PaulCat is vomiting for no known cause - it won't stop :[

[Rox]

My 3y/o red sphynx, Paul, has been sick with this mysterious illness for months now. I have seen 3 different vet clinics and ran them each to the point of no solutions except "Maybe it's anxiety" and a long list of negative test results and a pretty hole burnt in my pocket. (It's not anxiety, I can tell pretty easily when he's uncomfortable as he can with me, y'know?)
It started a few months ago. At first it was pretty regular; he would vomit at night pretty much every 3 days. It has only varied since. Some medications have made a difference...only for a short while though until he's vomiting and taking medication...I believe there was one anti-nausea one that soothed him for about a month+.
But now it is pretty much daily and there is no time, rhyme or reason to it. I have changed his food (he now eats Taste of the Wild [as he did before when he wasn't sick], I switched it to other no grain/no filler type foods, also switched to a broth/etc diet, tried making his food myself, fish... but if it didn't have any affect at all then it only appeared to make matters worse. Though his poop and poop schedule have barely fluctuated). I've also changed his water and his litter and his bed...
I feel so helpless - somebody ..please.. help
Has anyone had a similar experience? Advice? Tips?

 

[MollysMom]

Has he had an ultrasound to look for IBD? We have gone through mysterious vomiting with increasing frequency with Molly, and she just had the ultrasound last week. It showed significant thickening of the bowel. We are just starting treatment for IBD (steroids and a single protein diet). If this does not work we will look at the biopsy for lymphoma.

Good for you for being persistent. The medications were the same that we tried for Molly - kept thinking it was just a bug that she had. They would help for a bit but a few weeks later we would be in the same boat again.

What are the tests you have run? Does the vet have any leads or possible theories?

 

[Rox]

He hasn't been x-rayed or had an ultrasound other than that I don't know what he hasn't been tested for. Good idea. The only theory I received from 1 clinic was that it could be anxiety the others simply did not know.

 

[MollysMom]

I am surprised that they never suggested it could be IBD. Some things that have made Molly's vomiting worse:

Switching her food
New treats
Not feeding her often enough (we have to push food on her).

Has he lost weight as a result of the vomiting?

The ultrasound was expensive - mine was $575. But it was relatively quick and painless, and we had the results that same day. I would inquire at the vets about it. Do you have a vet that you really trust? I find it odd that they are suggesting anxiety. Does he have any other behaviours that would make them think that? Obsessed with anything, any tail sucking or chewing? Any self inflicted injuries?

 

[Rox]

Initially, he dropped a bit of weight but then he plateaued and so over the past month or two he's been a steady weight....except today I noticed he was looking even thinner than before :cry:
And I believe the anxiety comment was only said in place of "I don't know" so as far as strange/damaging behaviors go there is nothing of the sort.
The vet in town is the only one around for quite a ways, even so, they are less expensive than those in closer towns and I swear you can see their hearts in their eyes when they're working...I'll talk with them and see what they think...I have no qualms with making the trip to a specialist to get him better if need be.

 

[Leeny]

I'm another who is going through the IBD issues at the moment, but ours have been chronic and on going. It started off much like you suggest in your posts.

I've written a thread recently regarding what we are going through in the non sphynx area of the forum if you would like to read it. I've come across many on here in my searching who have cats with IBD or cats who are being tested.

 

[Leeny]

Rox, I also posted a link to an article I found on my thread (I'm driving and can't relink right now) which may be of interest to you.

 

[admin]

@Rox I agree with @MollysMom - you need to get an ultrasound - X-ray at minimal, its not uncommon for cats to eat string or yarn that can lead to severe illness or death. I would then go from there. Switching foods can make it worse sometimes. A good quality - high-Protein, Meat-focused Cat Food No Corn, Wheat, Soy or Grains can help with a sensitive tummy.
Did anything else change 3 months ago? New cat? New home? New human?

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
I'm sorry your baby is sick and going through this.
Everyone has gave you great advice and I would get a ultra
sound done. Maybe go to a specialist, because the money you have
spent this far hasn't helped. I would rather go to someone better qualified.
Please keep us posted about your baby.

