Oreo Joe and Bonnie He will be taken away for animal abuse

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Bonnie & Oreo Joe, Sep 17, 2018.

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  1. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Hi! I would like all of you to meet the new member that joined here, Ellen, the vet. Who in a fury says everything I said here was a lie and well on and on. She is no longer Oreo's vet and unless she hears by Wed that I have made an appointment or talked to a vet at the animal hospital and he has called back to affirm I have done so the animal abuse people will be called on Thursday and I will be reported for abusing Oreo Joe. That she doesn't care what Americans do I am in Sweden and that isn't going to change. I abused him by assist feeding for 3 months. I abuse him by letting him go on with high blood sugars ( can't be because she wouldn't allow me to give him enough insulin to change things though, I guess I just love torturing my dear little boy. If this Hospital can't or won't help by saying they actually raise the insulin until he is regulated then I will have to put Oreo Joe down. I don't know where I will go to have this done as I sure as heck am not going to pay her $150 to kill my cat. I will be back to tell you what happens. I am sure Ellen is sitting at home smiling and I wish her a good nights sleep.
     
  2. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Im so sorry you are faced with this. I hope the new vet has a different outlook and will help you. Maybe contact the RVC in London? They deal with acro cats and might talk to the vet about insulin dosing? I know some members here have emailed them and gotten info from them. @Wendy&Neko do you have contact info? Sending prayers for you and Oreo:bighug:
     
  3. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    I asked her to contact them and got the lecture that I need to accept what Sweden does. I could go to her with 1000 pages and she would say no. She said she could lose her license by helping me as much as she has. I want to know why no one told me about this law and that if they started to treat him and they thought it went on to long that he would be put down no matter what I thought. I know I wouldn't have spent $3000 on things he needed knowing if it didn't work out fast enough he was toast. I don't understand if they have bloodly laws about what is going to be done to my pet then they should have to have a law that a booklet explaining the laws to each new patient.
     
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  4. Coco’s Momma

    Coco’s Momma Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2018
    I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. You are simply doing what any responsible pet owner would do in advocating for your pet's health. Sending hugs!
     
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  5. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    I’m really sorry. It’s hard for me to understand their thinking. My cat was acro and received 18u BID. He was happy and enjoyed life, not miserable or abused. I truly hope the new vet is helpful. :bighug:
     
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  6. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    I am just heart sick and shocked reading this. I am so, so sorry. This is truly awful. Surely, many Swedes must feel as you do.
     
  7. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Such a shame that vet Ellen didn't have the guts to join under her own name (yes, we can member search by name here, and there is no newly-joined member with that name). I have some choice words for her attitude...but posting any of them publicly would doubtless get me banned from the forum for life. I will say that I'm pretty sure that internet stalking is against the law in Sweden - and joining a forum under an alias with the express purpose of stalking someone's actions and proposed actions would certainly class as internet stalking. Also such a shame that Sweden, a country that scores so highly on happiness for it's human citizens, treats its pets with such disdain. Such backwards refusal to treat appropriately for conditions that are very treatable. Causing suffering to humans and animals alike by refusal to treat appropriately and by then insisting on euthanasia when sub-optimal treatment fails (as it surely must). Bonnie, I'm so sorry that your choice of country of residence may cause the death of a cat that could very definitely be treated effectively - it's unfair, unjust and frankly cruel for a vet to deny sufficient insulin to control his glucose levels. If that is what the law states - in black and white - then the law is wrong. If, however, it is open to interpretation as to what defines suffering and appropriate treatment, then it is your vet who is very, very wrong.
     
  8. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Is there any way you can get a lawyer? I think many others must feel the same as you, and perhaps getting this horrible law overturned would be something an animal loving lawyer and politician would embrace. You would think (hope) Swedish veterinarians themselves would be animal loving, and try to get this law overturned. And then maybe you can get a 'stay' for Oreo Joe
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2018
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  9. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

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    Sep 12, 2018
    This is... I don't even have words for this it's so ridiculously unbelievable. I agree on the lawyer, or at least try to find one for a free consultation so that maybe they can fully go into the law and explain it in layman's terms rather than just hearing things from the vet. It COULD be possible she's exaggerating a lot - not lying, but hyping up the issue for her own benefit. Based on her attitude, from what you've described, how the vet comes across to you, it makes me a little suspicious for some reason but that's just me.

    Hugs and much love to you and your Oreo Joe!
     
