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Conference misery::feline

Title:Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:purrrrr...
Moderator:JULIET::CORDES_JA
Created:Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1079
Total number of notes:28858

539.0. "Lula's Sick..." by ISLNDS::URBAN () Fri May 21 1993 09:33

    I feel so bad....a few days ago, Lula started vomiting around the apt. 
    I figured she had a hair ball, and the second day I saw one in her
    vomit.  The only thing is, now she won't eat anything at all, she's
    hiding behind the bed all day, and she won't play or anything.  I did
    see her going for a little water this a.m., but I haven't see her use
    the litter box either in a couple of days.  I also hear her little
    tummy gurgling away and she seems to be burbing up stuff too.  I'm
    thinking that she must have a huge hairball or something.  She doesn't
    seem to be warm or anything either.  I just spoke to the vet and
    they're worried about her being dehydrated if she doesn't eat, so
    she'll probably go have a vet visit (Yeah, right, if I can ever catch
    her) tonight or tomorrow.  The funny thing is, I was just thinking the
    other day how lucky I was that my cats didn't really have hair ball
    problems...this has never happened with Lula before.  Of course, she
    hates the sight of Laxatone, so I tried to smear some on her little
    nose this a.m.  She got so mad at me because she's already miserable. 
    I wish they could talk!!  Any other ideas what might be causing this?
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
    
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539.1NETWKS::GASKELLFri May 21 1993 10:468
    It may not be a hair ball but something else she has swallowed, like
    string or yarn, that wouldn't necessarily give her a temp.  It could
    also be a tummy bug, mine usually show some signs of a temp when they have
    an touch of tummy virus, but not always.  Try giving her a little cold,
    BOILED water (from what I have been hearing about our water supply
    lately it could also be some kind of bacterial contamination there--how 
    are you feeling by the way?).  A trip to the vet for kitty may be a good 
    idea, and soon.
539.2Going to check on her...ISLNDS::URBANFri May 21 1993 11:4711
    I haven't been sick, just with allergies.  I give the cats distilled
    water to drink...I got that idea from some notes in here.  I keep
    thinking she might of swallowed something else, but I keep my house as
    cat safe as possible...plus I'm a neat-nik so I notice stuff on the
    floor.  I remember once Linus swallowed a styrophone ball toy (about
    the size of those little super balls).  He vomited it up and it was all
    deflated and stuff.  But, I couldn't believe he swallowed something so
    large.  He's pretty large too, but that would be like me swallowing a
    grapefruit or bigger.  I'm going to check on her at lunch...
    
    Di
539.3MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityFri May 21 1993 12:1114
    
    I think a vet visit is in order......it could be something simple
    as hairballs or not feeling well...or it could be something
    stuck in her intestines...or something she ate (plant) that
    didn't agree with her.
    
    If it is hairballs...my guys will usually go a day without eating
    after tossing one of those up.  It must hurt their belly and
    throat!!!!
    
    Keep us posted...and fingers are crossed!!
    