 

[SphynxKid]

Agreed with all of the above that has been said. Since he is fairly young and thus recently started, push for some additional testing that will hopefully reveal something you can treat with meds and get Paul some relief.

Jen

 

[Yoda mom]

@Rox , I feel for you and your sweetie Paul-
It's all so frustrating when we can't get a confirmed diagnosis-
With my boy years we kept it simple , simple diet, no treats no table scraps. (they can be a hidden culprit)
Hate the same food for years - he was so sensitive to the littlest change in food-

Ask your vet too about Cerenia (usually for dogs- has a dog on the vet prescription box )
and if ***applicable for Paul 's situation , Medes, weight, the proper dosage of Pepcid A/C regular strength 10 mg.

my vet put barfing Toby on this regimen : 1/2 pill Cerenia ( prescription ) and 1/4 pill Pepcid A/C regular strength only - my vet told me to pick up regular strength Pepcid A/C telling me she could sell me something expensive but in my Toby's case it was just fine... He stopped barfing In a few days - ( he did not get any nausea shots or metronidazole (flagyl) )

**always consult with your vet and follow their instructions - this is just of for thought to ask-

Fwiw, my kitties barf grain free Halo dry and grain free canned food
My Omar barfed raw diet too

- just remember grain free is switching carbs for other starch ingredients- it is the "in thing" but I am sticking with what works for my herd- grain inclusive gas been around for centuries- I am still waiting to see long term effects and studies on cats and dogs on grain free starch ingredients-

Has your vet suggested giving Paul a supplement paste like Nutri- cal. Or a vitamin B12 shot for appetite?

Is he drinking plenty of water?

Have your vet show you how to check for hydration - simple to do at home with gently picking up skin on neck like momma cat would watching for "tenting" - how fast it bounces back into place- or if it obviously stays in position like a tent-

**My vet also had me take pictures of Toby's x rays with my cell phone so I would have them in case I needed to go to an after hour clinic-

We never found out what Omar had after about $1200 tests, ultrasounds, etc-
We never found out what Toby had - $180 for tests and X-rays- she treated for symptoms and told us to do a ultrasound if no improvement- he got better with simple diet, Cerenia and 1/4 Pepcid a/c regular only in about 5 days- I noticed he will barf if he has more than two treats am and pM or pigs out on too much food at once-
So now it is divided into 2-3 meals a day

I got a care credit card tucked in my wallet for my little herd

Please know we are sending healing thoughts for Paul-
My vet will consult with her vet friends too when stumped-
Perhaps yours can run it by theirs with a phone call -
Are there any teaching vet universities you can call and chat with?
My dad's dog got treatment in Colorado at a vet university and had a very very successful outcome at a fraction of the cost-

Keep us updated on your vets advice - I tried 3 vets before we got one on the same page working with us -
Go with your gut-
Keeping all paws crossed for Paul!

 

[Rox]

Thanks you all for the quick and helpful response. I am making him an ultrasound appointment - Does anyone have any vet/vet university suggestions for the Portland area? I haven't found anyone we've really clicked with yet..
and Leeny- what forum and article links? I am interested-

 

[susi794]

You've gotten what sounds like good advice....I will add a healthy dose of Lair prayers for Paul and for you.
Much love,
Susi

 

[MollysMom]

Thanks you all for the quick and helpful response. I am making him an ultrasound appointment - Does anyone have any vet/vet university suggestions for the Portland area? I haven't found anyone we've really clicked with yet..
and Leeny- what forum and article links? I am interested-

This is the original post @Leeny had started for her own vomiting cat:
http://sphynxlair.com/community/thr...her-than-exploring-surgery.30047/#post-362836

And let's see if it works, this is the article:

 

[Rox]

