The vet checked his thyroid (rubbed his throat) and de-wormed him. Other than that, he didn't seem to be concerned that anything was wrong. I'm worried cause I can SEE that he's losing weight. He seems to eat and drink the same amount as usual. No throwing up or crying. No changes in the kitty litter box. No unusual fur loss. No fleas or bugs.
Is there something I can demand that the vet do to determine what the problem is?
2007-02-26 18:05:13 · 9 answers · asked by Wysstran 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Please get a second opinion or return to your regular vet for further diagnostics. An expanded blood work profile should be run. Thyroid, liver and kidney problems seem to be the most common problems among aging cats, but weight loss is a common symptom that can be an indicator of many other problems as well.
If your kitty's blood work comes back normal, xrays and/or an ultrasound should be considered. "Normal" is really just a guideline, and although the guideline is helpful, a "normal" cat may actually be ill. For example, if your Kitty's liver values are normally near the lower end of the chart and are now on the high end of the chart, he could be very ill although he still falls in the "normal" range.
Please don't let this go as nothing. The sooner you figure out what's going on, the sooner you can start trying to keep it at bay. If you wait until your cat becomes very ill, it may be to late to treat him effectively.
Unlike people, animals are actually quite good at masking their illnesses. A sick cat generally doesn't act sick untill it's VERY sick.
2007-02-26 18:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is the weight loss big? Has he lost a lot of weight? I think since your veterinarian says kitty is alright. You really don't have anything to worry about. Upping his food intake might do some good. Feed him 2 or 3 times a day, see if that helps. Give him a little extra when you feed him. As long as his appetite is good, and he isn't vomiting or having major diarrhea I don't see any cause for alarm. He's not acting lethargic, is he? Is he laying around all of the time not showing any interest in food? Have you had his stool checked for parasites? Sometimes parasites can make a cat loose weight too. If you want to keep paying for vet visits, then insist that he do something more. If the vet said there isn't anything wrong get another opinion. Take kitty to another veterinarian. Hope this helps you out. I feel so bad for you seeing how upset you are. I hope kitty will be ok.
2007-02-26 18:19:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You might want to find a vet that specializes in internal medicine. My regular vet did not find anything to indicate why my cat was losing weight, yet she lost about 40% of her body weight in a few months and her ribs were sticking out. She turned out to have bowel cancer as well as a stone in her bladder. Since the stone was removed, she has regained her weight. She has other problems as well, but at least we are treating them and she is her old self.
Lots of luck with finding the cause. I know how precious our pets can be and we want them to have long healthy lives.
2007-02-26 19:37:37 · answer #3 · answered by SympatheticEar 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the vet has done all the appropriate tests (aka blood test as other people have stated) and says your kitty is fine. Then your kitty is probably fine. It could be stress related. Maybe, something in your home life has changed, and maybe it's affecting your cat? New pets? New roommates? Loss of a pet/person? Animals are very in-tune with the world around them. Are you giving out stress signals from your own personal life? Or maybe your changed your kitty's diet? If your kitty was sick, you'd know. Like you stated she's not crying (as if in pain), throwing up, or has unsual stool. Just like people an animal would give off signs that they are hurt or sick. Relax.
2007-02-26 18:32:58 · answer #4 · answered by lilnickle144 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Definitely tell the vet you want bloodwork done. While you can sometimes feel an enlarged thyroid, not feeling one is not enough to rule out hyperthyroidism. Ask them to at least check his T4, T3 and TSH, along with his kidney values (BUN, Crea), his liver values (ALT, ALKP) and a CBC. If he hasnt been tested recently for FELV/FIV then do that as well. If your vet says no, or that there is no need, consider finding a new vet.
2007-02-26 18:20:15 · answer #5 · answered by cs 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Try full bloodwork to check for things such as Diabetes and Liver/Kidney problems. Or was that done already? Maybe add to that another blood test for FELV and FIV which is Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS. The only way I know of them testing for Thyroid problems is through bloodwork. Rubbing the throat is usually a way to check for a cough or swelling of the Lymph nodes as far as I know. Hope I helped in some way. I hope kitty feels well soon.
2007-02-26 18:13:12 · answer #6 · answered by CherryBoomFan 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, if he was dewormed, then the worms may have been the cause of his losing weight. That was the reason for my kitty's loss of weight. Try to wait a while and see. If he still keeps losing weight, try changing his diet.
2007-02-26 18:15:50 · answer #7 · answered by countess_winter 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
try baking apple slices as a healthy alternative to potato chips
2016-04-10 09:43:16 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eate more protein in the morning
2015-12-12 21:01:22 · answer #9 · answered by Loyd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
realizes the american diet is wrong and wants to be more european. I'm not supermodel myself and i realize i'm fat. Cat is no longer in denial that good looks are everything in life until you are 40....then you are just ugly.
2007-02-26 18:08:44 · answer #10 · answered by My name is not bruce 7 · 0⤊ 6⤋