? Saoirse - PRAYERS PLEASE: *HUGE* Anti-jinx - UPDATE MON 06:00: Eating, Pooped, UTI, BG Crazy on i/d

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Critter Mom, Feb 21, 2016.

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  1. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Saoirse is really sick. I had to take her in to the vet. I woke up this morning to find her really lethargic and drooling. This is awful. This is what I was worried about when the hospital wouldn't keep her so I could get some rest. I was only able to give her insulin once a day because I couldn't monitor her to keep her safe. Saoirse's BG levels had been running between 7 and 11 but last night she was over 13 (Alphatrak). I was afraid to give her more insulin because I could not stay awake to monitor her. Saoirse's BG was 22.9 this morning. I have failed her spectacularly.

    Saoirse seems to have deteriorated since the antibiotic wore off and her appetite reduced. She wasn't so keen on food yesterday but she ate after I gave her her appy stimulant. She seemed a bit down last night but it's so hard to tell what's wrong with her, what with her being fed up of the collar. She didn't eat anything overnight.

    Saoirse's in hospital with our own vets. They're going to give her IV fluids and they may restart her on antibiotics. Her eye area looks a bit swollen again. They think she will feel better with the fluids. Her blood beta-ketones yesterday morning were 0.6 but yesterday evening they were at 0.3 after she had eaten. This morning they were at 0.3.

    I had to take my civvie to the vets on Friday because she had really bad diarrhoea, went off her food and then vomited because her stomach was empty. Her SNAP fPL was negative for pancreatitis. She was given a B12 injection and a Cerenia injection. Her appetite has held thus far but she won't eat the Hill's i/d chunks, just the gravy.

    I feed the two of them different flavours of the food I give them but the pouches are from the same box. They've both had pumpkin from the same tin, too. Could it be the food? I'm in bits right now.

    I would be so grateful if you could pray and send healing thoughts for the vet to be able to stabilise Saoirse and help her get better. She had been doing so well when she was on the antibiotic. I'm really scared for her. I have let her down so badly.


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
  2. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

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    Oh, hell's bells, (((Mogs))).... So sorry to hear this.
    Really hoping this is easily resolved. You've been through so much...

    No. You've been the most awesome cat mom ever.... :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    Sending prayers and hugs,

    Eliz x
     
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  3. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    My heart is in ribbons, Eliz.

    It tears me apart to see anything wrong with Saoirse.

    .
     
  4. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Last week I was desperate for the hospital to keep her in so that they could give her her insulin, and monitor her to make sure she was on a safe dose which I would then be able to continue giving her when she got home, even though I would not be able to monitor her as closely as normal. I really don't think the referral hospital took me seriously when I told them how debilitated I was and how worried I was about not being able to care properly for Saoirse at home. Sometimes I think that because of my anxiety disorder symptoms some people regard me as though I'm just a paranoid pet parent instead of someone who has genuine and reasonable concerns about her cat's well-being. The current situation is what I feared might happen. I wish I wasn't so weak.


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  5. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Hell's bells, as Elizabeth said... Echoing her comment hoping that these issues can be resolved simply and speedily. I'm no expert but perhaps sometimes recovery from these situations isn't always on the upward trajectory all the time... a few blips here and there may be just par for the course. I'm sure the vets are doing the right things. Try to relax as far as you can (hopeless comment I know, I'd be in bits with worry too, but there's nothing you can do at this moment so conserve your energy for when you do resume nursing duties...)

    I think many of us can relate to your feeling that the vets (and other people come to that) think we are paranoid when we simply want the very very best for our dear little ones... Their attitude makes me cross because why shouldn't we love and want the best for our furbabies in the same way that parents want for their human children... Yes I know this is a can of worms and the huge majority of people would say "you can't compare human babies with animals" but to me, love is love, end of story...

    Sorry, rant over.

    Keeping all paws tightly crossed that this blip will be sorted very soon...

    Diana
     
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  6. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Sending purrs and prays.
     
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  7. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I feel the very same way.
    I'm physically resting right now for that very reason, Diana. I am waiting to get a progress update from the vets. Please God they will be able to stabilise Saoirse and make her feel better. Much as it weighs so very heavy on my heart for Saoirse to be in hospital again (I wish I could help her not to feel stressed) but it is the best place for her right now. Ideally I would like to see them get her insulin dosing sorted while they can monitor her properly. If that's the case, I'm just going to knock myself out with sleep meds to get as much rest as possible while there is someone to watch over my beloved, precious girl.