    Sandy
    
539.4Still the same...ISLNDS::URBANFri May 21 1993 13:2620
    I went home at lunch and Lula is still hiding behind the bed...my poor
    baby.  I managed to pet her a bit and I heard her purring a little. 
    But, she's not budging from her spot.  I think she did a little pee
    while I was at work, and someone ate her cat food...doubt it was her
    though, Linus is looking awfully portly these past few days.  I have no
    plants around the house, and can't imagine that she might have
    swallowed anything that might be around because I just don't leave
    things like that out.  I'm going to call the vet when I get home and
    see when he wants to see her.  The only problem is...it's gonna be hell
    catching her.  You know, I've never ever had so meany health problems
    with other cats I've had, but these 2 cats are driving me to the poor
    house fast...  It's also funny that I know a lot more about safety and
    stuff with cats than I ever did with my others, and I still get
    problems...Oh well...  They're my babies and I adore and spoil them
    because they love me so much.  I just can't bear when they're sick... I
    swear I've been feeling sick ever since Lula started throwing up.
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di
539.5A little vaseline should help!ISLNDS::FALLONFri May 21 1993 14:5812
    Hi Di!
    Something that might help you and others out there with hairball
    problems.  A persian breeder/friend told me once to give a good
    teaspoon to tablespoon (depending on how big a cat) of vaseline
    petroleum jelly.  The plain non scented variety.  This is what most
    hairball remedies are any way.  It usually works quite well and will
    clear up the problem rather quickly and is safe to use.  you just get
    the big glob on your finger and open their mouths.  Wipe it quickly
    across the roof of their mouth as best you can.  This is a "no-messing
    around" remedy.  It has been known to save a cat. I balked at it at
    first but can vouch for its efficiency.
    Karen
539.6She has a blockage...ISLNDS::URBANMon May 24 1993 09:5315
    I brought Lula to the vet on Sat...and much to my surprise, she was a
    lot more sick than I thought.  She was extremely dehydrated and had an
    infection I guess.  The vet took x-rays, and she did have something
    lodged in her intestine.  He almost did surgery, but at the last
    minute, he took another x-ray and the blockage had moved a bit.  I'm
    glad he didn't do surgery anyway, I wanted to wait to see if it would
    move.  Anyway, he took her home to his house for the weekend and gave
    her antibiotics and fluid.  I guess she's doing much better, and I
    should be able to go get her this afternoon and bring her home.  I
    don't know if she's passed whatever is in there...I think it's hair,
    but the vet said that he usually doesn't see cats get so sick from a
    hair ball...but it happens.  I can't wait to see her...I feel so lost
    without her around to cuddle with.
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.7MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityMon May 24 1993 10:1512
    
    Happy to hear Lula is doing better and I sure hope she has passed
    whatever was blocked.   I went through something very similar
    with Van Gogh who ended up having to have an operation to
    remove 80% of his intestines.  Over a three month timeframe...He 
    kept getting blocked and was one sick boy!!
    
    Normally when a cat quits eating, drinking and hides it a sure
    sign that something is wrong.   So glad you got her to the vets!!
    
    Sandy
    
539.8She's home but...ISLNDS::URBANTue May 25 1993 11:0214
    Well...I got Lula home last night and she sure had a lot to tell me.  I
    guess he had kids and a dog...all of which she's not used to, but she
    was good there and the kids were sad to see her go.  Anyway, she looked
    better, but she sneezed all night long.  Plus she didn't eat her dinner
    again and she didn't go for her breakfast either.  She only passed a
    very little loose stool at the vets house, and I didn't see her use the
    litter box yet.  She did eat a tiny bit of tuna last night and a tiny
    bit of hard food.  I guess if I don't see her eat tonight I'll be
    calling the vets again tomorrow.  I hope she comes out of this
    fast...it's so frustrating (also very expensive).  
    
    Send some good vibes her way...and thanx for listening,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.9Fingers and Paws crossedWR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STTue May 25 1993 12:494
    Kitty prayers and good thoughts coming your way for Lulu.  I hope her
    appetite will be steadily improving.
    
    Steffi + 4
539.10MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityTue May 25 1993 12:5615
    
    Keep your eye on Lula...if she only passed a bit of stool...she
    could still have an obstruction.   Did the vet suggested any type
    of stool loosener such as mineral oil, metamucil etc???    
    
    I only say this because with Van Gogh normally once he passed the
    stool he would eat like a pig...until it got backed up again.
    (normally 3 days later)
    
    Fingers crossed for your little girl!!  Keep us posted!!
    
    Sandy
    
    
    
539.11Laxatone...ISLNDS::URBANTue May 25 1993 14:289
    Apparently, the vet had her on fluids and antibiotcs this weekend.  She
    started eating again when she felt better...I guess Sunday.  I took her
    home last night with some medicine and was told to give her Laxatone
    every other day.  I'm hoping she'll use the litter box soon.  The vet
    was going to do another x-ray before I took her, but decided that she
    seemed to be ok.  I guess if there's really something wrong again,
    she'll start hiding again.  Let's hope not...
    
