? 12/25: MITTENS - Novolin N (TID) - Ketones Small - MDPS 223

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Critter Mom, Dec 25, 2016.

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  1. Nan & Amber (GA)

    Nan & Amber (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Good morning!

    Hmm, I'm going to echo Linda about these numbers [but also: :woot: on the news that ketones is back to "trace"!!!!]. She's not sky-high, but I wouldn't have expected her to go up at all at this time. The good news about it is that it eases up on the testing schedule, possibly offering more sleep opportunities (though of course there is still the feeding).

    Great job keeping all of this going! I am in awe...
     
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  2. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Sorry Dan. I overslept the alarm. Mittens just isn't moving this cycle. We still need to make sure she gets food/fluids so feed her again and follow it with another syringe of water. Thinking.
     
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  3. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dan, are you sure there was no wet fur following the shot? I'm thinking the possibility of a furshot again as she was just too flat and now is rising. The amount of insulin is so small it would be hard to detect and furshots happen to us all. I think we need to think about the possibility of moving the next shot a little earlier. Let's get the next test at +7.

    In the meantime I am to tag a couple of folks to see if we can get a consensus of opinion as to whether we can move the next shot back to at least 09:30 or even 09:00 given the readings this cycle. We need to get that BG down.
    @Jill & Alex (GA) @Meya14 thoughts???
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
  4. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Morning!

    Great job overnight, people. How are you bearing up, Linda and Dan/Heather? And you, Nan: did you sleep OK? :bighug:

    .
     
  5. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Sorry for the lack of updates, just trying to catch up on cleaning around the house.

    I fed her 2 syringes of the baby food(beef & Broth) about 10ml each, but she was refusing real hard so id say she only got about half of each. I also gave her the potassium with fancy feast(i had just fed our other cat and had some left). I fed her 1 syringe of water also, and shes went and drank on her own a few times.

    PMPS - 229 1:15am EST
    +1 - 249 3:00am EST
    +1.5 -247 3:30am EST
    +2 -301 4:00am EST
    +4 -304 6:00am EST
    +5.5 -368 7:30am EST

    I just did what i thought was the +6 at +5.5.

    I wasnt there for her last insulin shot so im not sure, but judging from the numbers i would consider that a possibility although im definitely no expert. Should i still do the next test at +7 you think?
     
  6. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    NB: Potassium supplement is due now if not already given.

    Just seen status update. Potassium onboard.

    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
  7. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Is that Heather online now?
    .
     
  8. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    I gave Mittens the potassium about a hour ago :) Heather is still asleep, she has an alarm set for 2 hrs. If i need her i can get her up tho she wont mind.
     
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  9. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    No need to wake her; just enquiring which of you is online. :)

    .
     
  10. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dan,

    How much time does it take to feed a syringeful of food to Mittens?

    .
     
  11. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    I would say about 10 minutes on average, sometimes a few minutes longer when shes really fighting it. I was hoping she would eat on her own by now, she was never the type of cat to not eat canned food. I still try putting some on a plate(when im feeding my other cat)and holding it up for her and she just turns and walks away. I wonder if its something else holding her from eating like a bad tooth or something? We asked the vet to check both times we were there but she said it looked normal.
     
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  12. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dan, how many ml of food +potassium did y0u give? Just trying to keep our running tally of intake as accurate as possible. :)
     
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  13. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    It was about 6ml of food that i mixed the potassium tablet into. The pill bottle shows they are 480mg.
     
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  14. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Has AM preshot test and feed been done yet?
     
  15. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    It could be constipation/other. We're certain she's nauseated.

    VERY IMPORTANT

    - Has Mittens pee'd again since last night?

    - Has Mittens had a poo at all? Or diarrhoea/watery poo?

    .
     
  16. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    She has peed once, but i didnt get their in time to test for ketones. The way she was standing in there led me to believe she wasnt ready, but she went anyway. She has not had any bowel movements since i brought her to the vet besides the one the day of or possibly the day after her first vet visit.
     
  17. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Was she a bit hunched up?

    Did she look at all as if she was going to heave to vomit?

    .
     
  18. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    It's vital that you keep Mittens sequestered in the room with the separate litter box today. Needs to be where you all sit so she has your company for reassurance. (((Mittens)))

    .
     
  19. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Dan&Heather Dan, we need to get the AMPS and get another feed into Mittens right now. We don't want the shot to be any later than 10:00 EST. This is IMPORTANT!
     
