Diabetic cat hasn't eaten since breakfast yesterday - Help??

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Justyn, Oct 3, 2016.

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  1. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Crossed fingers it goes well. You can handle the tube feeding at home once the vet gives the all clear for Socks to be discharged. The prospect is more daunting beforehand - like treating a diabetic cat.
     
  2. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Thank you so much for the kind words of support... i truly hope so..
     
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  3. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: is all I can offer. Let us know when Socks is home.
     
  4. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    If he's over 10 lbs, you could give him up to 2 mg ondansetron every 8 hours. However, many of us have found that giving 4 mg cerenia every 24 hours plus 1-2 mg ondansetron (dep on cat weight) every 12 hours is an excellent combination. The two drugs hit nausea via different modalities and sothey work quite nicely together. In the old days, you could only give cerenia 3-5 consecutive days but that's no longer true. Also, cerenia acts as an anti-inflammatory. I have found some vets are in the know about using the two together and some are not. Let's hope yours are in the know!

    I would also opt for the etube over the nasal tube. It's just easier to manage. One of the differences is they have to anesthetize to do the etube but not the nasal tube, in general.

    Sending prayers and hopes he will do better at home.
     
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  5. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Update: Sock's is still at the vet, they are trying water (hopefully by now) and will be trying food down it in about 2 hours.. He had tube inserted around 330pm, so not sure what the standard time is of recouping before being able to put anything down it but i can only trust that they didn't want to rush it for reasons i'm unsure. But he was very loopy until about an hour ago now so they said they had wanted him to wake up a bit from the anesthesia before trying anything. Will keep you guys posted..
     
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  6. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Will talk to DCIN and the vet about the combination, definitely would like to try anything that helps.. And Socks had his e-tube inserted earlier about 5 hours ago, as we wanted to try the nasal tube but as he had been sniffing a lot due to nausea, they were worried he'd sneeze it out. Luckily he did great under anesthesia and is recouping well so far.. will update when i get one.. But thank you so much for sharing!
     
  7. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, Marje.

    :bighug:


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  8. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    You're both welcome! I hope he does well with the etube.
     
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  9. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Another thought:

    If your vets have not yet given Socks a B12 injection it is something well worth asking the vets about BEFORE Socks is discharged to your care. B12 helps with food absorption and it can exert a gentle boost to appetite. (Again, IDEXX recommend an initial course of B12 to help with nausea and appetite issues for pancreatitis in their treatment guidelines for the latter. Nausea is the primary issue to be kept on top of when treating pancreatitis and other conditions where lack of appetite may be a big problem. If I were in your situation I would be asking the specialist whether a similar treatment protocol would benefit Socks' post-DKA appetite issues.

    I recognise that Socks is currently being treated with mirtazapine. A small dose may last three days but I found that the appetite stimulating effect waned quite a bit after about 24-36 hours but one then has to wait until the next dose is due. (Need to be VERY, VERY careful with mirtazapine as it can induce serotonin sysndrome). Cyproheptadine, an alternative appetite stimulant, is gentler but not as long-lasting as mirtazapine. The advantage with cyproheptadine is that it can be given up to 3 times a day (1/8 - 1/4 tablet every 8-12 hours for a 10lb cat*) so you can be much more responsive to the cat's appetite stimulant needs in real time. FWIW, I noticed that when Saoirse was treated with cypro it improved both her mood AND her appetite. I think the brightened mood gave her greater interest in food throughout the day. I also think its antihistamine qualities seemed to have an unexpected benefit of making eating more comfortable for her and that this in some way enhanced the action of the ondansetron she was receiving for nausea. Have a chat with your vet about this and maybe ask for an Rx for cyproheptadine so that you will have it at home and ready to use should it be needed.

    More prayers on their way ...

    :bighug:


    Mogs


    * Note: Too high a dose of cyproheptadine can cause subdued mood and drowsiness.

    .
     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2016
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  10. Jamye and Fred

    Jamye and Fred Member

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    This is helpful information ! Thank you Mogs. ❤️ ( Fred is in hospital with pancreatitis) Prayers for Socks!
     
