My precious 17-year-old kitty Zingo (I found her as a 1 month old stray at Bell's Amusement Park back in August 1991) has apparently, suddenly gone completely deaf. Here are the details:
She had a bad skin laceration that required vet attention. I took her to the vet last Friday 9-19. She was sedated, her body shaved, the wound cleaned and dressed and closed with 7 staples. They gave her an injection of the new pet antibiotic, "Convenia," which is a time release antibiotic to replace oral antibiotics. Her wound is healing nicely, and she has regained strength and alertness, but now she seems to have gone nearly totally deaf.
Deafness in cats can be caused by many factors such as age or infection, but prior to this recent ordeal, I had no indication of any hearing loss in kitty Zingo. I called the vet today to report this problem, and she reported it to Fizer, the drug maker, and they assigned a case # and she gave me a direct number to call Fizer and their research department to discuss.
This was such a sudden behavior change, I can't help link it to the pet antibiotic Convenia. My cat seems to sense vibration, such as clapping my hands close to her, but can no longer hear normal voices or sounds. Any other pet owners experiencing side effects with this drug and their pets?
My wife - aka The Crazy Cat Lady - said that she's had deaf cats, but never one that had gone deaf suddenly. It's possible the animal suffered a mild stroke. I think one of the gross tests for this is to shine a flashlight in each eye and look for a reaction, but remember, I'm a computer geek, not a vet.
I'm guessing you have already checked, but ear mites?
if she has been on a lot of antibiotics through her life... it could be the cause of it.
You might want to check with the Vet Med School at OSU over in Stillwater. I hear that they are one of the top 10 in the US.
A famous violin player tired of playing for unappreciative audiences and decided he would go to the jungle and play his music for the animals.
He found a clearing, pulled out his violin and began to play wonderful song after song. Slowly, one by one, the animals began to gather and dance to his music.
Out of nowhere, a lion jumps in the clearing and eats the violinist.
The other animals are outraged and demand to know why the lion killed the source of such beautiful music.
The lion puts his paw to his ear and says, "Eh?"
Steve, I am so sorry. Please give Zingo a hug for me. I'll say a prayer for her.
From two of our family members to Zingo,
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0308.jpg)
Hoping that you are feeling better soon!
Best wishes,
Nikki(L) and Sasha(R)
I thought all cats were selectively deaf in the first place.
DBack- I'm going to be out your way 2nd week of November for the NASCAR/USAC weekend at PIR/Manzanita.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
I thought all cats were selectively deaf in the first place.
DBack- I'm going to be out your way 2nd week of November for the NASCAR/USAC weekend at PIR/Manzanita.
I can recommend some good local places to eat. Let me know about where you are staying maybe we can get together for a beer.
Did she hand upside down for 60hrs? I hear that could cause blindness.
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Originally posted by dbacks fan
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
I thought all cats were selectively deaf in the first place.
DBack- I'm going to be out your way 2nd week of November for the NASCAR/USAC weekend at PIR/Manzanita.
I can recommend some good local places to eat. Let me know about where you are staying maybe we can get together for a beer.
Most likely somewhere around I-17 and I-10 since I will be at PIR Thu, Sat, Sun and Manzy (35th & Broadway) on Fri/Sat nights.
I've got friends out in Scottsdale I'll get out to see as well. I stayed out near Barrett Jackson two years ago, and it was just too much driving back and forth to the west side.
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Originally posted by Hometown
Steve, I am so sorry. Please give Zingo a hug for me. I'll say a prayer for her.
Thanks. She seems to be healing OK, although her appetite has not fully returned yet. Prior to this ordeal, I had no indication that her hearing was faulty. Now, she no longer responds to my voice or any sounds. She only responds to me if she can see me first. A knock at the front door used to send her into hiding 10 days ago; she seems to no longer hear any audible sounds except for vibrations. Her ears are clean and no ear mites or infections/tumors. Given her age, I suppose loss of hearing will be manageable; I would rather she lost hearing than eyesight. Her vision and smell sense seem to be normal.
