Hi everybuddy!I thought it was about time I gave an update on how my vet visits have been going. My latest biopsy results were not 100% conclusive and left us with a result of more likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome and less likely lymphoma. The only way we have left to get a real 100% conclusive result that will absolutely rule out lymphoma or absolutely diagnose it is to do a full thickness biopsy, which means they have to do a laparotomy. They would then need to take samples of the full thickness of my stomach and intestines, with the focus on the areas that are swollen or show signs of haemmorage. This is a really major surgery and there are lots of potential complications associated with it. It's something we're desperate to avoid if possible, and my vets agree with us.
We've decided to treat on suspicion of IBS for the time being, with antibiotics and antacids. The first antibiotic trial I was on had to be stopped as I stopped eating, but after a weeks break to make sure my appetite came back I started on a second antibiotic which has been more agreeable. My appetite has dropped a bit, but my weight is fairly stable. At the moment we are not treating with steroids as would normally done as it would mask the presence of lymphoma if we do need to do further testing and that is the root of the problem.
I'm still a happy bouncy boy, and my vet thinks I'm the bees knees. I'm halfway through the antibiotic trial and haven't vomitted since it started which is a big plus. If things are looking good in another weeks time, the trial will continue for another two weeks after that.
If it is IBS, we don't know what set it off. That will be something we have to look at in the future. I am still on my hypoallergenic food, but am hoping that wont be a forever thing.
And that is what's been happening with my insides. It's a lot of words for no answers, isn't it :)
31 comments:
We are glad you are feeling better. It is amazing that those v-e-ts can go on and on and basically say they have no idea what is going on. :) Paws crossed they can figure it out.....
You've been through an awful lot, Fui, as has your Mum! We're sorry you still don't know for sure but we're hoping it is indeed IBS rather than that other awful word.
Purrs (and smooches from the girls),
The Chans
Oh Fui you are such a brave boy!! We hope too that you will be able to avoid the big surgery and it turns out to be IBS.
If it's IBD, there are LOTS of great sites out there with tons of info, and a super Yahoo group (or used to be, probably still up and running). And if it is, please, please have your humans do their OWN nutrition research to make an informed decision about what to feed you--whatever that decision is.
We have our paws crossed for you and are continuing to send purrs!
We are purring for the best for you!
Love you, Fui.
you are such a good kitty to endure all of this!
Special food really isn't bad. I am on prescription cat food myself, you get used to it.
I have my paws crossed and am sending you healing purrs as well!
Love, Cody
Thanks for letting us know how you are doing, Fui. And your detailed post told everyone the pluses and minuses of each procedure, too. Our Spottie had IBS that didn't get truly diagnosed until we did a lap and those full thickness biopsies, but the 'empirical' treatment will help you feel better and gain weight and keep the symptoms at bay. We can't remember, was your cobalamin level normal? In IBS is it often low and therefore nutrients aren't absorbed as well, so affected kitties get b12 injections too.
we're glad things are looking up for you! hope you continue to nom your fuds and feel better :)
I am glad you are feeling better, Fui, but a little frustrated that the vets haven't been able to pinpoint what is ailing you better! Purrs to you, though - I am glad you are at least feeling better and in good spirits!
You sure have silly insides, Fui! I hope it is IBS and you are all better soon. Thanks for the update, buddy!
Poor Fui & family! I say we all go with it's IBS! as for what set it off, well, there is so much cr*p in commercial food today, and a cat, like a human can tolerate something for years and then suddenly react to it. long term antibiotics? Considered colloidal silver? It's what they used to use for infections and stuff before antibiotcs became cheaper to make. and they're turning to it again now that they'r getting nasty antibiotic resistant bugs. ther'e also olive leaf extract and amnuka honey to consider. and, if you could take apple cider vinegar instead of antacids, much better for you. Put some in your water and have a dropper full (diluted) before meals. and no free feeding all day long, you're digestive track needs to rest between meals. and of course now grains or wheat or other 'fillers' in your food. Dude, your folks will just have to make it from scratch...:)
It may be a lot of words Fui, but if you are feeling better then who cares!!! We purr very hard that you keep doing well and keep feeling well :)
Purrs Tillie and Georgia
Fui, we don't like the idea that you may have IBS, but that would be better than lymphoma. We sure hope the antibiotic works for you. We're happy you're feeling good and maintaining your weight. We continue to purr for you, buddy.
Still purring for you buddy!!
Fui, buddy...pal...you know all that Gingerkins stuff...it was my mom typing. All along I was meowing "dude, let's watch some football...eat stuff and use the remote"...yeah and it comes out all mushy stuff...
I do love you man...but like a brother. What's up with this digestive stuff we are both going through? I have my whole family purring for you and hope that you get over what's ailing you.
Purrs and manly headbutts,
Ginger
You poor sweet kitty! It's no fun being sick! Banjo and I send you lots of love and best wishes that you get feeling better!
xo Catherine
We're purring for you dude! We're glad the prognosis is looking like IBS. While its not fun, its much better than lymphoma! We'll keep you in our purrayers.
We are purring for your pooper and hopes everything settles down tabbyman.
Smmmoooooches
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx
Thanks fur updating. Princess has a VERY sensitive stomach. It's just a learn-as-you-go situation. Purrs fur you and fur your Mom. (it's hard on mommies)
Fui , I still purrs for you every day, O.K. ? Never forget !
and I paws crossed as well. I hope everything get better and better for you every single day
Hugs
xoxo
Sending my best vibrations to you!
We are so glad yoo are feeling better. Sorry we habn't visited but mom has been having problems commenting.
The good noos is, Mom has downloaded FireFox just for blogging and thinks this may help ~ who knows, if she likes it, maybe she’ll kick smelly old Internet Explorer owt!
Glad to know you are feeling better. purrs, Rio from Barcelona
It really nice pet
We are glad you are feeling better, Fui. IBS is no fun, but it's way better than lymphoma! We'll keep purring and praying for you, okay? :)
We hopes that you continue to feel better Fui! It makes us feel good to hear you are a happy and bouncy boy! That is great!
And we thank you for any prayers for our human sister!
Fui,
We're glad to hear that you're feeling pretty good these days and no recent throw-ups. It's tough when the people can't quite figure out what's wrong.
We're sending lots of purrs that you keep feeling good and that it is the much less serious of the two.
Charlemagne, Tamar and Mal
Yep, a lot of words for no answer, but we're hoping it's the least serious problem.
Do you mind if we ask why your have both comment moderation and word verification on your comments?
Hello dear Fui, I hope that things are improving; as always, our paws are crossed for you and special purrs are coming your way - the messages I sent to you all for your previous update, Lishy's GotchaVersay congratulations and sympathy for Suey do not seem to have reached you so I hope you will receive this! As always, our thoughts are with you all
Fui we are late to your update but very happy that you are doing so well and the antibiotic trial is helping you stay stable. We think your Mum & Dad are really sensible going with the IBS for now.
One thing our Mum is always banging on about is the amount of cereals/wheat in commercial cat fuuds. In humans modern wheat hybrids often cause gut issues and inflamatory conditions (when they keep off the wheat, they feel better) Our Mum wonders if this sort of thing could be behind the IBS type issues that cats get (and in some cases the chronic inflamation that sometimes leads to cancers of the gut) - just a thought, but we cats aren't designed to eat lots of cereal type stuff.
Anyway, Fui fella, we hope you carry on doing really well
Gerry & Oliver
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