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Diet worries for 13yr old sphynx w fatty liver please help any advice is appreciated

Krey

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My 13 year old female Sphynx was developing some questionable symptoms a few months back that caused concern. When I took her to the vet to get her blood work done it showed a high white blood cell count and the liver panel was another cause for concern. Vet told me she had a "fatty liver" which may or may not have spread to pancreas. I couldn't afford nor did I want to do a biopsy and so he treated her with 22 days of antibiotics and a liver supplement. He also insisted on a low calorie no fat diet for the remainder of her life. This contradicts everything I've read about treating a fatty liver. However my biggest concern was the fact she is already very tiny and at risk of being severely under weight since she got sick. Despite my concern his reasoning for this diet was if she ate low Cal the fat couldn't store on her liver and would benefit her recovery. I followed his suggestions and changed her dry food which she refuses to touch now. I started giving her royal canin low cal canned food which she happily eats but in multiple small amounts thru out the day. At first it was a big diet change and I could tell it shocked her system a bit. Especially once she finished her meds. She ws very skinny with a jaundice tone to her skin, she was barely getting out of bed, dry nose, and eating but not enough to gain back healthy weight for about 3 days after meds were done. I'm so worried and very confused about the treatment they suggested for her and am wondering if anyone can give me advice or if anyone has had to treat this similar illness with sphynx breed in particular. Im unsure about trusting my vet, he has never treated my cat before this occasion but says he is familiar with sphynx breed so I trusted him and was desperate for her to get better, and after spending $600 on the bill I couldn't really afford to get a second opinion nor did I have time since health was at high risk. There was a few things that set off red flags down the line with choices the vet and his staff made. I don't know if it's just the concerned mother in me being skeptical or if I need to do something else asap to save my babies health before it's to late. I hope you all can help point me to some peace of mind. The last few days she has gotten her color back a bit and has more energy, she is eating and drinking water. Just very skinny and weak. Please help!
 

Nicolemorgan

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Sending you and your girl hugs and positive thoughts!
I do not have any experience with this type of condition for our sphynx or any of our cats, but hopefully some other members will chime in and give you some advice. A second opinion may not be a bad idea, especially if you are skeptical about what your current vet said.
 

Yoda mom

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Welcome to the lair family ((hugs)) amd head smooches to your girl -
What is her name?
I a, not familiar with this but wanted to send ((hugs)) amd positive thoughts!
Perhaps a spot on looking for a vet thread for your area ?
For a second opinion?
Keep us updated often
(( healing vibes )))))
 

GoldHazel

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My 13 year old female Sphynx was developing some questionable symptoms a few months back that caused concern. When I took her to the vet to get her blood work done it showed a high white blood cell count and the liver panel was another cause for concern. Vet told me she had a "fatty liver" which may or may not have spread to pancreas. I couldn't afford nor did I want to do a biopsy and so he treated her with 22 days of antibiotics and a liver supplement. He also insisted on a low calorie no fat diet for the remainder of her life. This contradicts everything I've read about treating a fatty liver. However my biggest concern was the fact she is already very tiny and at risk of being severely under weight since she got sick. Despite my concern his reasoning for this diet was if she ate low Cal the fat couldn't store on her liver and would benefit her recovery. I followed his suggestions and changed her dry food which she refuses to touch now. I started giving her royal canin low cal canned food which she happily eats but in multiple small amounts thru out the day. At first it was a big diet change and I could tell it shocked her system a bit. Especially once she finished her meds. She ws very skinny with a jaundice tone to her skin, she was barely getting out of bed, dry nose, and eating but not enough to gain back healthy weight for about 3 days after meds were done. I'm so worried and very confused about the treatment they suggested for her and am wondering if anyone can give me advice or if anyone has had to treat this similar illness with sphynx breed in particular. Im unsure about trusting my vet, he has never treated my cat before this occasion but says he is familiar with sphynx breed so I trusted him and was desperate for her to get better, and after spending $600 on the bill I couldn't really afford to get a second opinion nor did I have time since health was at high risk. There was a few things that set off red flags down the line with choices the vet and his staff made. I don't know if it's just the concerned mother in me being skeptical or if I need to do something else asap to save my babies health before it's to late. I hope you all can help point me to some peace of mind. The last few days she has gotten her color back a bit and has more energy, she is eating and drinking water. Just very skinny and weak. Please help!

@Krey, I'm sorry to hear that your little girl is having a health problem. I'm not sure what tests were performed or what else the vet did for her, but she must eat and take in fluids. If you are going to wait and wait for her to eat and drink, there is not going to be a good outcome. So being that she's eating a bit now and drinking is a great sign. If you see she is not, then she will need IV fluids, which your vet absolutely should have done right then and there if she was so weak and not eating/drinking.