  10. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Candy has a great point - you really need to know exactly what that law says - maybe your 'vet' has it all wrong
     
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  11. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    here's an animal rights organization in Sweden
    Here is the name of an animal rights lawyer in Sweden and a paper she wrote outlining animal laws in Sweden - any lawyers on the forum that could take a look at this one?
     
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  12. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    On one hand, I am glad you are getting the opportunity to talk to another vet, or I fervently hope so. Ellen the vet is woefully behind knowledge of current research and practises. There are acromegalic cats in Sweden, and we've have a member here who is a veterinarian and has an acromegalic cat. One in four diabetic cats has acromegaly, from multiple studies done around the world. Swedish cats don't live in a special bubble. Maybe certain Swedish vets knowledge is outdated. But I have seen the same elsewhere, sadly. It's unfortunate when those same vet's don't like to admit they could be wrong or need to brush up on the latest.

    By the way, I am Canadian. The dosing method I used, and many acro parents use here, was published in a vet technical journal by joint authors from Germany and Australia. That same dosing method safely got cats well over 20 units, some up to 85 units. Cause that's what they needed. Those cats came from the many countries, including the Americas, Europe, Australasia, Turkey.

    The contact for the diabetes remission clinic at RVC, which also has the acromegaly cat clinic is: fdrc@rvc.ac.uk. The main vet specialist there was born in the Netherlands and trained in Belgium, then Scotland before going to RVC. They have treated acrocats there from various countries in Europe, and were quick to answer my questions. I can point to published papers done by acro researchers in Japan and Argentina as well.

    My point in listing all these countries is that acromegaly is a world wide issue.

    Wishing you the best of luck.:bighug: Even across the thousands of kilometres of the Internet I can see how much you love your boy. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to assist feed as long as you did.
     
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  13. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I'm not a lawyer, but relatively skilled in reading legal documents. And there is plenty of evidence right here in this paper that states that providing appropriate medical care (which in this case would clearly be the provision of sufficient insulin to control Oreo Joe's glucose levels) is the primary concern, and that euthanasia should only be enforced when there is no effective treatment possible and no hope of recovery to a good quality of life to the extent that the animal is bound to suffer for whatever time would naturally remain to it. It also states that veterinarians are actually untrained in this and really rather bad at figuring it out and tend to simply put that there is little or no hope to cover their own backs when that actually isn't the case at all. The primary responsibility of both owner and veterinarian, according to the law, is to ensure that pets are given good and appropriate treatment until such point as there are no treatment options left and no possibility of recovery of quality of life. Which vet Ellen is clearly not doing by refusing to provide the insulin Oreo Joe needs, and by trying to enforce euthanasia instead of offering the correct treatment. The potential for an offense would occur if Bonnie had not taken Oreo Joe to a vet once he was clearly not doing well. Having taken him to a vet, and by fighting for what he needs, she is remaining completely within the law and is doing her very best to do what is required to prevent suffering. The vet, on the other hand, is not.
     
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  14. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Jan 14, 2015
    This quote from the document would appear to be the actual letter of the Swedish law "Veterinarians are also entitled to order animals to be euthanized when an animal is so badly wounded or sick that this is the only purposeful option. Euthanasia can be done regardless of the owner’s consent if the circumstances indicate that it would prove too timely to search for the legitimate owner."

    Now, neither of those applies in this case. There is effective treatment available, so Oreo Joe is not so badly wounded or sick that euthanasia is the only purposeful option - not by a long way. And the owner not only can be found, but Oreo Joe lives with his legal owner, so the "without consent" also does not apply.
     
  15. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2015
    I am reading and researching. I will post more as I research. Unfortunately, the document that was posted was a law review article from 2002. I am looking for updates to the law.
     
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  16. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2015
    I have located another attorney, Antoine F. Goetschel J.D., in Switzerland that is an international Animal Rights attorney. I contacted him and hope to hear back soon. This is despicable!
     
