty of vet offices MUCH closer, but I really feel that this one is the best option, they really seem to care.

Sadly though, I honestly don't think this appetite stimulant is going to work. I've given it to her twice and she threw it up both times. I can't crush up the pill and put it in her food, because she won't eat. I'm wondering if I should crush it up and put it in a food "slurry" and syring feed it to her...

[CML2014]

Hi Allison,

I am afraid I am getting to this post a little late as it is 5:12 here------sooooo I am letting you know that little presence you feel with you is my good vibes following you and Lucy .

I sure hope he can help her----you both have been through so much, and I know how happy you were when she began eating again. Remember sometimes Veterenary Schools will help with costs , so if she needs more extensive treatment and you feel it is best for her try that or work with your vet. Of course that would only be if it were not going to traumatize your Lucy, perhaps in the way of appetite stimulants instead of feeding tubes.

Please let us know as soon as you get back from the vets. We are worrying right along with you, mom.

CML

[Jade59]

Jade used to 'bury' her food all the time.  At first it was endearing.  It didn't take long, though, for me to dread seeing it.  The one positive about it...our babies are giving us a Clear Sign they are nauseous.  

[Piparskeggr]

I know that heart drop all too well Allison with what we went through with our girls Kestrel and Hildiekatt in the past 2 1/2 years and Miss Teia recently.

Hopefully your vet can give her something to stimulate appetite, good luck and Gods Bless.

[AlisonK45]

Thank you so much for your kind words <3 <3 it really means a lot.

[Jade59]

Oh Alison, I am so sorry to hear this.  Your heart must of dropped seeing Lucy begin to pick at her food again.  I'll be praying for you both today.  And I Totally understand the financial aspect, as well as the drain from the stress and worry of caring for a sick kitty.  Hopefully this will be something easily treatable.  

My heart reaches out to you honey.  We will anxiously be waiting for your update.  I'll be with you in spirit this evening.  

Hugs to you...xo