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  11. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Absolutely thanks to all for the help! Socks' is ready to come home and we are going to get him very soon! I am so happy to be bringing him home, and did great overnight with the tube feeding. But good luck Fred and family!!!
     
  12. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Happy dance here for you and Socks! I can feel your excitement! :bighug:
     
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  13. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    yes yes hope to have him snug and comfy in no time... so so happy he wont be in a cage anymore..
     
  14. Capoo

    Capoo Member

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    I'm so happy for you!!!

    Do you already know what insulin you're going to use at home, and with what dosage?
     
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  15. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Sep 9, 2016
    yes yes vet said theyve kept him on his same insulin, prozinc, and are steady at 2u BID...
     
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  16. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    they are starting him on maxcal food for the tube until we can confirm how much we can give him, and then hopefully give him something he's more used to..
     
  17. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Happy tears here! So relieved he's getting food.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:


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  18. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    yes so glad he's finally getting some nutrition!!!
     
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  19. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    SUCH good news for you and Socks!! :):):)
     
  20. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    I've been following this thread from the beginning though I didn't comment...and I just wanted to say that I am SO happy that Socks is coming home! PLEASE keep us updated..we're all rooting for you!
     
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  21. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Just got home and saw your GREAT news!!! YAHHHHHH!!! Socks is coming home!!!! [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
  22. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Yes yes yes sorry all i had napped with my sweet boy after his (tube) feeding that he handled so perfectly! We slept for a few hours and i am as happy as he is to be back home.. He has been cuddling and snuggling since walking in the door! The first thing he did was walked over to his water bowls and just went back and forth between both and just drank for a solid few minutes! I was going to take it away to make sure he didnt drink too much but he stopped and hadnt gone back for much but a sip, since!!!

    Socks was not moving to go pee the whole time at the vet, poor guy, and i was worrie that he may have some accidents at home- but after drinking lots of water, i pushed his butt a tad and made him walk in the direction of bathroom/litterbox, and HE WENT STRAIGHT FOR IT AND PEED! I was SO happy to see he wasnt just feeling so lousy he didnt want to move, but he went for it immediately!

    He is taking his feedings like a champ! Just got done with giving his meds nice and slow! Got him on the 'ondestrenon' (spelling wrong probably) and quite a bit to help with appetite, including 1/4 tablet pepcid even. Potassium supplement, antibiotics, etc. But words cannot describe how wrong i was in worrying so much, as he is doing so great and everything has been smoother than i even imagined. But he truly is SO happy to be home! As am i for him to be!! He even started smelling and licking food!!!! So maybe later tonight when we try again he may be ready to get some down!! Thank you all for the kind words and support but we are currently doing good and stable
     
  23. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hurray! Keeping everything crossed that it will really help Socks.

    Great update, Justyn. Welcome home, Socks!

    :bighug:


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  24. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Justyn

    What a great update. I am sure Socks is SO happy to be back home with his Momma and that the feedings are going well.

    Sending more prayers and healing energy for Socks with hope that he will start to eat on his own soon.

    :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  25. Jamye and Fred

    Jamye and Fred Member

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    Good news ! We've kind of been on the same ride this week. Glad Socks is home.
     
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  26. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Yes thank you all... So very happy to say socks is eating on his own so far as of this morning! I knew he loved the taste of rx m/d so just have him munching on that for now but his appetite is almost already back up to normal.. He is just a hungry and sleep kitty, but his BGs have been quite high. Pmps number was 495, and this morning's amps was 470.. Hes on 2u bid, but have a feeling that as th m/d is pretty high carb - explains why are numbers are quite high.. Will call vet soon to discuss..

    As far as it goes for the e-tube, does anyone know how long they will want/need to keep it in? As my fiance wants to get it out as soon as possible as he thinks its unneccessary now as he's doing everything on his own. The plus side to the tube is giving his meds, so i am going to try to start giving them orally and see how that goes.

    Another thing, is that Socks has a cute little wrap around his neck designed for the tube, but the hospital didnt mention any instructions for cleaning the site as ive read some do - but rather have instructed me to bringing him back tuesday to check the site/clean... But their only appts are between 11am-3pm and i work about an hour away from the hospital, and work 8-5. Seemingly impossible to arrange, im wondering if even neccesary if I clean myself.

