Ill and distressed English cat

My family in Lancashire are owned by a large English pedigree cat who has been ill for the past 4 months. They have pet insurance and the bills to date are in excess of £3000. They have moved from the original vet to a Specialist on internal animal problems, so far without success and they are very concerned for the animals wellbeing
The cat is 10 years old and is vomiting several times a day and several days ago began vomiting blood. The Specialist placed him on a special diet but he brings that up too.

He has had Biopsy's, Xrays and Ultrasound with Blood Tests, all showing no problems.

I would be extremely grateful if any forum member could offer any clue to the problem

Hi Prefect, The problem in trying to answer your request ( and also the problem for the specialist on the case) is that vomiting is a symptom of many different conditions. It sounds like a lot of tests have already been done, with fairly normal results. This makes the most likely diagnosis either a type of "inflammatory bowel disease" affecting the stomach in particular, or a form of cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma) affecting the gastro-intestinal tract. I wonder if abdominal ultrasound may help if it hasn't been performed yet. A clinical trial on corticosteroids could also be helpful, it has the virtue of being inexpensive and often very effective in controlling the vomiting, but won't distinguish between the two disorders. Good luck, I hope the vets can sort the problem out for you, and your cat gets back to ruling the roost. Written by Philip, partner of Lyn and retired vet!

Lyn59 wrote:Hi Prefect, The problem in trying to answer your request ( and also the problem for the specialist on the case) is that vomiting is a symptom of many different conditions. It sounds like a lot of tests have already been done, with fairly normal results. This makes the most likely diagnosis either a type of "inflammatory bowel disease" affecting the stomach in particular, or a form of cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma) affecting the gastro-intestinal tract. I wonder if abdominal ultrasound may help if it hasn't been performed yet. A clinical trial on corticosteroids could also be helpful, it has the virtue of being inexpensive and often very effective in controlling the vomiting, but won't distinguish between the two disorders. Good luck, I hope the vets can sort the problem out for you, and your cat gets back to ruling the roost. Written by Philip, partner of Lyn and retired vet!

How nice to have a retired vet in our midst!

Could it be cushings disease?

Cushings disease is common in dogs, but rare in cats. It's most notable symptom is increased drinking, and the tests that have already been done should have shown indications of it if present, so I think it is unlikely. Philip