Need advice on my 4 year old cat???

Question

My cat had a urinary blockage about 2 months ago. That was removed and his tract is all clear. However, he's been to the vet at least once every 7-10 days because he seems to be in intense pain. He screams when we go near him, hides under the bed, doesn't want to eat, etc. As soon as I get him to the vet, he comes out of his kennel and purrs, rubs all over the staff, etc. They have given him steroids (Metacam) about 3 times now. He takes them and goes back to normal. About 4 days after his last dose, he's crying in pain again. He had an x-ray and ultrasound of his hind legs and bladder, and he has no breaks and no more urinary blackage. He cannot stay on long term steroids because they said his kidneys can fail. What do you guys think? Is my cat just a drug seeker???

Answer 1

I think you should be looking far more at his diet since it may be aggravating something, but seek a second opinion from another vet. There has to be an underlying cause to the pain.

Answer 2

I always recommend taking cats with urinary problems to specialists if regular treatment methods don't work. Regular DVMs know a lot, but they don't have the experience and knowledge a specialist will.

My cat has a condition called chronic interstitial cystitis which effects the bladder. Her symptoms include pain when urinating, bleeding, loss of appetite, moodiness, inflammation of the bladder, etc...

I'm not suggesting that your cat may have the same, but want to mention some of the methods I use to treat the symptoms.

First of all, the biggest help has been a change in diet. She gets nothing but distilled water and I encourage her to drink as much water as possible by placing fountains all around the house. For some reason she loves the running water. The more she drinks the more she relieves herself and the more cleansing takes place.

I feed her canned food with the lowest possible ash content and the highest possible moisture content. Of course a can label that says it has a maximum moisture content doesn't mean it will have that high a content, but I have tried several brands and use the one that visually has a high moisture content. Again, this is just so she gets more fluids.

She gets Cosequin at the recommended dosage for her weight. This is a joint supplement but it is believed that since the bladder is compromised of a similar substance as joints that it will help to strengthen the bladder. No one has proven this, but DVMs still recommend it.

When shes in the middle of an episode, I give her antibiotics to avoid further complications of an infection because there is all that blood present. If her girly parts are inflamed, then she gets an anti inflammatory injection. And if she's acting neurotic or in a lot of pain she gets an anti anxiety medication.

I don't do everything all at once or even every time it happens, I just read her signs and symptoms and make the decision as to what she needs to get through it. My vet has given me the prescriptions to administer on my own as a trip to see her at this point really isn't necessary since I've been dealing with this for so many years and have taken her to specialists. I do take her in though if an episode goes on too long just for an x-ray to make sure there isn't something more compounding it all.

I hope your guy feels better soon, good luck!

Answer 3

Hi there. I had the same problem with my cat with a urinary blockage. They would clear out his bladder and then 20 days later get stones again. This was due to stress. If your cat is real finnicky and stress prone, it can actually make it worse. What you need to do: Keep you cat hydrated. Make sure he gets a lot of water as to flush him out entirely. Also, do not feed him regualr cat food. If you go to the grocery store there is dry cat food specifically for cats with urinary tract problems. I would suggest though to get Friskies for urinary tract health (the chicken and gravy with slices is my cat's favorite). This way, your cat will be getting some water in his diet if hes not drinking enough. My vet put my cat on antibiotics so I would get a second opinion if I were you. It is an infection, so I don't see why he used steroids to eliminate the problem. Just make sure your cat stays inside and is in a stree free environment. I hope this helps!!

Answer 4

Almost all bladder problems in cats are long-term or recurring, so long term management is essential. Correct diagnosis is necessary to find the correct diet, and where necessary, medical and surgical treatment.

Has your cat been tested for Struvite crystals, Calcium oxalate crystals and Interstitial Cystitis since it sounds like your cat had feline urolithiasis syndrome these are common.

Struvite crystals: Diets must be low in magnesium, phosphate and nitrogen (which forms ammonia), which mean lower protein levels, as protein is the main source of nitrogen. High water content, or diets that encourage drinking will also decrease the concentration of these chemicals. The pH of the urine is very important. A low pH (acidic) urine will prevent the formation of struvite crystals.

Calcium oxalate crystals: Canned diets are essential. They must be low in oxalate and calcium, high in citrate, low in protein and sodium and not make the urine too acidic. Diets, however, cannot completely stop these crystals forming, as the underlying cause is often genetic, but they can reduce the frequency of bladder problems.

Interstitial Cystitis: an antihistamine to help control mast cell activity and a low dose antidepressant to fight neuroinflammation. A strict diet is also require but depends on the feline as to what is the most effective diet.

Answer 5

The Symptoms still says that your Cat has still some sort of Urinary Blockage. It can be a stone in Urine Passage that cause the pain. May be after the treatment, the ston can be melted and it look like its being generated again.

You need to do a Urine Test on before the treatment and after the treatment. I suggest you to avoid steroids and do a deeper test on his Urine.

Answer 6

I am not trying to be discouraging but, it seems as if you cat is more sick than you know. I have a friend who had a cat that would not eat and would hide under the bed too. That friend took the cat to the vet and they had to put the cat to sleep. The cat had cancer. I do not want to upset you but, a second opinion would be greatly crucial. Your cat is going through some painful difficult times. Please seek out a second opinion.

Answer 7

Glad to see you have a sense of humor about it.. lol

Poor thing, nothing is showing up on the ultra sounds? I would see if there is something equivalent to the steroids that you can give him full time. Or what your other options are. The vet should be giving you other options.

Not a pro, just advice :)

Answer 8

Check his teeth. He could have a bad tooth or something stuck in his mouth. Where are you touching him when he screams in pain? Your cat should have had his whole body x-rayed to find out what is going on because it has to be something. let us know the out-come of this.

Answer 9

ya ok i have 3 cats sorry i cant help =( ask a vet?

Answer 10

Eeek - my cat had this surgery today. Now I am freaked.