Update on Rikki

[DiamondFox]

Hi. As many of your know I've lost my beloved Rikki.  I've had so much support and kindness shown me on this Forum that I am bowled over by it all.  I know Rikki joins me in thanking you all.  He would also want me to put down my thoughts on his odd behavior which brought all of his medical problems to the forefront.  It started off three weeks ago when he went off is food.  His coat looked very lacking in condition.  He looked sad in his eyes.  He started to gulp and seemed to struggle when he attempted to eat. I was convinced he had something stuck in his airway.  Then the grinding sound started coming from his jaws - he'd put his head on one side and make this dreadful noise.  At that time I'd no idea what it was.  I know now that it was cat-litter he was chewing on, which he had been consuming unknown to any of us.  We rushed him to the Vet, who began to treat him for digestive problems.  We now know it had nothing to do with his digestion - it was kidney problems. Consequent visits followed but on the fourth visit we saw another Vet (she seemed a little more knowledgeable with cats)  We (the new Vet, that is, not the one who originally treated him, and I)  came to the conclusion that his drinking led to him using the litter-tray often, and when he did he probably had a lot of discomfort, and in order to try to 'treat' himself and compensate for this discomfort, he would eat the litter at the cleaner end of the tray (not the part he had just used).  The Vet also told me that if a cat begins to eat or drink anything odd, then its usually a sign they are trying to compensate for something, and they try to 'treat' themselves. I'm making this post because I don't want anyone to go through what we've been through with Rikki, and if it helps just ONE cat-lover and his/her companion then its well worth while writing this even though I'm grieving terribly right now.  I should also add another thing the Vet told me.  She said that a cat with kidney problems generally shows no symptoms (though there are exceptions) and its not until they only have a THIRD of their only properly functioning kidney that they begin to show signs that theres something wrong, such as drinking copiously if they haven't done anything like that in the past.  
I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and thankyou for all your support and your Prayers for Rikki and myself.  How did I ever get through past episodes of grief with my other cats and dogs without visiting a Forum like this.  Regards,  DiamondFox

[Kaydey]

I know it took me a while to get back here for an update on DC.  

He had a bladder and UT infection.  Stayed at the Vets for 2 nights on IV antibiotics and came home with a prescription of Amox.

This diagnosis really suprised me since I have been around so many cats with these infection and the urine often smells extremely amonia and I didn't pick up on the smell with him.  And my nose is very sensitive.

But it makes sense now. All his water intake and his taking so long in the litter box, etc...

My poor big boy must have been suffering for a long time.

Now that he is better, his coat is changing, much more smooth and shiny as it has always been, more energy, the swollen belly gone.

I am very very very thankful that it wasn't his kidneys.

However, bladder and UT infections gone unchecked can be life threatening!  The can turn into a whole body infection which is usually not treatable.

Thank you Diamond Fox for posting about Rikki....my heart goes out to you, but remember, Rikki is across the Rainbow and playing with everyone!!

[Kaydey]

I took my oldest to the vet today.  They drew some blood and did a check up.  His stomach is somewhat distended..i didn't think anything of it since he is putting on his winter weight.

The will call tomorrow with the results (it was the last appt of the day so results won't be in until tomorrow)

[Maddie6]

OMG, please excuse my typos!  A bit of humor here; I thought I proofread, but that's what happens when my kitty makes me get up too early! :(

[Maddie6]

Bless your heart.  I am so sorry about your Rikki.  I understand the grief; it leaves a big hole in our heats when losing a beloved pet.  I can't thank you enough for posting your story, in the midst of your grief, trying to help ohers here, take notice when something is different with our pets.  This is a great, supportive site.  

My 10 year old kitty has been displaying some odd symptoms with meowing in the middle of the night and very early (3 am) asking me to get up!  She's been urinating more than usual and drinking water more also, so early this week she will be seeing the Vet.  She's a little overweight, too.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rikki.

[Kaydey]

I am soooo very sorry for your loss.  Bless you and Rikki for loving each other soo much. I am sure his spirit will be with you always.

I also want to thank you for explaining what was happening with Rikki.  My eldest cat is displaying some of what you said, except he is not grinding his teeth/jaw.

I am going to get him to the vet ASAP.  I just thought it was because it is winter, we are having a cold one and his coat is extremely thick this year, but not nearly as soft and shiny as his other winter coats.

Thank you and Bless you.   I will keep you and Rikki in my thoughts.

[Chrissy1972]

So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you gave Rikki a wonderful loving life.

God bless!

[April2]

I was so sorry and saddened to hear about Rikki. I left you a note, wasn't sure if you saw it. I know how difficult it is to lose a pet, and you're right, the people on here are wonderful, kind and so supportive. They helped me so much when I lost Willow and even seeing my cat through surgery. I'm glad if this forum helped if even a little bit. Please accept my condolences and I pray God will give you some peace and comfort in this time. *Hugs and blessings*
April

[dominosarah]

Thank you for sharing this very important info during your time of sorrow.  Here is a long distance hug from me to you~~~~~~sara

[Jade59]

Yes, thank you so much for sharing this information.  Like I told you, I know for a fact, this has helped someone else already!  I know how hard it was to write this right away, so thank you for taking the time through your tears.  

I too, wish I had known of such a great forum through the loss of other pets through the years.  I never knew such a forum existed until just a year ago and like Opus said, it's been an enormous help in so many ways.

Bless you, DiamondFox and bless little Rikki.  He is happy and healed now and no longer in any pain or suffering...♥

[opus88]

Thankyou so much for this excellent information and for thinking of others in your grief.
I printed this out and added to my binder.
There are many symptoms of kidney disease that I wasn't aware of!....I may also add the gulping for air being also a symptom of his heart murmur and inability to catch his breath making his heart work alot harder.
This forum and the friends made here with a mutual love of cats is a wonderful source of both information and comfort, and one I hold very dear to my own heart!
God bless your Rikki and I'm sure through his illness will come of help to others along the way...