    Im going to check with another vet to see if they have any early or late times, but i dont believe they do... The vet hospital wants him to have his blood work redone on tuesday, but i feel as that's so soon to have to bring him back in.. I will try to listen to the vet, but i dont know how im going to be able to accomadate..
     
  27. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Aww thank you and sorry to hear! Prayers for you and your furry one!
     
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  28. Jamye and Fred

    Jamye and Fred Member

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    Thanks. He's home but not wanting to eat. He ate 2.5 ml via syringe
     
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  29. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Post-DKA that blood work is very important, Justyn.

    Very glad to hear that Socks is eating under his own steam. If he were my cat I would not rush to remove the e-tube until sure that Socks is well in the clear; it does take a while to fully recover from DKA. If he were to have a hiccup on the path to recovery the ability to ensure that Socks is able to eat regularly would make the world of difference.


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  30. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Awww gosh... poor baby... I've been giving socks 1/4 tablet of pepcid before meals in addition to his mass amount of other meds, and had so many different kinds of canned food at home to try to appeal to him, but i opened just 1 of the cans i knew he loved and he is very content with that same flavor so far...

    I'm sorry you've had to be syring feeding, i know how messy/stressful it is.. hope your fur ball starts feeling back to themselves soon!



    Yes yes, I absolutely know we need to get the bloodwork done, but it was just the debate if it was necessary Tuesday, or something that can wait until next Saturday. But i spoke with the vet and they advised they will try to accommodate after or before normal hours so I will find out tomorrow. And i definitely understand keeping tube in as a precaution but my fiance thinks it could be bugging him (which you could not tell at all as socks is calm and comfy), so we will talk with vet as It would be good to have in case he stops, and its especially great for his meds but sure that's not a reason to keep it..

    But wish they sent me home with some cleaning instructions.. I'm scared to take the bandage off especially but I've read most tubs people recommend cleaning every day, but when i spoke with the vet, they said tuesday 'should be fine'. But yeah..wouldn't want to risk anything.. so will be looking into some tips in a bit..
     
  31. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I suggest starting a new thread on Feline Health asking for advice on how to keep things clean when cat has an e-tube. (No experience of them so can't help you myself.) Nothing wrong with paranoia, Justyn; the best helicopter parents I know have a healthy level of paranoia!

    :bighug:


    Mogs
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  32. Osha

    Osha Well-Known Member

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    I cleaned my kitties surgery site with the etube with a wash cloth with warm water. I was just gentle. After cleaning I applied some neosporin around the tube and put fresh bandages on. I did it twice a day.

    I kept the tube in for about two weeks after my kitty was completely eating on her own. The tube didn't bother her. It was in case she decided to stop eating. It was also super easy to get the meds in that way.

    I had follow up blood work done About one week after I brought her home from the DKA episode. :bighug:
     
  33. Osha

    Osha Well-Known Member

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    Meant to add... You can get all the bandages and supplies at cvs. I took a picture of everything and they were super helpful in finding the items for me.
     
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  34. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Osha - Great avatar pic of your kitty!


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  35. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Oh wow!! Thanks for all the feedback.. I will see if possible/what's neccesary with vet but thank you sooo much. Socks tube seems to not bother him AT ALL, whatsoever, so that may be a good option to keep it in longer .. just worry about any risk of infection, etc. But vet said no worries with that as everything looked good when they checked last.

    And yes will do! Thank you so much!!!
     
  36. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Justyn,

    Just checking in to see how Socks is doing today.

    :bighug:


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  37. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

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    Hi Justyn.

    I haven't been able to get back to your condo since Friday and was soooo excited to read that all is going well with the tube and that Socks is eating on his own (anti-jinx)! [​IMG]

    I also encourage you to leave the tube in for a while (see what the vet says). It's better to leave it in longer than needed than to take it out too soon.

    When my Kisa had a tube, they had me change the little sock that covered his neck whenever it got dirty (which was every day), but they did not have me clean the site. He had no issues with the tube or the site.

