My cat has not been eating any food (and possibly not drinking) for the past 3 days. This issue started a few weeks ago when I noticed he was eating less and less. I did take him into the vet initially and they prescribed antibiotics and a pill to stimulate his appetite. This has not made any difference so I took him in again and they gave him some fluid through an IV. They also took some X-rays and noticed something in one of his lungs that could be interpreted as either air or cancer.... but this was not very definitive. This was a few days ago and since then he is not been eating anything (not baby food... nothing). He even seems to be interested in eating when I put his food out but he turns his nose away when I try to finger feed him. I contacted the vet today about taking him to a specialist and they haven't gotten back to me. I am now very concerned as he is now vomitting yellow bile and he is getting weaker and skinnier. He is about 12 years old and according to my vet... it is probably cancer and we should just keep him comfortable as he knows it is his time and he doesn't really want to work with us (he vomits when we give him his medicine). I don't really agree with this as it seems they don't really know what is wrong with him in the first place! Please help! I love him and surely 12 years old is quite young to be giving up on life!
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Cat Gender: Male Age: 12 Name of Cat: Captain Already Tried: Been to vet twice... Gotten X-Rays and blood tests. Nothing abnormal apart form something that could either be cancer or air (or who knows) in his lung on the x-ray picture. They say if it is cancer, it could have metastasized from his abdomen and that is why he won't eat but they are not sure if it is cancer. No biopsy done. He has been given antibiotics, an appetite stimulant and something for urinary tract infection.
I'm sorry to hear about your cat. I would definitely consider referral if you want to get a final diagnosis so you can determine if there is an appropriate treatment. It sounds like further diagnostics may be needed or a second opinion on the results that you already have. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate the abdominal organs and ct scans can be used to evaluate the lungs more closely. You may or may not need to have these tests performed. It would be important to not wait too long since he is not eating and will only get weaker.
The interesting thing is... apart from the not eating and laying around all day he doesn't appear to be in any pain. He doesn't cry and seems to be of a perky temperament. Also, he has been licking his lips and swallowing strangely the last few weeks. And when he purrs it is much louder then normal. His breathing seems to be labored as well. I will definitely get him to a specialist by tomorrow but are there any warning sizes I will get from him if he is near death?
Experience: Small animal veterinarian with over 20 years of medical and surgical experience.
Hi there, Dr Wyatt seems to be offline now, but I will do my best to try to help you. I am very sorry to hear of the problems you have been having.
Signs I would be very concerned about in this case would include-
Pale gums or dry gums
Increased breathing rate (particularly if he is panting)
Increased breathing effort
Sunken eyes
I hope you have managed to find a specialist to help you.
If you need any further help I will be online and will try by best to help you. All the best - Sophie