Cement Paws, looking for ideas

Backstory...So, we have a 10 year old cat, diabetic and pancreatitis. He's not cleaning his back paws anymore at all - in fact, I don't see him clean himself at all, in general. He's one of two diabetic cats, brothers and his brother is doing really well. Anyways, we've tested, curved, etc. and as the diabetes goes - he's fine. The pancreatitis...that's the real problem at the moment and his prognosis isn't great.

I am currently using organic, chemical free, all natural baby wipes to clean his back paws daily, which helps with the cement feet.

I'm just wondering if anyone has had luck getting their paws cleaner by another method? At this point, I am not sure that there is one, but hey - this crew has a lot of info and experience to share, so I thought I'd ask.

Also, there isn't much in the way of treating pancreatitis, and the vet wants him on and off meds to manage it (which really hasn't been working well either) - anyone have home remedies, vitamins or other support ideas? I honestly think our sweet guy just isn't meant to be much longer for this world...but I want to do what I can to make his time here as good as possible.

Fur babies...wish they could just tell us what's going on...

 

I've suggested plain Kefir for loose stools but it's also good for overall kitty health. It'll boost his immunity and make his digestive track nice and stable. I suggest plain Lifeway Kefir available at any grocery store near the yogurt section. See if he'll lick it off a spoon, if not mix a few drops to his food or give it to him using a dropper once a day. I think it'll really help to boost his immunity.

 

I assume the cement paws are from wet clay litter. If so, you may want to consider changing litters. I use Okocat natural wood clumping litter and love it. My sister's cat had issues with hardened clay litter being on his backside (crazy boy likes to sit down on the litter to pee) until she also changed to Okocat.

 

What do you mean by on and off meds?

I had to soak Olive's feet a few times to get the caked on litter off. Used a fine comb to try to comb it out but that didn't work. I use my fingers to manipulate what I can out. There was hard large clumps of dried litter between her pads when she arrived. Still don't have it all out yet. But she isn't walking on those cement clumps anymore. Also have to trim the long fur from the bottom of her feet.

 

I totally had that problem with Gretchen. It was awful. I’ve been using Clump and Seal Lightweight and it does not happen anymore. At all. The regular...cement paws. But the Lightweight...relief.

 

Pancreatitis isn't an everyday med treatable disease/illness...when he's on the downswing it's to the vet and usually antibiotics, anti-nausea and steroid for a bit. There's not much else you can do for pancreatitis and we all caught it late.

I tried soaking Barney's feet...not good, he freaked out and bit me which he's never done. He's okay with the wipes but no washcloths either...he's weird!?!

I'll look into other litters too...

 

I’ve never heard of that problem, didn’t know it got stuck to their feet, never had that problem, now I’m not saying some doesn’t come off their feet onto floor when they get out of litter box, I use dr elseys cat litter

 

I have to trim hair to, I think it’s called tuff not sure on spelling

 

I did this too when she was getting that. The litter I mentioned above made it go away. I know it’s not an all natural litter...but it’s litter lol, I hate to think what outdoor cats dig through to poo!

 

Mine isn’t all natural either but it’s really good and I think it last longer that some store bought litters

 

My Smokey had chronic p'titis. You treat symptoms yes, but sometimes you are treating daily for weeks. Smokey got cerenia and bupre daily. Over time we were able to decrease amounts to a maintenance dose. It was decided by IM and vet he needed them daily for life (long story). Anytime we tried stopping he would have another flare and it would take longer to treat. Luckily he was a good eater throughout them. But could always tell when he need a bit more bupre or cerenia for a day or two every once in awhile.

 

I found this for you

Helpful Supplements and Natural Treatment for Pancreatitis
Digestive enzymes are extremely important for animals with pancreatitis, as are probiotics. When the pancreas is inflamed, its ability to produce digestive enzymes — and get them to the right place — is compromised. They must therefore be supplemented for proper digestion.

