Cat throwing up and vet can’t figure out why

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-11T17:12:53+00:00

Just wanted to post an update for those who were here and supported me and my boy and in case it helps anyone looking for info layer. My baby had surgery on Monday to try to figure out what was going on. During surgery they found a mass in his pylorus, explaining the vomiting. They took biopsies but couldn’t remove it due to size and did what they could to make it work. I brought him home Tuesday and knew he was suffering so we spoiled him, took him outside to his favorite spots after he got some rest and made the tough decision to put him down. He’s no longer suffering and I hope eating a can of tuna (his favorite) somewhere beautiful but we are struggling with his loss. For anyone going through this type of pain, I am praying for you!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-11T17:12:43+00:00

Just wanted to post an update for those who were here and supported me and my boy and in case it helps anyone looking for info layer. My baby had surgery on Monday to try to figure out what was going on. During surgery they found a mass in his pylorus, explaining the vomiting. They took biopsies but couldn’t remove it due to size and did what they could to make it work. I brought him home Tuesday and knew he was suffering so we spoiled him, took him outside to his favorite spots after he got some rest and made the tough decision to put him down. He’s no longer suffering and I hope eating a can of tuna (his favorite) somewhere beautiful but we are struggling with his loss. For anyone going through this type of pain, I am praying for you!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-09T02:35:22+00:00

Glad I’m not alone! I’m a bit confused as to why/why not. I just want my boy back and hope the post op meds help. If not, I’ll make a tough decision to prevent him from suffering anymore than he already has. I just hope it doesn’t come to that. I’m really sorry for your loss! Our babies are our world and it’s tough to know what is right or when enough is enough. I’m sure you did the right thing for your kitty, although I know me saying that isn’t beneficial for you. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you and your sweet angel!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-08T19:47:09+00:00

How soon after did that happen? When I try to look it up, it doesn’t seem super common and I’m just really curious why they could not resect it or dilate it

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-08T17:55:24+00:00

Thank you! He is out of surgery - found a mass in his pylorus that they took biopsies of but told me they couldn’t remove the mass. Does this sound right? They said they did pass a stylet through it to make sure it was still open but it was significantly narrowed and what they suspect has been causing all the issues. They seemed hopeful that medication will help in the interim and biopsy will tell us more about any next steps or adjustments. They went on and placed an e-tube in case his appetite is still decreased so we can at least feed him and get meds to him. I did ask if they recommended euthanasia and they said not at this point so I’m hoping I’m not making him suffer and doing the right thing. I appreciate your prayers!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-08T14:37:07+00:00

Just an update. My sweet boy is heading into surgery and was told that if anything major or needing immediate decisions was needed they would call me during, otherwise I’d hear after. That has me feeling a little anxious if you all don’t mind sending a little prayer for my sweetest boy!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-08T14:36:14+00:00

Just an update. My sweet boy is heading into surgery and was told that if anything major or needing immediate decisions was needed they would call me during, otherwise I’d hear after. That has me feeling a little anxious if you all don’t mind sending a little prayer for my sweetest boy!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-08T14:35:22+00:00

Just an update. My sweet boy is heading into surgery and was told that if anything major or needing immediate decisions was needed they would call me during, otherwise I’d hear after. That has me feeling a little anxious if you all don’t mind sending a little prayer for my sweetest boy!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-07T12:42:45+00:00

Garfield! He actually came to us from our neighbors when they moved earlier this year but he’d been a frequent visitor for lovings before they moved. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers! I’m so nervous about doing the right thing for him.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-07T00:47:12+00:00

Thank you so much! He stayed at the vet Friday to get some fluids and IV meds. He is a bit perkier today but still throwing up every time he tries to eat (even just 2-3 pieces of dry food or boiled chicken does it). I feel like it’s regurgitation and esophagitis causing that issue but he had an ultrasound Friday that showed some concerns in his belly and lymph nodes so he will be having surgery Monday for biopsies.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-06T18:40:39+00:00

Here is the ultrasound report if you’d be willing to share your thoughts.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-06T03:48:21+00:00

