Topic: Bilbo is very poorly- He's gone (Read 44587 times)

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #144 on:** September 24, 2009, 19:45:51 PM »

Oh Lottie, I'm sorry, I'm sure you will do whatever you feel is best for Bilbo, and as the others have said, he won't know - he's just living in the here and now.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #143 on:** September 24, 2009, 19:45:19 PM »

The first inj was given by the vet but I have been giving the others but two of you will find that much easier than just me

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #142 on:** September 24, 2009, 19:28:48 PM »

Thanks Gill. I'm going to take Bilbo to the vets tomorrow for a check up anyway with it being a bank holiday weekend up here so will ask about marbocyl.

Bilbo is prob lighter than Franta now!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #141 on:** September 24, 2009, 19:16:33 PM »

i am so sorry Lottie and understand just what you are going through

i have a rectal tube of valiun in my fridge for emergency transportation but i understand it only works for a short time and i am at least 45mins from vet just driving. Bilbo is so much bigger than Franta and dont know if it would be enough.

All I can tell you is that a fit is bad enough at home but in a car its terrifying and Franta had two within 10 mins back in feb.

I also do not know whats going on in Frantas head but Bilbo has become iller than Franta very quickly, it may be worth asking your vets if they could try marbocyl which is an ab that works in the brain and apparently there are very few that do this. Frantas has one injection every morning for 7 days. Its .9 mls a day 2% solution I think. Franta did not have Bilbos other symptoms, the only thing that was the same is no positive tests on anything and no temperature.

The marbocyl has taken 2-3 days to work before the seizures stopped and he is sitting by me at the moment and the injections stopped 2 days ago now. After a seizure which lasts about 30 secs he goes blind for a time but his site comes back to normal. This time the seizures were from 7 to 11 hrs apart but he has had two other bouts where they were much closer.

If it would help I have documented everything I could on Frantas thread which is in general Cat Chat or please pm me, or we can talk in the chat room. I will be around all evening

Bilbo is such a magnificant cat and know this is breaking your heart but Franta was treated as this was a brain infection and its worked 3 times so far

Millys Mum · « **Reply #140 on:** September 24, 2009, 19:01:42 PM »

Best wishes for bilbo, i hope he doesnt suffer anymore fits

sheryl · « **Reply #139 on:** September 24, 2009, 18:45:13 PM »

Oh Lottie, I am so sorry that the news is not better - sending you lots of love and great big

Still sending love, huggles and positive vibes for Bilbo xxx

JackSpratt · « **Reply #138 on:** September 24, 2009, 18:01:52 PM »

Lottie, Bilbo wouldn't think that. He won't really be aware of options - that's all a "human concern." Do what your instinct tells you, whatever that is. You know Bilbo better than any of us and whatever decision you make I know you'll make it because it's right for him.

Janeyk · « **Reply #137 on:** September 24, 2009, 17:51:12 PM »

Poor you Lottie, it does make sense

Shortly after we adopted Timmy he had seizures and went blind we were told that they could do MRI but it would just confirm that he had a tumour and nothing could be done, Timmy was very ill and we chose not to do the MRI. It is such a worry for you and I’m sure that ultimately you’ll do what’s best for Bilbo, I am really hoping that the meds do help and he starts to improve xx

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #136 on:** September 24, 2009, 17:40:45 PM »

I'm so sorry you are going through this awful decision because you love Bilbo so much and want to do whatever you can for him. I know it's not the same as after an accident, but when Swampy had his brain injury and seizures and went blind, the vet kept on about not knowing exactly what was wrong with his brain after his seizures, MRIs being the only way etc. So I asked him to treat Swampy as if he had the most likely or his best guess diagnosis because I couldn't put him through a long trip to the nearest centre, only for them to sedate him at great risk and then say there was either nothing they could do, or they needed to operate which he'd not survive, or to do just what we were already doing. I remember going through the same emotions about was I denying him a chance to get better.

I've no answers, just some questions, I hope some or any of it helps as I feel so bad for you. Did you ask them what the treatment would be if they found a growth? Presumably that would be to operate? Would Bilbo have a good chance of surviving an op? Would you regret not having done the MRI if you don't do it? Otherwise can they treat Bilbo with the right drugs as if he does have a growth or has lesions and seizures, to keep him comfortable for as long as possible and at home with you, with your love and care?

Just suggestions Lottie, I can imagine just how your head is spinning and just send you big hugs and I'm sure that whatever you decide, it's done from your love for little Bilbo and he will know how much you love him

Bazsmum · « **Reply #135 on:** September 24, 2009, 17:15:43 PM »

Agree with Dawn Lottie....What an awful emotional rollercoaster this is for you....whatever you decide I know you will have Bilbo's best interest at heart!

Dawn F · « **Reply #134 on:** September 24, 2009, 16:50:16 PM »

hunnie he doesn't know you aren't taking him for the mri - he is as helpless in this situation as Finley, you make his decisions for him, its the same for bilbo - if you think it is of no value then you shouldn't do it - ultimately its his quality of life you are considering and that is just as it should be

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #133 on:** September 24, 2009, 16:45:52 PM »

The vet has spoken with the other vets at the practice (and I think they've spoken yet again with Glasgow) and phoned me and said that toxo results def won't be back until at least Tuesday as Monday is a bank holiday which will delay things. He said if that is negative which they are 99.99% sure will be the case then the only other thing they can do is refer us for an MRI.

