Sudden weight loss in cat

HollyWoozle

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Thank you @Dust Bunny and everyone for your lovely thoughts.

At the present time there have been no significant changes, although when I stop and think there have been a few small indications that Eddie is more comfortable overall… for example he is more chatty and he reached up to scratch his favourite post outside which I’d not seen him do since this began. We saw the vet again on Friday and if the infection doesn’t clear up with antibiotics then their best guess is some kind of gut ulcer causing the issue… that would be quite invasive to find and treat. He doesn’t show any other ulcer symptoms really but they don’t have another idea for a cause.

Currently he is on two types of antibiotics and omeprazole in case an ulcer is playing a part… we are just waiting it out patiently at this point. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and his appetite is good, he ate more yesterday than he has done in ages. He still likes a fuss and a stroll in the garden. He is tired, weak, thin and his abdomen is still bloated but no other symptoms… no fever, bad tummy etc. I am trying to be realistic but whilst he is eating well and doesn’t appear to be suffering, I feel OK to give it a bit of time (I wouldn’t leave him like this permanently though and I wouldn’t choose any invasive treatments for him).

We would all feel much better if we knew the actual cause but I think we will never know!
 

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Dust Bunny

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Thank you @Dust Bunny and everyone for your lovely thoughts.

At the present time there have been no significant changes, although when I stop and think there have been a few small indications that Eddie is more comfortable overall… for example he is more chatty and he reached up to scratch his favourite post outside which I’d not seen him do since this began. We saw the vet again on Friday and if the infection doesn’t clear up with antibiotics then their best guess is some kind of gut ulcer causing the issue… that would be quite invasive to find and treat. He doesn’t show any other ulcer symptoms really but they don’t have another idea for a cause.

Currently he is on two types of antibiotics and omeprazole in case an ulcer is playing a part… we are just waiting it out patiently at this point. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and his appetite is good, he ate more yesterday than he has done in ages. He still likes a fuss and a stroll in the garden. He is tired, weak, thin and his abdomen is still bloated but no other symptoms… no fever, bad tummy etc. I am trying to be realistic but whilst he is eating well and doesn’t appear to be suffering, I feel OK to give it a bit of time (I wouldn’t leave him like this permanently though and I wouldn’t choose any invasive treatments for him).

We would all feel much better if we knew the actual cause but I think we will never know!
What a sweetie 💕
 

HollyWoozle

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We’re now well over 5 weeks into Eddie’s illness but things are looking positive. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, including two more vet visits this week, but this morning I finally feel that he has lost some of the fluid sitting on his belly. 🙏 The vets are so hopeful that he’ll survive that we’ve gone ahead and given him the Solensia injection for arthritis too.

The vets are stunned that he has maintained such positive clinical symptoms throughout having what they now confirm was septic peritonitis… the main infection is now beaten but there is still a second type of bacteria present in his abdomen and he is still on antibiotics to finish that off, as well as a diuretic to try and get the fluid shifting. He is eating fantastically well but is tired and does get cold, but we are keeping him cosy and he seems quite cheery.

Thanks again for the support. I’ve been going on and on about Eddie for weeks now and I know people find it tedious, but he is very much part of the family and I know you all understand. 🥰EFE034BA-5BAB-4C87-8DED-88B7F63B2241.jpeg
 

Dust Bunny

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We’re now well over 5 weeks into Eddie’s illness but things are looking positive. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, including two more vet visits this week, but this morning I finally feel that he has lost some of the fluid sitting on his belly. 🙏 The vets are so hopeful that he’ll survive that we’ve gone ahead and given him the Solensia injection for arthritis too.

The vets are stunned that he has maintained such positive clinical symptoms throughout having what they now confirm was septic peritonitis… the main infection is now beaten but there is still a second type of bacteria present in his abdomen and he is still on antibiotics to finish that off, as well as a diuretic to try and get the fluid shifting. He is eating fantastically well but is tired and does get cold, but we are keeping him cosy and he seems quite cheery.

