Comments on: Alzheimer’s Becoming More Common In Older Cats

By: Janie Knetzer

Janie Knetzer — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:58:37 +0000

For over a year, we thought that our little collie mix was suffering with Cognitive Dysfunction (senility). It turned out that she actually had a brain tumor. We have since lost her but learned alot about the symptoms of senility as well as brain tumors in older dogs. From what I understand, the symptoms are pretty much the same for older cats. You can learn more here: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-.....lness.html

By: Judy

Judy — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:14:48 +0000

Jan my cat has just been dx with a brain tumor, she had gone in for a CT scan and surgery to remove a tumor near her ear and the brain tumor popped up. It is hugh the size of a golf ball and this is a small cat. I saw a neurologist yesterday and he thinks he can remove most of it which would give her another 2-3 years. He says older cats do better than younger ones with this type of tumor which BTW has grown thru her scull.

By: Roberto P.

Roberto P. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:57:52 +0000

I hate that statement: “Because pets are living longer, these types of diseases and illnesses associated with aging will become more and more common.”

They use that excuse for thyroid disease, cancer, IBD, diabetes, etc., etc. for people and pets, without knowing why these diseases are on the increase.

By: Trudy Jackson

Trudy Jackson — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:39:31 +0000

Hi MaineMom, It’s good to meet you, and thanks.
Plus you did a great thing to rescue the kitten and having the place shut down.

By: Jan

Jan — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:19:55 +0000

Someone I know, whose 13-year-old cat is now deceased, assumed that his strange behaviors (memory problems, change in litter box habits) were the result of dementia. Blood work was negative for a variety of illnesses. As it turned out, he had a slow-growing meningioma (brain tumor). It was only when he began having seizures that the tumor was discovered. I share this story, because not many of us would suspect a brain tumor.

By: MaineMom

MaineMom — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:47:41 +0000

A MUST READ: Christie’s Petconnection post regarding new research on the connection between cat hyperthyroidism and flame retardant chemicals (PDBEs) found in everything from polyurethane foams and componeents of carpet padding and furniture to canned salmon and whitefish.

Thanks again chemical companies. We thought dealing with GM crops and pesticides was bad enough! Not to mention the PFI.

By: MaineMom

MaineMom — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:19:53 +0000

Hi Trudy - I’m a San Francisco kid, currently living in a fast growing town outside Sacramento. In the ’60s I rescued a very sick kitten from a pet shop and subsequently had the Peninsula Humane Society shut them down. My recently arrived vet from Italy, by way of New York, explained he was an East Coast “shag,” a hardy breed we would pull through. He thrived and I fell in love with the Maine Coon breed. Have had a pure and/or rescues ever since. Have done lots of research on the breed and even shown a little. Hence the screen name.
Have been following both Itch and Petcon since March and read what you’ve been and are going through. Hang in there!

By: Trudy Jackson

Trudy Jackson — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:38:26 +0000

MaineMom, I think you are so right. and by then we won’t remember it either.
PS- I am originally from Maine.

By: MaineMom

MaineMom — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:27:43 +0000

Just how many “dementia” symptoms in both humans and animals are related to diet? Specifically toxins, “recently found”, in foods and supplements. Life may be extended, but the quality sure isn’t! By the time we get some answers, we’ll all have Alzheimer’s anyway.

By: Trudy Jackson

Trudy Jackson — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:47:07 +0000

I knew it. I have a 20 year old cat that i keep saying has alzheimers. She does the strangest things. She forgets She has just eaten, forgets if I take Her out and just takes off walking. I keep Her in most of the time, because I let Her go on her own, she would forget where she lives. Her name is Shy and i love Her dearly. But to tell the truth, she acts just like my Grandmother did with the disease. But at least She seems to be happily senile. My Grandmother was always happy too.

By: Anna_2007

Anna_2007 — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:25:12 +0000

I was surprised there was not more ongoing coverage of his story here, so I posted this:

http://www.itchmoforums.com/pe.....6#msg20806

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:23:09 +0000

Here’s a recent update on the Adam burned ktten story. He’s still alive!

http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/.....033/NEWS01