Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Video 2012-2017 - Cat Maui Cough Wheeze

Maui is unwell. She has been coughing but we do not know what exactly is wrong. 
We suspect ingestions of hairball. These are videos of her coughing, a collection of videos for the Vet to diagnose. She's been on intense hairball removal nibbles but she is still coughing. We also try to brush her often. We will continue to brush her more often.

Video: 3 Dec 2012
Maui Coughs and hacks


Video: 3 Dec 2012
Maui Coughs and hacks



Video: 3 Dec 2012
Maui Coughs and hacks


Video: 6 Sep 2013
Maui Coughs and hacks


Video: 26 Sep 2015
Maui wheeze at rest and looks very tired and unwell.

Video: 26 Sep 2015
Maui wheeze at rest and looks very tired and unwell.

Video: 26 Sep 2015
Maui wheeze at rest and looks very tired and unwell.


Video: 26 Sep 2015
Maui breathing is clearly protruding her body and uneven. Sitting 


Video: 7 Feb 2017 at 12am
Maui struggles tonight with heavy breathing - 7 Feb 2017 at 12am



Video: 17 Feb 2017 at 11.40pm
Maui really bad condition - gasping - can't breathe much - 17 Feb 2017 at 11.40pm
Flipping and walking in few steps before dropping down on the side as cannot breathe properly. :( 


Video: 17 Feb 2017 at 11.53pm
Maui really bad condition - gasping - can't breathe much - 17 Feb 2017 at 11.53pm
Flipping and walking in few steps before dropping down on the side as cannot breathe properly. :( 



Video: 20 Feb 2017 4.20pm.
Maui cannot breathe! We brought her to Dr Landon at 10.30am, came home at 12noon.
Her attack was 20 Feb 2017  at 4.20pm and 7pm
Admitted her back to Amber Vet.  But Dr Lau didn't administer anything.
Luckily Dr Song gave her Oxygen Therapy and Fluid Therapy on 21 Feb 2017 morning which helped. Vit B japs also seemed to help.



Maui_Cough Wheeze Sitting_26 Feb 2017 midnight.
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.





Maui_Cough Wheeze Sitting_28 Feb 2017 midnight
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.


Maui ~ Attack w Wheeze Breathing Difficulty and Cough
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.

1 March night attack long sequence   2min37sec


Video: 5 March 2017 10pm - 12midnight


Maui ~ Wheeze Breathing Difficulty and Cough
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.
5 March night attack sequence:
10.00pm ate wet food with 2ml liquid vitamin.
The cage was opened with the fan blowing at it, so oxygen did escape.
10.10pm Maui breathe faster and started to struggle.
Closed the cage tight again.     
10.25pm  3x Puff No1. 15min gap.   10.40pm 3x Puff No.2 
10.50pm Struggling to breath with dry draggie sound. 60+ p/min Odd rhythmic pattern. 
11pm Duration of hack seemed quite lengthened in terms of timeframe
12am. 60 p/min. Left her to rest.



Video: 57 March 2017  12midnight (2min37sec) LONG ATTACK
Maui ~ Attack w Wheeze Breathing Difficulty and Cough
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.





Video: 7 March 2017 12midnight (33sec)
Maui ~ Attack w Wheeze Breathing Difficulty and Cough
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.


Video: 13 March 2017 2.55pmMaui ~ Breathing with Hacking sound
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.




Decided to record the whole sequence in how MAUI starts and finishes from an attack. Videos are numbered from #01 to #10.
House hospitalization in oxygen cage.


#01 Video: 14 March 2017 11.25pm 
START OF ATTACK ~ recorded after her 1st puff (Ventolin Evohaler)
Puffed because she was breathing with some wheezing sound.



