I hope that Riley's weight check was satisfactory , or preferably better than satisfactory.

It would be great to hear some good news as it seems that everyone seems to have issues to some extent at present. Perhaps a cooling in the weather could help to bring about improvements, whenever that happens.

I don't really know why I am posting this. I suppose I have to " unload" where I will be understood. Sorry, folks. . . . Dylan started his transition from Sensitivity Control to Kangaroo on Monday and so far he has vomited Tuesday, Wednesday and today. I had intended to keep the 14 days ranitidine until he was completely on Kangaroo so that we could get a better idea of how the two work together. Nevertheless , I panicked when he was sick on Tuesday so started the ranitidine then. Why is there no emoticon to represent despair? I had really thought that this combination might work. This mornings ranitidine ended up behind the chest of drawers along with breakfast so he won't have derived any benefit from that dose. I made matters worse by weighing him this morning 5.1 kg. He was 5.3kg at around a year old. ( 10 months ago ). I'm really despairing as to what might be wrong with him . TBH I just feel like having a real good cry, though that wouldn't achieve anything for poor Dyl.

Apologies for putting this in writing. I thought that " unloading " might help me not to cry but it hasn't worked.

Never apologise for offloading..our ears are always open!

The weight is not a big drop how is he body wise, feel any ribs or spine or hips..I find now I look at body condition rather than worry (as much) about weight. Tho Riley is still in my mind half a kilo short of what I would like him to be, he is ok body wise, yes I can still feel hips and spine but I have to apply more pressure than I used to when he was below 4kg..

I think it's time for an endeoscopy so they can have a look at what's going on inside him. Check what equipment your vets have and how far they can go with it. You may wish to have a referral to a vet specialist as they tend to have better equipment, more pricey (insurance a god send) but I wish at the start I had gone for the referral as they could see further into Riley..if that makes sense.

Maybe it's worth just trying the kangaroo and stopping the other food, the idea as a novel protein it shouldn't cause a reaction. As he was being sick on the sensitivity control it might be worth a try to just switch to the kangaroo and monitor for a few days.

Grrrr it's so hard and I (plus others) know what you are going through we all have the bald patches in our hair as proof! I wish I had the answer but each cat is so different with this horrible condition. All I can say is hang on in there and we are all here to support you and listen and when you want to cry we are here. Anytime!

 

So sorry to read that the transition isn't going too well Do you think it is the kangaroo causing the problems or not having the Ranitidine that has made him sick.
I reckon Meeko would vomit far more frequently if I stopped his Famotidine as every time we have tried to stop it ,no matter which food he was on he was being sick .
I wouldn't worry too much about the drop in weight ,it may just be that at 12 months he had reached his adult weight which makes .2 of a kg quite a small drop.
Meeko was 5.5kg at 2years old and now fluctuates between 4.6 and 5 kg's at 4 years old ,but vet says he is absolutely spot on body wise

buffie, Nicola, Thank you sooo much for your support. I knew that you would understand.

I 'm sorry that I don't know how to multi-quote so I'll have to make 2 posts.

I don't think that the 3 vomits can be a result of not having the ranitidine . He'd had 5 days between finishing the ranitidine and seeing the vet on Monday and hadn't vomited for a week. There again ,perhaps the ranitidine effect carried on for a few days after finishing the course. I just don't know what to think any more.

The vet seemed happy with his weight and demeanour. She told me not to bother to take him for a consult at the end of this fortnight on Kangaroo and Ranitidine, just ring up and report and she would put up some steroids for me to collect if we have no progress. She was happy that he is his usual happy , playful self.

Re his weight, I think that I'm probably just starting to let my imagination run riot because we don't seem to be getting anywhere. I'm starting to worry about lymphoma.

Its interesting that Meeko is slightly lighter than he was at 2 years old because he really does look in absolutely perfect condition in all of the photos which I've seen. He truly is a credit to you.

I'd attributed Tuesday's vomit to being still on 80% sensitivity control, ( I think that he has a problem with chicken ), then Wednesday's to the food being too cold and then today's to the food having been warmed in the microwave. I have developed an excuse for most situations but worry that I'm just burying my head in the sand.

