Day Seventeen Milky Wave Update

[tripperfunster]

So, yesterday we did an x-ray. It revealed pancreatitis. (sp?) Basically, swelling of the pancreas ... buy why? Possibilities are an allergy to his food, a reaction to the oil base of his new meds, cancer or ???

Pancreatic cancer is no fun, and pretty much 100% fatal, and you can't just cut it out because um .. yeah, you need your pancreas to function. So we decided to get an ultrasound.

Today we went back for the ultrasound and the Doc was amazing! He really took his time looking around, pointed out all the 'landmarks' to me. "See that? That's the kidney, and those little things right there are where it drains. Normally, it should be this shape, but his are a bit lumpy, possibly from his bout with frostbite." "See this? That's the dermal layer, above that is fat, but right under it? That's where his 'six pack' is." and on and on and on. Sadly, everything looked like lumpy oatmeal to me, but it was very informative.

Even when I was preggo, and went for my ultrasounds, I couldn't tell if I was looking at a baby or the face of Christ.

Anyhoo, long story short, he didn't find anything abnormal. No mass. No cancer. No blockage. YAY! That's not to say there isn't any cancer, but nothing large enough to show up.

Now we just need to figure out why Milky is losing weight and not eating. Well, duh, one follows the other of course, but we need to know why. We stopped his old meds and the vet put him on steroids to shrink the pancreatic swelling, and it should have the benefit of upping his appetite a bit too. I'm still to give him fluids until he starts to eat properly. She says we should see some results within a couple of days.

*fingers crossed*

Comments

[theficklepickle.livejournal.com]

I'm keeping my paws crossed for him; a food allergy or something would be bad enough in itself, but at least you'd be able to do something about it!

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks, but sadly, it is not going well. My vet has no idea what is wrong with him, and the steroids do not seem to be helping at all.

I've been giving him fluids and even force feeding him (at the vet's request) but he's not doing well.

[quietlyfreaky.livejournal.com]

Still keeping track; hope that it's a simple thing, like a food allergy--well, simpler, and hopefully not fatal! (this is twillery, by the way; signed into the wrong LJ #^^#)

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Sadly, Milky is not doing well. :(

I'm hoping the drugs just have a slow build to give full effect, but I don't think there's much hope for him now.

[luvscharlie.livejournal.com]

Definitely have my fingers crossed for a food allergy as it seems the least serious of all of those.

Poor little baby.

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks hon. Sadly, he's not doing well at all. I've been giving him fluids and even force feeding him, but he is really failing to thrive. *sigh*

[oliversnape.livejournal.com]

My stepmum's kitty had that! His was bad enough that the vet kept him for two days, and then sent him home with IV fluids we had to give him twice a day. And let me tell you, that bubble of fluid in their back slowly disappearing looks ODD. But he's right as rain now and back to digging at the carpet (...he has no claws), so hopefully Milky Wave will be too. :)

They never did find out what caused it, just put it down to 'shit happens.'

[dragonhideboot.livejournal.com]

Aww. Poor kitty! Glad your stepmum's is better now.

Also had to comment. ICON LOVE.

[oliversnape.livejournal.com]

haha you'd have to admit, she'd make family Christmas dinners interesting.

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

This really does seem to be a case of 'shit happens' but sadly, it is still happening. He's getting weaker and weaker, and nothing we do seems to help.

*sigh*

[dragonhideboot.livejournal.com]

I'm glad the ultrasound doc was able to give you some comfort. I always prefer for the doc/dentist/who ever is poking me or my loved ones to keep a running commentary about *what they're doing* and not "so how was your vacation?" I get that some of them are trying to build a relationship, but I'd feel better knowing they were concentrating O.o

**hugs for kitty and you** Here's hoping his appetite perks up and you get to spoil him rotten with yummy treats to get him back up to weight!

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yes, the ultrasound Doc was not my usual vet, but he was very friendly and informative.

Sadly, Milky is still not doing well. I've been giving him fluids, steroids AND force feeding him, but he's still going downhill.

[wolfsjal.livejournal.com]

Get better soon Milky Wave!
Also good doctors/vets make all the difference.

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

Thanks hon. But yeah, he's still not doing well at all. :(

[accioslash.livejournal.com]

Poor baby! I'll keep my fingers crossed - for all of you. Sick kitties are no fun for anyone. ♥

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

No, not fun at all. he's really quite stoic about it which is nice, but sadly, I don't think he'll be with us much longer. Despite all our efforts, he's still going downhill.

[veridari.livejournal.com]

You're such a great kitty "mommy"! I'm rooting for him!

[suechosethis.livejournal.com]

This sounds very positive, I do hope Milky Way can be sorted out, he has the very best chance in your tender care ((hugs))

[dementordelta.livejournal.com]

Awwwww! Hoping the little guy hangs in there! You guys have found a great doctor, sounds like!

[demicus.livejournal.com]

Man, I wish everyone had a doctor that attentive! Sounds like a difficult diagnosis. I hope Milky Wave benefits from the steroids. *fingers crossed*

[sra-danvers.livejournal.com]

Wow dear, what a fear to have! I'm happy that wasn't too bad at last...

[chocolate-frapp.livejournal.com]

hope he's going to be okay.

[leoparda.livejournal.com]

*HUGGLES* We put Tabby down on Friday; he had a mass in his colon, an inflamed liver and spleen, and he was losing more and more weight in spite of his appetite. He went so quickly we knew he'd been ready for some time.

However, it's also true some medications need to build up to be effective... and since Teh Big White Kitteh seems to be feeling better already, I think his chances are pretty good.