9/15 - Frosty update, pics

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Ana & Frosty (GA), Sep 15, 2018.

  1. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    Last post http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/9-11-frosty-restrictive-cardiomyopathy.202987/

    Sorry for no posts over the last few days. I just didn't feel like typing all this up, but I do feel like I owe you guys an update. You all have been very supportive of this whole thing. Sometimes when I am upset I don't feel like talking (or doing anything). I've been sleeping a lot, although I did go to work and tried to be as productive as I could. Thankfully, my whole practice is great and supportive as well, so it actually felt nice to be at work at times.

    We brought Frosty home on Tuesday, and he was really out of it still and not himself. I would say he slightly improved over the last 4 days, but he is still not back to his baseline. His appetite is slowly improving, but he is slowly grazing throughout the day. I've been giving him FF, tuna, some dry food, and even some of my own food - he usually takes a few mouth fulls and then refuses.

    We went to see Dr. Pintar, the other IM doctor since dr. Demarco is away. He definitely wasn't thrilled to see him and kept saying we should follow up with Dr. Demarco who really knows him. He did check his K and Cr, and also used the ultrasound to check for fluid in his abdomen and chest. I told him I thought Frosty definitely still had fluid in the abdomen, and he brushed it off and said he doesn't feel any on exam. Then when he came back, he's like "oh yeah, you were right, he does have fluid in his belly." No ****, Sherlock. As if I don't know my cat.

    His K was really low still, 2.2. I think it's because it was already low and then they added Lasix. He's getting his renal K, which I think gives 3 meq twice a day, but I was having difficulty giving it to him because it's a gel and he kept spitting it out. By the end of it, it would be all over his face and paws, floor, and my hands, so I don't know how much he was actually getting. I told the doctor about that and he said, "try diluting it with water and putting it in a syringe." I know someone on here mentioned feeding syringes - would those work for a gel? Where can I get them?

    His Cr was 2 on the iSTAT (upped end of normal 2.2), which we both were RELIEVED about. He said he was worried it could be higher, as was I. So I think SO FAR this kidneys are tolerating this regimen of lasix. He said that ultimately, he may be able to come off Lasix, since before he got all this fluids he didn't need it, so he was compensating for his heart problems on his own (which is what I was asking our local vet about), but he felt that right now due to the fluid in the abdomen, he still needs it. He didn't have any fluid in his chest though, which is great, and explains the improved breathing.

    He also said Frosty shouldn't be on Lasix without an ACE inhibitor long term. (I think there's studies on improved survival for CHF with lasix and ace inhibitor, and also it helps with kidney function, at least in people). He said that although the ACEI interacts with Vetoryl, they do have dogs on both. The concerning side effect is high potassium.... but Frosty's is like, dangerously low, so I told him I am comfortable trying it, especially since he still isn't getting his Vetoryl right now. So he prescribed benazepril once a day.

    He told us to call our regular IM vet on Monday when she is back, and to see a cardiologist.I made the cardiology appt for next Saturday (22nd). I am not sure if that is too soon since we just started treatment on Monday, and benazepril was just added Thursday, but I will ask Dr. Demarco on Monday when I call her.

    Insulin-wise, I increased his dose to 1.5u (he was on 2 before all this stuff happened) since he has been eating more, but still not back to his normal intake. I've been testing pretty much only pre shot sugars, and I am honestly not worried about it at all. As long as he's under 500 at pre shot, he's fine. Diabetes is like the least of his problems.

    I also decided that since I am spending thousands of dollars on all of this, we need to save somewhere, so we will be switching to Relion Confirm meter when he's done with the AlphaTrack2 test strips. I really don't like that meter, but I can't be speeding $200/month on strips given that I currently have $4600 on my care credit card for Frosty, and he is gonna be seeing another doctor next week. I think at this point, his glucose control is not as important as his other issues, so the cheaper meter will do. I bought 100 strips at Walmart last week.

    I really wish he would eat, because getting him to take the cardiac meds is painful. He looks so sad, and now that he is more alert he keeps spitting out the pills and it's really a struggle. He's not strong enough to run away or really hurt me at this point, but I just wish he would eat so I could put them in his food. That is the worst part of the day.