    Di
539.12DAGWST::BROWNeverybody run Prom Queen's Gotta Gun!Tue May 25 1993 18:346
    I think that with an intestinal obstruction I wouldn't leave it to
    chance that she will be okay.  I have been there with a cat with an
    intestinal obstruction, and if the cat isn't passing any stool, it's
    time to take another x-ray just to be safe.
    
    Jo
539.13She seems better...ISLNDS::URBANWed May 26 1993 10:5610
    Lula ate all her supper last night and all her breakfast this a.m.  I
    still haven't seen her do a stool yet.  She seems fine, other than her
    sneezing problem, but if she doesn't do a stool today, I guess I'll
    take her back to the vet for another x-ray.  What fun it was last night
    trying to get Laxatone down her throat...more like I got Laxatone all
    over her face and my hand.  Poor thing...
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.14MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityWed May 26 1993 11:159
    Try putting the laxatone on her paw...but make sure you kind of
    rub it in a bit.  It is amazing how they will just lap it off because
    they don't want to be dirty.  Of course if you don't rub it in...she
    will just fling it across the room!! This has worked on every cat I know!!!
    
    Glad to see she's eating...
    
    Sandy
    
539.15Finally...ISLNDS::URBANThu May 27 1993 09:457
    Well...I got what I've been waiting for.  Last night my little Lula did
    a nice poooooooooo for me.  I'm glad that's over with...she seems to be
    back to her old self again.
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.16WR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STThu May 27 1993 14:474
    That's great news!!!
    
    Steffi
    
539.17Once again...ISLNDS::URBANWed Oct 27 1993 09:4024
    I'm just venting here, because I'm so frustrated.  Once again, Lula has
    not been eating and is vomiting just bile and bits of fur.  This has
    been going on since Sat. a.m.  I took her to the vets on Monday, she
    stayed over night and was given fluid, and I took her home yesterday. 
    The vet couldn't feel anything in her intestines, so he didn't think it
    was an obstruction like last time.  Well...guess not because she threw
    up again last night and this a.m. (all over the bed with me in it!!). 
    I'm sure that it's fur, and I'm so frustrated because since she had
    this problem last time, I've been combing her (very short fur fyi) and
    giving her laxatone every damn day.  Plus, you wouldn't mind, but she
    hates both!!  So, I'll probably have to suffer through this with her
    until she passes this, which means I'll have to take her back to the
    vet for fluids because she's going to dehydrate again and she won't eat.  
    BUT, how am I going to ever stop this from happening again.  She just 
    seems incapable of throwing up a hairball like a normal cat does.  The 
    vet suggested putting vaseline in her food, which I haven't had a chance 
    to try yet, but God knows if she'll even eat it with that in there because
    she's so finicky as it is.  Anyone have any other helpful clues on what else
    might be good to mix with her food that she might like or not smell?  
    
    Wish her luck...I feel so bad for her.  She's the sweetest cat I've
    ever had and I'm not dealing with this very well at all.
    
    Diana  
539.18JUPITR::KAGNOWed Oct 27 1993 10:1719
    Diana,
    
    Instead of Laxatone, try another brand like Petromalt or Femalt.  My
    cats won't eat the Laxatone, but will lick the Petromalt right from the
    tube.
    
    I think it is important to feed quality food with lots of essential
    oils such as Iams or Science Diet.  That might help with her problem. 
    Try mixing a food additive for the coat into her canned food, like
    Linatone or Mirra Coat.  They will lubricate from the inside out, and
    make her coat sleek and glossy.
    
    Is Lula an excessive groomer?  My Taja is a bullemic cat as well, and
    he is my only shorthair.  He grooms himself impeccably; God forbid I
    pat him when he's through; he'll get all pissy and groom the area
    again.  The petromalt does help, but I don't think his heaving episodes
    will ever completely cease.
    