#02 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.28pm 32sec 
- after 1st spray



#03 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.35pm 37sec 
- drinking and wheezing



#04 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.38pm 27sec 
- after 1st spray, still struggling



#05 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.43pm 51sec 
- long deep inhalation at 17sec 
- just before 2nd spray



#06 Video: 14 March 2017 11.51pm 18sec 
- Dry lung very harsh sound


#07 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.56pm 37sec 
- Right after 2nd Evolaler puff



#08 Video: 14 Mar 2017 11.56pm 31sec - 
Still struggling - very tired Maui - this was right after 2nd Evohaler Puff

#09  Video: 14 Mar 2017 12am  1min13sec - 
Still struggling - very tired Maui - this was right after 2nd Evohaler Puff

Monday, October 5, 2015

Cat Maui X-ray Scans


3 Oct 2015
, Right Side of Maui (Done at The Cat Clinic, Clementi):



3 Oct 2015, Right Side of Maui (Done at The Cat Clinic, Clementi):


3 Oct 2015
, Right Side of Maui (Done at The Cat Clinic, Clementi):





























26 Sep 2015, Left Side of Maui  (Done at The Animal Clinic, Teluk Kurau):















26 Sep 2015, Top View of Maui  (Done at The Animal Clinic, Teluk Kurau):










































~ The end ~

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Cat Maui Medical Summary

Cat Maui 5th Medical Check Up:  5 Oct 2015, 1-5pm, $128.75, The Cat Clinic (Clementi), Dr Geetha Nellinathan
Completed: [ Blood Pressue & X-Ray of Right Side ]
Read Full Medical Description, Report, Clinic & Vet info. See three pictures below for X-ray of Right Side.
Medication for Maui: prescribed by Dr Nathan
1. Prednisolone Acetate Injection 25mg  [ Steroid Jab to last 2 to 4 days ]
2. Profender for Cats (2.5kg -5kg) [ de-worm ]

Cat Maui 4th Medical Check Up:  30 Sep 2015, 10am-5pm, $511, Amber Veterinary (Siglap), Dr Brian Loon
Completed: [ Ultrasound & Heart Scan ] 
 Read Full Medical Description, Report, Clinic & Vet info 

Cat Maui 3rd Medical Check Up:  26 Sep 2015, SGD$260, The Animal Clinic (Teluk Kurau), Dr Tanja Khar
Completed: [ X-ray Left & Top View ]
Read Full Medical Description, Report, Clinic & Vet info  
Medication for Maui: prescribed by Dr Tanja Kahr (for precaution) 
1. Apo-Theo LA 100mg Tablets (Theophylline) [dilate areas in lungs cavity] 2. Vibravet 100 Paste [Antibiotics]


Cat Maui 2nd Medical Report: 26 Nov 2012 (Mt Pleasant Clinic East)
Read Full Medical Description, Report, Clinic & Vet info


Cat Maui Medical Report & Clinic Info

Cat Maui 5th Medical Check Up:  5 Oct 2015, 1-5pm, $128.75, The Cat Clinic, Dr Geetha Nellinathan
Dr. Geetha Nellinathan, B.SC. Singapore, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS 
The Cat Clinic, Blk 109 Clementi Street 11 #01-33 S120109 T: 6873-0014 / 6873-0024 / 24 hrs emergency: 6333-5550.  thecatclinic.sg     (Dr Nathan: bluecats@singnet.com.sg)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday*
9 am – 12 pm   2 pm – 5 pm   6 pm – 9 pm   Tuesday & Sunday Closed    

Thursday*  9 am. – 12 pm   2 pm – 5 pm     Saturday* 9 am – 2 pm    

* Last registration for appointment 60 minutes before closing
^ Peak Period (Evening/Weekend) consultation fee applies


Cat Maui 4th Medical Check Up:  30 Sep 2015, 10am-5pm, $511, Amber Veterinary, Dr Brian Loon

Dr Brian Loon, BSc. BVMS (Hons) (Murdoch), Cert Vet Acupuncture (IVAS) Amber Veterinary Practice 50 Burnfoot Terrace, Frankel Est. S459837  T: 62455543   ambervet.com  Mondays – Fridays9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.*   2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.*   6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.*^

Saturdays – Sundays9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.*^   2:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.*^

* Last registration for appointment 30 minutes before closing^ Peak Period (Evening/Weekend) consultation fee applies

Preparation for Ultrascan: Maui be shaven at the chest area and be tested with ultra sound & biopsy to find out if she may have asthma, lungworms, heartworms or tumor growth in my chest region that's been causing narrowing of trachea causing difficulty in breathing. Maui was stressed and feisty during UltraSound (as usual). Doctor managed to clip her nails till the last hind leg, but had to sedate her to complete it plus the ultra sound. Collected her at 4.30pm. Maui was anxious to be home, and ate well at 6pm onwards. I continued to feed her Antibiotic and Theophylline.