  17. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    @Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) it would appear that the most recent update is here http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/swe19544E.pdf

    The reasoning for taking an animal from the owner is still very clearly stated as being
    "The county administrative board shall decide that an animal shall be taken in charge by the police authority if: the animal is gratuitously subjected to suffering and nothing is done to remedy the situation despite a request to this effect by the control authority; a decision adopted pursuant to section 26, which is of significant relevance to animal welfare, is not complied with; a decision adopted pursuant to section 29 is not complied with; the person who has the animal in his care has been convicted of cruelty to animals pursuant to chapter 16, section 13, of the Penal Code; or the person who has the animal in his care has repeatedly been convicted of offences pursuant to sections 36 or 36 a or has repeatedly been the subject of decisions pursuant to section 26. Section 32 (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 31, point 1, concerning requests and remedies, the county administrative board, the control authority or the police authority shall decide that an animal which has been subjected to suffering shall be taken in charge forthwith, where: there is no prospect of the fault being remedied; the owner of the animal is unknown or cannot be found; or for any other cause this is considered absolutely necessary in the interests of animal welfare. (2)"

    Again, in this case there is every possibility of the fault being remedied. Oreo Joe is not being gratuitously subjected to suffering (apart from potentially by this "vet") and Bonnie is doing everything possible to remedy the situation.

    @Bonnie & Oreo Joe it would appear that what you need immediately (as this will put a stay on any order made) is to find just ONE vet in the entire of Sweden who agrees that high dose diabetes/IAA/Acromegaly can be treated successfully and without undue suffering. Start making those phone calls - every last vet in the country if that's what it takes!

    And "vet" Ellen, since we know you're reading. You misdiagnosed this cat. You incorrectly applied a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (which is incredibly rare as a primary condition in cats and should NEVER be assumed to be primary until all other options are exhausted) and treated for that instead of pursuing the underlying condition which was almost certain to exist simply because he's a cat. You cannot claim that to be a lie because you prescribed levothyroxine, which is only used for hypothyroidism. When you found out (apparently because the veterinarian board told you, not because you figured it out yourself), you wanted to euthanize - to attempt to cover your mistake, maybe? This cat suffered as a result of YOUR actions, while Bonnie has done everything in her power to obtain appropriate treatment - your incorrect diagnosis and your inappropriate treatment. If this were my cat, I would be pursuing costs for assisting in treating a situation that has quite possibly been made much worse by your mistake and where certainly this cat did suffer for some time as a direct result of the owner trusting you as a qualified veterinarian as you insisted she did. Trust that you still demand she places in you while you put limits on the amount of insulin you will permit her to give - limits that are so low for a high dose cat that you are still clearly attempting to force euthanasia over any sort of reasonable treatment attempt. There is no reason whatsoever for Bonnie to trust your opinion, nor to hold back on making it entirely clear to the authorities that the mistakes here were yours, while she attempted to obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment that worked by trusting you as you demanded. Treatment she is still entitled to pursue, since you continue to refuse it, in the best interests of her cat's welfare - very likely with another vet at this point.
     
  18. JeanW

    JeanW Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2017
    This just makes me heartsick. I'm so hopeful that someone here can locate a resource to help you and your kitthy.

    All my good thoughts and prayers for you both. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  19. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    .

    This ^
    Exactly this.
     
  20. Harley Baby & Michele

    Harley Baby & Michele Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    I can not add anything to the information above. I can only tell you my heart is breaking for you, Bonnie, and Oreo Joe. I truly hope for a good outcome in this situation. You sound like a wonderful, loving cat mama who is trying to do her best under difficult circumstances.

    I have MANY more words just burning to spew from my mouth but they can not be shared in polite company.

    To all Doctors of Veterinary Medicine: I, as a loving pet owner, hope you are frequently updating your medical knowledge, take refresher courses, read medical journals, speak with your colleagues about their experiences. Learn new Stuff!!! Science and Medicine are Constantly evolving and you need to keep up for the benefit of your pet patients and human clients. There is obviously a big problem in medicine when pet owners AND humans need to consult with lay people about a multitude of diseases in forums such as this. And lastly: If you are not capable of Compassion....Get the H*LL out of the medical profession.
     
  21. mammamia6673

    mammamia6673 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Hi. I´m new to this board... since I´m a vet in the south of sweden and was seeking more information about diabetes cats and my eyes fell on this beacause it was a discussion about vets in Sweden. I´ve been reading the posts about Oreo Joe because of this. Perhaps beacause I´m a vet myself I´m reading something else in between the lines here?? I see a vet in a smaller clinic who don´t usually deal with these kind of cases, who wants to refer the cat to a larger animalhospital with greater experiense (often specialists here). I see a owner with limited money. I see a vet that cares but don´t know the owner enough to be sure that he´ll get the care/treatment/tests that he need to get the best treatment for his illness. Being a vet myself I know there is always two sides here, and when for severel reasons the owner and the vet don´t see eye to eye it´s difficult. Several of you are blaming the vet- no compassion , get the hell out of medicine and so on. But what´s the owners responsibility? If you don´t take the tests that is essential for the right diagnosis...perhaps because you don´t have the money...how´s to blame...the vet that refuses the treatment the owner demands based on what?? How many times have you seen Ellen? How many times have she examined Oreo Joe? In my opinion if I was working in a smaller clinic and didn´t know the owner well enough I´do the same just to be sure that the cat got the care it deserves. I also know by experiense that sometimes the owner get so involved i treatment, medication and so on that they "forget" the animal and don´t see the slow deteriation of the animal and in some cases go beyond what is considered good care for the animal...