    Thank you again, Diana - Eliz, too - for being there for us. This is very, very hard but it would be infinitely worse if I was all alone with it.

    :bighug:


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
  8. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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  9. Mogmom and Goofus

    Mogmom and Goofus Well-Known Member

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    Holy donuts Mogs, you can't catch a break! Please cut yourself some slack, with all of your own problems I think you do a wonderful job as a kitty mom! You do everything possible for your "fur family" and I'm sure they feel your love.

    Sending hugs, prayers and healing vines....:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  10. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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  11. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Mogs, sending tons and tons of prayers, healing vines and hugs:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: You are a GREAT kitty mom, and Saoirse knows it. Will be thinking about you
     
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  12. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Sharon14 -

    Thank you for your prayers and healing thoughts for Saoirse, Sharon. I'm very grateful.

    :bighug:
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  13. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Do you think your civvie would eat the i/d better if it was run through a blender?
     
  14. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I didn't think to try that, Sharon. It's worth a go but I'm not confident. She meticulously licks up every last scrap of the gravy but won't go near the chunks.

    During the vet consult I asked if it would be OK to gradually introduce some of a complementary food made of just chicken breast with a little rice in a watery broth and she said it would be OK to try it. I gave her a couple of teaspoons of that a little while ago and she scoffed it up but I don't want to give her too much of it too fast. I've just given her another i/d pouch so as to intersperse the chicken and rice with more of the i/d gloopy gravy. I'm relieved that her appetite is good.

    I can't get my head round the fact that I've now got two sick kitties. :(

    .
     
  15. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Oh Mogs! I am so sorry to hear there has been a bump in Soairse's road to recovery but as Diana said, this is often the case. She is in good hands and getting the care she needs to get her back on the right track. I can imagine how upsetting it is to have your civvie under the weather too. I went through that when Menace was diagnosed and in hospital. My young civvie just stopped eating out of the blue and I too started wondering if it was food related. It wasn't. In fact my civvie was right as rain the minute Menace came back home! Do Saoirse and your civvie have a relationship?

    Mogs, you take better care of Saoirse than many children get from their parents so don't go beating yourself up. You have been super woman through this ordeal and you did not let Saoirse down at all! If she could talk, I know she'd tell you that you are the best Momma Bean on the planet! Sending healing vines and prayers for Saoirse and you. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  16. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Oh no! (((Mogs))) I'm so sorry to hear that Saoirse isn't feeling well right now.

    First off, let me say that you HAVE NOT FAILED HER. Think of all the people who would have put their cat down the second they heard diabetes. You didn't. Even when you had this setback, you did what you could to help. You've put out time, money, and your own stress and worry to ensure that she is comfortable and happy. That's not a failure. That's the most beautiful and selfless thing we can do.

    I want you to remember that you aren't alone with this. Your entire FDMB family is thinking of you and sending good thoughts and love to you and Saoirse.

    PLEASE feel free to come here and cry on our shoulders!! We're here for you!!
     
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  17. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

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    Jan 9, 2016
    Oh wow:( I feel so bad for you, Mogs. All three of you have really been through the wringer. Your civvie cat is off her feed because the situation in the house is so tense. She senses you are tired and worried, and knows Saoirse is sick, and so she's emotionally distressed, and that's why she's not eating. The fact that she's scarfing up the food you have cooked, is a good sign. She probably wants a little babying too. I know Gizmo feels a bit neglected, so I am giving him extra hugs, and attention too. This is so hard on all of you.

    Good that Saoirse is back in hospital, where she can get her insulin. YOU are NOT a bad mom, and you haven't 'failed' your baby. :bighug::bighug::bighug: One person can only do so much, Mogs. You are a stellar Mom...it's just unfortunate that you have ended up sick as well. It's all like a row of dominoes..and you are right smack in the middle of a cascade.

    I'm wondering if Saoirse might be less stressed if she gets that darn collar off? At this stage, anything you can do to relieve stress is an improvement. Did the soft crate arrive? Perhaps when she comes home you can just take that darn collar off her. She'll learn quickly not to bump her head against anything. Ask the vet about it.

    That darn referring vet makes me so mad! It's her fault you haven't been able to get some rest.:banghead::banghead::banghead: But now that Saoirse is being taken care of..get some rest. AND talk to the 'good' vet at the hospital and insist they sit on that one vet, and make her keep your cat there so you can rest!

    Here's another hug for you, Mogs.:bighug:You're doing the best job you can. Don't you dare go hard on yourself, ok?
     
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  18. Sue and Oliver (GA)

    Sue and Oliver (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I am so sorry to hear this, Mogs. As others have said, clearly you have never failed her; you have been her very best advocate always. Thinking of you two - hoping you can get all some rest and she can get the support she needs.
     
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  19. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

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    Hugs and Prayers, Mogs. :bighug::bighug:

    You've been an amazing Person to Saoirse and you can't get down on yourself!
     
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  20. Liz & IttyBit

    Liz & IttyBit Member

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    Oh no! I was just thinking about you and wondering how things were going, was not expecting to read something like this.
    Mogs, you are my hero. You are so kind and loving and knowledgeable, I admire you so much.
    You have NOT let Saoirse down in any way, shape or form! Don't ever think such a thing!
    You have my prayers and healing thoughts for as long as you need them.
    :bighug:
     
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  21. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Mogs, sorry to hear of this glitch. You are a great parent. If I was a cat I would choose you for my parent. I agree your other kitty is feeling the stress and possibly wants some extra attention. Saoirse is being looked after. Why not get your civvie and cuddle up in bed and give him/her some extra attention and you some rest.

    Sending healing vines to all of you.
     
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  22. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

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    Oct 6, 2010
    I wish I were there to help you out.
    {{hugs}}
     
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  23. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    Oh no, Mogs, I'm so sorry to hear that Saoirse is having trouble again. I had so hoped she was not going to have any setbacks. Sending prayers, healing vines hugs, with fingers and paws crossed - everything good we can send her way, and yours.

    You have not failed Saoirse, in any way!!! You are the best kitty mom I know! Please don't blame yourself for this. Sometimes things just happen that are out of our control. You have moved heaven and earth to keep Saoirse safe in a terrible, shifting situation, which you have had little to no control over. You have done the best for her that anyone could possibly, humanly, do. Please take this to heart, Mogs, I know it to be true. She's in the best place right now, where the vets can get her stabilised, and you can get lots of rest so you are able to continue your excellent nursing care when she comes home. Snuggle up with your civvie, I think you can draw comfort and reassurance from each other right now, and get some serious rest!

    Hugs and all good vibes-
    Lucy
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  24. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

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    Oct 11, 2015
    Mogs--the fluids should make her feel better and I agree she is in the best place for her to monitor...
    sending lots of thoughts prayers and wisdom for the vets:bighug::bighug:
     
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  25. FurBabyMamma

    FurBabyMamma Member

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    Feb 5, 2016
    How is your sweet kitty today?

    I appreciated the encouragement you left on my post. You know, I read the posts of all of us here, and I see good people with good hearts doing everything we possibly can to do the absolute best by our fur friends. I read your posts, and I see what you have done, and I think, "Wow, what a good cat mamma." I think you are incredible, and I think your cats are lucky to have you.

    Sending prayers, good thoughts, and all my best to you and your kitties.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
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  26. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Jan 14, 2015
    Mogs, you have NOT failed Saoirse. Not at all! Please get that idea out of your head. You have done everything that you possibly could and more. It sounds as though she needs more antibiotics, which she's now getting at the vet. You couldn't possibly have known she was going to need more than she'd been given - if the vet who did the surgery didn't know, how could you have known? And the need for antibiotics is likely what's pushed her BG higher. Not one bit of that is your fault on any level.

    Prayers, healing vines and hugs for you and Saoirse. Please take good care of yourself - you've been through such a lot with Saoirse over the last couple of weeks and beating yourself up over something you couldn't have done anything about is not going to help either of you. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
  27. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Any update Mogs?
     
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  28. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Update: Sunday PM
    ------------------------

    Our vet (Saoirse's second-in-line main vet) called and said that Saoirse is responding to the fluids. She has stopped drooling, she has brightened up a bit, and she managed to eat some Hill's i/d food. Our vet has also started her back on antibiotics (see below). You have no idea how relieved I was to hear this. She was so sick this morning.

    Even with the higher carb food Saoirse's BG came down a bit into the 18s by way of initial response to the fluids and antibiotics but she crept up again to the 19s after eating a little (Alphatrak meter). Saoirse thankfully provided the vets with a urine sample not long after she was admitted. There is glucose in the urine (no surprise with this morning's 22.9 Alphatrak reading). Ketones were negative but there are white cells in her urine. Our vet suspects she may have a UTI and also she is worried that there may be some infection in her right eye area since it has become swollen and red again. She thinks that the infection issues may have been rumbling and when the antibiotic cover ran out this is what may have led to Saoirse going off her food and then ending up so poorly this morning. She also said that the rumbling infection issues could well have been keeping Saoirse's BG higher than might have been expected.

    I had a good conversation with our vet about how I had asked the referral hospital to keep Saoirse for a few days to stabilise her on insulin, etc., and that I had told them I was extremely worried about my capacity for nursing her properly through her convalescence because I was so severely fatigued. I explained how I had asked for Saoirse to be readmitted - for her safety - so that I could rest a bit in order to be able to home nurse her properly, how the overnight duty vet had considered my request reasonable, and how the morning duty vet was so dismissive of my concerns and subsequently refused to readmit her. Thankfully our own vet and myself are pretty much on the same page about how best to care for Saoirse going forward. She is going to contact Saoirse's opthalmologist tomorrow to discuss the swelling at the surgery site because she's concerned it might abscess (assuming the opthalmologist is back from her break - our vet is fairly sure she is). Please pray that it doesn't. Our own vet is also going to treat Saoirse as an inpatient until she is sure she has the infection issues properly under control and Saoirse stabilised. She fully appreciates that I've been struggling to care for Saoirse properly. We both know that it's very disappointing and stressful for Saoirse to be hospitalised again but we both agree it is the safest place for her to be right now. Understandably Saoirse is quite cranky but the hospital area is fairly quiet today and it should also be fairly quiet tomorrow. They have screened off her cubicle in an effort to mitigate some of the stressful effects of the environment.

    My only significant concern is whether or not the vets will be aggressive enough with Saoirse's insulin treatment. They are holding off on giving her insulin at the moment because they want to see how she responds to the fluids and recommencement of antibiotic treatment. They are monitoring her BG every four hours at the moment to see if there will be any significant lowering of BG before restarting insulin. I appreciate the reasoning behind this but I don't want any unnecessary delay in Saoirse's receiving the insulin she needs. They are also monitoring her urine for ketones. I've given them Saoirse's blood ketone meter to use as well. I have requested that they get Saoirse to the stage where she is regulated (somewhat 'loosely' - I want a safety buffer for her nadir values) and on a dose that is as safe as it can be for me to give her at home twice a day (with the Lantus depot properly established). They are amenable to this request. (Note: the duty nurse was a tad puzzled at the level of my concern about monitoring Saoirse's BG given that so many people just go on clinical signs. I'm saying nothing ...)

    I can visit Saoirse tomorrow afternoon. While she has proper nursing care I'm going to try to get as much sleep as I can manage. It might be a bit deeper because my subconscious might get a chance to step down from DEFCON 1 while it knows that someone is watching over Saoirse for me.

    My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for being here for my girl and me (and also to our vet and the on-call nurse for coming to her aid today). I'll do my best in the next day or two to reply to your posts.

    I am so grateful for you, my FDMB family. It is only because of your kindness and caring that I've managed to get this far. I would be utterly lost without you all.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
  29. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi April,

    I hope you are feeling a bit better in yourself. :bighug:

    I actually asked the opthalmologist whether a week-long antibiotic course would be enough, particularly as Saoirse is diabetic and therefore more vulnerable. She said that the antibiotics were only given as a precaution. Thing is, Saoirse had a trace result for blood in her urine the day she was discharged, but that seemed to fall through the cracks antibiotics-wise, too. (The usual 'probably just stress' line. :banghead: )


    Mogs
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  30. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    So happy to hear your vet will watch over her and some stress has been relieved from you. I so hope it's not an abscess and another issue to deal with. But you caught it early and got her to her doctor. Please get some proper sleep with your civvie curled up with you.
     
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  31. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    The dx sounds very plausible and I'm very glad you had a good conversation with the vet. It's soooooo important to feel that the medics are on side. Try and sleep now...
     
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  32. Maggies Mom Debby

    Maggies Mom Debby Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    I'm so happy she is in good hands and is already starting to feel better. And that you trust the vet is wonderful. Now you need to rest. Is your cold better yet?
     
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  33. Gill & George

    Gill & George Well-Known Member

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    Oct 27, 2015
    :bighug::bighug::bighug:sending healing vines
     
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  34. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

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    Jan 9, 2016
    Heya Mogs:):bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I am so thankful that your mainstay vet is so compassionate. It sounds like the hospital staff are quite attached to her. I know my vet wouldn't be doing handstands to save Dottie..she'd be just another patient to them, while your vet and hospital sound like they're really on the ball with Saoirse.

    The best thing you can do now, is to cuddle with your civvie. (BTW, what is your civvie cat's name?) She needs attention desperately, although she won't show her anxiety as much as a human would. She'll simply go off her feed, close her eyes, and let the world go away for awhile, in hopes that when she wakes, everything will be back to normal.

    Is she willing to play with you a bit? Can you toss a toy about for her, for a few minutes? My Gizmo, this is what he's asking me to do, when he's upset. He wants me to whip out his Da Bird toy, and leaps at it till he's panting. I guess it's like a guy who, when faced with a family member in hospital, might go to a basketball court and shoot hoops for hours...it's his way of defusing anxiety.

    So perhaps there is some activity...brushing, tickling, playing peek-a-boo with a blanket, turning on the water faucet and watching the water drip together..SOMETHING normal you can do till she says "enough"... that acts as a stress release trigger for your civvie, that will have her perky in no time flat. Because if she's stressed, and behaving unnaturally, your subconscious is not going to relax until you see she's ok too. You will never feel like you are 'allowed' to rest. And seeing her relaxed and happy will be a tonic for your sorely stressed body, too.

    I know it's hard to pretend that everything is ok..but you gotta do that for your civvie, and you! Play is healing, even when it seems inappropriate at times. Our bodies have ingrained memories, and play memories force the rest of the body to 'lighten up'. Then you'll sleep the deep sleep of someone who is Taking Care Of Business..and be restored.

    Oh..almost forgot...with Saoirse..does she have a drain in her eye? You never mentioned this..a drain can be really important because it will drain out the evil gunk and disallow an abcess to build up and fester.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
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  35. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Jan 14, 2015
    Much better, thank you Mogs. :) Still a little tired, but that's about as close to normal as it gets for me! :)

    Now that IS annoying. There seems to be the feeling recently that because we're all told not to over-use antibiotics that the minimum dose necessary needs to be given even at times like this when they are very definitely needed. After a major surgery is one of the times when a good course should be given because there is nothing worse than just getting over the surgery only to come down with an infection - I had it happen to me once because of the insistence that 24 hours of antibiotics is good enough in most instances. Preventable and infuriating.

    I'm really glad to hear that your regular vet is stepping up to help you get some much-needed rest. Saoirse is in the best place to be kept safe and get over her infection and it gives you a chance to rest without having to wake up every hour or two to see if she's doing OK. I would definitely take all the help they can give you right now - I'm sure once your vet speaks to the duty nurse, she will understand your concerns over BG control much better. I don't doubt that they're not used to people taking the degree of control over it that we tend to here - my vet is still surprised by how closely I monitor Rosa and how quickly I picked up on her drinking more when she was prescribed a med that contains corn syrup. Clearly the practice have Saoirse's very best interests at heart - and yours too for them to keep her there while you rest and recuperate. Prayers for no abscess for Saoirse and for her to be feeling better and ready to come home to you soon. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  36. Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA)

    Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 2, 2016
    Oh Mogs you are such an inspiration to me, I see what you are going through and how much you love Saoirse and I know you are going above and beyond in your care of her. Please don't ever think you are a failure, you are so the opposite of that. If I were a cat I would love for you to be my bean.

    Sending love an prayers y'alls way. Take care, get rest and snuggle with civvie too, it will comfort both of you.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  37. Nancy and Scotty

    Nancy and Scotty Member

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    Jul 13, 2014
    I just checked in and saw Saoirse is having problems, I am so glad she is better this evening and that your vet is going to help out and give you some much needed time off, will be sending good vibes and prayers your way.
     
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  38. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    more prayers....
    more hugs!

    sounds like infection brewed and brought her down fast....
    praying for getting back on track just as quickly.... and to heal....
     
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  39. Blamethecats and Hannah

    Blamethecats and Hannah Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2014
    Well, Mogs, your new post on Saoirse and her civie wasn't what we were hoping to hear for this day. What a bummer!!! So sorry this has happened. But I'm relieved to know Saoirse is now under the care of her regular vet, as you both need that right now. It's good to know that Saoirse is now doing a little better and that you will see her, tomorrow. I can't help but feel that the initial regimen of antibiotics was too short and should have been prescribed for a longer period of time. Heck, cats with lesser issues often get antibiotics for 14 days... at least that's been my experience. I hope you are able to get some more good rest, as you certainly need it. And as others have suggested, enjoy some special time with Saoirse's civie, as it will benefit and comfort both of you. She's definitely feeling the stress and disorder of all of this, too. Be assured I'm continuing to pray for the three of you and sending hugs and healing vines. Oh, and one more thing... please, please do not beat yourself up, thinking you've failed your girl. That is so not true! You are way too hard on yourself. You have done the best you could do. Can't ask for more than that. Blessings!
     
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  40. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Oh Mogs - so very sorry to hear about the setback, but happy to hear of the positive reports from the vets. I'm so glad your regular vet is so understanding and listens to you. Waiting to hear more good news when the vet opens in the morning Sending more hugs and positive thoughts and prayers to you and Saoirse :bighug::bighug:
     
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  41. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Mogs... I think she is in the right place--the fact that she needs so much tending to right now is too much for 1 person, especially a very fatigued person:bighug::bighug::bighug:
    Praying for a good report tomorrow...rest Mogs:bighug:
     
  42. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:HugTime! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  43. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Just saw your update! (Didn't get notification!?!) Your vet is obviously going to stay on top of things and keep a close watch on your little sugar girl which is great news. Saoirse is a trooper just like her Momma Bean! Glad to hear you are feeling a little better but you need to use this time to get your batteries fully charged. I agree with those suggesting a good civvie cuddlefest or playfest! Does wonders for the spirit! Continuing to send healing vines and prayers for a Saoirse and you to both feel much better very soon! hug1.jpg as many times as you need!
     
  44. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Only so far. They are withholding ALL insulin treatment. :mad: They are (unjustifiably) worried about hypo and despite my requests they are not giving her any insulin at all on the grounds that the infection needs to be addressed first. I am very angry about this. It is NUTS to withhold insulin for a diabetic above the renal threshold with an infection - and several orders of magnitude more nuts when there is a body of data to show Saoirse's insulin response AND they are in a position to monitor her blood glucose in the way that I could not at present. I am seriously hacked off about this state of affairs. I think it is a very wrong-headed clinical decision on their part.

    It is a credit to the staff at the referral hospital where Saoirse had her op. They worked seamlessly with me to ensure that she received adequate insulin when she was in their care. I wish we had similar support now. Often we see feline patients here whose vets prescribe too much insulin and who don't take threat of hypo seriously. I've got the opposite problem: I'm always anxious about hypo but even with my anxiety disorder symptoms at their worst my level of worry is completely eclipsed by the paranoia shown by our own vets. I honestly cannot comprehend their behaviour in this respect, and I'm very upset about it because Saoirse is paying the price for their fears. Bad and all as I am at the moment I at least managed to give her one dose a day at numbers far less poor than what she's running at now. Grateful as I am for the necessary respite, I'm really angry that they won't give her the insulin she needs and that they are putting her at greater risk of DKA (and the vet I spoke to today was a little bit dismissive of my concerns about this).


    As far as I can trust any vet, Debby, but it's not 100%. It never can be again after all the mistakes vets have made about my cats down the years - and two of those mistakes were fatal: Tara was only six; Danú only seven. And I've provided plenty of detail over how many things have gone pear-shaped for Saoirse of late - things which caused her completely unnecessary distress when she already had more than enough to contend with (e.g. lack of antibiotic cover, as discussed above). :( :( :(


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
  45. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Do any of us trust 100%? I know I don't - I've seen too many mistakes made. Most are minor, but then you do get some that aren't just as you've found over the years. Then again, I don't 100% trust doctors either...maybe I just have trust issues...
     
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  46. FurBabyMamma

    FurBabyMamma Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2016
    I'm the same way. I lost my beautiful, white polydactyl Tino at 3 from a massive screw up, and it's hard to trust again.