    I didn't give him his cerenia yesterday because I usually give it before bed since he takes so many meds at night, but I fell asleep. I am not sure if he needs it, and I would really love to cut down on some of the medication because as I said it's a horrible process. Not sure whether or not to give it tonight. He hasn't thrown up and has been eating a little here and there. I guess I'll discuss this with Dr. Demarco.

    The doctor told me theres a powder form of potassium too so maybe once he starts eating I could try sprinkling that on his food, since he probably developed an eversion to the gel taste/smell since it's being forced on him. It's also possible he may not need it once he starts eating better, or once we add the Vetoryl in. I wish there was a home potassium test! That would make our lives a lot easier.

    So that's where we are. Thanks again, everyone, for all your support.
     

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    Last edited: Sep 15, 2018
  2. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    ps. - has anyone heard from @Amanda & Shmee ? Ive been looking for updates but haven't seen anything since 9/12.
     
  3. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

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    Jun 4, 2018
    20180915_120626.jpg Thanks for the update, Ana. I've been thinking of Frosty and you.

    If you would prefer to keep the AlphaTrak 2, the Freestyle InsulinX strips are the same as the AlphaTrak strips at a fraction of the cost. You can find deals on Amazon and eBay.

    One of these strips is the Freestyle InsulinX and the other is the AlphaTrak2
     
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  4. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    Oh, wow. The insulin x strips are actually cheaper than the relion ones on amazon - $30 for 100 vs. $35.99 for 100 at Walmart. Hmm. I’m just concerned about accuracy of the readings. I know they look the same, but what code do you use? I think those strips say they don’t use a code at all.

    This is definitely something to think about though.
     
  5. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    People who use these leave the AT meter at whatever the cat code was on the last vial of AT strips.
     
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  6. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

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    Jun 4, 2018
    A couple people here did pretty extensive testing on these and the Petsure strips compared to the AT strips. I did testing, too, but not as much as they did. The general consensus is that the InsulinX strips and the AT strips are the same thing. They both have Abbott branding on the boxes. I have 100 of each AT and InsulinX. I use them both the same. Last night my readings between the two strips were 2 points difference. I keep my meter at 38.
     
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  7. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    @Beck and Grandpa , I wonder if I should return the ReliOn strips and order those instead... hmmm. Someone just posted about an issue with ReliOn that i was having with it all the time. Plus these strips are cheaper. Given our situation, our diabetes control is like the last on our list of problems, so I don’t need super accurate results - just as long as they’re in the realm of close to where he is. But I used to get 2 totally different readings with my ReliOn confirm - like 200 and 350 within seconds of each other, and I was like huh?! Which one do I believe.
     
  8. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Check out compounding pharmacies. They might be able to combine some into one suspension or liquid, then just squirt in side of cheek.

    Smokey had 3 of his mixed into one. Otherwise he would have been getting a med every hour. 2 had to be solo. Then there was the cerenia and bupre.

    Personally I prefer liquids, they are usually less than 1 cc and easily given in side of mouth. And absorb faster than waiting to be digested.
     
  9. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2018
    I don't feel comfortable advising anyone on what they should do, but for me I didn't feel comfortable with the Petsure strips on the AlphaTrak, but I feel completely comfortable using the InsulinX strips. I don't have a Relion meter. I do have a NovaMax Plus for ketone tests that I have used for glucose when I ran out of AlphaTrak strips.

    Since most folks here use a human meter, I considered making a change. Then when I learned that I can get strips for what I already own at a good price, I decided to stick with what I have.
     
  10. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    Thanks for the update. I am so sorry he still isn't eating well and not himself. Hopefully, by being home with you he will start getting better. Hugs. :bighug:
     
  11. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    Thanks! I think our local vet said they were gonna try to get us a smaller VetMedin pill through a compounding pharmacy, but then I didn’t hear from them . I’ll give them a call. That pill is HUGE, but he’s actually made to be taken like a treat. He ate it on his own once after he spit it out s few times. I tried wetting it thinking maybe it smelled more like a treat when it’s wet, but i think he developed an aversion to it now. :( poor guy

    I’ll discuss the possibility of compounding the meds with the doctor when we speak on Monday. Since we aren’t sure which meds he will be on and which meds he might be coming off of, it may be worth a wait, but I definitely need something different for potassium - that’s the worst one. I use my dog’s allergy syringe but it’s only 1 ml, and once I dilute the gel in water It’s about 4-5 mls so I have to give him 4-5 syringe fulls and I feel terrible. This is after he has to swallow the lasix and the 2 vetmedin halves. Ugh. I HATE this.
     