    As I say: there are always two sides of a story.. But I hope for Oreo Joe´s sake that he go this other vet, gets his tests done and perhaps another kind of treatment. Perhaps he´s in such poor condition that he deserves to go to sleep...In with case -All the luck to you and Oreo Joe
     
  22. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Would you? You'd treat for hypothyroidism based on a T4 reading in a cat with other conditions? You would refuse an effective insulin dose? Are all vets in Sweden unaware of euthyroid sick syndrome? And acromegaly? And the need for high insulin doses for these cats, which can control the glucose level very well indeed? Or are you, as I suspect, vet Ellen herself. Seems just a little suspicious that we suddenly get a vet in the south of Sweden on board who magically manages to find exactly this post about a Swedish cat out of our extremely few Swedish members.
     
  23. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Because of the very nature of this thread it has come to our attention and will be monitored closely. Please keep all dialog civil and treat each other with respect.
    Thank you.

    A few friendly reminders:

    Summary of Community Rules:

    The purpose of this community is to help people give their diabetic cats the best care possible. We also recognize that dealing with the illness of a beloved animal companion is often very stressful. Therefore, we follow these basic rules of behavior:
    • Be kind.
    • Be polite.
    • Inform yourself.
    • Never personally attack anyone.
    • Recognize that reasonable people can differ on many aspects of treatment.
    • Check your ego at the door.
     
  24. mammamia6673

    mammamia6673 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    I wasn´t refering to the treatment at all...

    I was saying that if I don´t have the neccessay knowlege I refer my patients to a hostpital that have a specialist - internal medicine/otrhopedics or whatever, If I´m not sure that the owner will go to this vet - I would make sure that the owner made a appontment by asking the vet to make me a call. And i f the owner don´t take the animal to this vet I would call the authorities to make sure that the cat get the treatment it deserves.

    And no I´m not Ellen , I don´t even know how she is or where she work... since I have a cat at my clinic that have been reading your pages (with diabetes) I thought I´d better read it myself .. she learned about this site from a swedish and danish board. I´d like to know what my owners refer to and sometimes I learn something new. I´m not perfect and I can´t do without improving my knowledge all the time


    I´m so sorry if my hunger for knowlege offended you...I was caught in this just because Sweden was mentioned. I was reading your posts and then I joined because I was going to ask you all in here about your experienses with diabetic cats. But now I have the feeling that you don´t want a vet here how wants to learn more... So don´t complaine about vets with less knowlege than you want if this is the welcome we gets...

    OVER AND OUT
     
  25. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    @mammamia6673 im glad you are here looking for information to help your patient. You’re right, there are two sides to every story, but all we have to go on is what we’ve heard from Bonnie, who seems to be a good cat mom and willing to treat Oreo Joe as needed with tests and insulin. I don’t know if you’ve read her past posts, but it seems that she will not be allowed to give her cat the amount of insulin he needs if that amount is over 10 u. Here we believe that a cat needs as much insulin as he needs and that amount is determined by home testing and slowly raising the dose in tiny .25 u amounts. Oreo was over 10 u and her vet told her she had to reduce the dose and not go back over 10 as she feels that over 10u can hurt his pancreas. Before the veterinary board got involved it sounded like Ellen was open to helping Bonnie get Oreo regulated, but once they chimed in it was over. We are just trying to help Bonnie find a way to keep her cat and help him have as healthy and long a life as he can. It doesn’t seem to me that a board of people that have never seen the cat or met the owner should have the right to judge the situation.
     
  26. Harley Baby & Michele

    Harley Baby & Michele Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    @mammamia6673 You say you are a Veterinarian in search of personal information for your practice, then I say Welcome! I am Thrilled and Overjoyed that you are here wishing to improve your knowledge and understanding of feline diabetes. I do hope you stick around as there is a ton of valuable information on this forum from people with first hand knowledge of feline diabetes. You will also find many references to professional documents such as: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...nagement-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats.195960/ in addition to personal experiences.
    I wish more Docs would visit this forum and ask questions and also contribute their expertise.