I have no proof, but I can't help but link this to either the sedation (unlikely) or the antibiotic shot Convenia. Convenia was just recently approved by the FDA in this country for veterinary use in July 2008. Pet owners, both dogs and cats, should know about these drugs and potential side effects.
quote:
Originally posted by unknown
I'm guessing you have already checked, but ear mites?
if she has been on a lot of antibiotics through her life... it could be the cause of it.
Yep, no ear mites, no ear infection or tumors. The vet examined her ears when she was there last Friday. They did routine blood test and said her blood work and kidney function were normal for a cat her age; no diabetes or weight problems and she was remarkably healthy for a 17 year old feline.
Zingo is an exclusive indoor cat; the only times she has been out of this house in the past 17+ years is to go to the vet. An only pet, never around other animals except to watch through the window. She has never had any health problems over the past 17 years, and to my memory never received antibiotics except maybe when I had her spayed and front-declawed back in early 1992.
This all makes this sudden hearing loss problem so strange to me. I can't help but link it to the antibiotic shot Convenia. Pet owners should be aware of the risks, especially for geriatric pets.
Just curious, is Zingo meowing more than normal or louder than normal? I have known people that have had elderly cats that when they start to lose their hearing the meow louder because they can't hear themseleves. I'm just wondering if it might be a side effect, or she developed some type of an inner ear infection that may be clogging her hearing. You said that if you clap loudly near her she responds, so I'm just thinking it might be something like when you get water in your ear and you can hear yourself, but you have a hard time hearing externally.
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Originally posted by dbacks fan
Just curious, is Zingo meowing more than normal or louder than normal? I have known people that have had elderly cats that when they start to lose their hearing the meow louder because they can't hear themseleves. I'm just wondering if it might be a side effect, or she developed some type of an inner ear infection that may be clogging her hearing.
Thanks for asking dbacks. I have been watching for this, and if anything, she has been much less vocal since coming home from the vet. Probably because she has been wiped out from the sedation and drugs. When she does meow, I seems to be at normal volume.
Maybe this is just a temporary condition, but having been my pet for 17 years, I definately know there is hearing loss. I am taking her in early next week to have the wound staples removed; and will discuss it further with the vet then.
Do you mind if I ask how she got hurt? I wish her all the best.
I am mama to 5 4-legged furries...they are the rulers of the house.
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Originally posted by naenae42day
Do you mind if I ask how she got hurt? I wish her all the best.
I am mama to 5 4-legged furries...they are the rulers of the house.
As much as I hate to admit it, it was an unfortunate accident that occurred when I was trying to groom her, in fact I did not know that she was hurt until several days later when I noticed an infection smell. She is a long haired cat, with a persian-like coat that mats very easily. I was trying to remove some very bad hair mats and apparently caused a small skin tear that grew worse and became infected. I quit fussing with her at the time and the area where the sore is was hidden by hair, so I did not notice it until a few days later.
I was trying to do the grooming myself because she hates strangers and has to be sedated to be professionally groomed. I have managed to de-mat her sucessfully many times in the past, but this time went wrong. I learned a big lesson. I will never groom her again with anything more than a gentle combing. I feel bad enough that I unintentionally caused the initial wound; this hearing problem is really piling on the guilt.
Steve, I don't mean to set you off on a panic... but my mom is a cat freak. Not just a cat lover, but studies their health and breeds and all sorts of stuff. A well cared for geriatric cat generally suddenly goes down hill. Often from a stroke or kidney failure. Their body parts are simply not made to live 20 years and generally give out before then.
It probably has nothing to do with anything you may or may not have done. Zingo is probably just wearing out. She recently lost a 19 year old cat in a similar fashion - he seemed fine, then some minor health issues came up, and suddenly it escalated.
Hope I'm wrong, but be prepared in case this issue is related to a larger looming problem.
