Whats happening to my cat

Question
Hello Dr Fry,

My 10-year-old male Siamese cat has gone from healthy, robust and sociable to thin, tired, and a recluse in six months' time. I have taken him to the vet on several occasions - the last time to check for signs of thyroid disease, but the blood-tests show nothing out of order. Kidneys and liver seem to be okay as well.

As far as I've noticed, my cat does not drink any abnormal amounts of water. He eats normal but quite frugal amounts of food - his appetite could be better. He has had very loose stools for quite some time now.

Do you have any idea as to what is wrong with my cat? I intend to take him to a better-equiped vet than the one we have around here soon, but what shall I ask the vet to look for?


Very grateful for your reply,
Lydia

Answer
Lydia,

I would recommend that you consult an internal medicine specialist.  My first concern would be inflammatory bowel (IBD) or intestinal cancer with the signs of diarrhea and weight loss since you said kidney, liver and thyroid tests are normal.  An abdominal ultrasound probably would be of benefit.  Certainly you can have more blood work checked to rule out pancreas problems (TLI test) or check for malabsorption and bacterial over-growth (B12/Folate test).

For now try to target the diet and feed him an all-natural, high-quality diet that is free of by-products, corn, dyes and preservatives.  I feed my cat Prairie by Nature's Variety www.naturesvariety.com and my one with IBD does quite well or you could consider a hypoallergenic diet such as those made by IVD (Venison, Duck or Rabbit with Peas) which are used to treat food allergy and IBD in cats.  Also, try to give some plain yogurt on a daily basis to repopulate the good bacteria in his GI tract.

GOOD LUCK,
Dr. Fry