 

Never apologise for offloading..our ears are always open!

The weight is not a big drop how is he body wise, feel any ribs or spine or hips..I find now I look at body condition rather than worry (as much) about weight. Tho Riley is still in my mind half a kilo short of what I would like him to be, he is ok body wise, yes I can still feel hips and spine but I have to apply more pressure than I used to when he was below 4kg..

I think it's time for an endeoscopy so they can have a look at what's going on inside him. Check what equipment your vets have and how far they can go with it. You may wish to have a referral to a vet specialist as they tend to have better equipment, more pricey (insurance a god send) but I wish at the start I had gone for the referral as they could see further into Riley..if that makes sense.

Maybe it's worth just trying the kangaroo and stopping the other food, the idea as a novel protein it shouldn't cause a reaction. As he was being sick on the sensitivity control it might be worth a try to just switch to the kangaroo and monitor for a few days.

Grrrr it's so hard and I (plus others) know what you are going through we all have the bald patches in our hair as proof! I wish I had the answer but each cat is so different with this horrible condition. All I can say is hang on in there and we are all here to support you and listen and when you want to cry we are here. Anytime!

The result of Riley's weigh-in is fantastic news. It must be a weight off your mind if you'll excuse the pun.

Thanks for " being there ". PFers, particularly IBD/ colitis contributors, truly are the best support anyone could ever wish for.

I'm in the process of transitioning Dylan to all Kangaroo but was trying to do it over a few days. I've just mixed 200 kangaroo with 100g sensitivity control and he'll be on 100% Kangaroo once this " mix " is finished.

My vet thinks that Dylan looks in excellent condition and doesn't seem to have noticed any weight loss. TBH It hadn't occurred to me that he might have lost any weight until todays vomiting set my worrying off again. I'm conscious that his appetite has reduced immensely from the level it was at a few months ago ,though in all honesty it needed to . He previously had a voracious appetite and would steal any food he could find. I had considered the reduction in appetite a positive change but now I'm starting to wonder.

The vets recommendation is to try steroids if the Ranitidine plus Kangaroo doesn't give a marked improvement and then on to endoscopy if we still aren't making progress. My vets practice is luckily the best equipped in the area . I have insurance ( Petplan, for life ) but haven't yet heard whether they are going to pay. The claim form was only passed to my vets on Monday. I'm slightly concerned because I adopted him in March 13 but didn't " register" him till January. I didn't " register" him because I've never " registered" any of my animals. I've just always used that vets. I would, of course, never deny Dylan any treatment because it wasn't covered by insurance but being covered would make life easier.

I think that the weather could be making things more difficult. Dylan seems to need to eat frequent small meals but doesn't want to eat when its hot during the day. He just wants to eat at night. I am so glad that I bought the automatic feeder. I am currently using it for 2 meals overnight.

 

It is a long and some times fruitless road that has you going round at times in circles..but you will get to "ok" status and trust me that day you will rejoice!!

I would give him a few more days, get him on the kanagroo exclusive and then see how he is, it could be the heat that's getting to him..

 

buffie, Nicola, Thank you sooo much for your support. I knew that you would understand.

I 'm sorry that I don't know how to multi-quote so I'll have to make 2 posts.

I don't think that the 3 vomits can be a result of not having the ranitidine . He'd had 5 days between finishing the ranitidine and seeing the vet on Monday and hadn't vomited for a week. There again ,perhaps the ranitidine effect carried on for a few days after finishing the course. I just don't know what to think any more.

The vet seemed happy with his weight and demeanour. She told me not to bother to take him for a consult at the end of this fortnight on Kangaroo and Ranitidine, just ring up and report and she would put up some steroids for me to collect if we have no progress. She was happy that he is his usual happy , playful self.

Re his weight, I think that I'm probably just starting to let my imagination run riot because we don't seem to be getting anywhere. I'm starting to worry about lymphoma.

Its interesting that Meeko is slightly lighter than he was at 2 years old because he really does look in absolutely perfect condition in all of the photos which I've seen. He truly is a credit to you.

I'd attributed Tuesday's vomit to being still on 80% sensitivity control, ( I think that he has a problem with chicken ), then Wednesday's to the food being too cold and then today's to the food having been warmed in the microwave. I have developed an excuse for most situations but worry that I'm just burying my head in the sand.