Ultrasound & Heart Scan Snapshots from CD (Click on it to view in original size): 
 














Cat Maui 3rd Medical Check Up:  26 Sep 2015, SGD260, The Animal Clinic (Teluk Kurau), Dr Tanja Khar

The Animal Clinic (Teluk Kurau), Dr Tanja Khar 55 Lorong L Telok Kurau  #01-63 Bright Centre S425500  Tel: 64404767 / 64402336 Opens: M-F (9-11:30am, 2-4:30pm, 6-8:30pm), Sat (9-12:30pm, 2-4:30pm,Sun (Closed) animalclinic.com.sg  Emergency: 6333 5550



Cat Maui 2nd Medical Report: 26 Nov 2012 (Mount Pleasant Clinic East)





Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Medical Research on Maui's Condition

I've decided to study Maui's symptoms and condition more closely to assist in a much more accurate diagnosis.

Here's us at Amber Vet ultra sound scan visit, 30 Sept 2015





I currently suspect she may have a deficiency of taurine causing her condition (I suspect dilated cardiomyopathy.)


What are the effects of taurine deficiency?

Taurine deficiency causes feline central retinal degeneration (FCRD), eventually leading to irreversible blindness, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and reduced fertility in female cats.
source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/taurine

What happens if taurine levels are deficient?

Clinical signs of taurine deficiency are slow to develop. It can take between five months and two years before symptoms become apparent, depending on the cat's life stage.
If taurine levels are deficient, the retinal cells of the eyes will eventually degenerate, impairing the vision. This condition is referred to as feline central retinal degeneration (CRD). Deficiency of taurine will also lead to a weakening of the muscle cells in the heart, causing a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. Taurine is a component of bile salts, and its deficiency may cause digestive disturbances.

source: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/taurine-in-cats/3857



ASTHMA

A glossary of medical terms will be used in this page:
dyspnea- difficult breathingtachypnea- fast respiratory rate
pneumothorax- excess air in the thoraxbronchi- large breathing tubes in the thorax
alveoli- where oxygen goes from lungs to the bloodthorax- chest
pneumonia- infection in the lungshypertrophy– excessive growth of a cell or organ
necropsy- animal autopsybronchiole- small breathing tubes in thorax
bradycardia- low heart rate



Pathophysiology

Something (smoke, pollen, perfume, pollution) stimulates the bronchi and bronchioles, causing them to become inflamed and swell (edema). This sets up a hypersensitivy reaction causing the smooth muscle in them to constrict.   Sometimes the smooth muscle hypertrophies (gets larger) and causes long term problems.
When the smooth muscle in the bronchi and bronchioles constrict  breathing becomes harder. In addition, cells that normally produce mucous in small quantities might increase their production and literally clog up the air passages. If enough mucous production and constriction occurs the alveoli are unable to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide to the red blood cells. Obviously, this is a serious problem because your pet can no longer exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveoli. This is crucial to say the least.
A type of white blood cell called eosinophils starts releasing chemicals known as mediators. These chemicals cause scarring of the breathing passage adding to the problem.
Unfortunately, chronic asthma can increase the blood pressure (hypertension) in the lungs leading to potential failure of the right side of the heart. It can also progress and cause emphysema.

Emphysema


Emphysema gradually damages the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, making you progressively more short of breath. Emphysema is one of several diseases known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema.
Your lungs' alveoli are clustered like bunches of grapes. In emphysema, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and eventually rupture — creating one larger air space instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.
When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don't work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter. Treatment may slow the progression of emphysema, but it can't reverse the damage.
Emphysema damages the inner walls of the lungs' air sacs (alveoli), causing them to eventually rupture. This creates one larger air space instead of many small ones and reduces the surface area available for gas exchange.

