Tank's all better! (UPDATED Nov.29)

[janetta]

*****November 29 UPDATE*****

*****October 12 UPDATE*****


OCTOBER 03 (Tank sick, again.)

** Let me warn you know, there are some graphic photos.**









In May, Tank got sick. I posted about it here, asking for help and after seeing a different veterinarian for a second opinion, he cured her.
I apologize for not updating that post. It was really hard to go back to see her like that, especially when she was all better!

She went from...

MAY 02 (Her ear had been crusting up and itchy. Tests showed negative for ringworm, ear mites)
to this

MAY 22 (It looks bad, but her skin was actually healing and her "crusts" here coming off)
to this

May26 (Looks worse than ever as more and more of her skin and fur was falling off)
to this

JUNE 09 (All the diseased skin came off and her fur is starting to grow back)
to this

JUNE 13 (Fur growing in, everything's healing up)
to this

SEPTEMBER 06 (Back to her regular happy self)
to this again

OCTOBER 03 (Her ears crusting up again)

We went to see the vet at the end of September and was prescribed a 20 day oral anti-biotic and a topical ointment.
After two major cat freak outs and scaring the poop out of the vet's assistant, we went home and followed instructions.
Everything was fine and dandy, she was eating just fine and drinking alright- though we'd syringe feed her water to keep her hydrated.
She was healing slowly and I though she was going to recover.

Fast forward October 7th. Since I leave home on the weekends, I came back early to prep for Thanksgiving dinner.
I also wanted to see my little one.
My dad tells me how she hasn't been eating or drinking for the past couple of days.
So I decide to syringe feed her canned food/water which was just fine, until the morning when everything came back up.
Everything she consumes, weather it be a little water, comes back up.
She hasn't used the litter box, obviously because nothing's staying in her.
I'm scared her organs are shutting down. She's lethargic and just lays on her favourite seat.
I can feel her spine and I know she's lost a lot of weight. She was 9.6lbs on a good day, I'm guessing she's around 7.5 now?

We're going to make an emergency appointment tomorrow.
I'm so afraid of going, because a part of me knows that she's dying-
That we're going to have to put her down and I just can't even fathom loosing the girl I love most. She's only 9.
I'm getting anxiety and I can't stop crying throughout the day.
I don't even know how to handle or deal with a loss like this and I'm dying inside.

[cath007]

its not easy....I lived the same thing with my joey just 2 months ago...you have to think of her needs first...you dont want her to suffer.....I can feel your pain..lost a cat is terrible...

[Natalka]

Oh, janetta, I'm so sorry you are going through this with your cat - just hoping the vet can still do some testing and find out what's up with her and come up with a plan of action.

[SharonMe]

I've never had a cat with this and don't have any answers but I feel for you.
I hope Tank recovers.

[vesper]

I'm so sorry, hope for a speedy recovery!

[ninna]

Awww. She's a beauty! Sending kitty-get-well thoughts your way!

[VeeVee]

I'm so sorry Janetta, I cannot even imagine how hard this is for you. Thinking of you and sending a lil healing prayer for Tank.

[alicia]

Oh janetta, I'm so sorry to hear this. I always loved seeing Tank in your food posts and wondered where she went. She's a beautiful girl. Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you about this except I hope everything goes well. You're both in my thoughts.

[frugal50]

she's only 9 years old
you have to think positive
hope she is ok
i know what you're going through

[annedougherty]

hugs Janetta

[toban]

I'm so sorry Janetta It's really difficult when a pet becomes ill, there part of the family. I really hope the vet comes up with a plan so Tank makes a full recovery. Please let us know how the emergency vet appt goes.

[janetta]

UPDATE:



Keep that positive energy coming, continue saying your prayers and sending good vibes and energy our way, please.
Thanks for all your well wishes too

Tank's doing better than before. After two continuous visits to the vet, blood tests, receiving S.Q. fluids (subcutaneous fluids) and switching her oral medication (no more pills, just one needle that lasts 2 weeks)-she seems to be doing better. She's eating more, thus she's less dehydrated, the new topical medication is helping her ears and skin. As it's healing, her fur and crust-ies fall off. She'll be a little hairless, but that's okay! Tank's barfing less, or none at all. Yay! We're not out of trouble just yet, so I'm not getting my hopes up- only time will tell. <3

Hopefully we won't have to go forward with the skin biopsy and x-rays.
She'd have to be put under and it would cost about $1000 and another $1000 or more to resolve if we find something wrong.
It's stressful and painful for her and well...not something we can afford.



We're taking it day by day. She still hasn't pooped yet- I'll be a little more relieved when she does!
Who'd ever think I'd be waiting, wanting to scoop up poop. lol

[cath007]

i am so relief to read she is getting better!!!Kept us updated and my recovery wish to tank.kept the good fighting work tank

[cath007]

8 years is young for a cat

[alicia]

So happy to see things are improving, janetta.

I love that antibiotic shot rather than the oral pills - our cats catch on after a couple days that I am not just given treats for nothing.

I completely understand the poop watch are you able to give her a (teensy) bit of restoralax (any PEG laxative) in a syringe? Like 1/8 tsp in a little water? We do that with our old fella.