    -Roberta
539.19She gets the best...ISLNDS::URBANWed Oct 27 1993 13:1027
    Yes, I've tried Laxatone and Petromalt and she hates anything like
    that.  She and my other cat eat good food because my other cat, Linus,
    gets cystitus and there's no keeping them from each other's food.  So
    they get Triumph Liver, Triumph Heart or Triumph Kidney, or Science
    Diet Feline growth, or Hill's CD (CD every night).  And, she is an
    excessive groomer I think.  She's very clean and very ladylike.  I love
    her to death, and I hate to think that this will be a chronic problem
    for her, but it looks that way.  I just spoke to the vet again, and he
    said to bring her back in again tonight.  She'll probably have to stay
    there a couple of nights this time at least.  They'll probably do an
    xray this time to see if there's something in her intestines.  If they
    don't find anything though, then I'll really freak out because she's
    had every blood test under the sun done since I've had her and God
    knows what else it might be.  At that point, I'll take her to Tufts,
    but hopefully this is just hair again.  The best thing would be to go
    home today and see a huge hairball thrown up somewhere, but she's never
    ever coughed one up.  My poor baby...I hope she realizes how much I
    love her and try to take care of her and Linus.  This is truly a
    full-time job for me, as Linus also has to take medication every day
    for his asthma.  These are very high maintenance cats that have come
    into my life...I swear, I don't know anyone but "Feliner's" people that
    would ever ever deal with all the things I go through with them.  I
    pray that someday I'll get this under control!!
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di
539.20MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityWed Oct 27 1993 13:1711
    Di.
    
    Poor Lula.  How is her stool..,.does she have a hard time going????   
    Sometimes when there is problem with the intestines a cat eats but 
    then throws up right after that. I'm wondering if it could be blocked 
    intestine or possibly even Megacolon which is something I experienced 
    with Van Gogh.
    
    Please keep us posted.....and hugs to her!!
    
    Sandy
539.21exISLNDS::URBANWed Oct 27 1993 14:079
    There really has been no stool because she hasn't eaten since Fri.
    night.  She did do a reg. stool on Sat., but that was probably Friday's
    dinner.  She did have very loose stoole/diarrhea last night when she
    got home, but it was really nothing at all.  What are the symptoms of
    Megacolon?  What is that?
    
    Thanx,
    
    Diana
539.22MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityWed Oct 27 1993 14:2115
    Di...
    
    Please see note 62 for the story of Van Gogh and his Megacolon.
    In summary megacolon is when the large intestines are inflammed
    and the muscles used to move stool are weak and cannot move
    the hard stool.
    
    After many many months of VG being constipated, having diahrea
    and throwing up.....Megacolon was suspected by my vet and Tufts
    did the actual diagnoses and operation.  He is doing great and
    that was two years ago.  
    
    Please keep us posted on little Lula!!!
    
    Sandy
539.23POWDML::MANDILEConstant CravingsWed Oct 27 1993 15:284
    
    You could try adding bran to the canned food.  (mix in a few
    tbls of water, too).  It might help push the hair through the
    digestive tract.
539.24MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityThu Oct 28 1993 13:068
    How's little Lula...and did she go back for a vet visit.
    
    Other things you can try if she is constipated would be
    mineral oil, Metamucil (unflavored), or cat laxative.
    
    Keep us posted...
    
    Sandy
539.25Back at the vet...ISLNDS::URBANThu Oct 28 1993 13:3116
    Hi,
    
    Last night when I got home, laying on the rug, was this very large hair
    ball.  I can't even believe this thing was in her stomach.  Anyway, I
    was glad that she coughed it up, but she still was very sick and weak
    and wouldn't eat.  I took her back to the vet's last night so they
    could give her more fluids.  I am waiting for them to call me today...I
    called and the receptionist said that the 2 vets want to have a
    discussion about her before they speak to me.  God, hope that isn't too
    serious.  Needless to say, I don't know how she is right now.  I was
    hoping that since she passed this hair out, she'd get her appetite
    back.
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di
539.26MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityThu Oct 28 1993 13:439
    I'm sure coughing that thing up probably hurt her throat and
    her belly...so I can see why she still might not be in the
    mood to eat.  Let's hope the fluids rejuvenated her and her
    appitite will come back.
    