Not sure if Ranitidine has a "lasting" effect Famotidine doesn't appear to have .To be honest I have tried very hard the past few months to accept that Meeko will always vomit occasionally and as long as his health doesn't deteriorate/appetite or weight drop/vomiting increase then we are just going to let this run its course.
All the tests that can be done have been done except full thickness biopsy and all that will prove is that it is or isn't IBD it wont cure him.
Try not to over think things ,I know that's not easy but it is the only way to stay sane

 

I'm trying hard to hold my nerve.

Dylan was sick again at 3.30am this morning shortly after emptying his feeder. My first reaction was to ring the vets this morning and ask for an endoscopy. However, I listened to him playing " wall of death " in the kitchen and decided that I would see how he goes over the weekend, totally off the sensitivity control.

I've told myself that the Kangaroo hasn't had a chance yet as he's still been having a little of the SC. I am worried that the vomiting has become more frequent since I first took him to the vets in January but he's been on a chicken based diet for the whole period despite me believing that he has a problem with chicken. Come on Skippy. Work your magic for me, please.

Dylan is , as usual, oblivious to the situation. He's asleep in his Colossus after his favourite game of repeatedly jumping over a cardboard box, in this heat! He had also eaten well today. I'm trying to be positive.

 

I'm trying hard to hold my nerve.

Dylan was sick again at 3.30am this morning shortly after emptying his feeder. My first reaction was to ring the vets this morning and ask for an endoscopy. However, I listened to him playing " wall of death " in the kitchen and decided that I would see how he goes over the weekend, totally off the sensitivity control.

I've told myself that the Kangaroo hasn't had a chance yet as he's still been having a little of the SC. I am worried that the vomiting has become more frequent since I first took him to the vets in January but he's been on a chicken based diet for the whole period despite me believing that he has a problem with chicken. Come on Skippy. Work your magic for me, please.

Dylan is , as usual, oblivious to the situation. He's asleep in his Colossus after his favourite game of repeatedly jumping over a cardboard box, in this heat! He had also eaten well today. I'm trying to be positive.

Keep trying!! Hopefully skippy will help and do some magic! I'm trying to think when the kangaroo helped Riley for the life of me I can't remember whether it was instant or after a few days, I think the later to be fair..but with Riley food isn't the issue although it helps it's not the main cure and he had quite a big flare up still on the kangaroo, but it is the best food that he has been on so far..not sure we will ever be able to find another..

If after the weekend he is still vomiting, I personally would ask for more tests, the steroids may help but they could potentially just mask what the problem is.

I will keep everything crossed here for you both and send some non vomiting positive vibes your way..xx

 

Thanks, Nicola. It's helpful to know that Riley's response to the kangaroo may not have been immediate. My vet advised that any improvement should happen pretty quickly if its going to happen . At least the next few days/week should tell us definitely whether his problem is food related.

TBH I had thought that we had identified a food problem when Dylan went 23 days without vomiting when he first went on to the sensitivity control only for his response to the SC to gradually decline. I'm telling myself that after 6 months of chicken based diets it may take a while for his system to settle.

The positive vibes are most appreciated.

 

I am sending top level vibes Forrester. This heat is affecting cats over a month now plus furballs,eating flies, water consumption. I look at weight over a period of time. Ok i am trained to monitor babies but you only get a true picture over a few months so can factor in stuff like minor illness or see if weight goes up too much ie overfeeding. I try to not weigh too much but look at a range over time.

The heat iz affecting when and volume of feed. I am more for fluid at the mo with a bit of food. Blue will bulk up in the cooler months. Do know if my logic helps but we need to look over months at weight unless cat condition and weight plummet a fair bit x

 

Hi, I just wanted to say hello, I'm joining this thread with interest as my cat has just been diagnosed with suspected IBD and it looks like I have a very long road ahead of me.
My cat is 2 years old and just after we got her at 12 wks we found out she had numerous parasite disease including the dreaded T Foetus. She was treated for all of that and has since had several clear tests. However she has continuous diarrhoea and after lots of blood tests coming back clear the vet suspects IBD.
She hasn't had any ultrasounds or biopsies yet but I am quite reluctant to put her through that after everything she's been through in her short life so far.
The vet has suggested we start trying different foods to see if we can manage it through food first before trying steroids but the problem is she is very fussy with food and won't eat any of the Prescription foods.
With all of your experience can you suggest where I might start???
Thank you in advance.