Thank Cannon for your comments; I am aware of the issues you raise. Her balance and eyesight seem perfectly fine, but stroke is a possibility that I had not thought of, and I will ask the vet when I take her in early next week.
I think the hearing loss is just probably a combination of factors. My pet's age and her particular sensitivities, the drugs, the trauma of the whole ordeal. She is healing nicely and does not exhibit any change in other behavior such as litterbox use. She seems to be content and the best I can due is make sure she is loved and cared for, stays content and remains healthy. As I stated before, her blood tests last week show no sign of diabetes, organ malfunction, or any other disorder.
Steve,
Don't blame yourself...it was an accident. You are doing all the right things for her. Give her lots of love and affection. I will keep you in my thoughts!
Keep us posted.
So glad that Zingo is healing well. Please don't pile on the guilt...Zingo obviously is well loved and has enjoyed a wonderful kitty life after such a precarious start thanks to her caring family. Cat's can be amazing with recovery, I will be watching for Zingo updates. My heartfelt furkid thoughts/love are going out to her.
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Originally posted by Bumby
So glad that Zingo is healing well. Please don't pile on the guilt...Zingo obviously is well loved and has enjoyed a wonderful kitty life after such a precarious start thanks to her caring family. Cat's can be amazing with recovery, I will be watching for Zingo updates. My heartfelt furkid thoughts/love are going out to her.
Zingo went to the doctor today and had the staples removed. Her doctor at Ranch Acres Vet Hospital said the wound was healing perfectly and all is well in that regard. Her hearing problem is still noticeable to me, but I am having indications that she may not be as deaf as I first thought, or the problem has corrected itself to some degree.
My big concern is her appetite has not returned. She has always been on the thin side, 80% hair and 20% body weight! Since the start of this ordeal around 9-15-08, she weighed 6.5 pounds shaved. Today at the vet, she weighed 5 pounds, about a 20% weight loss in 20 days. The vet drew blood for more extensive tests such as thyroid function, and gave me some high moisture/calorie canned food (gave me, heck they charged me for it on the bill!) I actually started crying today at the vet when I was talking with Dr. Scott about Zingo's loss of appetite and weight loss. She is literally just skin and bones, but she is loved and I am doing all I can to help her.
It may be all coincedence of course, but I just can't help tying all this in to her receiving the Convenia antibiotic shots. Hopefully, her appetite will return to normal soon. I will hear the results of her additional blood tests tomorrow.
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Originally posted by Steve
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Originally posted by Bumby
So glad that Zingo is healing well. Please don't pile on the guilt...Zingo obviously is well loved and has enjoyed a wonderful kitty life after such a precarious start thanks to her caring family. Cat's can be amazing with recovery, I will be watching for Zingo updates. My heartfelt furkid thoughts/love are going out to her.
Zingo went to the doctor today and had the staples removed. Her doctor at Ranch Acres Vet Hospital said the wound was healing perfectly and all is well in that regard. Her hearing problem is still noticeable to me, but I am having indications that she may not be as deaf as I first thought, or the problem has corrected itself to some degree.
My big concern is her appetite has not returned. She has always been on the thin side, 80% hair and 20% body weight! Since the start of this ordeal around 9-15-08, she weighed 6.5 pounds shaved. Today at the vet, she weighed 5 pounds, about a 20% weight loss in 20 days. The vet drew blood for more extensive tests such as thyroid function, and gave me some high moisture/calorie canned food (gave me, heck they charged me for it on the bill!) I actually started crying today at the vet when I was talking with Dr. Scott about Zingo's loss of appetite and weight loss. She is literally just skin and bones, but she is loved and I am doing all I can to help her.
It may be all coincedence of course, but I just can't help tying all this in to her receiving the Convenia antibiotic shots. Hopefully, her appetite will return to normal soon. I will hear the results of her additional blood tests tomorrow.
Steve, just want to let you know that my wife and I's thoughts are with you at this time. We know how concerned you are for Zingo and that you are doing the best that you can for her.
