11/2 Luna - DKA recovery, Update 7:30 PM ET

Just got back from visiting Luna. Her electrolytes are holding in the normal range after having her supplements reduced. I believe they even stopped some of them this morning. They're going do another electrolytes test today to see if the food is enough and they can stop supplementing completely.

They upped her food from 12ml to 24ml and she's still handling it well. She was licking my wife's hand this morning while we were doing the feeding tube, so we tried to feed her regular food. She sniffed around and seemed a little interested, but she started licking her lips a bunch so we backed off. Not quite ready yet, but she's starting to display normal behaviors. Even attempted some brief grooming yesterday.

The lingering concern now is the red blood cell count. It's still gradually falling, but the vet says it's not at the transfusion threshold yet. The critical care specialist our doctor is consulting with recommended doing another ultrasound to see if there's any internal bleeding that was missed. The baby blood cells are still present and the vet said it's usually 2-3 days before they mature and get the RBC count to rise, so it's still possible it will self correct.

Going back tonight to be visit before she settles in for the night. Hoping for some good rest results.

 

Dan -

Great news about Luna's labs!!

How about trying baby food? If you want to give it a go, you want Stage 2 -- it's broth and a protein only (no veggies). It's not nutritionally complete but Luna's getting food through the tube. Most cats really like baby food.

 

It’s been many years since we’ve dealt with anemia in a cat, but from what I remember there was a difference between not producing the “baby” cells and producing them but them not surviving to maturation... But we got erythropoietin injections for our boy to get his RBC levels up. I thought it was just like yours, where they *were* being produced, but there weren’t enough maturing.

Anyway, you could always ask them about erythropoietin to see if that is applicable to Luna’s situation. It may or may not, I just don’t remember as much as I once knew about it.

She’s doing great, I’m so happy to see her still making progress!

 

They mentioned that, but the specialist recommended a blood transfusion first before trying the injection if it comes to that. I'm not sure exactly why but our doctors agreed.

And I think why our doctors are hopeful they'll start to see the RBC count increase is before erythrocytes weren't being detected or not a significant amount anyway. They just started appearing again yesterday, so I don't think it's a matter of them not being able to mature. They just weren't around... that's how I understood it anyway.

 

I'll ask them if we can try. I think she's coming around to the idea of food since she's licking and grooming. She wouldn't even open her mouth before.

 

Licking lips can be a sign of nausea. Have they given her anything for nausea?

 

Yeah, that's what they told us. Said it could last a while. She's been on anti-nausea medicine since being admitted. The techs have seen her sniff around her food and she seems almost interested when we try to feed her. We're hoping as she continues to get food in her through the feeding tube, some of that nausea will go away. She handles the tube fine with little reaction, so it might be a psychological thing. Thinks food is going to make her feel bad...not sure if cats think like that, but she's getting pretty decent sized meals now so it's nothing stomach related.

 

They can develop food aversion I think. If a food/flavor makes them sick, vomit they will shy away from it.

 

Continued healing vines coming your way! Thanks for all the updates. Thrilled to hear things are still headed in the right direction for our little hero Luna!

 

Yes, cats that have experienced pancreatitis definitely will react to food if they have experienced pain or nausea after eating it.

My T also learned that eating small, frequent meals was important in order to avoid issues. So, there is no timing meals at our house . He has food available to eat when/if he wants to eat. It is important not to rush the process of eating (especially if you have a feeding tube) so that when they do finally eat, hopefully, they do not have pain or nausea. Too soon & you go backwards & then they often will not touch what it was that made them feel lousy when it’s time to try again. Also, be prepared to have some different smelling options just in case the first try does not go well. If it’s far enough off from the one that made them feel bad, they will often try it.

Continued thoughts & healing energy being sent

 

Sounds like she is continuing to make progress.
Sending Red blood cell vines

 

Sending more prayers.

 

The last puzzle piece is falling into place. Didn't get to speak to the vet, but the red blood cells went from 14% to 18% in a few hours. And she was washing herself and licking our hands while we were there. Things are starting to look good. I hope she continues to make progress tonight and we get a good report in the morning

 

Thanks for the continued updates, Dan! I'm so glad to hear about the latest progress. You are such a stellar CG for Luna.

 

Outstanding !!!! Bring on the red blood cells. It’s such a great sign that’s she’s taking a bath & licking you guys ! So happy that she’s gaining more and more traction! You all are amazing & inspirational with the level of tenacity & perseverance you have shown through some very trying times!!

As always, more prayers & positive energy for continued healing being sent your way

 

Cheering Luna girl on from Texas!

That is wonderful news.

Gizmo was on Epogen for anemia. It worked great for him. I am curious why they prefer to go with the transfusion vs. ESA's.

All about anemia and treatments if you are interested
http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm

 

Great update.

 

So happy to see Luna is improving more each day. Sending for Luna along with healing vines.

 

Oh Dan that is such wonderful news about the red blood cells , and so happy about her licking your hands and washing herself. Continued prayers for a very good update for tomorrow morning. I keep looking at her avatar , that cute little face peeking around her cat scratcher, she is too adorable

 

Great news!
Sending super strong red blood cell multiplication vines Lunas way.

Regarding cats and food aversions, they can and do develop them, sometimes one bad experience is all it takes