    Unfortunately, there is obviously a severe lack of communication, understanding, and knowledge between Docs and their clients as evidenced by:
    -the persistent instruction NOT to home test cats glucose. Sometimes for the bizarre reason that "you will make your kitty mad and he will hate you". Seriously?!
    -clients NOT given information on hypoglycemia as a side effect of insulin, signs/symptoms and how to treat it. Too many cats have died from hypoglycemia due to lack of knowledge. The clients are then brokenhearted and guilt ridden. Whose responsibility was it to give that info about hypoglycemia when first prescribing insulin?
    -the persistent push to feed Very Expensive, Prescription Dry Kibble with garbage ingredients such as soy, wheat, corn. This food is purportedly disease specific. You can easily research online the ingredient lists of "prescription diabetic kibble." Poor information is shared about less expensive alternatives in the form of canned food which is just as good and has a higher moisture content which cats apparently desperately need as they do not drink large quantities of water as dogs do. You can find on this site, information from a Veterinarian, who did a tremendous amount of research on feline nutrition.
    - veterinary care can be obscenely expensive. Not everyone is able to pay. In my opinion, docs should work with clients and offer recommendations within a clients budget. Such as: start cheap and non invasive. Work your way up in treatment as able, offer alternatives. For goodness sake TALK to your clients.
    I could go on but you get the idea.

    Also, I stand by my comment about Lack of Compassion and not working in the medical field. Medicine is a human to human connection, if anyone in any medical field can not relate then they really should not be in this profession.

    In regards specifically to Oreo Joe, yes, there are 2 sides to every story. We only have one side and it is heartbreaking. We all love our pets and only want what is best for them.

    I do hope you stick around @mammamia6673 I earn something new everyday! And really: Sweden, Mamma Mia. :cool:
     
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  27. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    GOOD NEWS: I called the animal hospital and it is $140 to walk in the door. I would see one of the residents or whatever they are called and then after a work up and tests I would have to go back to see the senior vet. I said I would call them back. This is a grueling trip of 3 hours one way, with a cat that needs water and food often and of course pees. I will need dozens of soaking pads and things to clean him up with every little while. The thought of the long drive. I have been told I am never to go in the car that far. But I am going. Roger can't drive and clean and feed Oreo. I started calling vets around the area and all said they wouldn't treat him because they didn't know about diabetic cats and esp not acro. Then I found one who had worked with my clinic and left with a bad taste in his mouth. He said he really didn't know how to treat acro BUT he understood the cost and even more so the hardship the long drive would be. So he is going to study up and we will go to the animal hospital but we will see a senior vet and have all done at one time. Then he will take instructions from the hospital but we will see only him and not need this horrid trip again. He also took the link on the RVC. I love the man already. The first senior vet opening is October 10th but I have 1 vial of insulin ( will change to Levemir after the hospital visit). I can increase the insulin slowly so when he begins real treatment I don't have to start over again.
    Sorry the southern vet doesn't believe me but she may be Ellen for all I know. It doesn't matter in the end my friends here know that I am a good mom and God knows that I don't lie. I can come here and get support and my new vet should be great. If it all doesn't work out, at least I will know that I did my very best and I fought for our little boy. Let's hear a cheer for trying to save a life. Oreo is not acting sick, I could hear purring and I looked and looked and found him in the window sill in the sun just acting like he was king of the hill. lol He woke me up 2 times last night for a cuddle. He just wants a few scratches and a hug and he is off to watch the world outside. His coat looks nice, he is clean. He poops and pees as he should and he talks to me all the time. Thank you everyone for being so supportive and for helping me with the law. It just felt so wrong with what she was telling me about Oreo but I have talked to others in Sweden who secretly treat their cats, not diabetic or dependent on a medication and their cats are living good lives.
     
  28. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Bonnie this is such good news. It sounds like a great new day for you and Oreo I'm very happy for you
     
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  29. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Hurray!!!! Bonnie I’m so glad to hear this!!! Please do keep us updated. I’m so glad you’ve found a vet who is supportive and is willing to work with you to help Oreo!
     
