We are back from the vet’s.
According to the vet, most likely Bunny has brain and intestinal tumours. This can happen with old age especially with the added FIV+ condition. The brain tumour would explain why Bunny is always contorted to the right and facing the wall or a surface. It is a neurological sign and there is nothing we can do about the brain or the intestinal tumours.
Contrary to what I’ve written, Bunny is still a kidney patient. His readings today show “normal” readings and in fact, his creatinine is even low (probably due to not eating enough) but this does not mean he is not a kidney patient. Bunny’s kidneys have also shrunk in size. The vet says that many cat kidney patients have normal readings (something I did not know).
Bunny’s Chem 10 blood test readings are all “normal” today. He is not diabetic and his kidney readings are within the normal range. But his PCV (blood) is only at 14.7% so Bunny is anaemic and was given a Darbepoetin injection to hopefully boost the red blood cells. He will need this injection once a week until we can raise the percentage to about 20%. Bunny was given a B-12 injection as well.
The ear-prick blood test showed the increase presence of lymphocytes. Based on Bunny’s clinical signs, it is likely that Bunny has lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). Even last October, the vet already told me it was possible that Bunny had intestinal lymphoma and I knew there’s nothing we could do about it for him except to manage it.
Maybe it started with the intestines and has now spread to the brain? That’s just a guess.
A cat with lymphoma may demonstrate only very vague problems. Progressive lack of appetite, lethargy and weight loss are among the most common. Depending on which organs are affected, other signs such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing may occur.
The vet also suspects that Bunny could have had a seizure this morning when I found him lying in his urine and excrement.
Bunny also has some nasal discharge this morning, but the vet said to let it resolve itself. There was no ear infection, just wax. This was checked because an ear infection can also lead to the cat turning in one direction. But for Bunny, it isn’t this. I remember Indy was rescued as a kitten with a severe ear infection and yes, he was only turning in one direction.
The vet checked Bunny’s blood pressure and it was normal, but Bunny has a very faint pulse. His heart was detected with a gallop rhythm last year too. So Bunny has an old heart.
The vet said Bunny’s intestinal problem could be a case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome too.
I know many things are beyond our control. Aging and sickness happen to every living being. Some aren’t as lucky as others.
So now, it’s all about making Bunny as comfortable as possible. The vet says the supplements and medication will depend on Bunny’s kidney readings, so after we got the results of the blood test, the vet prescribed the following:
Fortekor (to continue)
Gabapentin (to help him relax)
Mirtazapine (to help with appetite and anti-nausea – every 2-3 days)
Folic acid
Prednisolone (to help with the inflammation in the brain and intestines) – only given because his kidney readings were fine.
Subcut 125ml every day – cannot be more because of Bunny’s heart condition.
Midazolam – only to be administered in case of seizure.
The vet gave 4 syringes of Midazolam, to stop seizures if I see it happening. It is to be syringed into the nostrils. She hasn’t started Bunny on anti-seizure medication yet.
Bunny has the uremic smell this morning. I could smell it and of course the vet detected it too. That could be due to either the kidney toxins or a bad tooth. As it turned it, it was due to a rotten tooth. At his age, we also cannot do anything about that now. That is why I heard grinding when Bunny ate his food. Bunny had his dental in April 2019 when he was 13 years old. We cannot subject him to another dental now because it requires anaesthesia.
We came home and Bunny could not get out of the carrier by himself. His tendency to the turn to the right is definitely a neurological sign. He was curled up inside and I had to carry him out.
Cow, Indy, Cleo and Tabs came to see Bunny.
Even little Riley came to offer support. She’s a really, really good kitten. Then she followed me all over as I prepared Bunny’s food and medication. I know she wants to help.
I had some problem feeding Bunny the tablets because he bit me out of reflex. He cannot control his bite so it is really hard and painful. It’s okay, Bunny, I understand.
Bunny ate a little bit of canned chicken and some Primal snacks before his medication. Luckily he is still showing some interest in food but the sad part is that no matter how much he eats, he is still losing protein.
One day at a time. We’re in this together, Bunny Bun Buns.
Bunny weighed only 3.1kg this morning. He has been losing weight because of his condition. In his hey day, Bunny was our bulkiest and heaviest cat at 6.7kg. We called him the Bunnyphant.
But life is such that nobody escapes aging and sickness. It happens to all. Aging – nobody escapes that. Sickness – maybe, if we are extremely lucky.
The medication must have kicked in now.
Bunny is sleeping well. At least he is not contorted or twisted to the right. He looks relaxed.
Get a good rest, Bunny. Feel better soon.
We thank all of you, dear friends, for keeping Bunny in your thoughts and your kind wishes.