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  20. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Ok, just got it AMPS is 349, will feed her right now
     
  21. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Dan&Heather -

    Please check your PM inbox ASAP when one of you is free. :)

    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
  22. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Aug 16, 2015
    When you offer her food on a plate, try offering something different from what you're syringing with. Maybe some Friskies Pate.
    Also, I was reading the original thread and you mentioned the vet saying there was a possible infection. Did the vet say what kind? Were any antibiotics given?
     
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  23. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Dan&Heather When did the feeding get completed? trying to keep insulin shot timing. :)
     
  24. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    She wont eat anything on her own, even her treats which has always always been her favorite thing and she would never pass up. Ive tried almost everything, even the boiled chicken(which she also loves) and its the same response from her everytime. :( She just stares off and walks away.

    Still trying to feed her now, i had to get heather up to help. Will update as soon as were done. Sorry, its taking so long shes being real stubborn this morning.
     
  25. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dan or Heather - please one of you check your PM inbox ASAP.

    .
     
  26. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Sadly no the vet didnt say anything besides it could be a infection, cancer or a tumor. Mittens younger sister Tabby passed away about 4 years ago from a tumor in her mouth. Tabby had the same mother as Mittens but from a different litter, about 6 months or so apart.
     
  27. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Watch for any signs of heaving at the food.
    .
     
  28. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Ok, Heather here, trying to read through these and get caught up from last night, I feel pretty out of it right now. Got done feeding her about 15 minutes ago. So should I wait till 10:15 to give her the insulin so she has that half hour in between like she was getting last night?
     
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  29. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Yes Heather you can give insulin @ 10:15am. When you've given it be sure to check the fur closely all around the injections site to ensure it's not wet. We really need to be sure the insulin is getting into her. :)
     
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  30. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    (((Heather)))

    We feel for you.

    :bighug:
    .
     
  31. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Still .5u right?
     
  32. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    Hi, guys, can I join the party and give someone a rest? I was trying to read through the thread and looking forthe end so I could help and I fell asleep. I am amazed how just a few of you have been keeping up for so long.

    Heather and Dan, you two and mittens have been wonderful.r
     
  33. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    How long do you have to keep this up until you can get some anti nausa meds?
     
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  34. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Yes.

    .
     
  35. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    I'm not sure really, there's no more money until thursday.

    I just gave her the insulin maybe a minute ago, very confident that it was not a fur shot. Maybe it was last night and I didn't realize it and that's why numbers weren't great. How long should I wait before I test her BG?
     
  36. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    I think you can do the usual routine today....at +1.5.:)
     
  37. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

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    Jun 15, 2015
    With nausea, they will act like they are going to eat and then refuse and lick or smack their lips.

    Dan mentioned maybe a bad tooth. Some of the symptoms of that is:

    refusing to eat
    or when eating dropping the food from their mouth
    or tilting their head to one side as if to move the food away from the bad tooth
    excessive drooling
    and pawing at that face.
    And if an abscess is present a swollen face.
     
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  38. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Heather, can you please check your PMs for a message from Woodsywife and don't be shy! We need to get some anti-nausea meds for Mittens ASAP. If you have already done so, ignore this but otherwise I strongly encourage you to jump on this opportunity.
     
  39. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Heather can you please tell me how many ml of food and what food you got into Mittens at Pre-shot so I can update the SS please. SOrry to keep you hopping but the better records we keep the easier this will be. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
  40. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Sorry but can you just confirm shot was given at 10:15 please. Again for the record. :)
     
  41. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    Jun 18, 2016
    When does the vet open? I could call and put some money on your account. Enough to get her the meds she needs I will PM you.
     
  42. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Just a few thoughts:

    BG numbers & ketones...
    As a community, we're naturally focused on bringing BG numbers down, but when a kitty is throwing ketones it's not about the numbers as much as it is about getting food & water/fluids into the cat, providing an adequate supply of insulin, and treating whatever problem is going on in kitty's body (infection/systemic stress) to rid the body of ketones. What I'm trying to say is yes, the numbers this past cycle are lousy, but the results of the last ketone test is encouraging!

    A reminder about dosing decisions with N...
    Since N is an "in and out" insulin, it's not necessary to dose consistently. One dose does not build upon the next. In other words, the dose can be increased for higher preshot numbers and decreased for lower preshot numbers. Eventually (after collecting sufficient data), a sliding scale of sorts can be used. I will leave that for those experienced with N.