    I'll send more healing and appy vines to Socks, and keep you all in my prayers that his recovery continues.:bighug:
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2016
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  38. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Awww thanks for the kind words! And yes ive convinced fiance to relax and vet said no harm is waiting a while to ensure he keeps eating (agreed with your anti-jinx!!) but yes im going in tonight for wound care instructions and will be changing the guaze daily (he has a little collar they gave him and theyll give me an extra to swap out and wash the old)
    . But thank you much and my fingers are crossed that he starts feeling much better soon!!
     
  39. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Hi Mogs, meant to post this here and hadnt had a chance:

    Spoke with nurse and confirmed what tests need to be done:
    Full Chemistry Panel
    w/ electrolytes
    & PVC w/ total protein.
    The vet did give me the 'OK' that it would be fine to wait until Monday for tests (as long as his diarrhea doesn't become too bad). But he's drinking lots of water and im even giving him a bit of water through the tube after meds (as required) so i think he's fine on hydration. Nurse said it's not unexpected as all of the craziness with sickness/hospitalization last week, in addition to the total of 4 different foods we've had him on at the vet/at home. So that's ok for now.

    His BGs are starting to look much better, as he is still maintating interest in his low carb food he had been on prior to this. I let myself get some sleep last night after seeing a PMPS of 360, and this morning woke up to AMPS of 375. So glad to see they're similar and will definitely check tonight mid-cycle for a lower number.

    And after explaining my concerns with his tube-site at home, the nurse happily advised that we come in anytime to be taught the wound care and be given some extra supplies so will be taking him in tongiht for that.

    But socks is doing good - sleeping lots, getting up for food/water/litter, grooming, napping in cat tree. Only issue is his brother has absolutely wanted nothing to do with him or his 'smell' since we've been home... have tried lots of things like leaving blankets with each other then swapping, and vanilla extract\ - but tonight i will try to wash everything in the house that could still smell like the vet..
    Socks doesn't care much about his brother hissing but it does seem to put him on edge if he's in the room with us (but he naturally stays in aunts room even with door open). Hope the jerk kitty gets over his attitutude soon...
     
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  40. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Update on Socks as i'm in tears writing....

    he seemed fine last night and yesterday, ate all his food well, just having a bit of diarrhea but the vet said that may be normal with the adjustment. BUT, last night, i was able to catch Sock's pee and tested his Ketones with a human strip kit from walmart, and got a positive result back of 'small' amount of ketones.... I tested him on Sat when we brought him home and he showed 'negative' so i was so relieved, but last night it was the 2nd out of 5 colors for positive, so the step above 'trace'... The other issue is that he didn't want much of his breakfast this morning as he wanted yesterday.. but still eating, but drinking lots of water more than eating.. I called aspen and their only recommendation was to 'bring him back in for hospitlization to avoid it getting to the point that he was at before'.. I'm in tears thinking he'd have to be rehospitlized SO shortly after bringing him home that i cannot truly imagine how we will even be able to get him regulated at home without getting ketones in the meantime... as its only been 3 damn days... I don't know what to do or think... I will recheck the ketones as soon as i can after work and see if theyre anyworse.. but the nurse said its possible that they COULD clear up on their own IF we get his sugars regulated, which to me is just to increase the damn dose as we keep getting these high numbers (this mornings AMPS was 370... so not that bad..) and i was going to do a curve on saturday to get a better idea of what he needs and it doesnt seem like ill be able to do that...
     
  41. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    And im working on trying to update my SS but Socks AMPS was 370 this morning... So i am just so furious that it's even possible to have to be re-hospitalized after 3 days of just trying to get him regulated...
     
  42. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    If Socks is showing a trace of ketones in the urine then it could be even higher in the blood. Urine ketones usually show up long after they are in the blood. Anything trace or higher on the ketodiastix needs to be treated ASAP


    ETA Saying that ketones 'may" clear on their own is a very unprofessional statement. At the very least he needs Sub Q fluids if not more intense treatment.
     
