Fatty Liver Syndrome

[Fejass]

Hi everyone, I am brand new to the forum. One of my cats became very ill last week and website searches brought me here.

My 5 year old female has been diagnosed with liver problems (she is jaundiced, weak, lost weight, not eating, etc) and after her initial few days at the vet where she was on IV's, etc., the home treatment method prescribed to me has been to force/assist feed her Hill's I/D food and give her a pill, Zentonil Advanced daily.

I didn't think it would too hard, but it is a nightmare. She does not like to be assist-feeded and I don't like doing it either. I don't know if its the taste of the Hill's or just the mere fact I'm trying to shove a syringe in her mouth (10 CC), but it does not go well. Maybe I am not putting enough water in the syringe, but sometimes it's hard to get out and she seems to spit a lot of out if she can. But I struggle through it, as I know it is imperative that she gets food as there is a fairly decent recovery rate.

On top of it all, I think she may be constipated. Maybe a result of the liver problems. I see her go to the litter box, try to do her thing, nothing comes out, then minute or so later she vomits. Urinating doesn't not appear to be an issue.

That said, I have some questions:
- Any tips on assist-feeding technique?
- How much food should I be giving her? How often in a day? Slow to start? What kind of dilution? Take in mind, she is quite sick, hasn't eaten in days, maybe a week or two?
- Is there any alternative to Hill's I/D - I think she absolutely hates it, but I know nutritionally it is supposed to be good (liver health product on the label)
- Is there any I could do to maybe relieve her constipation?

Sorry this is all new to me. But I know its serious, and want to do everything I can to keep my furry pet around.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Mark

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by Fejass

Hi everyone, I am brand new to the forum. One of my cats became very ill last week and website searches brought me here.

Welcome to the board, Mark. Sorry that you aren't here under better circumstances.

Originally Posted by Fejass

I didn't think it would too hard, but it is a nightmare. She does not like to be assist-feeded and I don't like doing it either.

Syringe-feeding cats can be quite stressful for all concerned. If it were me and my cat was okayed by the vet to undergo surgery, I would opt for a feeding tube. Here is some info on that: http://www.catinfo.org/?link=feedingtubes

If surgery isn't possible, than do you have someone else that can help you feed her? Have you tried wrapping her in a towel like a burrito? There's a great site here with more info on assisted feeding: http://www.assistfeed.com/
And also the Feline Assisted Feeding Yahoo group has some very knowledgable members: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/F...isted-Feeding/

Originally Posted by Fejass

On top of it all, I think she may be constipated.

What does the vet say about that? Could it have been constipation that caused her to stop eating in the first place? If so, this really needs to be addressed immediately. Forcing more food on her when she can't get rid of what she's already consumed could be disastrous.

Originally Posted by Fejass

- How much food should I be giving her? How often in a day? Slow to start? What kind of dilution?

Your vet really should be providing the answers to these questions, and if they haven't, you might need a new vet.

Originally Posted by Fejass

Take in mind, she is quite sick, hasn't eaten in days, maybe a week or two?

I really think she needs a feeding tube at this point, and while she's under anesthetic her constipation issue should be addressed.

Originally Posted by Fejass

Is there any alternative to Hill's I/D - I think she absolutely hates it, but I know nutritionally it is supposed to be good (liver health product on the label)

Hill's A/D is another option (might be a smoother consistency and easier to syringe), although my choice would be to use Wellness Chicken. I don't personally think I/D is "good" for any cat. Are you smooshing the food through a sieve to take all the lumps out?

Originally Posted by Fejass

- Is there any I could do to maybe relieve her constipation?

The vet should really be involved with that.

Crossing my fingers that she pulls through! Do keep us updated on how she's doing.

[Fejass]

Thank you for the post. Lot of good information and it kind of confirmed what I've been thinking the last few days...I am taking her to another vet tomorrow. I should not have went home from there, not knowing how to force feed her and how much, etc. The vet I was taking her said the constipation thing should not be a worry. Well two hours ago, I fought my way to force feed her some food. Than 5 minutes again ago, she went to do her thing. Nothing came, she did some howling noise I've never heard her make before, then threw up again. Not only is the constipation negating crazy force feeding effort for both me and her, but it is obviously causing her pain. And as you said, maybe it might have caused this whole liver problem thing in the first place.

We will see what the other vet thinks tomorrow. I will update as we go along and again thanks for the information....

[sugarcatmom]

Has she had xrays or an ultrasound since this all started?

[Fejass]

As far as I know, no. I got charged for Fluid Therapy IV, CBC and Chem Panel (blood test I assume) and 3 nights of hospitalization at the first vet.