    @Larry and Kitties : I know you mentioned dosing 0.75u N every 12 hours the other day. Given the results with dosing TID (see spreadsheet data), do you still feel the same? While we have had a favorable ketone test recently, in this case, I'm wondering if we could achieve the same with a less strenuous schedule (dosing BID).

    Anyone with N experience with cats have any thoughts?

    Food, water, and fluids...
    Getting enough food and water into Mittens is imperative. Fluids will also help keep kitty hydrated. I am currently concerned about not getting enough food into Mittens. The possibility of her being constipated is worrisome. If she's constipated, getting any food into her will become more & more difficult as time goes on. A vet/vet tech should be able to palpate Mittens abdomen to feel for a buildup of stool. If possible, an x-ray would be optimal.


    That's all I can think of for now. I'll be unavailable most of the day, but will look in when I can.

     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
  43. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Jill & Alex (GA) I thought getting BG down would be same level priority. Good to know where our main focus should be. :)
     
  44. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    I don't see one in there, I just checked.

    She got about 7.5 total, she fought extra hard that last time, I know were supposed to be getting more into her specially pre-shot.

    It ended up being at 10:25, I waited because I wanted to confirm on here that it was still the same dose amount. I knew it probably would be but I can't take it back afterwards so I wanted to be sure.

    I just tested her BG again about 15 minutes ago at 11:55 my time +1.5 -322
     
  45. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the details Heather. Did you give Mittens baby food or FFC?

    Ok on the PM. Other stuff abuzz just now so no worries.
     
  46. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    I am getting ready to give her some fancy feast in just a minute. I'll let you know when I'm done
     
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  47. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    (((Mittens)))

    .
     
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  48. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Based on the BG so far I think that TID dosing is better. When ketones are negative then consider BID dosing.
    I would also consider increasing the dose to 0.6 (just hair more than 0.5) as long as Mitten keeps down the same or greater amount of food.
    Aoso, I am concerned about not defecting since that can lead to vomiting
     
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  49. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    Check your PMs when you can
     
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  50. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Larry and Kitties Thanks for chiming in. Very helpful. Noted for future dosing considerations.
     
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  51. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Eariler it was Fancy Feast Classic. I just got done feeding her just now, Fancy Feast again this time too.
     
  52. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    How much did you manage.... 7.5ml? Can you follow that with a syringe of water too please after a short break. Want to keep her hydrated!:)
     
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  53. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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  54. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Makes sense. Thanks for weighing in, Larry!
     
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  55. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Yes it was 7.5mL. It has been a little bit now so I will try to give her some water too right now. We have an appointment for her to go to a different vet in about an hour and a half, hoping to get a little further finding things out and getting her some medicine she needs.
     
  56. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    My Christmas wish finally came true! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  57. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    I never sent PM. I asked her to send me one with mailing address if she wanted it.

    I can still send if she doesn't get any from the new vet today. So tonight would really be good to know as I'm going out tomorrow and can mail.

    I've been pretty sick and not on lately.
     
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  58. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Good luck with new vet. Remember to take list of everything people suggested.
     
  59. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Just checked her again real quick she's at 315 right now. I have to leave for the vet right now. Thank everyone for everything. I will post back shortly, probably while I'm still at the vet
     
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  60. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Yes Paula. In my sleep deprived state, I misread your message! My bad. :(How Heather & Dan are holding up an keeping it all straight blows my mind!
     
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  61. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Yes, they are amazing.
     
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  62. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    Chewing my nails, waiting to hear about vets visit. I don'tknow how Heather and Dan can keep on the way they do. Go team mittens!!! Your great!
     
  63. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Mine are already down to the quick ...

    They most certainly are!
    .
     
  64. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    No news yet????
     
  65. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Still waiting for update, Paula ...
     
  66. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Hope this means it's a very thorough exam and lots of care to more forward.
     
