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Hyperesthesia

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
I'm glad that there IS a diagnosis and so the vets know what they are treating. Now it is a matter of working out the medicating to make it the least stressful you can. Hopefully with it becoming routine she will start to just accept it. Do you have the liquid gabapentin compounded to a flavor that masks the taste? Is your vet consulting a neurology specialist... I remember years ago having a rescue cat that was put on a seizure medication to treat this and that worked...so maybe there are other options if the gabapentin ceases to work as well?
 

Vito

Site Supporter
Hi Brigitte, that's really interesting to know, I don't believe her liquid Gabapentin is flavoured so that is really something I shall definitely look into, thank you for suggesting that, I wasn't aware that was a possibility. With regards to the neurologist, she's under the best one in the UK, (The royal dick vet in Edinburgh) so we seem to be finally on the right track. At the moment we're trying to work out what dosage of the Gabapentin is going to work for her, she's on the liquid 50mg 1.2ml every 8 hours, she seems to be doing reasonably well on it, however, only today she had quite a few episodes and pulled a lot of hair out, she did it out of sight so I was unable to distract her. Yesterday on the other hand she was great.
We have another appointment on wed to touch base with the hosp for review of her meds. it is encouraging that you have had a rescue cat that did well on the Gabapentin, I hope Lola will too. Vito and Franco are being so luvvy with her lately, they actually appear to be trying to distract her when an episode starts. They seem to know and are unbelievably intelligent boys. Thank you again for your concern, as I said to Patti, it's much appreciated.
 

Vito

Site Supporter
Just a little update on Lola, she is doing well and now on a reduced dosage of Gabapentin to control her condition and all seems more settled, she's still having daily episodes but nothing as severe as she did have previously. She is getting better to medicate, she still doesn't like it but with the offer of a treat straight afterwards she's been more tolerant of it. The fur pulling is a lot less too , has anyone had experience of a savannah cat with Hyperesthesia and if so, was there any long term improvement as the cat got older ? Anything notable that triggered episodes ? I'm researching the condition and any information would be appreciated as always.
 

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Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
I'm glad that you are seeing improvement, I don't really have any answers for you though...but hoping that Lola stays stable for a long time now and you work out triggers!
 

Vito

Site Supporter
I'm glad that you are seeing improvement, I don't really have any answers for you though...but hoping that Lola stays stable for a long time now and you work out triggers!
Thanks Brigitte, I really hope so too, I'll keep this post updated with any update/information that maybe be of interest, I guess it's all a learning curve really and the objective is to help Lola live as stress free as possible.
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
I'm so glad to hear that Lola is doing better! I wish I had more information to give you, but I've never had a cat with hyperesthesia, so no practical experience whatsoever.
 

Vito

Site Supporter
Lola is still coping with her Hyperesthesia, having good days and bad, she is trying a hydrolysed protein diet at the moment to see if it helps, good thing is that she really likes it , but it is difficult feeding her separately from the other guys especially as she is a grazer.
She is still on the Gabapentin but we have managed to get to a lower dose every 8 hours which is better and due to the lower dose there has been no more diarrhoea. Unfortunately she cannot manage the twitching , manic behaviour and skin rippling without it.
unfortunately there is no cure , it’s just a case of managing the condition to make IMG_3210.jpeg IMG_3211.jpeg her as comfortable and happy as we can
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
I know it's difficult, but it sounds like you have found a balance between the medications, the diet, and the emotional support Lola needs. I have a dog who will eat everything under the sun including my other dog's food if she gets the chance, so she gets fed separately in the laundry room. It's a PIA, but it works.
 

Vito

Site Supporter
I know it's difficult, but it sounds like you have found a balance between the medications, the diet, and the emotional support Lola needs. I have a dog who will eat everything under the sun including my other dog's food if she gets the chance, so she gets fed separately in the laundry room. It's a PIA, but it works.
I think it’s fair to say Patti that we’ve kind of reached a happy medium with Lola, it really is hard work but we love the wee lass and always try to do what’s right by her. The boys seem to sense she a “little different “ and they absolutely adore her, so much so that when she’s experiencing the nerve seizures, Franco actually goes straight to her and grooms her almost as if to try stop her pulling clumps of hair out of herself. He’s a very supportive grandpa :) and extremely intelligent, you really do need to see it to believe it.
 
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