 

Hi, I just wanted to say hello, I'm joining this thread with interest as my cat has just been diagnosed with suspected IBD and it looks like I have a very long road ahead of me.
My cat is 2 years old and just after we got her at 12 wks we found out she had numerous parasite disease including the dreaded T Foetus. She was treated for all of that and has since had several clear tests. However she has continuous diarrhoea and after lots of blood tests coming back clear the vet suspects IBD.
She hasn't had any ultrasounds or biopsies yet but I am quite reluctant to put her through that after everything she's been through in her short life so far.
The vet has suggested we start trying different foods to see if we can manage it through food first before trying steroids but the problem is she is very fussy with food and won't eat any of the Prescription foods.
With all of your experience can you suggest where I might start???
Thank you in advance.

I would start listing every food your cat has eaten, protein and add on's . From this list you will be able to identify novel proteins your cat hasn't eaten. Protein like kangaroo, reindeer, ostrich etc

 

I would start listing every food your cat has eaten, protein and add on's . From this list you will be able to identify novel proteins your cat hasn't eaten. Protein like kangaroo, reindeer, ostrich etc

Also different things work for different cats. Is your cat anxious? Blue was and I didn't let her out. Diet and mental health ie stress are the 2factors which I looked at

Is your cat ha ing loose bowels or bring food up too? Hopefully we can help....I had 7months of loose stools so sympathize x

 

The positive vibes and support is most appreciated.

Just as I was starting to have positive thoughts this morning Dylan's breakfast was returned. I'm trying but its so hard. I'm so worried about him now. I wouldn't be so concerned if he was staying the same but the vomiting is much more frequent than it used to be. He seems his usual happy self today but has hardly eaten yet. I'm desperate for him to eat but don't want him to eat too much in a short space of time which he wants to do at night.

Sorry to be so preoccupied with Dylan. I don't mean to be unsupportive of others. I just can't think straight today.

 

I would start listing every food your cat has eaten, protein and add on's . From this list you will be able to identify novel proteins your cat hasn't eaten. Protein like kangaroo, reindeer, ostrich etc

Sorry I got called back to work..so will finish are normally proteins that a cat has not eaten before, the theory is that as the cat has never eaten to food, the cat shouldn't have a reaction to said food.

Raw has also proved to have good results.

Novel single proteins can be bought from vet -concept which is a German based company.

The vet may suggest z/d or h/a the later is like rice crispies and the former wet version is like plastic! But until you know the triggers you won't know if this is simply a food issue or something more..

With regards to tests, what blood tests were done, I would ask if not done for an epi test also to rule this out. Symptoms are similar, yet epi tests are not done as routine.

Has any meds been tried as yet, like metrondazole or steroids?

I would ask for an ultra scan, apart from the shaved tummy it's not an aggressive procedure at all and will be a day case for most surgeries. This can show any inflammation inside the body and potentially rule out other conditions.

Ibd is an awful horrible condition that can only be maintained rather than cured and trust me when I say I've pulled my hair out, screamed, cried laughed like a mad person..

But we are all here for each other..oh and hi..

 

The positive vibes and support is most appreciated.

Just as I was starting to have positive thoughts this morning Dylan's breakfast was returned. I'm trying but its so hard. I'm so worried about him now. I wouldn't be so concerned if he was staying the same but the vomiting is much more frequent than it used to be. He seems his usual happy self today but has hardly eaten yet. I'm desperate for him to eat but don't want him to eat too much in a short space of time which he wants to do at night.

Sorry to be so preoccupied with Dylan. I don't mean to be unsupportive of others. I just can't think straight today.

Hey no worries..I've been there and it can consume you. If it helps Riley has barely eaten 50g of food today, it's the heat I'm sure, he will eat later when it cools down I'm sure.