He then discussed about that with me and said that if it shows a growth(s) which is what everyone is almost certain it is then it won't be treatable/operable. He went through things in more detail and then said he'd leave me to mull it over and decide what I think is best for Bilbo and what I want to do.

The MRI would involve a 4hr+ journey each way plus at least one night in a hotel (I can't drive all that way and back again in a day)

If they said there was something they could do if they found a growth then I'd tell them just to book him in asap but if there isn't then I'd be putting him through all that travelling and a night in a strange place plus the risk of the anaesthetic in his current state for no benefit to him and most likely an awful lot of stress especially with the fact he can't see properly at the moment which is stressing him enough in his own house. Yes I'd know exactly where the growth was and how many there were but if I'm honest with myself if I did it for that reason then I'd be doing it for my benefit and not Bilbo's. I'm so confused as to what to do as I don't want Bilbo to think I'm not taking him for the MRI because I don't care because I do but I also don't want to put him under any extra stress by making him go for it when the results won't help him.

How I wish cats could tell us what they want us to do as I'd do whatever it was he wanted me to do but I just don't know what that is.

Sorry if this post doesn't make much sense I'm really stressed and trying to sort my thoughts out.

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #132 on:** September 24, 2009, 16:23:08 PM »

thinking of you

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #131 on:** September 24, 2009, 15:39:34 PM »

I hope that it's a one off. Can you get a 1ml valium syringe to use if necessary in an emergency if the vet's closed? (syringe to give rectally).
I also wondered if your vet has an oxygen tent?

I hope Bilbo won't need any anti fitting meds, but did you know there's a yahoo group for owners of cats that have fits? There's a lot of info and support on there.
thinking of you and him, I know how frightening fitting is. Poor you and a big cuddle for Bilbo too

clarenmax · « **Reply #130 on:** September 24, 2009, 15:10:09 PM »

Topping up get well vibes here too Lottie, hope this was a one off

xxx

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #129 on:** September 24, 2009, 15:09:03 PM »

Really hoping it was just a one off

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #128 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:59:36 PM »

Oh no Lottie, poor boy, hope they can get this under control

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #127 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:57:44 PM »

Just caught up with this and want to add a

You've got a lot on your plate, Lottie

Dawn F · « **Reply #126 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:54:34 PM »

omg how awful, this has come out of nowhere - It must be so hard for you with all the baby stuff as well

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #125 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:46:24 PM »

He's just had a fit

He's ok now just looking tired. Vet said if I am happy enough to keep a close eye on him here then that's fine but if he has another one then take him in and they'll start him on valium and antifitting meds. Vet said it's a worrying development on top of everything else

Luckily it's my vet oncall tonight so if he does have to go in then at least it's a vet who knows him and knows what's been going on.

Thank you all for your renewed good wishes, it's nice to know he's got so many lovely people thinking of him

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #124 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:01:16 PM »

Lots more good wishes for Bilbo

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #123 on:** September 24, 2009, 14:00:03 PM »

all fingers and paws crossed for you and Bilbo and that you find a way to manage his illness asap

again, please don't give up hope x

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #122 on:** September 24, 2009, 08:33:32 AM »

So sorry to hear about Bilbo's growling and swiping Lottie. It must be driving you to distraction. Can only send the strongest possible get well vibes

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #121 on:** September 24, 2009, 08:06:41 AM »

Keeping all appendages crossed, for Bilbo. xx

Bazsmum · « **Reply #120 on:** September 24, 2009, 00:18:52 AM »

Everything crossed here for the big man Lottie.....I hope the new meds do the trick and he starts to pick up!

Zenith (Liz) · « **Reply #119 on:** September 23, 2009, 23:10:54 PM »

Sorry he's still so unwell, hope the new treatment helps him

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #118 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:23:14 PM »

Quote from: Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) on September 23, 2009, 11:25:24 AM

We're testing for toxo as whilst the vet said it's 99.99% certain it will be negative due to the fact my cats don't have access to contaminated soil (or in fact any soil!), they don't catch mice and the fact their trays are scooped several times a day and totally emptied and bleached every other day I thought if there is even a 0.01% chance that it might be that then it's worth testing for it.

The vet has said he definately thinks it is a brain problem and most likely some sort of lesion/growth and even if Bilbo does get better he might never be the same cat he was before

Vet tested Gwynnie for toxo too, when she was so poorly - because I raw feed and there could be the possibility of infected meat, but it came back negative.

Keeping my fingers cross for him

Janeyk · « **Reply #117 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:22:30 PM »

aww poor soul, hope that the meds work for him

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #116 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:02:39 PM »

Spoken to the vet this evening as Bilbo has been growling at things that aren't there

We are just not sure whether he is seeing things that aren't there or if he is just stressed as he can't see properly (he's not focussing properly) as he is now tripping over his cage door when he walks in and out

He's also started swiping you for no reason which means we dare not leave him unattended with Findlay. It's such a shame as he can be licking you and purring his head off one minute and then the next he just swipes and claws you.