  67. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

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    Dec 21, 2016
    Back from the vet. She said that Mittens' skin is turning yellow and when she felt her abdomen she can tell she has a liver problem. And she said her kidneys are failing. The vet said she has alot of experience treating diabetic cats and in her opinion we should let Mittens go with dignity, that we're not going to be able to fix this even if we had the medicine I was requesting. She wanted me to do it right then because she said she is suffering, but I wasn't going to do anything without talking to Dan.The vet said she didn't need to do the tests to know that there are several problems, not just the diabetes and it would just be putting Mittens through more and was unnecessary. She said if it was just the diabetes there would be things we could try, but with the organ failure those things would not work. I don't know what to say. I've been between hope and despair so many times this last week. I feel so bad for Mittens, I can tell she is in pain and I cant stand to see her like this. So I think we've made the decision to let her go. Very hard decision, there are problems we cannot fix and we can't let her suffer. If her organs are failing then we are out of options. I'm torn up right now but I don't regret the decision to cancel the appointment the first time and to try to help her. And I don't regret all the stress on us and all the sleep we lost, it was still worth it, even if it was a tough week it's still an extra week we got to spend with her. In a way I wish we would have listened to the first vet and just went thru with it, only because then her last week wouldn't have been like this for her but we just couldn't without feeling like we've tried everything we could have for her and now I feel like we have. If there ever was a cat to fight for it was Mittens. All you know of her right now is her when she's sick, in health she really is the perfect cat, the only fault she ever had was chewing on wires. In her prime she was happy and rowdy and goofy and the sweetest cat i've ever known. She always had so much grace and what seemed like wisdom. She never had any kittens, but always seemed like an old wise one and was always the leader of our cats, even when she was young, which is what earned her the nickname of Mama Cat. That's how I will always remember her, happy, healthy, greeting me as soon as I get home from work, chirping at the birds outside the window and waking up out of a sound sleep at the shake of the treat bag. Dan and I moved in together roughly 13 years ago and she has been with us through all of our apartments I feel lucky that we got to spend 16 years with her, some cat owners don't get lucky enough to have had that much time. I will never forget our sweet little grey one, our pretty girl, the mama cat's memory will live forever. She is getting weaker and walking slower everyday and I really really do feel like she is suffering, I wish the first vet would've told me that her organs are shutting down, it would have changed the game plan quite a bit. We have a new appointment for Thursday morning.

    I want to thank everyone on this message board. I had no idea there were so many kind and generous people in the world. People here have done things for us that our own family wouldn't have done. I appreciate everyone on this board so much it's hard to even express. This week has been one of the worst of our lives but we never once felt like we were alone in this, people here lost just about as much sleep as we did through this and made sure they were available at all times in case we had questions or needed help with anything. I can't tell you how much your help and your support did for us. I apologize that this is the way this is going to end, I know we were all hoping for a full recovery, but with the organ failure I think this is the best we can do for her.

    I am going to keep giving her the insulin and checking her sugar and feeding her to try to keep her comfortable thru tomorrow. I am going to email DCIN in a minute to see if they've mailed the supplies and if they have I'm going to send them directly back to them so they can go to another cat who needs them. I am going to have the glucose meter with some test strips and a whole bunch of lancet's and syringe's left over that I won't need, so I need to figure out how to give those to someone who needs them. One of the first messages we got on this board mentioned a supply closet, I haven't looked at it yet but maybe I can put those things in there so I can send them to someone who can use them, we don't want to charge for them, we just want someone who needs it to have it. I don't know if I can send the insulin since she used some of it but if I can give that away I will do that too.

    I sincerely apologize to everyone here. I don't want you to feel like you wasted your time helping us. The vet said with organ failure we can't do anything for that. I'm afraid your going to be upset with us. You all took time out of your lives, at Christmas time, to help us just to find out that there are several more problems that we can't fix. I'm so sorry for any time we took you away from or distracted you from your family's and your cat's, specially during the holiday. I am so thankful for your help.

    We are not going to leave this board entirely. We want to stay around because you are a collection of some of the most amazing people we've ever met, and if nothing else maybe we can offer some kind of moral support to someone at some point. We have another cat, Meo, who we have to keep healthy. We have mostly been on this one thread the whole time we've been members here, but now we will explore the rest of the site to learn how to keep him healthier.

    Mittens is going to get her insulin shot in half an hour no matter what, so I will update right after that.

    I'm sorry it took so long to post this. I keep breaking down every time I try to hit the button. I don't want this to be the next news you get. I'm sorry everyone
     
  68. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 18, 2016
    No matter what happens next, enjoy your time with her. You are amazing people. So many would not go to the wall for a pet. You two (and the many helpers here) went over it, through it, and under it again and again.
     
  69. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Oh Heather & Dan, my heart is aching for you and the tears are flowing ...I can't see to type. Don't apologize! You are the two most amazing pet parents and if all we did was give you and Mittens one last Christmas together, albeit not the best, then we have been rewarded in spades for the effort. It is difficult to make that final decision but it seems it is the one final loving gift you can give Mittens.

    It was my pleasure to help out. I only wish there were more pet parent in the world like you and the other members on this board. The world would definitely be a much better place for all of us.

    Enjoy many tender loving moments with Mittens and please do remain part of our family. You are truly special people!