Antioxidants support a healthy inflammation response, and also support the healing process. Essential Fatty Acids may be useful in the later stages of healing, but because animals with pancreatitis may be hyper-sensitive to any fat, be sure to okay it with your veterinarian.

The liver can damaged by pancreatitis when digestive enzymes seep into it. Additionally, the sensitive liver is like a canary in a coal mine; it is highly reactive to many drugs and disease conditions, and to the toxins released due to inflammation. Liver-supporting herbs that support a healthy inflammation response such as milk thistle, ginger, and turmeric may be useful for supporting animals dealing with pancreatitis.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy may also be helpful for the pain and nausea associated with the disease.

Vaccinations should be minimized or avoided for any animal with a history of pancreatitis. Future diet changes, especially to lower-fat diets, should be made very gradually and carefully to avoid a recurrence.

 

I use Okocat, too. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best litter I have ever used! Long-lasting, low/no dust, controls odors, clumps nicely, and doesn't track bits all thru the house - can't beat it.

 

My Charlie had chronic pancreatitis as well and I'm with Paula on this -- long-term maintenance meds were critical just to hold him steady.

Charlie was on famotidine (Pepcid a/c), buprenex, and subq fluids every day for the rest of his life after his CP diagnosis. It made a big difference. The internal medicine specialists at the university vet school tried two different steroids for Charlie's IBD but both triggered diabetes so they were stopped. The goal was to hold things at a dull roar rather than get on the roller coaster ride of pancreatitis flares and we became pretty successful at managing that as long as we didn't skip his meds.

ETA: Charlie has been gone for awhile now and different acid reducers might be recommended these days.

 

Thank you all for the kind responses and suggestions. I'll just keep at his paws, really what I'm seeing is it's just one paw that he's not lifting enough upon exit so yeah, clay clump mess. Maybe try a different litter. It's a challenge having the diabetes and pancreatitis. Barney was my fluffiest, sweetest baby cat and it's really difficult to see him unwell. An extra thanks to the pancreatitis responses too, it's good to hear that maintenance is possible.

 

And the update is...

I came here today to update and thank all the folks here for their help last week. Barney isn't doing very well. He took a bad turn this week and we went to the vet yesterday (thank goodness my husband made that appointment!) by the time we arrived he was so sick he didn't even lift his little head.

Our vet ran bloodwork, skipped the pancreatitis blood test and ultrasound (age, illness, etc.) but started a regimen for the pancreatitis; also took x-rays because she felt an obstruction and was concerned it was a tumor (nothing but a little constipation in an unusual place in his bowels.) He's on an antibiotic (just in case,) cerenia and bupe for 3 days. We have to re-evaluate on Friday this week to determine if our only other option is palliative care. Even though our guy is still eating and drinking water - he's skin and bones with muscle wasting. We are feeding him the prescription DM food from the vet, just to see if it helps.

The vet was honest and doesn't know what else is going on, he's got low thyroid and his red/white blood counts are off again (have been for at least 6 months) and his blood glucose is skyrocketing at the moment. Poor guy is a mess...

Please keep us in your thoughts...

 

Did the vet test his blood for ketones. Was there any mention of diabetic ketoacidosis?

 

@Genlilliana

Does your cat have diabetes? Have you tried feeding small amounts of raw or cooked chicken?

 

The vet did check for those - they are very low. She feels that it's likely due to how ill he is at the moment...but she's not sure. They weren't high enough at the low level to be overly concerned about at the moment. But yes, she did check them.

 

He is also diabetic and he's on the DM food now. I have absolutely no time to start making food for the pets but I appreciate the suggestion. Barney has been eating all along so no worries on the food front and with his muscle wasting - no type of food will make much of a difference at this moment in time. He's just got too much going on with bad health at the moment. Just hoping we can get it managed or figure out what's best for him.

 

Impaired kidneys can be associated with muscle loss. Has kidney function been assessed?

 

I am sorry that he is not doing well.