Casey has me concerned

**acox68** · 01-01-2011, 01:50 PM

My 15-year-old cat Casey has been SO lethargic lately and has been losing weight. He also has had some vomiting and diarrhea and has been going outside of his litter box.

At first I thought maybe it was a hairball that wouldn't pass, but I've been giving him a little laxatone every day and no hairball yet. I also have been giving him digestive enzymes for cats (pouring it over a little bit of tuna fish) and that hasn't helped either.

I was going to take him in to the vet, but they are not open today. First thing Monday morning, I will be taking him though. Poor baby.

I hope nothing serious is wrong with him....he is like a child to me (I have no children - just a dog and cat). Every time he looks at me now, he seems to be saying "help me" with this look in his eyes. It breaks my heart.

Just had to talk about it and get it off of my chest. Thank you for listening...

**Darlene** · 01-01-2011, 01:55 PM

I'm sorry Andrea. I hope you don't hear what you think you will.

If he's in pain I'd see if they could see him before Monday.
Wishing you my best.

**krbshappy71** · 01-01-2011, 01:56 PM

I would suggest keeping him warm, lots of fresh, clean water next to him. Poor baby, Monday can't come soon enough I'm sure for you.

**pollypurebred39** · 01-01-2011, 02:00 PM

Aww poor baby.

Maybe there's another vet open today? It might be a good idea to call around and see.

**shoiji** · 01-01-2011, 03:04 PM

You might want to stop giving him laxatone if he is vomiting and has diarreah. May be adding to the diarreah. Try keeping him in a warm area with little disturbance. I hope he feels better soon.

**madhen** · 01-01-2011, 04:01 PM

Very sorry to hear Casey is not well. I don't have cats, so can't offer any advice, except to agree that if he is not eating and is still vomiting and has diarrhea, you might want to try to find an emergency vet clinic in your area. They are pricey, but 36 more hours is a long time to wait.

**acox68** · 01-01-2011, 05:58 PM

Thank you, everyone....he is still eating some and hasn't gone outside the litter box in a couple of days, but I'm still concerned because of the weight he has lost. He's never been a huge cat, but now he is downright skinny. It seems like it happened over night.

There might be a clinic open tomorrow (I'll call in the a.m.), but if not, first thing Monday morning I will take him to his regular vet as soon as they open the doors.

He just "acts" a little different. Doesn't want to be around us as much (is hiding) and the look he gives me makes me think he is a little uncomfortable. He does still clean himself a little though, so it's really hard to tell. I may be projecting my worries on to him (?) and reading the situation wrong. Wouldn't be the first time...LOL.

**MTS04** · 01-02-2011, 02:51 AM

36 hours is a long time. I too agree with the Evet suggestion. The dramatic weight loss that you are seeing is most likely dehydration. He won't rehydrate with normal drinking (no animal will) and will need fluids either subq or IV.

Here's hoping for better days for the both of you.

**acox68** · 01-02-2011, 09:10 AM

I found an animal clinic open today (not my regular one) and he has an appt. for Noon today.

Casey didn't eat anything through the night, but did get excited over some tuna that I gave him a littlel while ago (only ate maybe a tablespoon of tuna though).

I really hope and pray he doesn't have kidney failure....we had a cat before that was the same breed and had to put him to sleep because of kidney failure. I just don't want him to suffer any.

Thanks everyone for your advice and well-wishes. I'll keep you updated....

**alotofgooddeals** · 01-02-2011, 09:53 AM

I understand your pain and frustration...Just remember whatever happens it is for the best....hoping that he can pop a few pills and feel better....

**madhen** · 01-02-2011, 10:53 AM

Good luck. I hope Casey feels better.

**acox68** · 01-02-2011, 12:58 PM

Thanks everyone....we just got home from the whole ordeal. We don't take him to the vet often, so I felt like the bad parent the whole time. They were nice, but there was this "undertone" of "why don't you take him to the vet more often?". It could have been my perception though and my guilt talking.

Nothing conclusive yet, but they took a blood/urine test, gave him fluids, and antibiotic shots/pills. They are doing a regular blood panel as well as for feline lukemia/aids.

He seems to be doing OK now

(laying peacefully on the coffee table), but bless his heart, he looked traumatized when they brought him back out from all the tests.

I hope and pray he will be OK. Thank you for encouraging me to take him in sooner rather than later.

**madhen** · 01-02-2011, 01:03 PM

I think all cats look traumatized at the vet. Something about not getting their own way for a change.

I am glad you got him in. The fact that they sent him home with you is promising. Give him some love and some tuna, and I'm sure he will forgive you for the vet visit.

Hope they find it is something minor.

**HappyMama** · 01-02-2011, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the update Andrea, was wondering how Casey was doing. So glad you got him to the vet and home. As Madhen said that is a good sign I hope. Hugs and Blessings to you and Casey.

**alotofgooddeals** · 01-02-2011, 03:12 PM

Glad to see they sent him home with you...that is a very good sign...and don't feel bad about not taking the cat to the vet very often...I do not take my pets to the vet every year unless they are ill....I take them to get their rabies, leukemia and distemper shots when needed however they dont get yearly exams... to expensive...anywhoo... glad to hear he is feeling a little better...