Is Dylan drinking? Main thing is to make sure he isn't getting de hydrated, I'm adding extra water to Riley's food, sometimes like a soup so I know he is getting enough fluid..he doesn't drink any water.

I know it's hard to keep positive, if you are at all worried about him call your vet hun, especially if you think he could be dehydrated.

I wish I had a magic wand I really do, sending some more positive vibes and a hug xx

 

Hey no worries..I've been there and it can consume you. If it helps Riley has barely eaten 50g of food today, it's the heat I'm sure, he will eat later when it cools down I'm sure.

Is Dylan drinking? Main thing is to make sure he isn't getting de hydrated, I'm adding extra water to Riley's food, sometimes like a soup so I know he is getting enough fluid..he doesn't drink any water.

I know it's hard to keep positive, if you are at all worried about him call your vet hun, especially if you think he could be dehydrated.

I wish I had a magic wand I really do, sending some more positive vibes and a hug xx

Thanks, I don't think that he is dehydrated so that's one good thing. His skin ,when pinched ,bounces back pretty quickly and I have seen him drink a little today which is unusual for him .
Breakfast came back and he's only eaten a couple of teaspoon full since. He asked for food about an hour ago but has twice sniffed at the kangaroo and walked away. If there is no improvement I will speak to my vets on Monday.

 

Thanks, I don't think that he is dehydrated so that's one good thing. His skin ,when pinched ,bounces back pretty quickly and I have seen him drink a little today which is unusual for him .
Breakfast came back and he's only eaten a couple of teaspoon full since. He asked for food about an hour ago but has twice sniffed at the kangaroo and walked away. If there is no improvement I will speak to my vets on Monday.

I think it's due to change weather wise tomorrow so be some what cooler..hopefully that will help x

 

I think it's due to change weather wise tomorrow so be some what cooler..hopefully that will help x

I hope so. He does definitely seem to be feeling the heat. OH has a fan going to waft cool air from an open window ( equipped with Flat Cat Screen) into other rooms and Dylan has been sat next to it enjoying the breeze. :

 

Hi Forrester i would be also going for a few teaspoons of food with water...i use slightly warm to settle him. Blue got some bits of chicken with a small can of tuna yesterday. We have just had a bit of breakfast but i wont give her more until tea. I feel she does better eating little bits with a good gap i between. hope the rain makes all our cats better and back to their routines x

 

Morning Forester how is Dylan this morning.I have been reading all the posts/replies but didn't have anything to add to the advice being given.
It can be a soul destroying condition and trying to find a trigger can sometimes drive you insane.
I have never found the trigger for Meeko's vomiting,if indeed there is one ,sometimes we just have to go with what they do best on,even if that doesn't stop the reactions completely.I still think Meeko's problems are made worse by his decreased gut motility as there has been a slight improvement since he went on a wet only diet .
Sending Dylan some positive vibes,try not to worry too much xx

 

Thanks everyone. I've only just got online today. I didn't intend to leave your posts unanswered.

I'm feeling more positive today. Dylan is eating , not as much as I'd like but he is eating. I hope that I'm not going to jinx matters by putting this in writing but . . . he hasn't been sick today, yet, or not that I've found anyway. We went out this morning so I couldn't observe him for a couple of hours however I've searched everywhere in the room where he stayed and there is no evidence of any mishap.

Thanks for your suggestion of the added water bluecordelia. I've provided him with a saucer of kangaroo flavoured water in addition to his plain water. I do often add a little water to his food but he's not keen if I add too much.

buffie, may I ask whether you restrict the proteins/ ingredients in Meeko's diet at all ?. Is there anything else you've done which has made a difference other than the Famotidine / wet diet. Dylan's symptoms do seem to resemble Meeko's much more closely than any of the other IBD thread fur babies. I am reasonably confident that chicken and possibly other poultry are a trigger for him .I noticed months ago that whenever I gave him Natures Menu chicken and turkey for breakfast he would always vomit it but would be o k with the chicken and beef and the chicken and tuna. When I gave him home cooked plain chicken he was worst of all.

bluecordelia, I wondered this morning whether I have unwittingly made Dylan worse by trying to feed too frequently. I had established that he would always vomit if he goes over about 7 hours between meals but maybe I am trying to feed too often.