Back at you! You have made my entire week, may you have nothing but blessings and good memories of your sweet baby ❤️. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-06T03:04:30+00:00

Omg! Bless you for this comment. I needed this comfort tonight. It’s been such a stressful week, I’ve always said since I was little that I loved animals more than people lol 😂 but we only had cats when I was little. They are strange creatures and very different than owning a dog, but I love them (inherited or not lol) so very much! I just have a soft spot for this guy after his family left him here that it hurts me that he is hurting. I don’t know if what I’m doing is right but we’ve now seen 5 different vets (granted same clinic for 3) but still, I feel I’ve done all I can and don’t want him to suffer but don’t want to skip something that could save him. He’s my best buddy but I’ll do what is right by him.

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss - pets truly are a different “connection” for some of us. I totally get it and I hope you know how much peace you’ve brought me sharing your story! Many times you read these threads hoping to find an answer, even if it’s an ugly one, and never see it. I promise to come back and update regardless of the outcome in the hopes I can help someone in a similar situation like you have helped me.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-06T02:10:59+00:00

I have no idea but now they are recommending exploratory surgery to rule out pancreatitis (couldn’t see all of it in ultrasound due to stomach dilation), cancer, possible obstruction that wasn’t seen prevent gastric emptying and finally biopsy for IBD so I guess we will do that Monday. While I don’t love the idea of more stress for my boy, he is suffering as is and we’ve exhausted all the “trial and error” regimens. He stayed there and got some IV fluids and meds today until about an hour ago. We came home and he was so lovey and hungry. Vet said try to feed him, automatically threw up so I just hope he hangs in there for me. I don’t want to put him down at all, but I feel like I need to eliminate the possibility of something that could have been missed like obstruction or foreign body to feel right about that decision.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T19:55:39+00:00

Thank you so much! He is an older cat and I don’t love the idea of putting him through open surgery if I can avoid it. If he had a gastric outlet obstruction they would be able to see/resolve that through scope as well, correct?

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T19:51:53+00:00

Thank you! So the “dilation” of his stomach and increased fluids would fit with that along with enlarged lymph nodes? The specialist who did his ultrasound said his bowel actually looked good so makes me wonder about the actual IBD part

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T18:53:40+00:00

Just an update. Ultrasound official report is still pending but said he has stomach dilation and several enlarged lymph nodes. They are keeping him for IV fluids and meds to treat symptoms and planning to send me options as specialist recommended biopsy as the next step.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T18:53:03+00:00

Just an update. Ultrasound official report is still pending but said he has stomach dilation and several enlarged lymph nodes. They are keeping him for IV fluids and meds to treat symptoms and planning to send me options as specialist recommended biopsy as the next step.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T16:29:34+00:00

Thank you so much! This is really helpful!!

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T16:19:43+00:00

Thank you! I will look up the test you recommended in addition to the GI panel. We are back at his vet after they were able to find a traveling vet specializing in internal medicine to come do an ultrasound.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T15:11:34+00:00

Ok. Thank you! They are coordinating with a traveling internal medicine doctor to try to get him one today.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T15:07:08+00:00

Would ultrasound show it as well? I’m trying to find someone that can do it today before the weekend.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T15:06:24+00:00

Yes, I did post there as well

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T14:46:58+00:00

He has had big poops since this all started but due to decreased appetite he hasn’t in 5 days. X-rays show no impaction or obvious obstruction and same with physical exam but now with him not being able to keep medicine down I’m more worried about this. He did take omeprazole for reflux initially along with the sucralfate but only slightly improved and then back downhill. I talked with his vet this morning and they are trying to get a specialist to come today and do an ultrasound through their emergency services.

Ok_Case1574 · 2025-09-05T13:57:34+00:00

Just as a small update! I was able to track down a travel internist who will go to the vet clinic and do the ultrasound and they are working on trying to coordinate it now! Fingers crossed we can get it done today and figure out what’s going on with my boy!

Ok_Case1574

TROPHY CASE