If you need to get another opinion, you can take all the results with you to the new vet. So it won't cost you double for any procedures already performed. Don't wait just in case...get a copy of all test results now from this vet and figure out which other vet you will see just in case. Have a plan and have it ready just in case.

What were her symptoms that you brought her in to the vet? Was she vomiting? Not eating and drinking? Sleeping a lot? Was she holding her head low while walking?

You need to discuss an appetite stimulant with your vet or any vet if she isn't eating.

Keep us updated please and keep a close eye on her to make sure she is eating and drinking. Best wishes.
 

GoldHazel

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@Krey what brought on the symptoms to begin with...do you have any ideas? Was she once overweight and put on a diet? Did you change any of her food before she went to the vet? Was she the type of cat that didn't always want to eat well every day?

Losing weight too quickly or not eating can cause a fatty liver in cats. Something going on with the pancreas can cause these symptoms.
 

Hairless Blessing

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Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
I'm very sorry, your baby is sick.
I did some research, here is 2 links.
I don't know if you've seen this or not.
Fatty Liver Disease in Cats: Not Eating Can Quickly Kill

Fatty Liver Disease in Cats

I will have to say Royal Canin, is a good food. They have it for many
types of health problems, or healthy cats, dogs.
Grain free, gluten free, doesn't always agree with every cat.
Isn't always the best for your cat. Royal Canin perscription food
especially is a expensive food. But, so worth it.
But, a second opinion or more test is always the best. If you can't afford
this, then, do the best you can with food, or anything else you can.
Please keep us updated.
I pray your baby will get better, if, it's, the Lord's will.
If not, she will go peacefully and painless.
 

Krey

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@Krey, I'm sorry to hear that your little girl is having a health problem. I'm not sure what tests were performed or what else the vet did for her, but she must eat and take in fluids. If you are going to wait and wait for her to eat and drink, there is not going to be a good outcome. So being that she's eating a bit now and drinking is a great sign. If you see she is not, then she will need IV fluids, which your vet absolutely should have done right then and there if she was so weak and not eating/drinking.

If you need to get another opinion, you can take all the results with you to the new vet. So it won't cost you double for any procedures already performed. Don't wait just in case...get a copy of all test results now from this vet and figure out which other vet you will see just in case. Have a plan and have it ready just in case.

What were her symptoms that you brought her in to the vet? Was she vomiting? Not eating and drinking? Sleeping a lot? Was she holding her head low while walking?

You need to discuss an appetite stimulant with your vet or any vet if she isn't eating.

Keep us updated please and keep a close eye on her to make sure she is eating and drinking. Best wishes.
Thanks for the support and for getting back to me. Coincidently the vet called me about an hour after I posted to this forum (talk about divine intervention) they were able to answer some of my concerns and to a certain degree smooth over any discrepancies I was having. They wanna refer me to a internal specialist since she is showing decline after med treatment. Which was only for 3 of the longest days of my life and now she is showing steady progress again and eating grate and drinking and has energy to move about the house again. That's why I'm so confused... Her original symptoms started at the end of December. When I was out of town she caught a stress cold and lost a alarming amount of weight, which my partner didn't notice because she was in her winter jacket that covered her, and let's face it guys aren't very observant of the little things ans it went on unnoticed until the moment I walked in the door and saw her. I nursed her back to health in a few days and she was her happy healthy self again... Or so I thought... She began to thin out a bit again slowly but noticeably, she was a bit unstable but still her spunky self, then she began obsessing over the water faucet more than usual and not just do her little attention dance to get the water on and stare at me like I'm an idiot. She would actually sit and drink for several minutes at a time and still pester for more minutes later. I knew constant thirst like that was NOT a good sign and imminently took her to the vet for testing. I feared internal damage took place when she got sick and lost weight so rapidly over the course of a few days to a week and I didn't notice it gradually happening until it was apparent 3 months down the line. I attached a pic of the blood results. It shows high white blood cell count due to infection and liver issues across the board. Everything else is in optimum health range. The vet gave me 2 antibiotics to get the white blood cell count down and a liver supplement to help her "fatty liver" plus the immediate change to no fat low Cal diet that I described before. She took 22.7 MG of ENROFLOXACIN once a day for 21 days along with 250mg of METRONIDAZOLE once a day for 22days. There was also a antioxident liver supplement "pro hepatic" she now is sopose to take for life they prescribed her as well. She was having a weird reaction to it at first so I thought that in her tiny delicate state maybe it was to much for her to process, so I stopped giving it to her daily until her other meds were done. She was improving up until the last few days of antibiotics that's when I noticed her not eating and not even wanting to get out if bed for anything. With in 3 days she aged 3yrs. But then boom the last 3 or 4 days now she's back to eating regularly, put on a tiny amount of weight, gained a little healthy color back, has more energy and isn't quite 100% but steadily improving. I dunno if it was her body reacting to being on meds so long, or her body acclimating to the liver supplement again or if the sudden switch in diet threw her system into stress. I did a 5-6 day gradual mix and switch on her food but she did not like the new dry food at all and would only eat the canned food when I watered it down enough for her to drink it. Needless to say I'm so confused on what to do, who to trust, and what I can realistically do for her at her age and state with in reason for her quality of life in order to keep her as healthy and comfortable as possible no matter what the divine has planned for her future. Sighhh... Im just lost, she has never had more than a handful of colds the whole 13 almost 14yrs I've had the pleasure of being her mommy. I move every few years so don't even have a regular vet to trust now and as a mother I always question everything they do anyways. Their intentions seem greedy and not sincere, if that seems to make sence... I dunno just want some advice from someone who has been there or knows what mite help or what questions I can ask when I visit the vet on Sat morning for her check up. I just want answers and to do the rite thing, not for me but for my baby.
 

