7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes (Update)

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Actually, we both could use some snowflakes...
Doodle is not doing well - and frankly, neither am I.
I'm tired and worried and weepy... and I'm not all together sure I'm making the best decisions in regards to his care.
I spent the day yesterday getting x-rays and an MRI on my head and back (ongoing medical stuff) only to return home to Doodle with a very not normal jerking of his head.
He was breathing really fast and I was a bit freaked out... so off to the vet we went.
He did it again at the vets and they did bloodwork and checked his BP and eyes and took an xray (I think of his head ) and said that his BP and heartrate was elevated, his sodium was high, and his potassium was low again but there was no other obvious problem. She said sometimes you just don't know the cause... and though he hadn't done this before, she suspected it was related to his "ongoing imbalances"
She said they could keep him overnight and give him fluids and potassium and some nutritional support, but that no one would be there to monitor him so I just couldn't let him stay. I could have taken him back today, but after discussing it with the vet we both agreed that unless something changed he would be right back in this situation again in a few days. The only thing good that came out of this, is that the vet finally agreed that it was time to try Spironolactone to see if we could take the aldosterone and potassium problems out of the equation. (and perhaps even help the hypertension)
He had his first dose this evening and I will take him back for more tests next week to see if it helps.

He's still not eating much and he hasn't moved around much all day yesterday and today - except to vomit or twitch
Please send any good vibes, thoughts, prayers, or snowflakes you can spare.
I'm worried about my little guy.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes, flurries, snowstorm for Doodlebutt. Hugs to you Michelle.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

aw michelle. I am so sorry you and doodle are going through this. you are making the best decisions possible knowing what you know. no one is perfect or has all the answers/ you ask questions and you research. not much else you can do but make the decisions on what you know at that time.
you and doodlebug hang in there and just do the best you can
you are my hero
hugs

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Unlimited supplies of snowflakes to wonderful Doodlebug!!!!!!!!
I'll be keeping you and Doodle in my thoughts.
((((Michelle)))))) (((((Doodle)))))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((((Michelle)))))))))))) Sending tons of snowflakes and healing vines to both of you.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh no!!! What is going on this week?

((((Michelle)))))) (((((Doodle))))) Sending lots of thoughts, prayers and snowflakes to both of you…

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh, no, poor Doodlebutt. It's so hard to see them off like this. I hope the new meds help him out. ((( Michelle ))), it must be rough having your own issues to deal with, too.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Mine too.

Lots of hugs and snowflakes headed to you and my Doodle.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Blizzards of snowflakes for you both!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) I hope the new medicine works wonders for Doodle.
Sending the most powerful eating vines to Doodle
and a blizzard of snowflakes to you both

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

OMG, what IS going on??? (((((((((((Michelle & Doodle)))))))))

Here, I'm sending the snowbunnies with their flakes, I tried to get the kitten but he ran out in the yard to let me know there were more flakes there so here ya go! Please be well Doodle.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

.

Soft gentle snowflakes for Doodle....(((((Michelle))))) prayers

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle & Doodle)))

A blizzard of snowflakes to you. I know exactly what you are going through. Every day I wonder if I am making the best decision for Jake. It is so hard. I wish all the best to you and Doodle. I hope he feels better very soon.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Hey Doodle!

Here's a blizzard of snowflakes for ya buddy! Get better so your momma bean isn't so worried!
Purrcie

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Thanks you guys. Snowflakes and bunnies oh my!
I did manage to syringe some food and potassium in him today - and a little more tonight . And he's sleeping in more of a normal position right now instead of a meatloaf with his head down.
I just want him to get better...

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((Michelle and Doodle)))

So very sorry to hear that both of you have been having struggles...makes it all the harder when you have your own challenges, to come home and expend more energy worrying about Doodle and whisking him off o the vet.

Sending tons of healing vines and snowflakes to both of you...you are both in my thoughts and prayers....

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Here is hoping Doodle is STARVING and feeling much better tomorrow!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((((michelle and doodle)))))
sending white light, positive thoughts, and blizzards of snowflakes...

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

michelle, praying that doodle will be fine. you are a great mom and he just has to be fine. (((HUGS)))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes galore and healing vines and prayers are heading your way, (((((Michelle & Doodle))))). We hope that you both will be feeling better tomorrow.

Ella & Stu

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((((((MICHELLE--DOODLE)))))))))
Sending the very biggest blizzard of snowflakes, green Healing vines, and my very strongest Prayers for our sweet Doodlebug, who we love so much--And for his momma bean, who is hurting inside & out, many you both please be better tomorrow-We care so much-
Giant Hugs & healing white light!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michele I'm sorry to hear this

How high was his sodium?

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending a blizzard of snowflakes and healing vines your way. I pray Doodle is better very soon.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((Prayers and hugs and snowflakes to you and Doodle)))))))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michelle, so sorry, and just when you're having your own medical stuff.