  30. JeanW

    JeanW Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2017
    This is really excellent wonderful news!!!!! Please keep us updated. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  31. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Aug 16, 2015
  32. Becky & Baby Girl GA

    Becky & Baby Girl GA Well-Known Member

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    Sep 15, 2017
    I have been checking in on your story. I am so sorry for the non treatment. I am so happy that this new vet is open to learning & helping you. He’s a hero & I’m hoping that all will work out. Bless you & keep us posted please! :bighug: :bighug: :cat:
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2018
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  33. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    Mamma Mia - we do have vets here. One that has a high dose cat and came here for advice and received not only the advice but support she needed.

    In turn her perspective is eye opening.
     
  34. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    @Bonnie & Oreo Joe - I am glad to read that you found someone that is willing to work with you on the health of Joe. It is a ways away but I am going to send vines for Joe to continue on in the meantime and for safe travels.
     
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  35. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    This are great news!! I hope everything goes right with this new vet it already sounds promising.

    Sending you lots and lots of :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    But just in case I would still try and get a talk with some lawyer that can help you and back you up
     
  36. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    Check our supply closet for insulin should you feel like you could run out.
     
  37. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
  38. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 9, 2015
    I'm so thankful to read the updates! I will keep following. I have been kind of a ghost here since Shiloh passed, but something told me to check last night. I'm so glad I did.:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  39. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Thank you to all of you. As in the past, so many years ago when I found this group, I have found , once again love, rock solid advice from years of collective knowledge, and all the support and research given to me with wide open arms. I will keep everyone updated and then be back for help in the levemir board. Depending on how my boy I hope to be around here for many years. The least he can do after this, near international incident, is live a few more years. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  40. Candy&Company

    Candy&Company Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    KEEP FIGHTING. Manxcat419 is totally right, as I've gone through the law myself - not a lawyer but in the same vein as the OP and I agree. You've got this Bonnie, you've got this. I'm sure you have an EXCELLENT record of Oreo Joe's records - keep those, consider them sacrosanct - keep everything, document everything, and in the future every time you're on the phone write down the number you called, the person you spoke to, their job title (tech/assistant/etc) the time - keep EVERYTHING.

    From here on out especially, KEEP EVERYTHING. Vet Ellen is an idiot - if she's reading this right now, *waves with a special finger*- hello! Lord I hope I don't get banned but I won't apologize. Keep on keeping on Bonnie, you and the new vet do all you can for Oreo Joe - god love you, him and your family! :bighug:
     
  41. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Like everyone else here, I am so pleased that this is now going in the right direction. I read the first few posts 24 hours ago, yesterday morning UK breakfast time, almost in shock, and it was on my mind all day. I felt I wanted to post but my fingers didn't know how to express what I wanted to say. I've been a member of FDMB for 11 years and have seen the occasional thread that has left me stunned, but this one left me speechless. A heartbreaking story, strong support and advice from other members, a Swedish vet who calls herself an Abba song title and seems to want to learn about FD but is quickly offended and quits the board... the whole thing is like some quirky tv drama.

    My Tom was an acrocat in the days before much research had been done. I and a few other FDMB members in the US and UK formed a tight little group to support each other, but vets didn't seem to know much and it was very early days for the RVC programme so we mostly struggled on alone. That was a long time ago and so much has been learnt since then. I'm very glad that more is being done for these special kitties now.

    Bonnie, I wish you and Oreo Joe all the very very best.

    Diana
     
  42. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    I think it was mentioned before but Bonnie said meds are stopped at customs and are confiscated.
     
    Bonnie & Oreo Joe likes this.
  43. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Great news. I know reading through all your posts, I was just livid with your treatment or lack of by vet Ellen. She would have to put me down before I would let her put my kitties (unless seriously ill) down. I would go into hiding with them.I

    Should Ellen be reading. My Olive is an Acro cat. Currently in 8.85 units (yes you can give that amount using calipers to figure out the measurements). Has been as high as 9 units. In terms of Acro She is a low dose Acro. She also has an abdominal mass and HCM. Is she suffering NOT AT ALL!!!!!! Her age is estimated at 10+ years. She was found in a dumpster in -30 degree. weather. That's just neglect by previous owner. I've had to go against my vet to get a different insulin because what she was on stings at higher dose. Should that be a death sentence? Feeding her non Rx food that is to high in carbs be a death sentence? Should I not give her Gabapentin when the tumor has an activity spurt and put her down instead? The difference Is my vet is willing to work with me and learn what she needs. He doesn't say my way or else. He knows all animals do not necessarily follow what Is in the manual. They are individuals and MUST be treated as such.

