posted 02-27-2003 01:32 AM            

Porter, as he's known, had always been a healthy and resilient cat. He's traveled the country with me, by car and plane to 5 different homes, and he's never missed a beat. I've never given it a second thought about taking him with me wherever I go, and I was planning to take him across the ocean to Turkey with me in the coming months.

In the first days of February, Porter began vomitting violently. At first I thought he had finally gotten his first illness, and I shrugged it off to the winter season. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. But hours turned to days, and soon he hadn't eaten, let alone rested, for three days. On the third day, I took him to the local veterinarian, Amy Schilli, D.V.M. I'm no dummy when it comes to health and wellness, but Porter's illness is a mystery to both me and the veterinarians. I'd like to give an account of my situation. Perhaps somewhere, a proverbial light will go off and someone will rescue my cat from his untimely fate.

Here's the facts:
No access to poisons or household chemicals
Regular steady diet of high quality (Science Diet Adult Formula Hairball Control) dry food
Regular and appropriate life-long consumption of water
Few to none treats or "people" food
No poisonous plants
Regular veterinary care and checkups
Negative tests for common feline diseases
Strictly indoor cat with ample room for exercise
Neutered and declawed (front) at early age

After the vet initially examined Porter, a full array of blood work was done. The physical exam yielded no clues (normal temp, normal palpatations, etc.) The blood work indicated elevated liver enzymes and slightly elevated glucose levels. Both of which could be easily attributed to the physical state of temporary starvation and stress. The X-Rays showed no clearly visible obstructions in the g.i. tract. Everything, but Porter's health, was normal.

The vet elected to perform exploratory surgery, as a g.i. obstruction appeared to be the most likely cause of Porter's distress. After the surgery, the vet reported that there was no obstruction and all internal organs appeared healthy and normal, including his liver. Appetite stimulants, and anti-nausea medication, as well as preventative antibiotics were prescribed and administered.

In two days, Porter had made a complete turn-around. His appetite was back, and he was beginning to harass the other cat just like normal. His only discomfort was the regular administration of meds. While Porter's illness was a mystery; it appeared to be all over, until a few days ago.

In the early morning Porter vomitted some partially digested food. A few hours later, he produced some more digested food. Then food colored liquid. I started administering some of the anti-nausea medication left from his other bout, and by evening he was back to normal.

The next day Porter's appetite had returned, and everything seemed alright. The following day I noticed Porter vomitting. It has continued all day in regular intervals (i.e. every 20 minutes of so).

I'm at a loss, and so is my vet's office (3 veterinarians). From what I've read on this site, several people suggest to others in somewhat similar situations that it may be the result of kidney failure. I would think the vets had considered this, but how can I know?

posted 02-27-2003 09:21 AM           

my thoughts are if you can afford to do so, maybe you shoud try another vet (even though three already looked at him)Do you have any vets that specilize in cats only in your area?