    Please keep us posted........
    Sandy
    
    
539.27She's not well yet...ISLNDS::URBANThu Oct 28 1993 15:2013
    Just spoke to my vet.  She's still not well at all and she vomited
    again today.  They took an xray and didn't see anything in her
    intestines.  They're going to recheck her for FIV and leukemia before
    they do exploratory surgery to see if she has more hair in her stomach. 
    I'm sick with worry and can't deal with her going through this.  I'm 
    going to visit with her tonight to see if I can get her to eat a little bit,
    although I know she would eat for them if she was feeling ok.  I'm
    hoping that another day of fluids will help her, and she'll come home
    tomorrow.  
    
    Thanx for listening...
    
    Di
539.28JUPITR::KAGNOThu Oct 28 1993 15:416
    Di, you are doing everything possible and then some to help Lula.  I
    hope she improves and it isn't too serious.
    
    Hang in there!
    Roberta
    
539.29ASABET::MANDERSONThu Oct 28 1993 15:5129
    Sorry to hear about Lulu.  The not knowing is so frustrating.  You
    wrack your brain trying to think of all possibilities.
    
    When Abigail was first sick I got many notes from people who offered
    some thoughts - a couple of which mentioned poison.  It ended up not
    being that but when I spoke with the Dr's I mentioned the idea and they
    said no - she would be vomiting, and it was not one of the symptoms.  
    Not to scare you - but is there a possility that she got into something 
    and/or is there any lead paint in your house/apartment?  I kept thinking 
    that she had perhaps inaled too much hairspray (when I used it) or drank 
    water out of the toilet bowl after I cleaned it - or got in the sink and 
    got some of the cleaning fluids in her system.  Like I said, I thought of 
    just about EVERYTHING.
    
    Just thought of another thing.  Does she eat people food?  Abigail had
    gotten a hold of a piece of lettuce before I cleaned it and had
    wondered if she had a reaction to the pesticides!
    
    Also, have you thought or mentioned the possibility that she could be
    having a severe allergic reaction to the laxatone or some of those
    products?
    
    I do hope they find out what is wrong and fix it ... getting her back
    to her normal self.  Take care and stay strong for her.  You're in
    my thoughts and I'll say a prayer for the doctors - that they find
    out what is making her sick and can make her well, 100%.
    
    Marilyn
    
539.30Another hairball...ISLNDS::URBANFri Oct 29 1993 09:4817
    Hi,
    
    I visited with Lula last night.  She was the same, not well at all. 
    When I tried to offer her food, she'd gag.  She did purr for me and was
    very happy I came.  She meowed at me when I left...she wanted to come
    home.  Linus misses her too...he's moping around the house and yowling
    for her to come out.  I see him looking in the closets for her to see
    if she's hiding.  Anyway, I just spoke to the vets and unbelievably, she
    through up another hair ball last night.  God, I'm hoping this is it
    and she'll get her appetite back.  The vet is going to call me later
    today...he's in surgery all a.m.  I guess I'll give her another day
    there...actually, I'd like to take her home for the weekend and see how
    she does.  Maybe I will...
    
    Thanx for the concern,
    
    Di
539.31Best WishesDRUMS::FEHSKENSlen, Engineering Technical OfficeFri Oct 29 1993 10:336
    
    We're all rooting for you and Lula.  You and Linus keep your chins
    up...
    
    len and Merlin and Rocky and Robin and Blueberry.
    
