Accepted Answer

Hi,

 

The first thing I would recommend having done is a bile acid assay. This is a blood test that will determine if there is actually a problem with the liver or not. The AST is not an organ specific test. It can indicate liver disease, but that isn't always the case. Stress can cause it to be elevated among other things. Here is a link to a page about this test:

 

http://www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/clinpath/modules/chem/ast.htm

 

If the bile acid assay is normal then I would not do the liver biopsy. An ultrasound would probably be the next step.

 

Elevated neutrophils almost always indicate bacterial infection, while your cat's aren't super high (normal is up to 12,000) it is definitely elevated. You may want to consult your vet about trying a different antibiotic. Its possible that the bacteria isn't susceptible to clavamox.

 

It is a good sign that your cat has gained weight. It makes me a little less inclined to think there is something really bad wrong. Generally, the cat will simply continue to deteriorate if this is the case.

 

If your vet can't find anything wrong with further tests I would continue to monitor his weight, and re-check the blood tests again in another month or so as long as he continues to eat and act okay. If he should happen to worsen then you may want to consider taking him to a teaching hospital where there are multiple specialists and all the latest diagnostic equipment. Here is a link to a page that lists colleges by state:

 

http://www.veterinaryschools.com/dvm-schools-colleges-programs.html

 

 

If you have further questions let me know. If this answer is helpful please click accept. Thank you and best wishes!

 

Lynn

Expert:	Lynn
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/22/2009

Veterinary Assistant

worked at a vet clinic for 15 yrs, BA in biology, have had cats most of my life