Vet is going to start him on toxo treatment in the morning just in case as it won't do him any harm if he doesn't have toxo so fingers crossed that is what is up with him and it will make a difference

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #115 on:** September 23, 2009, 18:51:10 PM »

Really hope the vets can get to the bottom of this for you and Bilbo

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #114 on:** September 23, 2009, 18:27:53 PM »

Something that has been said below echoes what my vet said about MRIs and that they are only as good as those who read them and therefore its essential to go to one of the big centres who are expert in the field.

Sadly Bristol do not have an MRI, which I found astounding.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #113 on:** September 23, 2009, 18:17:45 PM »

sounds like a neuro problem and I'm so sorry. Swampy's lesions were treated with high doses of steroids and then a holding dose of steroids and Istin for bp and Selgian, which is a sedative (it doesn't 'sedate' just calms) anti depressant and his vestibular, circling symptoms improved markedly.
For reasons no-one understands, antibiotics also helped with the brain related symptoms.

Every brain is different obviously and I'm not entirely convinced anyhow that they are too clued up when looking at MRIs, so I'm sure your vets are on the right track by treating the symptoms, not over investigating which is very stressful for Bilbo. Brain lesions can improve over time (many months I mean), depending on exactly what is wrong in the brain, and I hope so much that Bilbo will stabilise. Don't give up hope.

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #112 on:** September 23, 2009, 18:06:52 PM »

Quote from: Millys Mum on September 23, 2009, 17:51:13 PM

Have they checked fcov titre?

Yes they have. They double checked FIV, FeLV and FCoV and all were fine as expected

Janeyk · « **Reply #111 on:** September 23, 2009, 18:01:13 PM »

Sorry things are still not good for Bilbo but keepng everything crossed things will improve for him xx

Millys Mum · « **Reply #110 on:** September 23, 2009, 17:51:13 PM »

Thats good news hes maintaining his weight

Have they checked fcov titre?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #109 on:** September 23, 2009, 13:58:01 PM »

was reading your post lottie and was wondeing whether it was a brain problem and then you mentioned it at the end.

i have a possible brain problem with franta but he is 16yrs old with only one working kidney and gets very stressed going in the car, he has been having seizures,,,,,3 bouts this year so far and is just recovering fron that ones last week.

it was originally suspected he had an infection in his brain and was put on to daily marcobyl injections for 7 days, They seem to have worked 3 times now but the only real way of finding out what is wrong, cos all tests have been negative is an MRI scan. Because of his age and kidney and stress problems that would be too big a risk and the car luournet of 5-6 hrs in both directions would be very stressful for him and also he may not survive the anesthetic. So right now has been ruled out.

He was first ill after a dental a year ago and stopped eating and was losing weight rapidly, The B12 didnt work and they injected him with valium which forces them to eat but they gobble everything in sight and in turn this caused him to be xrayed which shiwed one kidney like a pea with some blockages going into it. The vet took advice from Bristol and that was its best to leave him as he is as they were not sure he would survive the op to remove that kidney and anyway it was not going to change anything.

He suffenly strated eating back to his jelly licking and biscuits for no reason except maybe the stress was gone as he was back at home all the time but then 2 months later the seizures started......nobody has mentioned a link and we had to change his vets cos of him needing 24/7 cover.

It would be so nice to know what was wrong with Franta and whether he could be treated better but if he has a slow growing tumour or brain lesion, it would be putting his life at risk and no help in treating him.

Sorry to have rambled on a bit but am wondering two things:

Has your vet done an xray and second has the thought of an MRI been discussed, they can also drain fluid for testing . I am sure you are insured as Franta is and an MRI if its done needs to be done before they are too weak or ill to be able to cope wuth the anesthetic. Biblo is so much younger than Franta but it does sound that he is getting weaker.

All I know is that Franta was fine and now he isnt but his age sadly is against him cos 16 for a birman is a very high age. He has never had a temperature even during all of this. So only symtoms are the seizures now and today is the first day without the marbocyl and he is acting very insecurely and very slow.

I wish Bilbo lots of good recovery vibes and power to you with all the coping that you are needing to do

Liz · « **Reply #108 on:** September 23, 2009, 13:48:35 PM »

Oh Lottie sorry its not more positive but we have all paws crossed here at the Clan for him

Whatever happens he will always be Bilbo of the Team

Bazsmum · « **Reply #107 on:** September 23, 2009, 11:50:18 AM »

Sorry Lottie, Im still praying that the big man can make a full recovery...and after this big worry, slow progress will do!

JackSpratt · « **Reply #106 on:** September 23, 2009, 11:41:37 AM »

I'm so sorry this is happening to Bilbo, Lottie. Hoping something happens that helps him on the road to recovery.

clarenmax · « **Reply #105 on:** September 23, 2009, 11:29:47 AM »

Aw sorry the news isn't better hunnie, such a worry

Author Topic: Bilbo is very poorly- He's gone (Read 44587 times)