539.32Crazed weekend...ISLNDS::URBANMon Nov 01 1993 11:2729
    What a crazy weekend I had with Lula.  I was hoping to take her home
    from the vets on Friday, but she wasn't eating still, so I decided I
    would leave her there over night and pick her up on Sat. and keep her
    for the weekend.  When I called in on Sat., the vet had terrible news
    for me.  He said her abdomen was filling with fluid and they thought
    she had FIP, which was fatal.  He was doing a test on the fluid to
    check, but he told me that I should come in to make a decision on
    when/if to euthanize her.  So, I was a mess and called my mom to let
    her know and got her crying and called my best friends and got them
    crying and my friend Gary offered to drive me over because I was such a
    mess.  Anyway, I get to the vets and he says, "Nope, not FIP."  So, he
    wanted to do surgery, but he felt that it looked really bad and he
    thought she may have cancerous tumors in there, so again he asked me
    about euthanasia if it looked bad, and I agreed that waking her up
    would prolong her misery.  Well, he did the surgery and there were no
    tumors.  What happened was that she had about 16 ozs. of hair and fluid
    in her tummy which had swollen to the size of a dogs stomach by this
    time.  She had scar tissue on the entrance of her intestine which wasn't
    letting anything by, so he removed 4 inches of her intestine.  So,
    right now she's still recovering and won't eat on her own yet.  I'm
    still concerned that this might happen again...we just don't know why
    that scar tissue was there.  Anyway, what a whirlwind week I've had
    with her...plus very expensive...about $700 so far.  Now, I just wait
    for her to eat and pass a stool/urine normally and we'll be all set. 
    Hope this is over soon!!
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.33see-saw weekend!STUDIO::COLAIANNII have PMS and a handgun ;-)Mon Nov 01 1993 11:3916
    Di,
    
     What an awful weekend for you! I'd have been totally crazy! I'm sure
    you were very close though!
    
     I'm so glad to hear they seem to have found the cause, even though
    they don't know what may have caused the scar tissue. All fingers and
    paws crossed here that she will start eating now, and that it will not
    hapen again.
    
     Let us know how she is doing! Lots of loving and healing prayers
    coming your way!
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee
539.34ASABET::MANDERSONMon Nov 01 1993 11:5312
    How awful for Lulu - to have a stomach full of fur!
    
    Glad to hear that although you had to agonize of the possiblity of
    euthenasia ... they operated and found the problem.  From your memo it
    does sound like the prognosis is good.  Did they say how long she would
    be in the hospital?
    
    Sending you best wishes and give Lulu a kiss from me, it's the right
    (and best) place to be - but oh, do they miss the quiet of home!
    
    Marilyn
    
539.35MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityMon Nov 01 1993 12:0525
    Di....
    
    So sorry to hear about the rough weekend....but glad to hear
    they atleast found out what was causing the problem.  Hopefully
    Lula is on the road to recovery!!
    
    Her problem was very similar to Van Goghs.(megacolon) His problem
    was also with inflamed/scarred intestines which could not pass
    anything.    Van Gogh had 80% of his large intestine removed...
    and with him the Tufts Vet wrote down Unknown Origin!!  They do
    not know why this happens to some cats...but it does!!
    
    It has been two years since VG's operation...and he is still doing
    great.   Let's hope Lula follows in his footsteps and recovers very
    fast and can come home to you real soon.  Let's hope she starts
    eating and pooping on her own!!!
    
    Hugs to you because it sounds like you had an awful weekend.  WHY oh
    WHY do so many vets always initially comment it could be FIP and put you 
    in a panic mode????  
    
    Please please keep us posted.
    