Krey

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Krey

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This is her a few weeks before she got the cold when I was out of town. Happy healthy. And then fast enough to make my head spin she is fading before my helpless tear filled eyes. What should I do I'm lost I'm in shock and im scared!!!
 

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GoldHazel

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@Krey I hear your fear and understand it. I'm not sure what's going on as I'm not a vet, but it surely seems that the stress of you leaving this winter triggered her illness. Her illness may have been waiting to come out and the sudden stress made it come out when it did.

I don't know why your vet didn't give her IV Fluids. That would have helped her with dehydration and help to flush out the "bad" going on inside her.
While she was on the two antibiotics, was she also on FortiFlora? So much good bacteria was destroyed for so long of being on the two meds, she needed to have the good bacteria being replaced with a probiotic. The medicines alone could have made her sick to her stomach and not want to eat.
I am pleased to hear that she is getting better color back now and eating and drinking. If not, I'd suggest a biopsy with a needle rather than risk surgery right now with anesthesia and cost as well.
From what I understand, a cat not eating or losing weight quickly for whatever reason (diet or illness) can cause a liver to become fatty.
If she prefers wet food over dry food right now, that's not bad at all. The wet food is actually better because it gives her more fluids. How are her teeth? Is it possible that she has something going on with her teeth because of her age which isn't uncommon and that has made her not want to eat?
Her recent photo is heartbreaking to see her backbone through her skin knowing that she isn't feeling well. One of my nakeds is very thin, but he's been like that since after he was a kitten and especially nowadays because I feed them grain-free food and take away the kibble during the day because I have two piggies that are heavy. But my skinny guy is very active and has a different metabolism than the two piggies.
Ask your vet if things will improve greatly if you bring her in daily for a few days for IV fluids? Not leaving her there, but bringing her in for a while for the fluids or some sort of other IV treatment.
Talk to him about an appetite stimulant. I believe that most of them are antihistamines and in general fine, but for her age and for her illness, it might not be the best thing for her now. But do talk to him about it and see what he says. Pick his brains. Ask him everything you can. Bring notes with you so you don't forget to discuss certain things.
I'm praying that she continues to do better. Not all vets see dollar signs, there are some out there that are sincere and really care about animals.
 

Krey

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Thank you for the support and we'll wishes! I'm trying my best to stay positive! I do hope to get some advice I'm so scared to make the wrong choice! But I think your rite, I should go with my gut and get a second opinion...
 

admin

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If she is getting better that is good news. Be sure she stays hydrated. I would surely get a second opinion as someone else had mentioned with blood work in hand for comparison to a new panel of blood work. Perhaps it was just a fluke illness. :)
 

Yoda mom

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@Krey , checking in on your girl and sending pawsitive vibes !
I pray she bounces back like my Omar da Cat did years ago -
We never knew what he had - but I went with my gut , went to a new vet, recheck blood work-
God meds on board my down to 6 lb boy - the first vet said he had a mass , pancreatic cancer -
His blood work was off the charts with "high"
It was all a mystery to this day what he had going on - he bounced back and gained 6 lbs back amd lived a long life .


Believe me - you have all a lair full of prayers and support your way !

Be sure she stays hydrated - you can check her neck for "tenting " turgor skin test



My vet said if I had to at home I could give Clear Unflavored Pedialyte - **no flavor !
** always ask your vet what is right for your kitty's circumstances )


Sending Prayers and ((hugs))
Please keep us updated often
We are all here for you amd your girl!


