Liver Disease

[nancyjac]

Got the results of Zena's blood panel today and the diagnosis is liver disease, probably as a long term consequence of the corona virus she had as a kitten.  The prognosis is that with proper nutritional support she might have another year :-(

[nancyjac]

Thank you all.  We knew from the time she was a kitten with corona virus that something like this could rear its ugly head at any time.  So on the one hand, I am happy that she lived a full and healthy life for 12 years, but on the other hand I still wish it could have been even longer.

[AppleBr]

RIP , Zena
Much Love from Mc Cat Family: Loreena, Lucky, Joy and me...

[teddybears4ever2]

I am sadden to hear about the lost of Zena.  I'm sure she was a lucky cat to have a mom like you.  
Love,


Rhea and Stardust

[Jade59]

Deeply sorry for your loss of Zena, Nancy.  I didn't expect to see this happen so quickly.  I know you did your very best to give her more time.  Zena is now happy and healthy, romping and playing with all the others we've loved and have passed and who live at the Rainbow Bridge.  She is in good company.

RIP, sweet Zena.  

(((Hugs))) to you, Nancy

[opus88]

I am so sorry too Nancy. poor little Zena she put up a good fight but it was time for her to go to a better place over the rainbow bridge....you did your best Nancy, we can do no more!!
love and ((hugs))
♥Opus, Nemo and Sami

[zodiacqueen]

Nancy

I am very sorry for your loss.  Please know in your heart that you did your absolute best w/ Zena!  You did the right  thing w/ only her interests at heart.

Take care
ZQ

RIP Zena

[Maddie6]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Zena.  I didn't know that much about liver disease in cats until I saw your thread.  You did the right thing in letting her go and not suffer.  Prayers and positive thoughts go out to you.  Rest in Peace sweet Zena.

[nancyjac]

We had to put Zena down yesterday.  Her internal organs were failing and even with forced feeding and hydration, she was starving because she was unable to process anything.  Yesterday morning she released a huge puddle of mustardy colored fluid while I was trying to feed and medicate her and she was having difficulty breathing.  She was obviously in major distress and we just couldn't continue to ask her to fight.

RIP Zena.

[nancyjac]

I didn't think it was that bad either.  We thought at first it was just mild URI, which has been prone to, again as a consequence of corona virus when she was little.  She has also been prone to vomiting from time to time.  We took her to the vet this time because it was the second bout of URI in the last couple of months and this time seemed to be a bit more severe than usual.  The vet diagnosed liver disease based on a geriatric blood panel with comprehensive CBC and Chem 27, as well X-rays.  He also tested T4, FeLV and FIV but those were all negative.  Lymphocytes were very low and bilirubin very high. Electrolytes, particularly potassium were low, but that is probably from dehydration.  He kept her for about 36 hours for SubQ hydration and tube feeding.  He wasn't specific about the type of liver disease so I will ask about that today.  

We have a cat at the shelter who is only 2 years old that is exhibiting some of the same symptoms, the drooling, and the bad body smell that is identical to Zena's.  She is getting some nausea meds so the vet tech gave me some to try with Zena to see if it helps with the drooling and might prompt her to start eating again.  Zena's body smell isn't quite as bad now as it was a couple of days ago.  She is still alert but not interested in getting any attention and definitely not interested in food.  

[zodiacqueen]

Oh Nancy, I'm sorry, too.  I didn't think she was that bad either!  Sooooo sorry!

Could this, by any chance, be feline hepatic lipidosis(fatty liver disease in cats)?  If so, they can put a feeding tube in.  We had a member here(Prettykitty) that went through this w/ her kitty around Dec 08 and Jan 09.  She pulled her kitty around!  So, there may be some hope!  

Meows and hugs
ZQ

[Jade59]

Okay, Nancy, I didn't realize how serious Zena is.  Oh, poor girl...and poor you.  I know this is really tough.  I will sure pray this is only a flare up and your loving nursing will pull Zena through.  

Hugs to you :(

[nancyjac]

Zena is 12 years old.  Right now I am hoping she makes it through the next couple of days, let alone a year.  She is not eating and drooling, and smells horrible.  In addition to antibiotics, we are giving her 3 nutritional supplements, a general vitamin, amino acids, and potassium.  We are also having to force feed her as she won't eat at all.  Not anything else we can do for her except hope this flare up subsides before it gets worse.  

[Jade59]

So very sorry to hear this, Nancy.  I'm afraid I don't know much about diseases like Opus and others here do, but I can sure lend some moral support.  Will keep Zena and you in my prayers.  So Sorry!

[opus88]

Oh Nancy that is terrible news about Zena, she is still a young cat isn't she?
I'm so sorry for this bleak prognosis. Has the Vet said to feed her a high protein diet and small frequent meals? Avoid any form of fish.

If she has the type of liver disease that has the inflamatory action on her bile duct and liver,
I've  read adding additional taurine(amjno acid) and small amount of celery increases bile secretion and is beneficial.

I just hope with the love and care you are able to give that she will surprise everyone and be with you for much longer than just the year...
love and prayers
♥Opus