? 3.22 Rufus AMPS 109, +4 106 (AT2) otj trial

Decent number to start the day. Rufus ate almost all of his breakfast. We are going to the IM specialist today for follow up on Rufus' belly. Not sure what to expect. Possible IBD/lymphoma, she doesn't think it's cancer and isn't too concerned with the whole thing because of his food allergies. I on the other am freaking out and want to know what it is, but I don't want to pay(!) and put him through the procedure. I think that she thinks he doesn't need anything done right now, but I'd like to be proavtive. I'll also be bringing up the constipation issue and see if it has to do with where he is inflammed causing issues.

Anyways, I hope to get some answers and comfort knowing what is going on. He's been acting really great the last week, yesterday was on off day, but seems good today. Poor dude is constantly licking and gnawing at himself. Feel so bad for him.

Hope everyone has a good day

last condo

 

Many vetty vines for today. I can be like you in that I drive myself crazy with needing an answer....sometimes, though, it's not possible to get a solid one. Hard to accept, I know...it was something I learned but was never happy with while my Dad was battling cancer.

The fact that Rufus has been acting really great for the most part is a huge thing, even though yesterday was a bit off. It's hard to remember that we all do have off days, just "because". We become so aware of every little nuance with our FD kitties that it can make us a little sensitive, sometimes to our own detriment. Hopefully you can get some good direction today.

 

Thank you Amy! I guess my main concern is do we go ahead a do a biopsy. She doesn't think we need to, but I'd feel terrible if we didn't and it ended up that he needed meds for whatever is going on and we aren't treating him. Like I said, just want to be proactive. I should have wrote his demeanor and routines have been back and great, it's the food part that still needs help! It's hard to know when to stop pushing for answers. I still have guilt from him getting diabetes, and now feeling guilty for not getting him on a novel protein earlier, when I had a chance to get him to actually eat one. Thanks again for the vines and stopping in

 

I would ask her as many questions as you think are necessary - it's her job to answer them. If she doesn't think a biopsy is necessary, then I would try to trust her on that, since she is an IM specialist, she really should have good knowledge on that. If you're not comfortable with her answers, then of course you can try to get another opinion. Biopsies can be a tough procedure (not to scare you, but this time last year we lost one of our kitties because he didn't recover from a biopsy - so admittedly I'm a little gunshy), so I wouldn't want to do one unless it was really deemed necessary. With that said, of course many others have had successful results from biopsies.

There is no need to feel guilty. You have done a lot to try and help Rufus - way more than most people would do for their pets. It's hard and frustrating since they can't actually talk, so all we do is our best.

 

Vetty vines for Rufus, I hope you get some reassurance if not answers. Hope you figure out something to stop all the itching. Glad he is acting happy, that is the most important thing for sure!

 

I've got about 20 questions written down already! I'm so sorry you lost a kitty from the procedure. I'm worried about it be tough on Rufus too. Don't need added complications.

 

Thanks Stacy! I'd love some reasuurace for sure, just to know we are on the right track. So many questions for her today! Going to get my moneys worth

 

Well, I guess we are going to try Atopica and keep Rufus on a single protein. Endoscopy is about $2000 and she doesn't think we are quite there yet. Just hope we are making right decision.

 

Oh and vet wants me to stop giving insulin. How high would you let the numbers get before putting them back on? 170 highest acceptable?

 

Why did she say you should stop insulin? I’d be iffy on doing that just yet, but you never know. In general we do like to taper insulin down rather than abruptly stopping...that way you can catch it quickly if he’s not ready to go OTJ. If you do stop, I would still continue with regular testing for awhile so you can spot trends. And you know that Rufus is carb-sensitive so things like treats and dry could easily skyrocket his BGs. You will need to be extra vigilant with his food if you try going OTJ.