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  70. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    It is always hard to make the final decision. You two will make the right decision at the right time.
    There is no need to apologize for asking for help. Both of you have done so much for Mitten.

    My second diabetic cat was named Mitten. I adopted her as an already being treated diabetic. She was diabetic for over 10 years. I remember syringe feeding her for a couple of months. Heart failure got her at the end.
     
  71. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2016
    I am so sorry that things turned out this way. Remember, mittens knew you loved her and loved you just as much in return. She will never be really gone as long as she lives on in your heart.
     
  72. Meya14

    Meya14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2015
    <<<hugs>>>
     
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  73. Nan & Amber (GA)

    Nan & Amber (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2016
    Oh, Heather, I am so, so sorry that this was the outcome. It is devastating. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    Thank you for telling us about Mittens' life and personality-- you can see it in her avatar picture, she is a cat with a plan and a twinkle in her eye! Some cats are just so special.

    All of us here who participated in the thread were happy to do so and would do it again in a heartbeat. Truly. There were so many times I wished I could do more-- just reach through the computer screen and take some of the burden off of you guys. You and Dan were superhumans this weekend, I don't know how you did it.

    Mittens is so lucky to have two pet parents like you. Please stay with us, you guys are wonderful!
     
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  74. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    ((((( Heather and Dan )))))
    No words... just a silent understanding. Most of us have been where you are and our hearts are breaking. Letting them go... setting them free to be without any more pain or suffering... it's the ultimate act of love. You love Mittens and she knows it.
    I'm so sorry...
    :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  75. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    (((( Dan and Heather))))

    So sorry to hear the sad news, but please know that you're doing what's best for Mittens and we all totally understand that. Sometimes the last gift we have left to give our sweet furkids is a peaceful release from a body that has failed them.

    Please don't think you have taken anything "from us" either.....We do what we do here because we DO understand....we were all scared, confused and frightened when we first reached out and posted for the first time and others jumped in to help us....We are just paying forward the kindness that was shown to us!!

    Spend these last few days talking to Mittens.....tell her what's going on, how much she's meant to you, prepare her for her next adventure beyond the Rainbow....she will understand it all.

    We have a fable that a lot of us love that we post in a lot of these kinds of threads...The original name of the fable is "The Loving Ones", but most of us call it "You have Chosen Tears".....It will make you cry, but I know you're doing that a lot now anyway, but as the fable says, they will be healing tears

    Thank you for sharing your sweet Mittens with us....we are all better for it
     
  76. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    I'm so very sorry to read this Dan and Heather. You worked so hard for so long to help her. She knows you were doing what was best for her, needle pokes and syringe feedings and all. I don't have any more words right now ...
     
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  77. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    (((Dan, Heather and Mittens)))

    No words right now ... just very heartsore tears ...

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    .
     
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  78. Vyktors Mum

    Vyktors Mum Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2011
    I'm sure that there's many like me that have been watching and hoping and sharing this roller coaster with you without posting. I'm devastated that you haven't been able to save her, you worked so hard, if only your love was enough she would be bouncing around like a kitten again. Such a heart wrenching decision to make but sometimes it's the only decision that a loving bean can make, that last precious gift to stop the suffering :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  79. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    I'm so very sorry. You have made the most difficult and the most loving decision you could. Mittens knows how much you love her. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  80. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    Dan and Heather, all of our hearts ache with yours We are so very sorry that this is mittens time to cross the rainbow bridge. You and Dan went above and beyond what most would do and we are all so proud to have you in our family . Sending hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:And lots of support .
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
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  81. MiCo

    MiCo Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2016
    (((Hugs)))
     
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  82. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Dan and Heather....I am so desperately sad and sorry for you both. I too am one who watched and hoped and prayed for you all. What I have witnessed is LOVE on display as you fought for Mittens, LOVE as the precious people on this board fought with you and now LOVE as you prepare to release her from this world to the next. Know you have been and will continue to be surrounded with love, thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
     
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  83. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2016
    Thank you to everyone for the kind words. This is going to be a rough night for us and an even rougher day tomorrow. Thank you for thinking of us, it means alot.
     
  84. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
  85. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    ((((((Dan & Heather))))))

    So so sorry to hear this news. I loved reading of her huge sweet personality. You fought hard for her and she knows it. Enjoy this time with her and comfort her and let her comfort you both.

    Letting them go with dignity is the last act of love you can give her.
     