Thanks again for the support. I’ve been going on and on about Eddie for weeks now and I know people find it tedious, but he is very much part of the family and I know you all understand. 🥰View attachment 127701
That‘s super good news. I don’t think the majority of us find your posts tedious-we’re happy and relieved that Eddie is on the mend. I hope we‘ve all managed to keep your spirits up over the weeks … it’s been a hard time for you both. All the best and have a snuggly evening 😊
 

HollyWoozle

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Well, the saga continues!

Eddie has now lost about 12% of his body weight in excess fluid and is moving so much easier, but his breathing continues to be a little laboured. The vets just called and now they want to scan his heart as they feel the fluid may also relate to a heart problem, in addition to the infection, and they are concerned it will all return if we stop the diuretics. They also want to check his abdomen again before the antibiotics finish.

He is still eating really well and has no obvious symptoms bar somewhat laboured breathing and being a bit tired now. I hope we can see this through and find a way out the other side.

My fiancé took this photo of us when he came to bed last night. AA009E42-AA2C-4C9A-B459-60046792D7B9.jpeg
 

HollyWoozle

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Thanks @Shady 🥰 We’re just having a cuddle to distract from the lack of breakfast. His appt is 9.50 but our vets is less than a 10 min drive. Hopefully we’ll get some answers.

The vets really have been great - in this case the practice owner has sort of taken over, just as we happened to see her last time, which is perhaps for the best. Although the vet we’ve usually seen has been lovely too.

I feel awful starving him and taking him yet again but he seems so chirpy that I am hopeful any issues with heart are manageable and that we are almost there with all this.
 

HollyWoozle

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Thank you all for the good wishes. Sadly it was not good news - Eddie’s heart is packing up essentially. There is fluid around his heart and lungs, we can give some medication to manage it but vet’s best guess was that he has three months left to live.

It hasn’t quite hit us yet really. We will give him some lovely last days on this Earth and the moment he starts to go downhill we will call it a day.

I have had many cats and fostered others, as well as having many other animals, and whilst I have loved them all dearly I must say that Eddie has the most amazing temperament. He is just so kind and gentle and forgiving. We rehomed him in December 2021 after he had been on foster for around 5 months and not a single person had enquired about him at the charity… was told he would be “a project” but he has been an absolute joy from day one. 🥹

Pretty heartbroken but that’s how it goes sometimes and the risk we take with animals, especially rehoming older ones.

Drinking my way through a bottle of sherry!
 

Dust Bunny

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Thank you all for the good wishes. Sadly it was not good news - Eddie’s heart is packing up essentially. There is fluid around his heart and lungs, we can give some medication to manage it but vet’s best guess was that he has three months left to live.

It hasn’t quite hit us yet really. We will give him some lovely last days on this Earth and the moment he starts to go downhill we will call it a day.

I have had many cats and fostered others, as well as having many other animals, and whilst I have loved them all dearly I must say that Eddie has the most amazing temperament. He is just so kind and gentle and forgiving. We rehomed him in December 2021 after he had been on foster for around 5 months and not a single person had enquired about him at the charity… was told he would be “a project” but he has been an absolute joy from day one. 🥹

Pretty heartbroken but that’s how it goes sometimes and the risk we take with animals, especially rehoming older ones.

Drinking my way through a bottle of sherry!
So sorry to hear about this. You’re in my thoughts🌻
 

HollyWoozle

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Thank you all for your care ❤️ I had a good cry in the bathroom last night and when I came out he was waiting for me outside the door. He is just the best little companion.

I’m heading back to the vets this morning (without Eddie) to discuss medication options to keep him the best he can be. There is a wonderful bakery on the same street and I thought I might take some cakes in with me as all the staff have been so kind… and have indulged me by saying what a wonderful boy he is!

I do feel like we punish ourselves taking on these pets sometimes but the joys have been worth the heartbreak and we’ve been so lucky to have him.
 
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