I'm glad to hear she has recovered from the initial wound, I hope she continues to improve for you. My pets (dogs) are among the most loved, as well as the most hated members of our family (my girl dog insists on jumping through screened windows to get to us, argh). I'm sure Zingo has had similar, though probably less destructive, antics in her life.
What I'm trying to get at is I understand a pet is a member of the family. I wish you and Zingo all the best.
"ut I just can't help tying all this in to her receiving the Convenia antibiotic shots."
I say trust your intuition.
You might want to hang onto bills for any expenses you incur (including estimates for future care) and ask the maker for reimbursement. I doubt you could get an attorney to take it because there aren't a substantial amount of money damages involved but it wouldn't hurt to ask.
And I want to echo others who say don't blame yourself. We do the best we can do and we have to cut ourselves some slack.
The mystery continues. The results of Zingo's last blood work showed no definate cause for her appetite/weight loss. Thyroid function shows normal. Kidney numbers actually improved a little from 3 weeks ago. Liver enzymes slightly elevated but not in the alarm range. The doctor did mention the possibility of gastric lymphoma which would not be generally detectable by blood work, but she does not have vomiting or diarrea usually associated with this form of lymphoma; she doesn't eat enough to have a normal BM, let alone vomiting.
She does show interest in eating; she loved dark meat chicken so last night I simmered some on the stove for her and she was by my side meowing for it. When it was done and I put some down for her, she sniffed, licked at it, then walked away. Never ate any of it; 2 months ago the dish would have been licked clean in 2 minutes. I made some sausage for breakfast this morning and she was in my face about that too. I crumbled a little up for her, she licked at it, tried to pick up a small piece, but never ingested any. The doctor has checked her mouth/teeth/throat for any problem that would make eating difficult. All was OK.
Nothing much I can do but just wait and see, and hope she starts to eat again soon.
Bless her heart. I know you are worried. Have you tried heavy whipping cream or egg yolks? There are times when the only thing my girl can keep down is the water from a can of tuna packed in water. We call it tuna soup.
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Originally posted by Hometown
Bless her heart. I know you are worried. Have you tried heavy whipping cream or egg yolks? There are times when the only thing my girl can keep down is the water from a can of tuna packed in water. We call it tuna soup.
Thanks Hometown. I know the tuna trick. For years now her daily diet has been dry kibble and small portion of Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, water pack. She hasn't eaten a piece of kibble in nearly a month, but there have been times she will lick up the tuna liquid and leave the solid, most recently about 2 days ago. I put some tuna down for her his morning and it has remained untouched. I'll try egg yolks, at least she could get some nutrition from that.
I have felt her body many times for signs of lumps or tumors, none. I check her litterbox for unusual signs, none. Barring some intestinal abnormality, I am thinking more and more that maybe this is just her way of saying "I am old and tired, and my time is short." I am preparing for this.
Steve, I am so sorry.
It is no exageration to say that one of the most difficult deaths I have ever experienced was my boy cat Brad. If this is what Zingo is facing I truly hope you find that she has passed away in her sleep.
Pet owners have to bury their children.
I'll pray for you and Zingo. Cut yourself some slack and I'll call you. Don't hesitate to let me know if I can help.
My gratitude to all that have phoned, private messaged, and shown concern for my sick kitty Zingo. 48 hours ago, I was sure I would have to euthanize within a week. She is the only pet I have ever owned from infancy to old age, and it has been hard on both of us. After trying about 15 brands & varieties of both wet & dry food, even cooking chicken, pork, bacon, anything I could possibly think of, she still would not eat. THEN...
Thursday afternoon, I opened up a can of Friskies Senior Chicken & Tuna in gravy, one I had not tried before. I held the can under her nose, and she wobbled into the kitchen. (She was becoming weak from lack of nutrition.) I set the can down and she started licking, for about 3 minutes! I dished some out for her and she ate a little. Within the past 24 hours, she has consumed all the gravy/liquid from a whole can and about 1/3 of the solid food. Not much, but a 100% improvement from before. And this is the first food I have found in a month that she shows repeat interest in, and will go back for more. I think the crisis is slowly taking a turn for the better!