  12. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    I understand, I’m just thinking out loud. I’ll talk to my bf about that - he helps me make deductions on stuff like that LOL. He agreed that he likes the Alphatrak better than the ReliOn when we first switched bc frosty’s sugars were so erratic and we really needed a reliable meter. But now with the money and all the other stuff, he agreed that it’s time to switch to something less expensive.

    I’ve never even heard of the Petsure strips or meter. I’ve looked into other pet meters in the past but reviews weren’t great. I’m gonna look into them now.

    Thanks for your help. I’m gonna go to Walmart this weekend and try to return the ReliOn strips if they will accept it. If not I can just use them next then make a switch. I don’t even know.
     
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  13. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    The vetmedin was one of the compounded ones in Smokey cocktail. I would have to look up the other 2. Stokes pharmacy is where his came from. They will flavor them just have to make sure no sugar or sweeteners are added.

    Lasix was a solo liquid as well as his aspirin. Cardiologist thought the Plavik was to bitter so that's why Smokey was in aspirin
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2018
  14. Catacular

    Catacular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2018
    Every time we get ReliOn strips from WalMart a little note comes up on the register telling us blood-testing supplies are not returnable. Because they are human blood-testing strips and humans carry (deadly) communicable diseases, I wouldn't think they would take them back even if they "look" unopened.

    We have been happy with our ReliOn Confirm. Tested on civvie cat and two humans to ensure reliability.
     
  15. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    That’s right, I had a feeling it was something like that. It’s fine, we will use what we’ve got and when we run out we will re asses. Also I can always donate the strips or sell them - $30 is like nothing given what I already spent.

    @Beck and Grandpa - have you ordered from this seller on amazon?FreeStyle Insulinx Blood Glucose Test Strips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IW8TSTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F9tNBb2GZXZD6 It says 100 for $30, but some (not all) of th is reviews said they only received 50 strips. Wondering if you had any experience with them. It’s def worth for 100 , but not for 50 for us.
     
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  16. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

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    Jun 4, 2018
    Petsure are strips marketed as an alternative strip for AT meters. Fairly new, I think. They may be fine, but once I tried the InsulinX and realized they work just like the real AT strips, I was sold on the InsulinX.

    This is the $30 deal I used with no problem.
    Screenshot_20180915-140930_Amazon Shopping.jpg
     
  17. Jill & Scooter

    Jill & Scooter Well-Known Member

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    Mar 7, 2018
    Prayers for Frosty to eat and feel better. He looks good in the pics. He has the sweetest face!
     
  18. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 3, 2016
    I have taken syringes meant for something other than cats or maybe they were feeding syringes. I carefully drilled a slightly wider hole in the opening and they worked fine. This was years ago and I can't remember what I used them for but it was for a cat and they worked.
    Check your pharmacy possibly for baby syringes.
     
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  19. Krystina & Nelli

    Krystina & Nelli Well-Known Member

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    Jul 4, 2018
    Hi Ana, I think that was me/my post you were talking about? If so, you were having same issues with test results? What did you end up doing?
     
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  20. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

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    Jun 4, 2018
    Innovet makes some really nice syringes with soft tips.
     
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  21. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    I called the company and they went over “proper” testing techniques with me (I didn’t tell them I was testing my cat) . I still wasn’t happy with it so I switched to the AlphaTrak2 meter. As you can see though, the strips for it are much more expensive, so I was going to switch back to ReliOn once I ran out of Alphatrak2 strips due to recent spendings at the vet. But now I am finding out there’s cheaper options for the AlphaTrak2 strips from other companies.

    I’m probably gonna use the ReliOn strips until I run out, then I’ll probably order the alternate strips for the AlphaTrak.

