response 36 of 66:

Jul 18 15:43 UTC 2003

My worst fears with regards to Pepper's weight problem were realised 
yesterday --- the vet diagnosed him as having hepatitic lipidosis (see 
scott's resp:9 above). We're not certain of the cause, but he stopped 
eating totally, for a couple of days last week. This was enough to 
start the syndrome. Since then, his appetite has not been the same. The 
vet says that the blood work conforms the diagnosis, and didn't think a 
liver biopsy was necessary, even though no strong signs of jaundice 
were observed.

We're trying to get him eating --- the vet prescribed the Science Diet 
a/d (ultra-rich wet food) along with a pill that is meant to increase 
his appetite (I can't remember what it's called, but it's usually given 
for nausea). He has a follow-up visit scheduled for next Thursday. I 
really hope he starts eating by himself. It's the only way to reverse 
the disease, and the next step is insertion of a feeding tube and force-
feeding.

response 38 of 66:

Jul 18 16:23 UTC 2003

Thanks, scott. I'm trying to remain hopeful, since there is a 60% 
recovery rate, even if a feeding tube is required.

response 40 of 66:

Jul 19 17:08 UTC 2003

Mickey- not a good diagnosis- but at least there is that 60% rate. 
Best of luck with Pepper. At Zimmer many of the cats initially refuse 
to eat on their own (basically depression from having lost everything 
that is familiar) and Kitty Zimmer generally ends up doing syringe 
feeding- which I'm thinking is a bit kinder than a feeding tube 
inserted. Maybe talk to your vet about it?

response 42 of 66:

Jul 21 21:18 UTC 2003

mynxcat, mooncat, slynne - Thanks for the words of support.

It has been really tough having a sick cat, but things are not as bad 
as they could be --- at least Pepper is drinking water on his own. 
Yesterday, he began to show some interest in eating. I saw him eat a 
few bites of dry catfood, and he ate several treats (I was trying 
anything to get him interested in eating). Then finally there was some 
measure of success with the canned Science Diet a/d ... he ate about 2 
teaspoonsful last night. This morning he woke me up in the usual 
manner, purring and rubbing against my neck, and ate almost all of the 
1/8 cup of dry food I put down for him. I got him to eat 4 spoonsful of 
the canned food at lunch. So, there is some hope that he's recovering.

response 44 of 66:

Jul 21 23:50 UTC 2003

Way to go, Pepper!

response 46 of 66:

Jul 22 20:16 UTC 2003

Yes, it is a relief. I'll still be concerned until this Thursday, when 
the vet gives Pepper another set of blood tests. He's eating, but not 
much at all. Is it enough? We won't know for another couple of days.

Thanks again to everyone for their responses. 

response 48 of 66:

Jul 31 14:14 UTC 2003

Apologies for taking so long posting these results. I really appreciate 
all the words of support and the information posted in this item.

Pepper went to the vet for bloodwork this past Tuesday (we went on 
Thursday, as well, only to find the doctor out of the office. Sigh...)

There was some good news --- tests for two of the liver enzymes were 
lower this time, and one of those tests was in the "reference range." 
Confusingly, the other liver test came back even higher than the first 
time.

TEST      7/17     7/29      Ref. Range

ALKP       449      516         14-111
ALT        188       93         12-130
TBIL      3.69     1.14         0.00-0.90

So, the first test (ALKP) is still high, and even higher than it was on 
the first test. The vet said this enzyme is "slow to react" and usually 
lags behind the rest, so I'm hoping this is to be expected. Great news 
on the second test element, though --- ALT is within range, now! And 
the last, TBIL, is much lower, and nearing the normal range.

The vet seemed encouraged by the results, and said as long as we could 
get Pepper to eat, he should be well soon. He wants to do another set 
of blood tests in a month, assuming his appetite continues the way it 
has been. I've been able to get Pepper to start eating some chewy 
treats, but he still doesn't seem interested in anything crunchy. The 
vet said the jaw muscles are probably weak --- his teeth and gums 
appear fine (gums were a little pale, from the liver problems, though).

response 52 of 66:

Aug 1 17:52 UTC 2003

Excellent! Good going Pepper!!

Another Zimmer comment... there was a cat there (currently being 
fostered) who really preferred dry food to wet, but given his health 
they wanted to restrict him to wet food. Anyhow, long story short- in 
small amounts they would give him the dry food- except they would add 
water to it so that it was softer. Dunno if this would work for Pepper, 
or if it's something his vet would recommend, but it might be worth a 
try.

response 54 of 66:

Aug 20 02:26 UTC 2003

Soo.... What news??

response 56 of 66:

Aug 25 03:48 UTC 2003

I feel terribly broken-hearted to report this....

We ended Pepper's suffering today, around 4:45 CDT. He went peacefully, 
stretched out on the couch with me, my roommate (his other daddy) and 
purring as he always had done.

Thank you all for the support and information you've shared with me in 
this item. 

response 60 of 66:

Aug 27 16:55 UTC 2003

Sorry. :(