I was digging through some old vet bills this morning, and in 2004, Zingo's weight was 11.75 lbs. Today, her weight is down to only 5 lbs., with my thumb on the scale. It will be a slow climb back, but I think she will pull through and be with me for a few more years. She's a feisty little cuss!
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
My gratitude to all that have phoned, private messaged, and shown concern for my sick kitty Zingo. 48 hours ago, I was sure I would have to euthanize within a week. She is the only pet I have ever owned from infancy to old age, and it has been hard on both of us. After trying about 15 brands & varieties of both wet & dry food, even cooking chicken, pork, bacon, anything I could possibly think of, she still would not eat. THEN...
Thursday afternoon, I opened up a can of Friskies Senior Chicken & Tuna in gravy, one I had not tried before. I held the can under her nose, and she wobbled into the kitchen. (She was becoming weak from lack of nutrition.) I set the can down and she started licking, for about 3 minutes! I dished some out for her and she ate a little. Within the past 24 hours, she has consumed all the gravy/liquid from a whole can and about 1/3 of the solid food. Not much, but a 100% improvement from before. And this is the first food I have found in a month that she shows repeat interest in, and will go back for more. I think the crisis is slowly taking a turn for the better!
I was digging through some old vet bills this morning, and in 2004, Zingo's weight was 11.75 lbs. Today, her weight is down to only 5 lbs., with my thumb on the scale. It will be a slow climb back, but I think she will pull through and be with me for a few more years. She's a feisty little cuss!
Hi Steve,
I've followed your posts, let's hope so. Wishing you the best.
Steve.......I think the time has come to put your cat down, sorry.
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Originally posted by Porky
Steve.......I think the time has come to put your cat down, sorry.
Believe me, I have been well aware of this option. A lesser, more insensitive person might have done this weeks ago. Zingo and I must have a strong psychic bond; I knew she was not ready to die, I could just sense it from her behavior and sheer spunk.
Zingo continues to improve, eating more solid foods now and acting more like her old self every day. I believe she will recover completely as possible, and my goal now is that she put on weight. One could not ask for a more loyal, wonderful pet.
Steve, Thank God. This is such good news. I am so thankful you have not had to put your girl down. Putting a beloved pet to sleep is one of the most difficult things any pet owner ever has to do. I'll say a prayer that Zingo will continue to improve and live to be 101.
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
Believe me, I have been well aware of this option. A lesser, more insensitive person might have done this weeks ago. Zingo and I must have a strong psychic bond; I knew she was not ready to die, I could just sense it from her behavior and sheer spunk.
Steve, you are sooo right about your instinctively knowing what is right for Zingo. I spent 2007 administering some pretty intense medical care to my kitty. I knew when it was time, so accurately, I arranged to take that day off from work and that was the day she went on her own.
You & Zingo hang in there, I'm glad that she's eating again and you're seeing improvement. Give her a chin scritch from me.
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Originally posted by Bumby
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
Believe me, I have been well aware of this option. A lesser, more insensitive person might have done this weeks ago. Zingo and I must have a strong psychic bond; I knew she was not ready to die, I could just sense it from her behavior and sheer spunk.
Steve, you are sooo right about your instinctively knowing what is right for Zingo. I spent 2007 administering some pretty intense medical care to my kitty. I knew when it was time, so accurately, I arranged to take that day off from work and that was the day she went on her own.
You & Zingo hang in there, I'm glad that she's eating again and you're seeing improvement. Give her a chin scritch from me.
Today she ate fairly well. I just spent the last 45 minutes playing with her. She has been batting around a wad of paper all over the house. Any animal that wants to die would not be so playful. At 17+ years, she is still full of life and I will do all I can to make her remaining years full of joy. Thanks to all.