    Is she suffering? Don't tell her, she doesn't know. She jumps on the furniture, sits in the windows, purrs up a storm, eats like a horse if I let her. Plays with her catnip toys, bats a ball around.

    The second I see her suffering I will be the first person to make the call quicker than you can blink and take her in and see her on her final journey. Don't doubt that for a nano second.
     
  44. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    No one would know there is meds inside the package that is sent. I get my Lantus through Alan in the supply closet and his package would cause any suspicion of meds inside.
     
  45. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    AMEN, Bobbie, a heartfelt AMEN !!! We are a force to be reckoned with !!!
     
    Veronica & Babu-chiri likes this.
  46. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Alan is in the States so customs isn't an issue. This is Sweden, it's an issue. You have to put contents on custom forms for overseas. I guess you could put anything though but if marked perishable or keep cold they will question it. It could also take 2+ weeks to get there.
     
  47. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    oh, yeah, I forgot about how long it could take, but freezing is the issue. . If the temp is above freezing then not an issue. And with an acro cat, the pen will be used much more quickly so even if lack of refrigeration was compromising the insulin, it will likely be used up long before 28 days as if it were not refrigerated that long. It doesn't have to be marked keep cold. The temps now there are around 65 degrees......

    Maybe not the best scenario, but if she can't get an RX for more insulin prior to the appointment, it's a possibility.
     
  48. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Bobbie - sounds like the bigger issue is customs.
     
  49. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    She's still a member and posted another question here

    I hope she stays and opens her mind to all the new research and ways of treating these kitties!!
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  50. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    There shouldn't be any reason to open the package that is from a private citizen......JMHO.
     
  51. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    I agree with you. But we U.S. people have to fill a form declaring what's in it. I guess sender could lie. My understanding is that Sweden doesn't allow meds in from the US. I don't know if that's true.
     
  52. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Good! Her earlier message saying "over and out" implied that she wasn't hanging around but yes, I hope she stays and expands her knowledge for the benefit of all FD kitties in her practice.
     
  53. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    I am starting a full vial of ProZinc today. I am again raising the dose ½ U every 5th shot. This is what I was told to do here before. Anybody say it is to fast? He was on 11½ and 1 shot 12U when it was stopped "because he was not diabetic and she would eat her words if he was". I have him to 6½ this AM. I wish I could just pop up to 10 and go from there. He was still running really high at 11½. I am pretty sure our new vet will order another insulin. If he has to I will ask for Levemir otherwise at the hospital I will ask for it. I am going to start the study on it as I know the dose will be changed. I hope I don't have to start from scratch again. Anyone know?? I hate him being so high. Thanks :bighug:
     
  54. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    No medications are allowed into Sweden that would be prescription here. Some non prescription also. Plus they open them to check that the price listed is for real and then tax about ½ of what the item cost. Say I ask you to send me something that is allowed. I send you 25 dollars to buy it. I then send you the postage you need probably 25 and up. 1 pound weight is over 30 last time. The the pkg is opened and I get to pay $12 for Swedish taxes because it was available here and I didn't have to order it from America. But the reason I ordered it was because I can't get it here!! lol
     
    PussCatPrince - GA likes this.
  55. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    Oh my! Nothing gets past them! And you are taxed too. Yikes! Well, so much for my idea of the supply closet.......
     
  56. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    I am so relieved that quality help has been found for you and oreo joe.
    Maybe but it would and has happened here in NZ. Customs and also bio. It doesn't matter the declaration. They willopen and delay if they feel a need.
     
  57. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    I agree but for example here (Mexico) customs can open and will open any package that arrives, is totally legal there's no such thing as a private package and they will not allow the delivery if they determine is something you require a special permit to get, special permits take beteween 10 to 45 working days if you get it and you need to have it before 5 usually so you lose the goods and the money of the delivery, so I figure in Sweden must be like that.
     
    Bobbie And Bubba likes this.
  58. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    It happens all the time in all countries, Bobbie - it doesn't matter that it is from a private citizen -those are probably more likely to be inspected vs commercial shipments
     
  59. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    If you do start Levemir, you don't have to go back to the beginning again. We do take the dose of the previous insulin into consideration. When the time gets closer, post in the Lantus/Levemir forum and we will help you with dosing the Lev.
     