I'm much more relaxed about things today.

Best wishes to all IBD thread contributors and your furbies. I'd probably have " lost it " by now without you all.

 

Thanks everyone. I've only just got online today. I didn't intend to leave your posts unanswered.

I'm feeling more positive today. Dylan is eating , not as much as I'd like but he is eating. I hope that I'm not going to jinx matters by putting this in writing but . . . he hasn't been sick today, yet, or not that I've found anyway. We went out this morning so I couldn't observe him for a couple of hours however I've searched everywhere in the room where he stayed and there is no evidence of any mishap.

Thanks for your suggestion of the added water bluecordelia. I've provided him with a saucer of kangaroo flavoured water in addition to his plain water. I do often add a little water to his food but he's not keen if I add too much.

buffie, may I ask whether you restrict the proteins/ ingredients in Meeko's diet at all ?. Is there anything else you've done which has made a difference other than the Famotidine / wet diet. Dylan's symptoms do seem to resemble Meeko's much more closely than any of the other IBD thread fur babies. I am reasonably confident that chicken and possibly other poultry are a trigger for him .I noticed months ago that whenever I gave him Natures Menu chicken and turkey for breakfast he would always vomit it but would be o k with the chicken and beef and the chicken and tuna. When I gave him home cooked plain chicken he was worst of all.

bluecordelia, I wondered this morning whether I have unwittingly made Dylan worse by trying to feed too frequently. I had established that he would always vomit if he goes over about 7 hours between meals but maybe I am trying to feed too often.

I'm much more relaxed about things today.

Best wishes to all IBD thread contributors and your furbies. I'd probably have " lost it " by now without you all.

Good news..(with out jinxing it )

Topping up them vibes xx

 

buffie, may I ask whether you restrict the proteins/ ingredients in Meeko's diet at all ?. Is there anything else you've done which has made a difference other than the Famotidine / wet diet. Dylan's symptoms do seem to resemble Meeko's much more closely than any of the other IBD thread fur babies. I am reasonably confident that chicken and possibly other poultry are a trigger for him .I noticed months ago that whenever I gave him Natures Menu chicken and turkey for breakfast he would always vomit it but would be o k with the chicken and beef and the chicken and tuna. When I gave him home cooked plain chicken he was worst of all.

Have I read the bold bit correctly , if so then are you sure it was the chicken that caused Dylan to vomit as it was in all 3 flavours but he only reacted to the chicken and turkey,
Not sure why cooked chicken would make him vomit if he wasn't reacting to chicken though , unless processed cat food chicken is, as I suspect ,a bit of a distant relation ,
Have to admit I don't restrict anything unless I feel it causes any problems, although I do try to avoid anything with grains/cereal in.
I have tried all the "bells and whistles" diets and he just doesn't want to know.
Daily routine.........

Before breakfast give famotidine...(only has once a day),wait approx. 20/30 minutes give him breakfast pouch of Sheba

Lunch as above different flavour

Tea again as above

supper as above (water added to each meal)

As long as it is not being left too long I leave any uneaten food down till next meal ,sometimes he goes back to it sometimes not.

I use poultry flavour Sheba fine flakes occasionally Sheba Fusion domes or foil trays.Before anyone jumps in and says OMG why Sheba :scared:, simple answer because he likes it,will usually eat it and seems to be the least likely to cause too many problems .
I find the more I stress him about "food" the more I get stressed and that is no use to either of us.
On the odd occasions that he doesn't want to eat much I sprinkle some of this
on the top .......Purina Veterinary Diet Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement For Cats 30x1g Sachets - Animed Direct
it is a pro biotic

 

who said Sheba??

The wildlife park rescued two Scottish wildcats from a closed zoo. They are beautiful and apparently true wildcats. The female ate in her house, it's the male in the photo. Those eyes!!

 

who said Sheba??

The wildlife park rescued two Scottish wildcats from a closed zoo. They are beautiful and apparently true wildcats. The female ate in her house, it's the male in the photo. Those eyes!!

Beautiful animals and so very rare.There are so many hybrids now that the true species is close to dying out
What do they propose to do with them ,do you know ?