    I realize this probably isn’t helpful to you, so I would probably get a 3rd reading if the 2 you got are totally different, and maybe take an average? That’s a waste of strips too and i do realize that as well. I think that unfortunately because the ReliOn is so cheap, it doesn’t give great results. At least that’s my experience. I know others here use that brand with no issues, but it didn’t seem precise to me at all.
     
  22. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    I used NOW potassium powder. It’s tasteless. I just added a little more water to Max’s Food. You only need 1/8 teaspoon. Vines and prayers.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2018
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  23. Krystina & Nelli

    Krystina & Nelli Well-Known Member

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    Jul 4, 2018
    :blackeye:
     
  24. Krystina & Nelli

    Krystina & Nelli Well-Known Member

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    Jul 4, 2018
    Thanks for the shout out too.
    I believe Frosty is going to start doing better. Like @Bobbie And Bubba said... now home with you. It has to be very upsetting, scary and, stressful for a kitty to be in the hospital- around strangers not knowing what’s going to happen next... no mommy around.
    Frosty will, I believe that, start feeling better :). Big hugs your way :)
     
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  25. Pamela & Amethyst

    Pamela & Amethyst Well-Known Member

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    Dec 11, 2016
    I am glad Frosty is Home:) Also Amazon has a nice syringe with a soft tip I have used it with Amethyst when she will not eat Sorry I do not know how to give you the link I am very computer stupid:banghead:
     
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  26. Teresa & Buddy

    Teresa & Buddy Well-Known Member

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    Jan 2, 2017
    I am glad to see your update post on Frosty. Someone told me years ago, if your cat does not eat, get the worst smelling, nasty cat food you can find and they will eat it. Have you tried tuna, most cats love tuna water, then you can add a little tuna to the water and sometimes they will eat the tuna.
    When any of my cats will not eat I get them Hill's AD, most of the time they will eat that, this is only available at the vets.
     
  27. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    The vet office should be able to give you some feeding syringes. It won't help you now, but on Monday, I would call and ask them for some. You can reuse them after you clean them out. Or maybe call the ER vet since they are open 24/7 and ask for some.
     
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  28. Bellasmom

    Bellasmom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 12, 2018
    Thanks for update, continued prayers for you guys!
    I use the relion prime and the box of strips for 100 is 17.00 at Walmart
     
  29. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2018
    Wow! I had no idea that there was a meter cheaper than ReliOn Confirm!
    Does it take a lot of blood? Why do so many people use the confirm vs. the prime?

    Thanks for all the advice on the syringes. I actually found one at chewy and it’s only like $1 something so I added it to my next Autoship.

    I know I could just do my own research on these things, but sometimes it’s just easier to ask someone to point u in the right direction.

    Even with Frosty’s illnesses, my sister (who’s a human ER doc) was asking me if I did the research on something - don’t remember what it was, either a medicine or the disease or whatever. Oh! It was whether or not lipase really correlates with pancreatitis or not in cats. I have heard from multiple vets that it doesn’t, and I also don’t think it does bc my Bella had elevated enzymes 10 years ago and never had any problems.

    But either way, I was like, no, you know what? It’s a lot of work, and I’m paying these vets THOUSANDS of dollars, so I’m not also gonna do the research for them. Let them do the background work and tell me the answers. I’m tired of searching the internet for information. It’s too much, it’s overwhelming. He has so many problems, I just wanna focus on keeping him comfortable and getting him to eat. Someone else can do all that work.

    As for the food, yes, I’ve been giving him different kinds of tuna stuff - regular tuna, tuna pate, flaked tuna. He ate 1/2 of the FF tuna pate and flaked tuna mix so far today, I think for dinner I’ll give him 1/2 canned tuna and see if he eats it and maybe finishes the FF by tomorrow.

    I also get him the FF Naturals treats, I got tuna flavors and variety pack. And I’ve got the Iams Indoor and Hairball control dry food kibbles spread out on his tray in case he wants to snack on those. He actually hasn’t really been eating those - but my other cats went nuts for it! I switched them to FF after we got frosty, so giving them that again must have been like kitty crack LOL. I’m not the only one with a (shopping) addiction problem haha
     
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  30. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Some of the big box pet supply stores have feeding syringes. As you noted, Chewy's is carrying all sorts of things these days.

