Lost massive weight.

[PikaPika88]

Hi doctor, I notice my 12 yrs old cat has lost massive weight in these 2 months.   His stool is runny and wasn't solid at all.  Last check up the vet told me he was over 10 yrs old.  I just keep an eye on him.  He still can eat a lot (1.5 pouch  = 150g) of cat food every morning.  Some milk later on.  and quite a few times a day.  

He can walk properly and run a little (not as active as he was young) which I can understand.  He likes to play with my dog Chihuahua.  He isn't running around and play with the dog.  He was lying down and played!  I'm very worrying.  He uses to be a fat cat.  Now all the bones can feel and appeared.  You know how terrify it is?  His movement and eating still very usual.  Do you think I need to take him to the vet for a further investigation?  Or it is the sign of his aging?  End of life symptom?  Please give me some advise.  Thanks.

[PikaPika88]

I took him to the vet yesterday.  The vet did a blood test for my cat Pikachu.  The strip green colour has gone up to the highest square (dark green).  The vet said it is a renal disease.  Still has a good chance and able to treat.  I understand it is not curable.  He gave him an injection, a worm tablet and 28 tablets of Fortekor 2.5mg (benazepril hydrochloride) for 1 tablet daily.  He also gave me 2 booklets related to cat renal disease.   Will review him in 4 weeks time.  

My cat didn't like or take the tablet as the vet said it is a chicken flavor.  I break it into half and put it in his meal.  He ate it finally.  I'm wondering can I break the tablet to feed him or not?  I know if it is the slow release tablet then I can't break it.  The box didn't mention SR but it said Palatable.

Second question, the booklet said follow the diet food.  My vet didn't advise me what food allow and disallow to give to Pikachu.  I wish you can tell me can I still give him the dry food and can/pouch fish from the supermarket?  If not, where I can get the special diet food for him?

Thank you.

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Dear PikaPika88,

Unexplained weight loss in a 10 year old is always of concern. There are many possibilities for why, and while many are serious, some such reasons are quite treatable or even curable. Your doctor should be advising you to allow blood and urine tests and possibly chest and abdominal xrays too,  if the answers are not clear from the blood and urine tests alone. Waste no time, just get that done.

If the doctor you use now  is saying the cat is "just getting old" and offering no diagnostic options other than "watch till death", get another doctor. In a city the size of Melbourne, I think you will easily find a second opinion. Good luck and please keep us advised of the outcome.

Sincerely,

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
MedHelp & PDOC