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Cats/elevated enzyme levels

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Expert: - 10/8/2009


Question
I took my cats for extensive bloodwork yesterday. Last November we lost a cat that we had for over fourteen years to diabetes. We had no idea and it was heartbreaking. Our vet did not do bloodwork in his office and we found this out at the ER. We rescued two kittens about a month and a half later. I guess that I am paranoid, so I changed vets and requested bloodwork on our first visit (I planned to do this yearly). One of my girls came back with elevated liver enzymes, everything else was fine. I was told that the level was not quite twice the normal level and I shouldnt worry unless it increases to three times the norm. We go back in three weeks to run the bloodwork again, unless she starts vomiting. My question..is there anything else that I need to watch for? I know he didnt want to worry me, but I feel like these girls are family members. Could we be looking at diabetes? What kind of treatments are available?

Answer
Hi Shari,

Which enzyme levels are high? Your cats are pretty young to have diabetes or liver disease. Just out of curiosity, do you live in Florida? If you do you might want to ask your vet about liver fukes. Another condition that might be likely in your young ones would be Toxoplasmosis. Ask your vet about that. Write back to me and let me know what he says. I am going on vacation for the next 10 days but I will keep an eye out for your reply. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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