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  43. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    I understand, but not sure why they wouldn't offer me sub Q fluids.. they just want him back... and he just will hate that.. And i dont know how im ever supposed to bring him home and get him regulated as the cost of the 24 hour care is just absolutely ridiculous to keep him in there for another week until his pancreatitis clears up...
     
  44. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    If the ketones are showing as higher than trace, Socks may need the more intense approach, with rapid "R" insulin and IVs to balance out his electrolytes. Raising the dose with Prozinc will not help with ketones and could cause his glucose levels to go hypo.

    I am so so sorry you are going through all this with your baby :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  45. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    I'd rather try to get him to lower/even hypo levels and sub Q fluids a home to see if we can get him to level out.. as they think he has pancreatitis, they think that could be causing that but that would be ridiculous for a cat to have to have about 2 weeks for 24hour care until the pancreatits clears up... I don't want to put him through more hospitalization, i dont think he could handle much more, and I'm surely aware of the cost of all of this and I just don't understand how this could have happened... He's so damn happy to be home....
     
  46. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Socks ended up eating all of his food, and is ready for lunch... He's up and grooming himself lots.. seems to be feeling fine.. and my normal vet COULD day hospitalize him, but they don't even use short acting insulin - so the only benefit he's getting would be fluids which would be so much more 'relaxed' for him to do it at home... I just don't understand how this is happening as the vet said his sugars at this level shouldn't be causing ketones, so there's something else happening whether it's the pancreatitis, or who knows what else... I don't know how much of a quality of life he could even have if i have to run him to a vet after 3 days of 'not perfect' blood sugars...
     
  47. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    I am soo sorry to hear Socks has ketones and is not eating as well today.

    No one can tell you why this happens but some cats are just more prone to ketones than others and while very high BG is often part of the equation, it isn't always. As Mary Ann said, you need to deal with this quickly and not let it get to DKA again. Any ketones over a trace in urine needs to be treated ASAP. It's possible Socks may not require another long hospitalization if you get him looked at now but if you hold off dealing with it, it likely will be. Socks was just starting to get his strength back so he doesn't have the reserves to fight this off as he had before so delaying treatment is not a good idea. If you take him in and at least get him looked at, if what he needs is SubQ fluids, perhaps they can show you how to do it at home and not keep him too long.
     
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  48. Jamye and Fred

    Jamye and Fred Member

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    I'm glad he's eating. Praying for healing for Socks
     
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  49. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    I definitely understand but not sure how we will be able to get this under control if we can't determine what's causing them... The issue with the hospitlization is the amount of stress is caused him - he refused to eat, drink, groom, and not once did he move to go potty, he just went all over himself for those days... I truly blame the vet for telling me NOT to raise his sugars WITHOUT having an 'exam' (like that would tell them anything about his sugars) and she KNEW they were high but didnt care.. It just shouldn't have gotten to this point... But now that it has, our only option is sub q fluids as i just can't put him through the hospital when he's feeling great, looks great, just ate some lunch... DCIN agrees that they don't think another hospital stay will be good for him... I'd be happy to get some subQ fluids to try that first... and keep monitoring, as my humane society doesn't do much more than that and we can't afford the ER vet again...
     
  50. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Justyn

    Did they actually do the testing for pancreatits...such as the snap fPLI or specific fPLI test? The snap test would have given a yes or no answer...the specific would have given a numerical number which would show how serious it was.
     
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  51. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Unfortunately not, somehow at the most 'speciality care' hospital in my area, they did not have the test... So we don't even KNOW if socks has pacreatitis, we dont KNOW what the heck is going on with him, but vet has just been treating as pancreatitis...
     
  52. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    :oops: Not saying that it wasn't pancreatitis, but since he was there for several days it would not have been a problem to do at least the SNAP fPLI test...it is basically the same as a pregnancy test...a quick yes or no and the results are available within 10 minutes of doing the test.
     
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  53. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    No no sorry what i meant is that WE (his human family) don't really know whats going on with him.. and i completely agree and can only assume they didn't have that kind of test as they were not able to confirm with anything other than ultrasound really...
     
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  54. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    The ultra sound would have shown an enlarged pancreas which is indicative of pancreatitis.
     
