Talk Cancer

Question:

Hi, Ann, If you’ll go to this web page: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1151/hlthlnks.htm and scroll down about half way down the page, you’ll find a section of links to information on IBD. Hope that helps.  Kisses to Minerva, Paige – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Does your cat get any lamb?  I usually make it a point to give some lamb baby food when a cat has diahrea.  You see lamb is the only meat that contains a good amount of niacin, a B vitamin.  Sometimes diahrea will cause a niacin deficiency and then a niacin deficiency will cause diahrea.  It gets to be a vicious circle.   In any case, it’s a gentle food as is chicken, and safe to feed when they are sick.  Avoid all fish flavors when you are having this trouble.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene… All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months. In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Just order a CBC Profile (organ function).  That will give you a clear picture of what’s going on inside. She could be having a problem with one or more of the additives in her food, such as dye. Definitely opt for the CBC and try switching her food gradually to a bland food such as Iams Lamb & Rice. Relax until you get the CBC results. You’ll know what to do at that time. Good luck. P. — "Cats are confident, not conceited.            Don’t confuse their aplomb with arrogance" Visit http://maxshouse.com alotta good stuff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Hi, Ann, If you’ll go to this web page: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1151/hlthlnks.htm and scroll down about half way down the page, you’ll find a section of links to information on IBD. Hope that helps.  Kisses to Minerva, Paige – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Does your cat get any lamb?  I usually make it a point to give some lamb baby food when a cat has diahrea.  You see lamb is the only meat that contains a good amount of niacin, a B vitamin.  Sometimes diahrea will cause a niacin deficiency and then a niacin deficiency will cause diahrea.  It gets to be a vicious circle.   In any case, it’s a gentle food as is chicken, and safe to feed when they are sick.  Avoid all fish flavors when you are having this trouble.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene… All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months. In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Just order a CBC Profile (organ function).  That will give you a clear picture of what’s going on inside. She could be having a problem with one or more of the additives in her food, such as dye. Definitely opt for the CBC and try switching her food gradually to a bland food such as Iams Lamb & Rice. Relax until you get the CBC results. You’ll know what to do at that time. Good luck. P. — "Cats are confident, not conceited.            Don’t confuse their aplomb with arrogance" Visit http://maxshouse.com alotta good stuff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Hi, Ann, If you’ll go to this web page: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1151/hlthlnks.htm and scroll down about half way down the page, you’ll find a section of links to information on IBD. Hope that helps.  Kisses to Minerva, Paige – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Does your cat get any lamb?  I usually make it a point to give some lamb baby food when a cat has diahrea.  You see lamb is the only meat that contains a good amount of niacin, a B vitamin.  Sometimes diahrea will cause a niacin deficiency and then a niacin deficiency will cause diahrea.  It gets to be a vicious circle.   In any case, it’s a gentle food as is chicken, and safe to feed when they are sick.  Avoid all fish flavors when you are having this trouble.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene… All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months. In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Just order a CBC Profile (organ function).  That will give you a clear picture of what’s going on inside. She could be having a problem with one or more of the additives in her food, such as dye. Definitely opt for the CBC and try switching her food gradually to a bland food such as Iams Lamb & Rice. Relax until you get the CBC results. You’ll know what to do at that time. Good luck. P. — "Cats are confident, not conceited.            Don’t confuse their aplomb with arrogance" Visit http://maxshouse.com alotta good stuff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response:

Hi Minerva is about 3 1/2 yr. old – a long haired tabby with white. We’ve had her since she was a kitten. She has now had 4 trips to the vet in the last 2 years for problems with diarrhea/hairballs. The first time was when she was 1 1/2 yrs old – she had had diarrhea fo 3 days and it wasn’t clearing up – our vet at the time explained there was a lot of hair in her fecal sample and we went through that we should be brushing her and giving her a hairball remedy. He thought there might be an infection so he prescribed her Metronadizol. She vastly improved BUT we were back with her again in 6 months with the same problem –he recommended more frequent brushing and an over the counter laxative for humans (Dioxidan) to clear her system as well as her weekly doses of the hairball remedy and he again gave her the Metronadizol to clear up any infection she might have. 6 months later we were back again and this time we saw his partner – she looked at the fecal sample which this time was slimy and jelly like and based on Miner’s history she suspected it was IBD. She recommended not using the Dioxidan as it was not really preventative and to increase the hairball remedy to 2-3 times per week as a preventative measure. She also prescribed Tylocene…  All 3 times Minerva showed marked improvement for about 6 months.  In January this year – about 8 months since her last visit to the vets I noticed a little bit of diarrhea in her litter – so as per instructions – I gave her 3 doses in 3 days of the hairball remedy and she coughed up several large hairballs. The vet had explained to me that the hairballs were stopping the stool from forming into a solid stool to pass which was why she was getting diarrhea and that by giving her the hairball remedy it would either pass through with her stool or be coughed up as a hairball. I thought I finally had control over the problem. We took her to a new vet as we’ve moved recently for vaccinations.He recommended that we try and wean her off the hairball remedy  - reasoning was that she was becoming too dependant on it (it is essentially a laxative) and she would require more and more of it to clear her system and eventually it would be useless. I began to do this – 3 weeks ago Minerva had diarrhea again and although it lasted 4 days she eventually coughed up a hairball and appeared to go back to normal. Last week we took her to the vet as she had bad jelly like diarrhea but this time I noticed blood in it.  The vet (our new vets partner) suggested not weaning her off the hairball remedy because some cats require it on a regular basis (just as some humans do) but recommended we rule out FIP and Feline Leukemia – the results came back as negative (which I expected they would) and did not want to give her any medication until he knew what the problem was.  This vet is recommending a change in diet (to a higher fibre diet) and wants to discuss tests to determine what the problem is! My concern is that 1. The tests are unnecessary (including the one that ruled out FIP ) 2. Should I try a diet change for 6 months or 1 Year to see if there are any reoccurrences and if there are – then go for the tests. 3. If they do find IBD what then? Would Minerva require medication or surgery? 4. Will the tests likely look fo other things as well as IBD? Minerva is fine right now – she is not on any medication and is taking the hairball remedy 2X per week and is getting brushed for 10-15minutes per day…. I’m going to pick up samples of the new food on Monday evening and to talk with the Vet about tests etc… Just wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this situation and what happened and if anyone has any idea of what type of tests or any questions I should be asking the vet Thanks  (I already feel better after writing this – I know I will get some good input from the group – in the past everyone has been very supportive and helpful in this group not only to me…Thanks again for taking the time to read this) Ann

Response: