1/13 Unfortunately, I'm Back

Hi all,

It's been awhile since I've been here, as I just couldn't take the emotional rollercoaster I was riding with so many of your cats. There were so many loses in such a short period of time that I needed to step away. Unfortunately, during that time, Belle passed away. She had been doing well, but got a UTI and a recurrence of anemia and died after 2 days in the hospital, on her own. I actually thought I'd be taking her home the morning she died, but I could tell the night before she wasn't right, and the the doctor called me in the morning to tell me she was septic. While on that call, she went into respiratory arrest. She loved her daddy so much that she didn't force me to make the most difficult decision. She was gone before I could get to the hospital. It's the hardest thing I've ever gone through, but I'm at peace with how things happened. In retrospect, there are things I wish I'd done differently, but she may have died sooner if I had.

Anyway, that brings me to why I'm back. About a year ago, we noticed a three legged cat behind our house. We feed and shelter numerous ferals so she took up residence. I would watch her hop up to our deck to eat, but she wouldn't come close. Seeing that trek every day, she stole my heart. One day, I saw her coming and went out on the deck and called her. She ran(hopped) right into my arms. This was about 2 months before Belle died, so my wife likes to say she came to me when I needed her most. She's been wonderful and made Belle's loss more bearable. I'd say she's 3/4 years old. She has always seemed to drink and eat excessively, but I ran her sugars and she was fine. Soon after we got her I noticed she wasn't right. Apparently, she was never fixed and had Pyometra. I was told this could cause excessive thirst, so after her successful surgery, I expected it to stop. It didn't, but her blood work was still fine. It's been 3 months since her surgery so I decided to do another BG. It was 348. I have tested a few times since and have gotten 258. 277 and 378. We had a fructosamine run yesterday, so I should have some idea what's going on today. Unfortunately, it looks like I may have another diabetic cat.

I know infections can cause high BG's, so I'm hoping there is some infection remaining from her Pyometra and she does also have dental disease. A few weeks ago, she got a Depo-Medrol shot, but only a small dose once, so I'm not sure if that plays into it. She was on high quality dry(I have a house full and free feed), but I switched her to FF classic for now. I'm hesitant to put her right on insulin, but that seems to be my best option.

If any of you have experience with high blood sugar in relation to infection(specifically pyometra) or other non-diabetes related issues, or any other thoughts on the new cat, I'd love to hear them. Her name is Gracie (she's gray). You were all so helpful with Belle and although I hate to be back with another cat, at least I know it's a good place to be.

Jason

wow...what a heart-rending/heart-warming post, jason.

so terribly sorry for your grief...but sheer admiration for you taking gracie in.

celi & binks

I have thought of you so many times.... wondered about Belle. I am so sorry to read about her passing. This breaks my heart. At least Belle is at peace now, and healthy.

And what timing for Gracie to make an appearance. It sounds like she has fund the perfect home. I cannot answer your question, as I have had no experience with treating that type of infection. I wish you luck, and hope someone with some experience will chime in.

Mannie and I wish you the best.

(((Jason)))

What a rollercoaster you've been on. I'm so sorry to hear about Belle. It must have been difficult for you to have a sick kitty and read about other beans' cats crossing the Bridge. Belle will always be in your heart and she will be waiting for you at the Bridge.

I'd suggest cross-posting over on the Health board. In the time I've been here, I don't recall anyone having a cat diagnosed with pyumetria. There are a few vet techs that routinely read the Health board and if you have a subject line that targets pyometria, I suspect someone there will have experience.

Re: 1/13 Unfortunately, I'm Back-Gracie Update

Gracie's Fructosamine test was in the normal range, so her BG's haven't been out of whack for long. The vet thinks it could be a temporary side effect of the steroid shot, or the very beginning of diabetes. Either way, I'm going to stick with the diet change for now and reevaluate every so often before I consider insulin.

Take care,

Jason

Jason -

I don't have experience with high BGs in non-diabetic cats, though when Kasha had a UTI/kidney infection (pyelonephritis) her BG went super high and even insulin barely made a dent. And the spike in numbers happened very quickly too. So, I'm guessing something similar could happen with a non-diabetic cat.

So very sorry to hear about Belle. I know how much she meant to you. She and my Kasha-angel can chase butterflies together now...

So very glad Gracie found you. And vice versa.

Jason, your plan of treatment sounds very good. If you don't have to start insulin and can get things under control by other means, that is indeed the preferable way to proceed.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Belle. Having gone through devastating illness with Stu and then losing him, I can relate. But it is good to hear about how Gracie found you and how you have bonded. I hope she isn't diabetic, but if she is, you know your have your FDMB family to help you along.

Hope you find the answers to your questions,

Ella & Rusty (yes, we have adopted another diabetic cat--a real sweetheart)

((((Jason)))) I'm so sorry to hear about Belle. You fought so hard with her. Several times I was completely amazed that she pulled through for you, so I wouldn't second guess anything that you did. She let go when she was ready. I know you must miss her so much. How cool that Gracie picked you, though!

I was thinking that pyometra might be what Lucy had before I adopted her, but I looked back at her records and I was wrong (close, but wrong - Lucy had metritis). Either way, it's a pretty nasty infection and I'm sure it could cause BG numbers to rise that much. Hopefully the numbers will come back down. If not, then you know for sure that she picked you for a reason and you can help her.

Hi Jason,
I am so very sorry to hear about Belle. (((((((((((((((((((Jason)))))))))))))))))))) The later half of the year was very difficult for many in LL. I completely understand how challenging it was to hang around. The care you gave Belle was such an inspiration to me. You two were very lucky to share time together. I hope the healing process has been gentle on you.

Gracie (perfect name) seems to have known the exact person to hang around...the one who would take the best care of her...YOU! o She is one smart cookie, eh??? :mrgreen:

Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are. Ive thought of you and Belle often, wondering...

Carolyn,

Although I wasn't posting, I always checked in on you and Latte. I was very sorry to read about your struggles during the last few days, especially since I was going through the same with Belle. It's been a few months now, and looking back, I learned more from loving and losing than I could have ever imagined. She will always be my special girl, and I can look back and cherish the time we had. I know you mentioned that you could only remember Latte when she was sick, but I hope time has allowed you to remember the great times as well.

As for Gracie, she has been a blessing. The week I found her, the vet said she hit the owner lottery, but I have to say, I feel like the lucky one. I lost Belle, but finding Gracie made me realize why we do what we do. It's worth all the heartache and anxiety when you think about what would happen to them without us.

Take care,

Jason

carolynandlatte said:

Hi Jason,
I am so very sorry to hear about Belle. (((((((((((((((((((Jason)))))))))))))))))))) The later half of the year was very difficult for many in LL. I completely understand how challenging it was to hang around. The care you gave Belle was such an inspiration to me. You two were very lucky to share time together. I hope the healing process has been gentle on you.

Gracie (perfect name) seems to have known the exact person to hang around...the one who would take the best care of her...YOU! o She is one smart cookie, eh??? :mrgreen:

Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are. Ive thought of you and Belle often, wondering...

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Hi Jason!!!!
It's so great to see you pop in! I've wondered about you and Belle often. I am SO sorry to hear of her passing. You were such a devoted father. I will never forget how sweet and supportive your posts were when Boomer was sick. When he passed you told me you felt his loss and that you thought he was handsome. It can get very emotional here. I totally understand that you had to leave. Sometimes I can't read the loss posts because it depresses me so much.

On the positive side, I have a new cat now - Merlin, another Meezer. When I adopted him it turned out he was asthmatic. I've got it under control but at first I was absolutely losing it because I couldn't handle another sick pet. I'm glad you found such a little sweetie too! She hit the jackpot finding you!!! What a lucky girl. I'm hoping that she will not be diabetic - paws crossed for that. I know we'd all love to see a picture of her if you get a chance!

Great to see you here. Huge hugs!!!!!!

Jason, I'm so sorry for your loss of Belle. That's so hard.

Good luck with Gracie. You are lucky to have found each other. I hope you can avoid insulin for her, but we're here if you need support.

Traci,

Boomer's passing really bothered me. I watched his video a bunch and still have it. I'm glad to see that you have Merlin. I have a lot of experience with feline asthma, so if you have any questions, let me know. Belle's asthma was very bad in an older house in NJ, but when we moved to a new house, it got so much better. Eventually, we had her on Flovent with a feline inhaler, and she stopped having attacks all together.

As much as I miss Belle, I only smile now when I think of her. I think somehow she brought Gracie to me, so every time I see Gracie hopping really fast through the house when I call her (she is missing her front left leg), it feels like Belle is looking over me.

Take care,

Jason

Traci and Boomer said:

Hi Jason!!!!
It's so great to see you pop in! I've wondered about you and Belle often. I am SO sorry to hear of her passing. You were such a devoted father. I will never forget how sweet and supportive your posts were when Boomer was sick. When he passed you told me you felt his loss and that you thought he was handsome. It can get very emotional here. I totally understand that you had to leave. Sometimes I can't read the loss posts because it depresses me so much.

On the positive side, I have a new cat now - Merlin, another Meezer. When I adopted him it turned out he was asthmatic. I've got it under control but at first I was absolutely losing it because I couldn't handle another sick pet. I'm glad you found such a little sweetie too! She hit the jackpot finding you!!! What a lucky girl. I'm hoping that she will not be diabetic - paws crossed for that. I know we'd all love to see a picture of her if you get a chance!

Great to see you here. Huge hugs!!!!!!

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Hi Jason-

It's so nice that you kept Boomer's video. I was lucky to get that video; it's the only one I have. His death was very hard for me. Getting Merlin was very helpful, though I was still pretty broken when I got him. He had liquipoo for 2 months and then started panting during play. I was beside myself thinking I was going to have another cat die on me. THANK GOD that I switched his food to Wellness grain free and the poop problem cleared over night. The asthma is mild, thank God, and he's on a Flovent inhaler twice a day. It's easy and quick and he no longer pants. He coughs a couple times a month. He's doing well and has more energy than poor Boomer ever had. Boomer started showing signs of IBD as a young kitten.

I'm glad that you have Gracie and that your memories of Belle are happy ones now. It takes a while but it happens. Do you know how she lost her leg? Is it healed? It's very cool the way animals can adopt to the loss of a limb so smoothly. I'm not familiar with pyometra. I'm it's something that can be cured with some meds and a little time. I am sending prayers and positive thoughts for you and your new girl. Thank you for your kindness and for caring about Boomer.

(((Jason)))

I am so very sorry to hear about Belle. It's such a special gift when they leave on their own terms, but the pain of their loss is the same. Gracie is the other gift she gave you - she made sure you were together before she left.

Traci and Boomer said:

I'm not familiar with pyometra.

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Traci, pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus that non-spayed females can get. Treatment is an emergency spay, plus lots of antibiotics. ( http://www.feline-health-care-corner.com/cat-diseases/feline-pyometra.htm ) It's all-too-often fatal, so it was a sheer miracle (thank you, Belle!) that Gracie ran into Jason's arms that day. They needed each other, more than they knew.

Jason - hoping that the infection plus the depo is causing the high BGs. A short course of insulin may do the trick!

((( Jason )))

Jason, I'm so very sorry to learn of Belle's passing. Grace is in good hands with you. I hope the diet change does do the trick.