Ps- I got a small old school vet who showed me how to give the fluids at home if you are comfortable with that- I also bought a bottle of vitamin b12 from the vet and gave shots to boost appetite - you can ask the vet if a vitamin b12 shot would beneficial for your girl

My mom used to bring her cat in every few days for the vet tech to give fluid and then take her home about 20 minutes later
 
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Krey

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Thank you so much everyone for your kind words, support and well wishes for Ruka and I. Honestly I didn't come on here expecting a cure or all the answers, I just needed some sort of conformation that I'm doing the rite thing here. I got that from all you wonderful cat lovers out there and I appreciate you all taking the time to reach out to us. I honestly feel a huge relief, like a weight was lifted and I can breath again. Just being able to come here to "purge" all these fears I was bogged down by was enough to get clarity again. Now I have more confidence in moving forward on what needs to be done along with confirmation I've done all I can up to this point. GOLD HAZEL thank you for the reminders on a few things. I was giving her probiotics in her food but stopped doing it when she wasn't eating the dry food anymore for some reason. I'll make sure to add it to canned food again daily because its definitely important. The crazy thing is, it's almost like I froze for a minute there when I saw my greatest love decline like that and was faced with my greatest fear in full motion. I definitely feel like I got my positive perspective back and confidence to do what's needed in order to see her thru. If I dont want her to give up then neither can I!! I'll keep everyone posted on Rukas recovery as soon as I know more. In the mean time if someone does happen to find a miracle feel free to pass it our way. Thanks meow!
 

Krey

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Really good idea YODA Mom I'm gunna look into that when I call a new vet to set a follow up today. I have a appointment at my other vet Saturday but something is telling me it's not in our best interest to go. They just kept dropping the ball on different things it seems and I don't feel any comfort or trust when I talk to them. Just figured it was me hating what they were telling me but after looking at it from a different perspective, I'm pretty sure I need to go with my gut and all your advice. Definitely getting a second opinion asap! Little girl is happy with that idea too, as she is kneading my tummy and purring up a storm rite now. Another good sign she is feeling better bit by bit. Finally a sigh of relief!!
 

GoldHazel

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Thank you so much everyone for your kind words, support and well wishes for Ruka and I. Honestly I didn't come on here expecting a cure or all the answers, I just needed some sort of conformation that I'm doing the rite thing here. I got that from all you wonderful cat lovers out there and I appreciate you all taking the time to reach out to us. I honestly feel a huge relief, like a weight was lifted and I can breath again. Just being able to come here to "purge" all these fears I was bogged down by was enough to get clarity again. Now I have more confidence in moving forward on what needs to be done along with confirmation I've done all I can up to this point. GOLD HAZEL thank you for the reminders on a few things. I was giving her probiotics in her food but stopped doing it when she wasn't eating the dry food anymore for some reason. I'll make sure to add it to canned food again daily because its definitely important. The crazy thing is, it's almost like I froze for a minute there when I saw my greatest love decline like that and was faced with my greatest fear in full motion. I definitely feel like I got my positive perspective back and confidence to do what's needed in order to see her thru. If I dont want her to give up then neither can I!! I'll keep everyone posted on Rukas recovery as soon as I know more. In the mean time if someone does happen to find a miracle feel free to pass it our way. Thanks meow!

@Krey there are certain sad situations in life that make me shut down just like you. But you now realize that you can't just shut down and give up because you see your worst fear possibly becoming a reality. You have to find out everything you can and do whatever you can. Then...whatever the result will be...will be. But at least you know that you gave it your all and you didn't give up.
Be strong right now and try to keep a clear head. Hopefully all this will soon be behind you and she will get through this with flying colors.
Thinking of you...
 

Krey

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I'm happy to report Ruka is improving everyday. I fired my vet and am seeking a new one for second opinion. Just allowing her time to recover and get stronger before I stress her out with a trip to the vet again. She is eating and roaming around more and more, her skin color is normal again and she has her spunk back. Thank you all so much for the support and helping me keep positive. I could never give up on my baby and the positive uplift you all gave me helped pull me thru the hardest part of this journey. So glad I could turn to this forum and will keep you all updated as progress continues. Sphynx lovers Unite!!
 

Krey

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So Ruka is doing soooo much better!! I never ended up taking her back to the vet cuz she was so frail and I just decided to take matters into my own hands. I stabilized her eating and changed her to a free range raw diet and spent time everyday putting positive vibes out by telling her I loved her, she is so strong, how blessed I am to have her in my life, and how thankful I am for the unconditional love and companionship she has given me, and to please fight to get better. And the universe listed and so did she!!! Like magic everyday she is looking and acting more and more vivacious and healthy again. She purrrrs so loud when I fill her with those kind words and envision her surround in love and light. I know what vets do is important but they also filled me with fear and doubt which is so toxic. Not to mention toxic food he made me change to in order to profit for a company which he markets. Despite what everyone says Royal Canin is NOT a good diet choice for your pets and raw is 120% the only way to go, I wish I woulda done it sooner!! Thanks again for the good vibes, support and love you all sent my way. We felt it and we're lifted up by it and now doing well again!! ✌
 
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