  55. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Yes and that's exactly what it did show... so it's as much as a lead as we were going to get as the other tests didn't show too much... Just feel that his pancreatitis is causing this elevated amount of ketones as the pancrease is what regulates them... but still waiting on a call back from my ER vet to see if they would give us sub Q fluids and monitor closely at home first.... I know most will disagree, and i understand why most will, but if i could just try to treat at home as its a small amount for now and of course will have to think of other options if it gets worse... breaks my heart into a million pieces but i dont think we can put him in the hospital again for this... he did SO horrible there, of course he was great fluid/electrolyte wise, but the stress just about was killing him..
     
  56. Justyn

    Justyn Member

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    Sep 9, 2016
    Sock's ER vet refused to give us sub q fluids last night as he resumed eating hours after not wanting the rest of breakfast. I think i may have worried too much yesterday morning after he wasn't very hungry for breakfast - not realizing that I gave him the 3-day appetite stimulant which can be rough on the bub's stomach after taking it. SO, socks' has been eating like a horse, and truly showed no clinical signs of ketones as he's napping occasionally, playing around a bit, grooming beautifully... and really acting like his normal self with each day (not laying still so i can prick his ear anymore :( lol)

    AND

    I'd like to report that he tested negative for ketones this morning! I *gave* (corrected) him a nice flush of water per the vet's instructions, and his BGs have been very low since yesterday morning, but either way we are looking good for now! We will keep monitoring him as much as humanly possible - even hoping to take some time off work tomorrow. I've been up since 4am as I got up to check his BG and it was only 71! I panicked! Lol, gave him 1/4 can low carb food just to be safe and stayed up to check it - but somehow could NOT get a drop of blood after about 10 pricks.. ruined a test strip as got a tiny amount on it and it wasnt enough... But his AMPS reading was only 169, so i reduced to 1.5u as i couldn't be home with him today. Have been watching him all week during work from a comcast security camera i reposition in the living room before i leave in the morning - and he's doing great,currently grooming in his cat tree! Happy all is ok for now, but have some other issues going on- like trying to figure what to do about his tummy issues. If i feed him large meals (1 can 2x/day) - i can get a more accurate idea of how his insulin is reacting with him through the day and it's very consistent - BUT it's been giving him bigger bouts of loose stool (same consistency as before) just larger amounts as he's eating larger amounts now. Not sure if it's too much harder on his digestive track. BUT feeding small meals through the day is very hard to get consistent numbers as he doesn't eat at the exact times each day.. so for now just was trying to get his BG under control...hoping his poop starts looking more normal soon too, have already started 1/2tsp of pumpkin with each feeding (so 2x/day).
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2016
  57. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Thrilled to hear Socks is eating and NO KETONES! YEAH! Love your spy setup! Great tool to keep an eye on the little one. ;)

    The pumpkin should help with his stool but if larger meals seem to be causing more loose stools then smaller meals may be a better way to go. Not sure what you mean by it being harder to get consistent numbers with the smaller meals because of when he eats them. As long as your pre-shot readings are not food influenced, I wouldn't worry about what his eating times do to his numbers right now. The numbers might get more consistent once his tummy issues settle and it sounds like his numbers are pretty good right now. It would be really helpful if you could get the spreadsheet up to date when you have a minute too!:)
     
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  58. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Second that !!!! YAHOO!!! Great news
     
    Justyn likes this.
  59. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    Awwwww thank you so much for the feedback!!! I just wasn't sure if the meal timing would or wouldnt effect it - but my concern is if he doesn't eat enough in the morning before his shot - that he may go too low - and im going to do a blood curve on Saturday, so I'm not sure if I should start feeding the smaller meals before then...

    BUT yes I was so relieved to see the negative ketones, and i know that does not mean we're all clear, but at least they didn't get worsed (i checked last night and it was the same 'small' amount color) but so happy to see it may be getting better or may have just been a little flare . His numbers have been looking pretty dang good, i just need to update the SS asap!! Will do hopefully today!!!
     