Bugs me that the vet wanted to keep Doodle overnight, without anyone there. I think you're making great decisions, to have him home with you.

Sending you snowflakes... blizzards in July... and many comforting vines.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Hi Doodle we're sending you "Sand Angels" from the beach and hope that you feel better soon and mama bean too :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((Michelle)) ((Doodlebug))

I am sending a blizzard of snowflakes your way.

It sucks so bad, so so so bad when they are not feeling well and we don't know how to fix them. Give him a gentle hug, a kiss, and a scritch from me.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

His sodium was 190 - that's the highest it's been since we've been testing.
I keep wondering if it was from the stupid parmesan cheese I've been sprinkling on his food. ? He often licks that off and then just refuses the rest.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes



praying for Doodle and sending snowflakes (((((HUGS))))))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Doodle and Michelle - adding you to the blizzard warning zone. I hope you both see improvements.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) I'm sending all of my thoughts, prayers, snowflakes, vines, and every healing white light I have here for precious (((Doodle))) and for you.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Just seeing this now- sending a blizzard of snowflakes and jungles of happy, healthy vines your way.

Feel better, Doodle!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Just seeing this now. I hope Doodle is having a better day today. I know how you worry Michelle but you're doing the best anyone could do for him. Don't ever doubt yourself. I'll be watching for updates.
Sending a bazillion snowflakes your way.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((((Michelle and Doodles))))))))))))))))))
I too am hoping this is a better day for you both.
May the new medicine help him today.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Will be praying for you both and sending a gazillion healing vines and snowflakes.
(((((Michelle & Doodle))))) Please feel better soon... :YMHUG:

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending healing ((vibes for Doodle)). I hope the new medicine helps him.

Big :YMHUG: Sandy & Dottie

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

sorry to hear about all this.
Sending blankets of snowflakes for both you and Doodle.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((MIchelle)))
Thinking positive thoughts for both of you. Many snowflakes for you and Doodle.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Thinking of you both and sending get well wishes, vines, snowflakes and anything else I can your way!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((Michelle and Doodle))))))))))))) Many many prayers, snowflakes and white light to you both. I am sorry you are having to deal with your own medical issues as well. We are all here to support you and Doodle. Hugs :YMHUG:

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michelle, my jaw literally dropped when I read this. Seriously? Holy moly. Yes, I'd say your cat has hyperaldosteronism, consider it confirmed. A chronic problem is the only way a cat can live with that sodium level; it must have been creeping up. Did the vet give you an idea of his hydration status? Are you giving LRS at home?

(Just to ask, this is a repeatable result, right? Really 190? A lot of machines don't read above 180, was this out to the lab?)

I'm glad you didn't leave him overnight on fluids because the sodium must be lowered very slowly and very carefully to avoid neuro damage. Sodium is unfortunately complex; it isn't an in-out equation like most of the other electrolytes. Hyperaldosternonism (I wish there was a shorter word, let's call it HA) causes hypernatremia (high sodium) because the sodium is not balanced properly; it does not have to do with too much intake or too much loss.

I'll try to look into seeing what else can help. I wish, wish, wish you were close to a university so Doodle could check in and get this treated. Besides his health, I know this is such a stress on you to have to do half the work in diagnosing him and figuring treatment. I'm sorry to hear, too, that your own health is giving you worries. Keep us posted on that front as well, if you are comfortable.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) (((Doodlebug))) Snowflakes and vines - you know you've got them.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) keeping u in our thoughts and prayers.

Doodle butt come on sweetie ~ healing vines and snowflakes

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending snowflakes, healing vines and prayers that Doodle is better today and going forward. I'm also sending prayers for you, Michelle. I hope your head/neck issues can get resolved very soon.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes, white light, healing vines, thoughts and prayers coming your way from this part of Florida. Hope Doodle bug feels better!

sherry & zoe

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((Michelle))
Prayers and blizzards of snowflake for both you and Doodle.
Many many feel better hugs and healing vines.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Blizzard heading your way.
So sorry you are having such a tough time.
(((((Michelle and Doodle)))))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

190, holy kittens! :shock:
(((doodle))) (((michelle)))

jess, would switching him to rx renal food help for the time being? it being lower in sodium and higher in potassium? if he'd eat it, that is. or would it not make a difference? i know you say that in this case, hypernatremia doesn't have to do with intake, but gee. he's literally being pickled. would any little bit help? or would it not even make a dent?

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh my gosh, what is going on here in LL? Oh Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about Doodle. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and very close to my heart. Michelle, you take such good care of Doodle, dont' second guess yourself. You would walk thru He!! and back for him.