    Sandy
                                    
539.36Home tonight...ISLNDS::URBANMon Nov 01 1993 13:5818
    I should be taking Lula home tonight from the vets, that was the plan
    as of this a.m. unless something goes wrong.  I'm taking a coupld of
    vaca. days off to be with her until she does her little poop.  I'm also
    hoping that this doesn't recur.  I guess this too is of unknown origin,
    but I'm a bit hopefuly that it'll not happen again since Van Gogh
    seemed to handle it ok.  The vet thought it was FIP because her stomach
    was filled with this fluid, I guess that happens with FIP kitties. 
    Anyway, after he analyzed it, he saw that it wasn't that.  Good thing!! 
    So, thanx for all your thoughts and prayers...it helps.  Oh, funny
    thing too, I went and had a tarot card reading Friday night, and I
    asked about Lula.  The card that was turned over was the Strength card
    but reversed.  Anyway, this card had a picture of a lion on it.  The
    reading/meaning was for weakness but not death...she'd be fine.  So, I
    guess I should worry anymore 8>)
    
    Bye,
    
    Di
539.37DRUMS::FEHSKENSlen, Engineering Technical OfficeMon Nov 01 1993 15:477
    
    The signs look auspicious (not a typo, it differs from *s*uspicious by
    only one finger position!), but we're still radiating positive thoughts
    for you and Lula.
    
    len and Merlin and Rocky and Robin and Blueberry.
    
539.38She's a bit better...ISLNDS::URBANWed Nov 03 1993 10:3613
    I brought Lula home Mon. night and she stayed home with me yesterday. 
    She wasn't doing so well, so I brought her back to the vets for some
    fluids again and he gave her a shot of valium, which made her eat a
    tiny bit.  Brought her back home last night, and she slept by my side
    all night.  This a.m. she ate a tiny bit and I was so happy.  But,
    since she didn't take any water or very much food, I took her to the
    vet this a.m. where they were going to give her more fluids and try to
    get her to eat more.  She does seem a lot better today though...I'm
    bringing her home at lunchtime.
    
    Bye,
    
    Di
539.39This is tough...ISLNDS::URBANThu Nov 04 1993 12:3315
    Well...after we all thought she was going to turn around, Lula spent
    the day hiding and not wanting any food again.  She did drink some
    water for me though, which was a good sign.  But, as of tomorrow, it's
    been 2 weeks without any substantial food.  I brought her to the vets
    this a.m. and will be picking her up this afternoon.  To me, this just
    has gone on long enough.  I feel like I'm watching her starve herself
    to death.  I'm just hoping the vet has another option here to get food
    into her.  I just won't accept her dying over this...she's only 2. 
    Thanx everyone who has written to me with advice.  I feel I'm doing as
    much as possible for her as I can, I just can't seem to tempt her to
    eat.  At this point, I'm getting extremely stressed and depressed, and
    I can barely function to do anything except watch her.  I just pray
    that she's better very very very soon.
    
    Di
539.40ASABET::MANDERSONThu Nov 04 1993 12:4519
    ...I'll say a prayer for you both!
    
    I can empathize with your agony and stress over this.  The worry
    and feeling of helplessness is overwhelming.  I found by talking
    to ANYONE who would listen, asked as many questions as I could -
    I left no stone unturned.
    
    You have done all you can do.  Sometimes things are out of our 
    control and you have to trust your instincts, your faith in whatever 
    your belief in "god" may be and your veterinarian.  You also have to 
    have faith in Lulu ... sometimes I honestly believe they have powers 
    of their own.
    
    Hang in there and know that I am hoping for the best - as I am sure
    the rest of the people in this notesfile will agree!  We're here for 
    you ... now it's your turn to lean on us.
    
    Marilyn
    
539.41JULIET::RUSSELLPE_STThu Nov 04 1993 12:5611
    I'm so sorry to hear that Lulu still isn't eating.  I went through
    something like that with Misha.  The valium once a day for 2 weeks
    really did the trick.  Ask your vet about that.
    
    You might want to try Alpo milk for cats as a way of getting her to take 
    some fluids and it has good nutritional value.
    
    Kitty prayers for both of you.
    
