Sick cat. Vet no clue.

[Glutton4...]

I would guess at hair-balls, as I know they are very common. I hope you manage to find out and cure the problem. ((Hugs)) from me and my ancient (21+) Siamese Lady.

[Peas'n'Kews]

I really wish I had the Harry-Potter-syle Wave-the-wand answer for you. But instead all I can offer is heart-felt sympathy from me, the OH, and Lilly-the-cat.

Good luck.

[mothhawk]

So sorry to read about your cat, DK. Sounds like a blockage to me. Do hairballs show up on x-rays? Don't know if this is any good to you:

Cat health questions? Ask a cat vet for answers ASAP

It's an Australian site, they may have some different thoughts from your own vet. Anything's worth a try, isn't it?

[PAULW]

The other thing have you tried a shot of B12

[VirginVegGrower]

She's had 3 lots of blood tests, Xrays, regular vaccinations, worming and flea treatment I've tried soaking the food but it made no difference. She's not sneezing. Poo is normal though she could be a little constipated.Plenty of water always available.

She only froths when she's in the box on the way to the vet. Could try castor oil. I have a syringe feeder I could use.

Constipation could indicate blockage - either rubbish she's eaten or fur/hair. Is she a long hair or short hair. Does she have a tendency to eat stuff she shouldn't? Although that tends to be a dog thing...how long has she been constipated? Does it clear eventually?

[donnakebab]

Yes. it cleared on the kitchen floor this morning. That's why I have set up a litter tray.

After the bank holiday I'm gonna ask for her to be referred to a specialist. Daughter is adamant.

The thing is we've had some real character pet cats. But when our 20 year old had to be put down because of kidney failure I said 'that's it. No more'

OH comes home one day and says 'the house isn't the same without pets'

Now we have 3 cats none of whom I wanted but all of which I love and I do everything for. When they get sick it's OH who moans about the cost of taking good care of them.

Should be on the rant thread.

[VirginVegGrower]

Have you tried palpating her stomach, or did the vet? I would hope so. There appears to be a blockage/obstruction of some kind. If you want oil through her in case of furball, what about oily fish like sardine/mackerel. Although she will vomit it back in all likelihood. Have you tried ringing your local CPL? They're very good. We used to be an overspill for our local branch but I've asked Jean and she's asking the same questions I have.

[veggiechicken]

Donna, I'm so sorry for your cat, and for you. Its such a worry when they can't explain to you what is wrong.
Have you checked out her teeth, mouth and throat? If she had a dental problem or something stuck in her throat, like a fish bone or something, it would make eating difficult and if its too painful she may decide not to try. The constipation could be because she is not eating, so nothing is moving through her system. If you can, open her mouth and shine a torch in and feel around her mouth and neck and see if she flinches. If you can detect a sore spot it might give you some clues.

[VirginVegGrower]

Donna, I'm so sorry for your cat, and for you. Its such a worry when they can't explain to you what is wrong.
Have you checked out her teeth, mouth and throat? If she had a dental problem or something stuck in her throat, like a fish bone or something, it would make eating difficult and if its too painful she may decide not to try. The constipation could be because she is not eating, so nothing is moving through her system. If you can, open her mouth and shine a torch in and feel around her mouth and neck and see if she flinches. If you can detect a sore spot it might give you some clues.

Or bad teeth - foul breath smell may indicate that.

[donnakebab]

I will try that in the morning. She's asleep now. And if I find something that the vet missed over the last 3 examinations I will sue his a**

It will be a struggle as she is so thin I think hurts her to be touched.

[salome2001]

donna, I think you do need to take the specialist route. The suggestions above about hairballs and diet, although well-meant- are not something you should be faffing with. The cat has chronic vomiting. She is emaciated. Routine tests and trial therapy (diet) have not worked. You need to go further with diagnostics and that may mean a specialist facility. Has she had endoscopy?

I hope you find an answer and that she recovers soon. BTW Danielle Gunn-Moore certainly is a very good clinician. You could also consider the Feline Centre at Langford/ Bristol Uni, or the Oxford Cat Clinic, or Ian Battersby at Davies in Herts.

[salome2001]

and don't force castor oil into her. Pointless.

[donnakebab]

She's not a one to be forced. I wouldn't do it anyway. We will go down the specialist route I think. It's up to daughter as she will be paying. She held our 20 year old when she was put down after kidney failure. They grew up together.

[VirginVegGrower]

donna, I think you do need to take the specialist route. The suggestions above about hairballs and diet, although well-meant- are not something you should be faffing with. The cat has chronic vomiting. She is emaciated. Routine tests and trial therapy (diet) have not worked. You need to go further with diagnostics and that may mean a specialist facility. Has she had endoscopy?

I hope you find an answer and that she recovers soon. BTW Danielle Gunn-Moore certainly is a very good clinician. You could also consider the Feline Centre at Langford/ Bristol Uni, or the Oxford Cat Clinic, or Ian Battersby at Davies in Herts.

It doesn't appear to be chronic vomiting from the description. A blockage will cause these symptoms and an exploratory will be the only way of finding it if X-rays have shown nothing. I would not expect any animal to survive more than a couple of weeks with severe intestinal blockage though.

[mothhawk]

If you want oil through her in case of furball, what about oily fish like sardine/mackerel.

I was told you shouldn't give oils/fats for furballs since they are made up of fur joining to fat in the stomach. You should give an emulsifier that will break apart the fat, such as soya lecithin.