Please Doodle, please get better. I really hope this is something that can be treated and Doodles will be back to himself real soon.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

you will both be in my prayers! Take care of yourself!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Hi CF:

I think that a lower sodium diet is generally good for renal kitties, which Doodle also is; maybe it would help to decrease his intake, if his intake is very high, but I think he has had some apptite issues so I'd be loathe to try to force an rx food. Really, the situation is very complex; it's likely (given the history) that Doodle has HA; it's possible, though less likely, that this is due to his kidneys being unable to retain water. He'd need to have a full electrolyte/renal panel and urinalysis done at the same time, for starters, and have urine osmolality status assessed, etc. Another look at those adrenal glands (one or both should look abnormal by now, if he's got HA) would also help. I know Michelle's hands are half-tied here though so we're crossing fingers that providing good access to free water and starting spironolactone will save the day, here.

Again, I'm sorry Michelle -- I know how tired and frustrated you are.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle and Doodle))) Sending lots of snowflakes and healing vines to Doodle. I will keep you both in my prayers. I hope that his medical problem can be treated asap and that our little Doodlebug will be back to his old self SOON!

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

More snowflakes--blankets of snowflakes--heading your way this evening. Doodle, we want you to feel better, and you, too, Michelle. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ella & Stu

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Just wanted to add to the comment on free water - it's Dr Lisa's preferred method of hydration too. The "pickled kitty" comment came up in our consult (Meowzi was at the high end of sodium ref range, on her way to being pickled), and Dr L cautioned us about over-relying on SQ fluids for hydration. Her view was, encourage kitty to drink as much as he/she will; SQ fluids (which contain sodium) are to supplement what kitty cannot take in orally to keep up with hydration, not replace free water.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

thinking of you tonight, Michelle. I hope you and Doodle are ok.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Same as Libby. I hope you'll let us know how Doodle is doing.

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Doodlebug has to get better b/c I say so. B/c I can't handle any more sadness today.

((DOODLE)) ((MICHELLE))

 

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

I hope Doodle is able to find the help he needs, and you are able to stay in good health yourself. I will be thinking of you both!

 

update

I know I should start another thread and update - but honestly, I just don't want to.
I want it to be yesterday...

We're doing okay. Thank you everyone for all the goodness you've been sending.
Doodle ate about 3 oz today - all by himself - and I managed to syringe another ounce in him. We won't talk about the potassium or the fact that the food was probably too high in protein and phos - because, well, he ate.
He seems to be doing okay with the new med and he even raised his head all the way up tonight and stood proud and beautiful with his tail up :smile: which he hasn't done in a couple of days - I 'm taking that as a very positive sign that he is feeling better.

Jess and Choy-foong, as always, I so so appreciate your help.
The labwork was in-house. I know that's not as reliable... but we just wanted to know what was going on asap.
But maybe that means it's not accurate. ?? (of course I always hope that, when i don't like the numbers.) I am positive though that 190 is what I was told as far as sodium. The vet even made a point at saying it was scary high and told our favorite tech that he was "off the chart"
I AM giving sub-q fluids but only 50-75ml a day and I can pretty easily add more water to his food (as long as he'll eat) I'll start that tomorrow.
I also plan to have more labwork done next week and another ultrasound done as soon as I can. And of course the aldosterone level needs to be rechecked.
I'll update as I get those results.

As for me, I'm okay. I'm having some problems with numbness in my legs and some other odd things... and my doctor thinks I may have MS. - which is the reason for the MRIs and xrays. (to help rule it in or out) It's not good...but it could be way worse.
No one needs to worry I'll be fine - I'm just tired and whiny.

 

(((( michelle )))) so very sorry to read that Doodle is not doing well.
:cry:
You know.....there are no *right* decisions/answers for Doodle only the *best* ones. And I have absolutely no doubt that is exactly what you are doing. You know Doodle best. You love that handsome furriness of love. So please give yourself a break says the woman who has been beating herself up about decisions for her own furred love--- sigh -- i know what that trip is like. and it is hard not to go down that road 'cause you love him so much and that's what the human heart seems to lead us to do. so even though I say don't do that. I know it is hard not to. Michelle, what I wrote about you making the best decisions for him is absolutely true. ok?

As for ((( Doodle ))). Sounds like that you are being wonderfully proactive to help him and Jess has some good info for you. Sending healing wishes and vines and zillions of snowflakes ( hey I live near Buffalo. I have lots to send

Take care of you too. Sending gentle hugs for both you and the doodlebug.

 

I know what you mean - it's so difficult to let our furry companions stay away from us at night - especially if no one would be there - a very wise choice that you made.

I'm hoping that Doodle is getting better - I realize I'm a little late seeing this but have been MIA for awhile. Just know that I will keep the healing prayers and vibes and thoughts headed your way and hope that your baby feels better very soon.

Hang in there - sorry you aren't feeling so good either. Take care of yourself also.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)