Illustration showing emphysema
source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/basics/definition/con-20014218
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/multimedia/emphysema/img-20007614



Symptoms

Symptoms of asthma can be chronic, acute, or intermittent. The classic signs of a cat with asthma are wheezing or coughing. If you are observant you might have noticed an slight increase in your cats respiratory rate or effort prior to the wheezing or coughing. Other symptoms are sneezing and labored breathing. As time progresses you might even observe a poor appetite (anorexia), weight loss, or lethargy, although these are not common symptoms.
The wheezing or coughing can vary in severity. Your cat might extend its neck or even breathe with an open mouth when severe. If mild all you might notice is an increased respiratory rate when your cat is at rest.

Source: http://www.lbah.com/word/asthma/
More: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/asthma-in-cats/55


http://www.brandonlakesanimalhospital.com/client-resources/breed-info/himalayan/
Feline Asthma
Asthma, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the small airways of the lungs, is fairly common in cats. Certain cat breeds, including your Himalayan, are especially at risk. Asthma is a life-threatening condition that can require emergency treatment. Cats with asthma often have a wheezing cough; some owners may describe it as a “hairball cough,” but really when cats have a hairball, they typically don’t cough, they vomit. Coughing is much more likely to be a serious problem in a cat than in a human or a dog, for example, and any cough that lasts longer than a day or recurs over time should be checked out. Cats with asthma can be treated with inhalers as well as oral medications that help open the airways and reduce inflammation. Prompt treatment is needed for wheezing, gasping, coughing or any sign of respiratory distress in your cat.
Parasites
All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Himmy’s body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. For your feline friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it’s important that we test for them on a regular basis. Many types of parasites can be detected with a fecal exam, so it’s a good idea to bring a fresh stool sample (in a stink-proof container, please) with your pet for her twice-a-year wellness exams. We’ll also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.

Parasites

All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Himmy’s body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. For your feline friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it’s important that we test for them on a regular basis. Many types of parasites can be detected with a fecal exam, so it’s a good idea to bring a fresh stool sample (in a stink-proof container, please) with your pet for her twice-a-year wellness exams. We’ll also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.


Allergies/Atopy

In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In cats it makes the skin itchy. We call this form of allergy “atopy.” Commonly, the legs, belly, face, and ears are very likely to have this problem. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking (over grooming) the affected areas, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. You may notice thinner or shortened hair in those areas or red, sore skin lesions. We will need to investigate the cause of the problem since food allergies and mites can cause similar signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.


CAT SINGAPURA

http://www.brandonlakesanimalhospital.com/client-resources/breed-info/singapura/

Heart Disease

Cardiomyopathy is the medical term for heart muscle disease, either a primary inherited condition or secondary to other diseases that damage the heart. The most common form, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a thickening of the heart muscle often caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Another example is dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, which can be caused by a dietary deficiency of the amino acid taurine. While DCM was a big problem in the past, all major cat food producers now add taurine to cat food, so DCM is rarely seen in cats with high-quality diets today.
Catching signs of cardiomyopathy early is important, but a cat’s normal tendency to hide illness can make symptoms difficult to spot. The first thing a pet parent usually notices is rapid breathing, lethargy, and a poor appetite. These symptoms may appear to come on suddenly, often between a few hours to a few days, but in most cases, the cat has actually been suffering quietly for weeks to months and is now in serious trouble.
For a few breeds of cats, genetic testing is available for a specific gene abnormality that causes HCM. Most cats with cardiomyopathy have a heart murmur that can be detected during a wellness physical exam, but a specific diagnosis requires more advanced medical imaging. Finding this problem early, when treatment is most effective, is another important reason to have your pet evaluated twice a year for life.

Acupunture treatments: http://www.brandonlakesanimalhospital.com/services/acupuncture/


#catmaui #si-yandmaui #mauivisitvet