My cat is 12 years old, recently she has lost weight dramatically and seems tired, disinterested in food although she does eat a little. She is listless and withdrawn. I took her to the vet and she has had both a blood test and urine test. The vet said she has low protein levels but cannot seem to diagnose her problem. He gave her a steriod injection and recommends two more over the next couple of months. But she just seems worse and it doesn't look like it has helped at all. Can anyone shed any light on this situation? Im very worried!

This is some information I put together for when my cat had his yearly bloodwork done; it's all about protein:


Total Protein: The total protein level is a combined measurement of two blood protein molecules, albumin and globulin. Albumin is normally produced by the liver. We often see albumin levels depressed when the animal is receiving inadequate or poor quality nutrition, or following chronic infectious diseases in which their stores have been used up and not yet replaced.
Total Protein measures hydration. Dehydration is indicated with an increase in total protein and over-hydration a decrease.

Total Protein, Globulin and Albumin: Total protein levels are calculated by adding the albumin and globulin levels together. Lowered protein or globulin levels are seen if a pet has a long-standing infection, an immunosuppressive disease or condition, severe diarrhea or vomiting, liver disease or kidney disease. Albumin is a specific type of protein produced by the liver. Lowered albumin levels can result if severe liver disease is occurring, if kidneys allow excretion of albumin in the urine (as due to kidney disease), or if an animal has severe diarrhea. Other, less common causes of albumin loss include secretion through severe skin lesions (like burns), malnutrition or starvation.

Albumin.
Albumin The main protein in blood. They are a general index of overall health and nutrition. Globulin is the "antibody" protein important for fighting disease.
Albumin is a protein plasma or serum and makes up 35-50% of the total plasma protein; its primary function is to maintain the osmotic pressure of the plasma, which prevents fluid saturation of tissues. Liver cells are responsible for the synthesis of albumin and if it is compromised there will be a decrease in albumin. However, renal disease and diet can also have an effect on the level of albumin.


It seems to me that low protein can be caused by lack of eating, or it could be a sign of something more serious. You will have to rely on your vet to find out what it is, but one thing is certain; you have to get her to eat!

Has there been a change in the environment for your cat, have you moved, or have people moved in with you or left, etc? What is she eating and how long has she been eating it for? Have you tried different brands, or even just plain, cooked or raw meat or fish? Is there something she LOVES to eat?

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Hi

Has your cat been tested for hyperthyroidism? Weight loss is the main indicator for this condition.

Hope this helps

Love and light.

xxxxxx

As mentioned above, I would suspect hyperthyroidism. My last cat had that condition in his last 2-3 years and was pretty much a bag of bones, although he kept a healthy appetite and never lost much strength overall.