My precious kitty Zingo, the original subject of this thread, went to Heaven this morning 11-2-09. Thank you Zingo for 18+ years of love, wonderful companionship, and countless joy. You are forever in my heart and can never be replaced.
Quote from: Steve on November 02, 2009, 06:36:02 PM
My precious kitty Zingo, the original subject of this thread, went to Heaven this morning 11-2-09. Thank you Zingo for 18+ years of love, wonderful companionship, and countless joy. You are forever in my heart and can never be replaced.
Sorry to hear it Steve,
Your friend and neighbor
Quote from: Conan71 on November 02, 2009, 07:27:26 PM
Sorry to hear it Steve,
Your friend and neighbor
Thanks Colin. My kitty Zingo was with me for over 18 years, longer than any human or animal relationship I have had in my 52 years. (Both my parents were dead before I graduated high school.)
I have been preparing for this event for about a year, but it is still hard to take and leaves such a great void in my life. I know she is with the angels now and free of trouble, and we will be together again.
So sorry to hear about your kitty. :( I have a cat myself, and I just adore her, so I know how hard it must be. May she RIP.
It was, of course, inevitable. But never makes it easier. On one token it's "just a pet" and the morning seems ridiculous, unless it's YOUR pet. Unless you've cared for an animal in a similar way it's hard to understand.
Clearly you cared about and for that animal as well as anyone could have, and better than most people would have. Zingo enjoyed a very long feline life and per your posts, enjoyed it up to the bitter end.
Sorry for your loss Steve.
Steve, you have my wife and I's deepest sympathies for your loss. You gave Zingo the best years of her life.
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html (http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html)
Very sorry to hear about Zingo, I've thought about her often this past year. What a tough kitty girl. I know you'll miss her very much. My heart goes out to you.
Quote from: Bumby on November 03, 2009, 08:02:07 PM
Very sorry to hear about Zingo, I've thought about her often this past year. What a tough kitty girl. I know you'll miss her very much. My heart goes out to you.
Thanks so much Bumby, and to all that expressed sympathy. I remember your kind, encouraging messages Bumby to me last year when Zingo was sick.
Her last year was mostly healthy and happy. Then about 15 days ago, she became sick again and stopped eating. I think she may have had some sort of intestinal cancer or tumor. This past Sunday, I had a premonition that the night would be rough, and slept on the living room couch so I could be close to her and she would see me close by. She somtimes slept on the bed with me, but her favorite place was on the Saarinen "womb chair" in my living room. She woke me up around 3:00 AM. Things were getting pretty bad by about 5:00 AM, so I made the decision and took her to the 24-hour pet emergency clinic on 41st street to have her put down.
I know I made the right decision and intend to adopt another kitty soon from the city shelter or a local rescue organization.
I adopted another cat on Friday 11-6 from Ranch Acres Vet Hospital. A beautiful 2-year old tortoise shell female named Aruba. She has aclimated to her new home very well and is a pure joy. She has made my house seem alive again.
What they say is true, if you lose a long time pet, the best thing you can do is get a new pet ASAP. Aruba can never replace Zingo in my heart and memory, but we have a new lifetime of memories and joy to forge in the years ahead.
Quote from: Steve on November 14, 2009, 02:38:52 PM
Aruba can never replace Zingo in my heart and memory, but we have a new lifetime of memories and joy to forge in the years ahead.
Very true, been there a few times myself.
Quote from: Steve on November 14, 2009, 02:38:52 PM
I adopted another cat on Friday 11-6 from Ranch Acres Vet Hospital. A beautiful 2-year old tortoise shell female named Aruba. She has aclimated to her new home very well and is a pure joy. She has made my house seem alive again.
What they say is true, if you lose a long time pet, the best thing you can do is get a new pet ASAP. Aruba can never replace Zingo in my heart and memory, but we have a new lifetime of memories and joy to forge in the years ahead.
Steve that is great news. I can't wait to meet your new roomie.