  86. ShipsCat

    ShipsCat Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2016
    I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. You both were so dedicated in your care for Mittens. I'll be thinking of you :bighug::bighug:
     
  87. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    Did the new vet give you anything or suggest anything to make Mittens more comfortable?

    Does anyone here have any suggestions?
     
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  88. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    I feel like I am losing one of my own. I think we all are. I don't know what else to say ;-(

    No matter what, tomorrow -- TAKE PHOTOS and VIDEO!! No amount is too much. Once the fog lifts, you will be so glad you did. Take a fur clipping and/or paw print, or your vet may be able to for you.

    May peace be with you all...
    Sandi&Whisper.
     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2016
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  89. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    This.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    .
     
  90. Capoo

    Capoo Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2016
    I feel empty, and cannot find my words.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  91. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Dan&Heather -

    If there is anything we can do just let us know.

    Keeping both yourselves and dear little Mittens in my thoughts and in my heart ...

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    .
     
  92. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    ((DAN HEATHER & MITTENS))

    I have been a silent follower through the last number of days. My heart is breaking for you at this sad time. You fought a valiant battle and did everything possible and more to give your beloved Mittens the best chance. Your love and caring and amazing efforts to help Mittens is beyond describable and the final and hardest gift of love will release Mittens from pain and suffering.

    [​IMG]


    :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
  93. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I cried a lot of tears last night when I read your post, but could not write then. I am not good with words at times like this, anyway.
    I feel for you, so much. I know what you must be going through. (((Dan & Heather))) Please give Mittens all the love you can today.
    She knows how much you love her. I wish you a day of purrs and snuggles. Love you, Mittens.
     
  94. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    So many tears ...

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    .
     
  95. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Yes, Mittens. You have moved our hearts - and you are loved.

    (((Mittens)))

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
    .
     
  96. Misterbeesmom

    Misterbeesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2016
    i'm so sorry!!!!

    you both did all you could. you gave mittens the best. you bought her some time, and made sure you weren't giving up on her before her time was due.

    i'm so so sorry things didn't work out how we all hoped it would. :(

    i always say the only bad thing about having a furbaby is that sooner or later we have to say goodbye. :rb_icon:
     
  97. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    I'm so very very sorry to hear the outcome of this story... I have only been able to read briefly over the last few days but have been silently rooting for Mittens and all the amazing care givers here... it is so sad when there is just nothing left we can do for these precious babies but sometimes only a miracle would save the day.
    Please know that you have done absolutely everything you possibly could for your dear baby, and that Mittens will live on for ever in your hearts... and ours.
    Wishing you peace and good memories...


    Diana
     
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  98. Shantismom

    Shantismom Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2014
    I was on this forum for my cat Shanti, he died two years ago. I look in on how people are doing from time to time and I saw the post about Mittens and began to follow the progress and the heroic effort to help her. I just want to tell you Dan & Heather that you have been amazing in your efforts on behalf of your baby. And to the members here, you are nothing short of wonderful for the help and concern you have shown. I am also in tears for the loss of your wonderful Mittens. My prayers are with you.
     
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  99. Dan&Heather

    Dan&Heather Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2016

    It touches me that so many people care about our little girl. We took her in early this morning and released her from her suffering. It was one the hardest things we've ever had to do, but we knew it was the best choice at this point. We were not willing to make her stay at home and let it happen slowly and painfully. It was a very tough day, I had to work and then we both tried to catch up on a little bit of sleep that we very much needed. Thanks to everyone here we were able to spend a last week with Mittens, and while that week was stressful and difficult for all us, it was none the less another week with the mama cat. Her body failed her and we had to face that, trying to keep her any longer would have been selfish and not fair to her. It is without a doubt the worst part of having a pet, but we are extremely grateful that we had 16 wonderful, perfect years with her. We lost Mittens' sister Tabby several years back, now they are together again. I'm so happy that even if it was in bad circumstances and you never got to meet her in person and see how sweet she was, she touched hearts. She was that special, she could touch people without actually coming into physical contact with them.

    We want to thank everyone again. We still cannot get over what we received when we joined this message board, it was so much more than we expected. We got so much advice and support it just blows our minds. We never thought we would meet such wonderful people at such a difficult time in our lives. You guys are amazing!!!!!! We seriously cant thank you enough for everything. Even if it didn't work out how we were all hoping it would, you helped more than you will ever know. The support, advice and hope you gave us were exactly what we needed. I don't know how we would have gotten thru this without all of you, I really don't.

    It's difficult to express just how thankful we are for all of you. You truly are special people and we are lucky to have met you all.
     
  100. Capoo

    Capoo Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2016
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