Hello all! I just wanted to report back-

So, very long stressful story short, I got extremely lucky with the vets I found- I started at Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital in Portland, OR and they are all around incredible. They gave me a referral to an internal medicine specialist (VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists, and again,everyone I met there was so sweet, understanding and knowledgeable). While there, they came to each of the conclusions discussed in this thread (pretty cool..) plus a few other potential causes. After the ultrasound they discovered a possible foreign object and suggested surgery for confirmation and removal.
After what they had anticipated being only an hour long surgery lasting three hours using two more people than they had predicted using...they were able to remove a thread. This thread had affixed itself at the very base of his tongue (in his throat) and it ran through his esophagus, stomach, upper and somehow managed to affix itself there as well. I was told that when these things happen the organs/intestines will "accordion" up on the thread/tinsel/what-have-yous and it will act as a blade as it tightens. The additional danger and caution for after the surgery is to bare in mind that there could have been other fissures made that they could have not seen which could lead to complications.
ANYWAY- As soon as he came out from being under...it was like day and night! My cat came back!! ! I was told as soon as he was able to open his eyes he was purring, as soon as he could walk he was flirting with everyone there. We kept our fingers crossed and it paid off. I can now rest well back in my own bed with a purring Paulcat who now gets to sport a dashing blue e-collar (...only for a short while longer).

Thank you all for the support, your kind words and understanding brought me much needed comfort in a confusing scary time.
Paul thanks you too

 

[Elaina]

Great news, so glad he is better now. When your baby is poorly, you never stop fretting! Yay Paulcat!

 

[admin]

Hello all! I just wanted to report back-

So, very long stressful story short, I got extremely lucky with the vets I found- I started at Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital in Portland, OR and they are all around incredible. They gave me a referral to an internal medicine specialist (VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists, and again,everyone I met there was so sweet, understanding and knowledgeable). While there, they came to each of the conclusions discussed in this thread (pretty cool..) plus a few other potential causes. After the ultrasound they discovered a possible foreign object and suggested surgery for confirmation and removal.
After what they had anticipated being only an hour long surgery lasting three hours using two more people than they had predicted using...they were able to remove a thread. This thread had affixed itself at the very base of his tongue (in his throat) and it ran through his esophagus, stomach, upper and somehow managed to affix itself there as well. I was told that when these things happen the organs/intestines will "accordion" up on the thread/tinsel/what-have-yous and it will act as a blade as it tightens. The additional danger and caution for after the surgery is to bare in mind that there could have been other fissures made that they could have not seen which could lead to complications.
ANYWAY- As soon as he came out from being under...it was like day and night! My cat came back!! ! I was told as soon as he was able to open his eyes he was purring, as soon as he could walk he was flirting with everyone there. We kept our fingers crossed and it paid off. I can now rest well back in my own bed with a purring Paulcat who now gets to sport a dashing blue e-collar (...only for a short while longer).

Thank you all for the support, your kind words and understanding brought me much needed comfort in a confusing scary time.
Paul thanks you too
View attachment 55444

View attachment 55447

Perfect! Glad to hear Paul is ok.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Yay! We love hearing such great news. We have seen an increase in issues of pets swallowing thread/yarn. Must be the time of year people are doing more crafting. So glad your Paul is back! Happy healing vibes are sent.

Patti

 

[MollysMom]

Wow - so how long did he have the thread in there? I am amazed that he pulled through - J have heard many stories where the cat didn't last that long with the thread inside them. Glad that you got it sorted and he is feeling better!

 

[Xandria]

Incredible. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes for continued recovery.

 

[Kate]

Wow, what a story! I am so glad that you were able to figure everything out and get your kitty back to healthy! He's a handsome boy! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery from the surgery!

 

[Hairless Blessing]

This is wonderful news. Glad you have a well baby.
You can never be to careful with these rotten brats. :smuggrin:

 

[Calicocious]

So great that it all worked out. Wishing Paul a speedy recovery!

 

[Emily0404]

Wowsers glad he is ok! How lucky he got the ultrasound. Happy recovery

 

[FeyAngel]

So very glad to see that they figured out what was wrong and took care of it. The whole "not-knowing" what exactly is wrong, but knowing in your gut that something is, is one of the worst feelings in the world. Wishing your baby a fast recovery!