    Veronica & Babu-chiri likes this.
  60. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Great. He is so high today I could cry. 355 had not eaten for 2 hours before test. 6½ U is like sprinkling water on his head and saying it will work just as good as insulin. So sad for Oreo Joe. I went through this for an extra month. I would like to think that within the month I was going down in insulin that had I been allowed to go up he would be at least in the yellow numbers.
     
  61. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    The unfortunately thing about going down in dose is that their bodies get used to higher numbers as normal. Glucose toxicity can develop.
     
  62. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Thanks I am reading up on the link you sent. I want to walk into that hospital and at least know what the doctor is talking about. I also want to ask if she thinks he has hyperglycemia. He has been on low doses since mid august. I keep thinking that there of course was a mistake made and it is easier to PTS rather than try and fix it and get caught. I am getting a note book and writing down everything we talk about and I will have a page of my questions. I do hope this hospital is aggressive. Thank you!!
    Oh No ketones. I went to check his box and there was a puddle on top of the litter. I don't catch it often but at least with these nasty red colors showing up it is good to know.
     
    Veronica & Babu-chiri likes this.
  63. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Bonnie you are doing great keeping it all together. Tomorrow you can increase so thats good. Can you get a blood ketone meter there? It shows up faster in the blood, you don't have to wait for Oreo to pee, you use it just like the glucose meter. Strips are very expensive though. You only get 10 strips in a box. But you can test every other day or so as long as it's low. Once the glucose is down you can just test when Oreo is sick of not acting right. I go for months not using it but right now because Olive isn't eating well and is off, I'm testing daily.
     
  64. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    I might be able to buy one but this next hospital appointment will be way over 1000$ and then there won't even be money for the new insulin and new syringes. Not sure how that will work out. Maybe the pharmacy will let me pay slowly.
     
  65. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Well one thing at a time. At least your using the dip stiks. Would customs allow one to be sent?
     
  66. Bonnie & Oreo Joe

    Bonnie & Oreo Joe Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    yes but I won't have the money for it and postage is horrid. Also not sure there are test strips available. But we go to the hospital Oct 10th hopefully things will move along. Read my new post.
     
  67. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    On man. If authorities do come, tell them you have an appointment but they can't see you until the 10th.

    Remove her permission to view your spreadsheet. Or remove sharing if you have to. If you have everything documented, call one of those legal animal/pet firms someone mentioned.
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  68. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Ugh Bonnie! I’m sorry this is happening again. Maybe get some video of Oreo eating and acting normal in case he just lays there for the new vet or the authorities (one of my cats reacts to vet visits that way too)
     
  69. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
  70. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2016
    The other side of the story is that if Joe is taken away what would constitute "better or more appropriate treatment?"
    You've probably already thought of this but keeping detailed notes on all this and getting all of Joe's previous medical records may help. Maybe even character references from past vets.
    This may not be legal but if Ellen's emotions are swaying her judgement you should think about recording your conversations with her. If she has a history of poor decision making the College of Veterinarians may make this available to you. You may also be able to search for civil cases in which she is involved.
    Does Ellen know you are a member of FDMB? She may have joined under a pseudonym so we all need to be careful about what we say and how our intent could be interpreted. This is why I prefer cats and dogs to the world of law.
    Sometimes publicity does more harm than good but a good story in the media may help. A tearful photo, the devoted owner, a sad story are all part of the game. I don't use the word "game" lightly but having people on your side can't hurt. Find out first how a "foreign cat" and a U.S. citizen would play out. Having coffee with a reporter without giving away too many details couldn't hurt but be extremely careful with your words. That's all I've got.
    Good luck Joe. :bighug: :)
     
  71. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    A friendly reminder to all...
    Most of the forums on the FDMB are public forums. One does not have to be a member to view discussions/remarks in these public forums. Anything posted in a public forum is viewable to anyone with Internet access at any time.

    Edited to add: To access private forums on the FDMB, all one needs is a valid email address to register to become a member of the FDMB.


    Just sayin'...
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2018
    Reason for edit: self-explanatory
    Wendy&Neko likes this.
  72. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    Bonnie I do think that you need to speak to a lawyer about all this so that they give you legal advice on how best to proceed, who to talk to what documents you need to have at hand, put together a file with any documents the vet Ellen and any previous vets may have given you, one never knows what can come in handy.

    The video of how he's acting right now and his bed toys, etc, is a great idea because that way they can see he's fine and well taken care of, make sure you activate the date and time stamp on the camera so that they can see is how he's right now.
     
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