Meet the absolute pickle that is Pixie - Our Cat of the Month for April 2026!
Pixie is a tiny lady with a big personality. When she came to see us recently, her owner knew something wasn’t quite right. Pixie had developed diarrhoea with fresh blood and had also started vomiting; both of which can be worrying signs in any cat.
Looking a little deeper, there had also been some more gradual changes over time. Pixie’s appetite had actually increased, but despite eating well, she had been losing weight. This is always something we take seriously.
On examination, Pixie was her usual lovely self (just a little wiggly!). The most significant finding was an enlarged liver.
Blood tests showed signs of inflammation and significant liver involvement. Because liver conditions can have a range of causes, we discussed the next steps with her owner and agreed that referral for further investigation would give us the best chance of getting clear answers.
Pixie was referred to Optivet Referrals, where she received advanced imaging and further diagnostic testing. Thanks to their expertise and thorough approach, we were able to reach a clear diagnosis and move forward with a targeted treatment plan. We’re incredibly grateful for the care and support they provided; having access to such a skilled referral team makes a huge difference for patients like Pixie.
Pixie was diagnosed with chronic lymphoplasmacytic cholangitis (a long-term inflammatory liver condition), alongside chronic enteropathy (similar to inflammatory bowel disease), and low vitamin B12 levels. These conditions are often linked, and explain her weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Pixie has now started on medication to reduce inflammation and support her liver, alongside vitamin B12 supplementation to address her deficiency. We’ll be keeping a close eye on her progress and making sure she stays as comfortable and happy as possible!
Pixie’s story is a really important reminder that even subtle changes at home, like weight loss or shifts in appetite, can be early signs of something more significant. Picking up on these changes early and investigating them properly makes a huge difference.
Pixie is still on her journey to recovery, but she’s doing really well. It’s been wonderful to see her gradually returning to her usual self day by day, and we’re so pleased with the progress she’s making!
We are so proud of you Pixie! Keep being the silly girl we know and love!
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