    FWiW, potassium tastes nasty. The pills can cause a stomach upset - at least in humans so it's best to have food on board -- and the liquid version makes humans gag. I don't know about putting it in food. It could cause a food aversion.

    Any of the pills that you can stuff into a gel cap would be a good alternative. Capsuline has gelcaps for cats.

    Ummmm.... If you don't have the energy to do the research, also ask here. Someone is bound to have looked up the question. Or, there are geeks like me that have access to medical and veterinary libraries and who like to do the research!! (And lipase levels are irrelevant when it comes to cats and pancreatitis.)

     
  31. LizzieInTexas

    LizzieInTexas Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    It will take him a little while for the eating to return to normal. It will remain slow and tiny bits and pieces (at least that is my experience with Gizmo recovering from pancreatitis). You might get a few cans of Hills a/d. For some reason it is like chicken noodle soup for them. It is high in calories and only 6% carb. Your vet should sell it and if not have them give you a script for it and you can get it at Petco if they have a vet office at the location.

    Glad Frosty is home. :bighug:
     
  32. Bellasmom

    Bellasmom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 12, 2018
    I think confirm takes a little less blood, I have no problems with the prime
     
  33. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    Sending prayers. :bighug::bighug:
     
  34. Kelly and Buddy

    Kelly and Buddy Member

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    Jul 26, 2018
    The Prime doesn't take a lot of blood but, compared to the Confirm, it sure seemed like a significant difference to me. My neighbor is diabetic and has the ReliOn Prime so I borrowed it one day to compare to my Confirm. I had a hard time getting enough blood to get a reading compared to what I need on my Confirm. If your cat always has a nice big drop, you might not have issues. Buddy frequently has small drops and I didn't want to have to prick twice to get readings. Also, we took readings on my friend and my cat and found that the Prime read higher. Not sure if that means my meter reads low or the Prime reads high. At the end of the day, I think you have to pick a meter and look for patterns (with the assumption that there is definitely variation between meters) and that scares the heck out of me because I never feel overly confident in any of them.

    If I decide to get a second meter, I think I would buy the Alpha Trak and used the InsulinX strips that Beck and Grandpa mentioned above.
     
  35. Beck and Philly

    Beck and Philly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2018
    I picked up a couple cans of the dreaded glycobalance wet food from my vet when Grandpa was coming out of his latest flare. He went for it with gusto. I know there are lower carb options, but it got him eating within a range of what he's allowed again.
     
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  36. Carol in Chicago

    Carol in Chicago Member

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    Apr 5, 2017
    Frosty looks really great in the pictures. I'm so glad he is home!

    With challenges regarding food and medication, you might want to look at some online suppliers for vet / med supplies. I have used shopmedvet.com and revivalanimal.com for syringes. You will want to consider the overall size (so you don't have to use multiple smaller ones) and also the tip - what you and he would be most comfortable with. I have a routine need for 3ml and buy them in boxes of 100, but I understand you are looking for something larger. Your vet should have something you can try and if you like it buy in bulk.

    Depending on the use, I rinse and re-use until the lubrication fails (such that it is not smooth to operate). I sometimes add a bit of glycerin to the rubber portion to extend the life (again - depending on the use).

    Frosty is on my prayer list. Thanks for sharing this update. I hope he continues to do well.
     
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  37. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    Thanks, guys. Dan went out to get dog food, and brought back 2 35 ml feeding syringes, and even a pill syringe! The pill syringe totally didn't work and he spit out the pill at first, so I had to give it by hand, but the 35 ml syringes are gonna be great tomorrow for the renal K.

    He is not doing well this evening. He didn't eat anything for dinner, I gave him canned tuna and he didn't want it. After I gave him his meds, he went into our bedroom and laid down in the closet. He has NEVER ever hid before, and he rarely comes into our bedroom, and I didn't even know he knew where the closet is. Either he really is feeling crappy, or he is mad about the meds being shoved down his throat. :( my poor baby

    Later, he went downstairs and laid down in the kitchen. I gave him his Cerenia today because I Thought maybe he's nauseous? I poked around in his belly and he didn't seem to have pain, no guarding and belly is soft, so I am not sure if he is having pain. I am scared to give him any Buprenex because last time he ended up int he hospital after getting that, and didn't eat at all.