  60. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    upload_2016-10-13_10-53-34.png

    Napping in his cat climb! Normally have a better angel but ran out of the house this morning
     
  61. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    You can feed a larger portion of food at each shot time and less for those in between "snacks". When you are working, you can freeze canned food in an ice cube tray and leave out a cube or two (or whatever # you need depending on the cube size) for Socks to have as it thaws. That way he gets a decent feed with his shot but still has food available for grazing in between his main meals.
     
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  62. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    Yes yes exactly what im doing right now actually!! 3/4 can for breakfast/dinner with shot - and then 1/4 can around 1pm (cousin goes home on lunch) and about 11pm before i go to sleep! So far so good! But just wondering how it will effect my blood curves as giving him food at around the 6+/7+ mark would take an hour or two to start effecting sugar...
     
  63. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Canned food will cause BG to rise almost immediately but it won't last long enough for food at +6 or +7 to effect pre-shot readings. As long as he doesn't eat within 2 hours of the pre-shot test, you are fine. Every test you take doesn't have to be a fasting test and when possible, if you keep track of when he does eat, you'll be able to figure out what influence food has on his BG and roughly how long it lasts. If you think that 3/4 can is too much all in one meal, back it off a little bit and add the difference into his "snacks". If you are concerned about him not getting enough with his shot do this when you can monitor and see if it makes a difference. Sometimes the food portions as well as when they are consumed can have an influence on the numbers.
     
    Justyn likes this.
  64. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    MrWorfMen's Mom: Will reply in a bit just very busy @ work at the moment
     
  65. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    Thanks very much for the insight!! I wasnt sure how long his (wet) food averagely takes to effect him! I will be during a curve on saturday! But i think 3/4 is good for him bc he would still be hungry after 1/2 can - just was wondering if i needed to feed the whole can with shot but youve clarified that for me! As long as digestive issues dont get worse ill keep it as this for now!! Thanks again!! :)
     
  66. Justyn

    Justyn Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2016
    Hello all - I started a new thread in the Prozinc forum for what issues we're facing right now. Figured I'd post it here also:

    Hi everyone - I need your help/advice!! My cat, Socks, was hospitalized for about 4 days in a 24hr hospital, due to Pancreatits and DKA.. He went from acting totally normal one morning, to not wanting a single bite of food of dinner that same day - and then didn't eat for almost 5 days after that point...

    I've learned now to test his urine for Ketones at home, so have been doing anytime I can catch him in the litter box.. Brought him home, test stick showed 'negative'... But we had one on Tuesday that showed 'small' amount of ketones, but as we cannot afford to rehospitalize, we kept an eye on his sugars as got them down to a more normal range, and the next day he tested 'negative' again! (We had been flushing him with lots of water down his feeding tube, in addition to a homemade electrolyte treatment) so at the very least it wasn't getting any worse.


    SO, I very much need to get his levels under control truly as soon as possible to prevent the ketones from being produced further.. But we are currently dealing with quite a few variables - such as all of the meds he's on ( He's on 2 kinds of antibiotics, antinausea, appetite stimulant, all in addition to his insulin (2u BID)). He has had much softer -than-usual stools since he's been home, so one of these recent days - his BGs were much lower than usual but he had A LOT more diarrhea that day than any other day - and i've read that can make the BGs lower than usual...

    & I've udpated his Spreadsheet ( I have lots of numbers from the vets but I dont know when they gave shots so I don't know what to post them as)...

    But if anyone can review his sheet, we had a recent lower AMPS so i reduced his dose to 1.5u from 2u as I was worried - and I can't tell if that caused his sugars to be higher from lack of insulin that day - or if he may have gotten too low (which is what I'm thinking) and is now bouncing... but I don't know what to do as Im scared to reduce the insulin to see higher numbers, and it seems like even with high numbers for 1 days - he starts building ketones.. please help!!!
     
  67. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    I posted this on your other thread: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/help-not-enough-insulin-or-bouncing.166695/

    "You could consider giving a higher carb food so that you are able to give the larger dose of insulin. Although it sounds counter-productive, getting a decent dose of insulin is important to help keep ketones from forming. You are giving extra fluids and the pedialyte which is good, but keeping a decent dose of insulin is also important"
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
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