    Steffi
    
539.42Back from the dead...ISLNDS::URBANFri Nov 05 1993 11:0627
    Talk about a rollercoaster ride of emotions!!!  I went in to the vets
    yesterday to get Lula, and she just totally plopped down on the
    table...wouldn't even get up or move.  The vet was standing there just
    saying, "Well, I don't know what we can do."  I swear he seemed to be
    giving up on her because she looked so bad.  So I suggested a feeding
    tube because I knew she needed food.  He then said, "Why don't you take
    her home and see if she'll eat, and then if not we'll try a tube
    tomorrow."  He then took blood to check for further infection and I
    left for the night thinking about a consultation with Tufts and/or
    euthenizing her.  So, I went out last night and bought all different
    kinds of cat/baby food to tempt her.  When I got home, I proceeded to
    open one by one, and by the fifth can, she started eating.  Better yet,
    she slept with me all night and woke me up purring and giving me
    headbutts which she hasn't done for 2 weeks.  Then, she jumped off the
    bed and headed for her food dish!!!  YES!!!  She ate 3 times before I
    came to work and drank water too.  Totally unbelievable.  The only
    minor glitch is that she is sneezing like crazy from her allergies and
    she started bleeding a bit from her stiches.  The vet said not to worry
    unless it gets swollen, so I hope it's ok.  I also saw her cleaning her
    belly, so I hope she doesn't pull out her stiches.  One thing after
    another to worry about huh?  But, now what I really need to see is a
    nice poop in the litter box from her, and I'll be so happy.  So, wish
    her good luck passing that...
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li & Lu
539.43ASABET::MANDERSONFri Nov 05 1993 11:3221
    Di, I am so happy for you AND Lulu.  I swear - they have amazing
    powers, don't they?
    
    In buying cat food the other day - I saw one that I hadn't tried for
    Abigail and it came in such pretty packaging (heh) ... so I thought
    I'd try one.  Sheba - turkey in aspic (she loves turkey).
    
    I brought it home and mind you - she's been real good about eating
    (now) just about anything I put down for her.  Well, when I put this
    out she never picked her head up out of the bowl ONCE.  She ate the
    WHOLE can!  I finally found one that she really loves and doesn't
    need prodding from me and/or Otis.  Expensive (5 for $3.00) in our
    area ... but worth it!  
    
    Lulu sounds like she's feeling much better and the nudging from her
    and the desire to eat really makes your day, doesn't it? Here's
    hoping the good news continues and she is on the road to a full
    recovery!
    
    Marilyn
    
539.44JULIET::RUSSELLPE_STFri Nov 05 1993 12:178
    I'm so glad to hear that Lulu is home and is eating.  I think being
    home with you is what she wanted and needed more than anything else.  I
    hope she continues to eat, and drink and presents you with a lovely poop (in
    the proper place, of course).
    
    I second the recommedation of Sheba.  My cats love it too.  
    
    Steffi
539.45She's better...ISLNDS::URBANMon Nov 08 1993 16:4310
    Lula had a very good weekend...and Sunday she did a big poop for me. 
    It was pretty hard though...poor thing.  She still is awfully thin and
    eats about 1/4 can a day since Friday.  I'm also giving her bits of
    deli turkey too.  She has the wickedest runny/sneezy nose too.  This
    poor little thing has it pretty rough lately.  But, at least her
    insides are working again!!  My vet says that she used up 8 of her 9
    lives on this one...  Hopefully, I won't ever be writing in this topic
    again either!!!  Thanks for all the support, it helped a lot.
    
    Di & Li & Lu_who's_very_grateful!!
539.46MAGEE::MERRITTKitty CityTue Nov 09 1993 07:5612
    So glad to hear Lula is doing much better.   My guess is that
    she is so thin and was so weak that her immune system is very
    low and she probably caught a cold on top of everything else.
    Is she on antibiotics????
    
    You also might want to check with the vet to see if you can add
    a bit of mineral oil or bran to her diet so the poops aren't so
    hard.  Poor little girl...
    
    Let's hope we only hear "happy" Lula stories in the future...
    
    Sandy