New Member

Posts: 4
From:England
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-17-2004 03:26 PM         

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Hello, (This is my first posting). I have a 17 years old cat called Charlie and she's my little sweetie. I'm really worried as, over hte last month or so, she's lost weight and become a bit twitchy in the face. Over the last few days she hasn't eaten a thing (apart from licking a little jelly/gravy off her food very occasionally). I've tried everything to no avail and took her to the vet today as I'm so worried. Her teeth, pee sample and temperature were all fine but I was told she has a heart murmour(!). The vet gave her a steroid injection + antibiotics and I have to take her in for blood tests on Monday. I'm so worried. She's drinking a bit more water than usual but is just not eating. Does anyone recognise these symptoms?? I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks, Bee x

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Member

Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-17-2004 05:36 PM         

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at her age it could be a lot of things but the blood work should show what the problem is...I hope it's something non-threatening.

If it's renal failure the vet will probably prescribe a change in diet which can make a huge difference.

Please let us know what you find out

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Posts: 4
From:England
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-19-2004 01:15 PM         

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Just typed the message but it's vanished into cyberspace, hope this one gets through..
Thanks for the message.
Blood tests back showed kidneys and liver are ok but thyroid overactive. 2 tablets a day for the next month and then a small op. and she should be back to her normal self. Such a relief. She's eating again and still drinking lots but from what I gather, this should all get better with time/treatment.

Thank you again for replying to my message.
Bee x

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Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-19-2004 07:18 PM         

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Hello. Bee. Thank you for the up-date. Did you mention to your vet that she is having facial twitches?

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Posts: 4
From:England
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-22-2004 03:26 AM         

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Hi again...
I did mention that she's a bit twitchy and he seemed to think that it was probably all related. I've been giving her thyroid meds twice a day and she's really improved.Hardly twitching, no longer drinking excessive amounts and is eating again although she now hates me ! (any ideas for giving her pills?? - I've tried the usual, by hand, in food, in a pill popper etc) She's so distressed about the whole thing that I'm going to ring the vet again and see whether her op can be bought forward. At least that way, she won't have this daily trauma.Look forward to hearing from you

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From:CA
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posted 01-22-2004 07:21 AM         

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Ask your vet if the pills come in liquid form.

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Member

Posts: 240
From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-22-2004 07:34 AM         

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the twitching can be common with hyperactive thyroid...heart rates gets high from the influx of hormones that the body never really relaxes and muscles will twitch.

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New Member

Posts: 4
From:England
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-22-2004 11:18 AM         

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Hello, Thanks for your messages.
The meds don't come in liquid form but today,
the nurse showed me a different way of giving tablets (one person to hold her firmly and the other to gently pull head back etc etc)and much to my relief, Charlie is OK with it. I think it boils down to being firm and gentle. (I always used to do this single handedly and it was never a problem but this last time she wasn't having any of it. Maybe it was because she was feeling so poorly and just didn't want to be harrassed???) Anyway, 3 more weeks to go and then she should be set for her op and then (hopefully), no more pills. Thanks again for your help etc. Bee x

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