The vet did a very thorough exam, well all he could do without doing x-rays or sonagrams. He felt the symptom I've been trying so hard to describe, so that was good. He also detected some wheezing in her chest and what sounds like a "tiny bit of restriction" in her throat. He called it a "gag" or "reflex swallowing" rather than a hiccup but says it can be caused by a sore throat or stomach problems and since she is eating and not having more problems with puking or upset stomach we ruled that out for now.
He has seen cats present with similar symptoms and starts with treating it like allergies &/or congestion which usually brings about good results from his experience. She is on Clavamox and Chlorpheniramine (2mg) twice a day for a few days and we'll see if she improves. If not, we will do some more testing, perhaps chest x-rays &/or a sonagram of her throat.
He bragged about how shiny her coat is, the condition of her ears & teeth, and that she appears to be a healthy 14+ year old gal. That made me feel better.
I am feeling more optimistic and she is happy to be home. She HATES going to the vet, poor little sugar, she's been twice in three days.
So.. that's the plan.
Cat (Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
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It took a while, with her symptoms coming & going while on the prescribed treatment but I think... I hope it's gone. She has gone over 24 hours without the hiccups or the reflex swallowing or whatever it is/was.
As of this morning, I'm out of the antibiotic (Clavamox) and have (I think) another 10 days of the Chlorpheniramine tablets. Which, by the way, I was lulled into a false sense of security the first couple of days pilling her...it all seemed so easy those first two days, but she fights that pill popper with gusto now! Fun times, not! Anyone who has pilled a cat understands what I'm saying, the liquid antibiotic was much less likely to cause injury to me. LOL
Thanks for the PM's and notes on Facebook asking about Blanca. I think my queen kitty just might be on the mend.
Wow, that's interesting. I find pills so much easier than liquid, always request pills.
You do have to be fast with your fingers though, especially with a cat. Although I've found that pushing the pill back tends to make them want to spit the finger back rather than bite it.
Anyway I'm glad she's feeling better!
susan
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a wabbit, Fuzzy Wuzzy had a dandelion habit! RIP little Wuz... don't go far.
To be honest I think I would enjoy watching you try to give Blanca a pill without help, she's a tough old gal! I'm glad to say I have help, after the first couple of days she was on to my tricks and was 11.5 pounds of pure fight, clamped mouth, jerking head, back feet at ready to claw, yes she got me a few times despite my best effort. It's fast and easy for all of us when my husband helps..... by myself, not so much, even with the pill popper.
CatandJim wrote: Then again I never claimed to be an expert. LOL
Experts are not experts with cats Worst bite I've ever had was pilling a cat. My index finger swelled to about 3X normal size and took weeks to resolve. My reflexes (even when I was younger) were no match for a cat. I swear they can swat me with their paws three or four times before my reflex pulls my hands back.
Henry has become hyperthyroid (about 6 months now) and we treat with transdermal meds. So much easier on him and us.
Thanks Dr. Doug, I feel a little better, even though it's at your expense.
She never succeeded in biting me even though she did try once when I was still convinced I could do it by myself. She has, however, scratched me up pretty good a couple of times before I finally go it through my head that I needed help... those cat scratches on the... ahem... upper body... don't feel so good.
I just hope the pills aren't needed long term... for her sake and mine! If something has to be ongoing I would opt for liquid or transdermal, if available.
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