    I also only gave him 1/2 of his lasix this evening. I don't even know is 1/2 is a dose or not, but I think he might be getting too dehydrated. his belly is getting smaller, but he looks so dry otherwise - his scruff goes down really slowly if I pick it up. I just wanted to see if that will help. He got his normal dose this morning, and if it doesn't or his breathing becomes worse, I can always give him a full pill tomorrow (he's on 12.5 mg BID).

    Other than these 2 things, I don't know why he's doing crappy tonight. Dan said earlier this week "it's as if he's just given up." It really sucks. I wish I knew what was wrong so I could fix it. :'(
     
  38. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    It's always a good idea to have a back-up meter. The Relion Confirm is a good one. I used the Arkray Glucocard 01. The Walmart Confirm is actually Walmart's branding of the Arkray. You can find free meter deals on the Arkray Glucocard 01 with purchase of strips for it at ADW.

    I hope that Frosty will rally. Thinking of you and sending hugs and scritches,
     
  39. LizzieInTexas

    LizzieInTexas Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    I have used a tad of canola oil spray (like Pam but canola). Just a spritz and wipe the excess off with a paper towel.
     
  40. Shoeskitty-GA

    Shoeskitty-GA Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2016
    Sending hugs, vines and prayers Ana.
     
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  41. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

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    Nov 25, 2017
    C'mon Frosty. Pick up a bit please.
    You are so truly beautiful and Ana deeply loves you.

    Being dehydrated makes anyone feel rubbish and just plain yuk.
     
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  42. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    i know Sienne said potassium tastes bad but all my cats have taken it mixed in baby food without issues. I spread the 1/8 t out over several meals so maybe that’s why it worked well. And yes always put it in food or give the pills with food so it doesn’t upset the tummy.
     
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  43. Teresa & Buddy

    Teresa & Buddy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2017
    I always get appetite stimulants from the vet. Most of the time this works. I don't if there would be a reason Frosty could not take them. I always ask for them. Maybe the appetite stimulants could get him over the hump until his appetite picks up.
     
  44. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    You can get transdermal mirtazapine and from what I’ve seen on other groups works with potentially fewer side effects.

    You can also get gel caps on amazon. I like size 3 and 4. The smaller the number the BIGGER the capsule so I wouldn’t use any bigger unless for a very large cat. Always chase with food or water. Baby food was my chaser for gel caps if my cats weren’t eating as it’s dad to finger feed or syringe.
     
  45. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Frosty does look good in the pics. I hope he can pull thru this no-eating situation. We syringe-fed Leo last year before the small cell lymphoma diagnosis. We just fed fancy feast mixed as a gravy. It wasn't fun, but we got him thru a low eating spell.

    We also had a surgically implanted feeding tube for about a month. That was expensive but did help get him thru the spell. If you go that route, it needs daily maintenance and cleaning. Leo wouldn't stop messing with it.
     
  46. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    Thanks for the update Ana. Love the pic of Frosty peaking out the window.

    Royal Canin Recovery from the vet was my go-to for Neko, a great consistency for assist feeding and she liked it enough she would often eat it when nothing else would do. It is also lower carb than A/D. Sometimes just getting a little food in with assist feeding would prime the lump and she would eat the rest on her own.

    I too used postassium gluconate powder, the vet told me how much to use. It was a bit gritty and Neko didn't seem to be as fond of it in her food. I loved gel caps for meds. I got number 3 and 4 size from my local compounding pharmacy. The specialist vet gave me some number 5 for the Plavix, and I found the smaller size even bette,mesoexially since Neko had soft tissue growth in her throat. You can buy number 5's on Amazon, though plain, most of the others you can get neat flavour gel caps. Yummy bacon!

    Do ask the vet about alternative formats for meds, including compounding. My Vetmedin was a powder that I originally gave in home made chicken stock, but it seemed bitter, so it ended up in the heart meds gel cap along with the Plavix. I did get some meds compounded into liquids, which I found easier to give. Some can even be formulated into anchew treat. The Buster pill gun (Amazon) helped with things that could only be given as pill or for the gel cap.

    Hoping today is a better day. :bighug: I found it took a few days for Neko to adjust to each new/changed med added to the routine.
     

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