    Makes things tougher in some ways because you're always second guessing and doubting (which isn't a bad thing because it's led many of us here, which has been a very, very good thing for us and our kitties).

    Hugs to you.
     
  47. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Maybe you've got excellent critical thinking skills ... ;)

    Neither do I, April. And for good reason.

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    Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
  48. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I am desperately sorry to hear about you losing Tino like that, Katie ...

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

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  49. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    I'm so sorry you ands Saoirse are still having such a tough time of it, I feel just terrible for you. I cannot comprehend why her vets would give her NO insulin at all, that certainly seems contraindicated, to me. What you and Saoirse are going through is so devastating for both of you, and made even worse when it becomes difficult for you to completely trust the vet's plan of treatment.

    (((Hugs))) to you, Mogs, and gentle scritches for Saoirse. You both remain in my prayers, and I will continue to send healing vines and healthy thoughts.

    Lucy
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  50. FurBabyMamma

    FurBabyMamma Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2016
    Thanks. You and Saoirse are getting e-hugs and good thoughts from the NW.
     
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  51. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I do prefer to think of it that way myself ;)

    I have my reasons - not just me, but other members of my family too. So now I question everything. They hate it, but at least I know I'm better informed than just taking their word for things.

    How is it that everyone here knows that it's even more important to give insulin when there's an infection and your vet doesn't? Kind of proves the point about trust don't you think! :mad: Much as I know how much you need the rest, I hope they can let Saoirse come home to you soon - the stress from knowing she isn't getting her insulin must be almost as bad as the lack of sleep from handling it all yourself. :bighug:

    Continued prayers for Saoirse to recover quickly so she can be home with you. And hugs for you. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  52. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    This. In SPADES.

    :mad::mad::mad:

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  53. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I'm so sorry the vet isn't helping like you'd hoped, Mogs. I was really hoping that this would be the break you and Saoirse so desperately need to get you both feeling better. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  54. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    I'm so sorry to hear you now have another worry to contend with. I'm with everyone else with the trust issues. I don't trust human or pet doctors and always question them relentlessly when I don't think things are being handled appropriately. I agree that their reasoning on this seems to be totally crazy. I would insist that at least a token dose be given knowing you have enough data to support Saoirse is not going to go hypo. I would also make it clear to them that you'll hold them just as responsible if her ketone level were to increase. Is it possible that they don't have enough staff/are too busy to ensure they can test Saoirse mid cycle? If so, could you visit (we know you are visiting!) and test her then? :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  55. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    It's not as much help as I had hoped for, April, but it is definitely helping and I'm extremely grateful for what support they are providing; just wish it extended to insulin treatment. The nurse on duty yesterday morning was there again today when I visited and she said that I didn't look as bad today after having some bit of respite care for Saoirse. To give them credit, they do recognise the toll the last few weeks have taken on me and that, for Saoirse's sake, it is vital that I get some respite. Just wish they'd trust me on her insulin treatment the way the staff at the referral hospital did: it made such a difference to have my knowledge and experience respected and my input sought; and it got the right result for Saoirse - my sole objective.

    They have the cover to test, they're just reluctant to give her the insulin. If she were being treated with Caninsulin then their reservations would be more reasonable. I don't think they fully understand how Lantus works. I don't think they have any other clients who monitor their diabetics the way I do Saoirse. I can't breach their knowledge gap. :(

    My going in to test is a good idea in principle, but the stress of leaving the house, etc., would be counterproductive since it would undo the benefit of getting some sleep in a less stressful situation while I know that Saoirse is at least getting support with eating. Thankfully she's back on the low carb now instead of the Hill's i/d (25% !!! :nailbiting:). Will post a summary update shortly.


    Mogs
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  56. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you, Lucy. :bighug:

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  57. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you, Carol, for your prayers and healing thoughts: they are very much needed and appreciated. Keeping you and little Hannah in my prayers, too. :bighug::bighug:


    Mogs
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  58. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you, Rachel, for sticking with us through all of this. :bighug: When I read your message yesterday I took you at your word - sat in front of the PC and bawled my eyes out. I'm very grateful not to be going through this all alone.

    How is Tigress?


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
  59. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I'm glad it is helping, even if it isn't as much as we'd all hoped. And it is good that they understand just how difficult things have been for you and are trying...though it would be so much better if they could just trust you on the insulin. After all - you're the one who sees Saoirse's reaction to insulin every day...your knowledge of the situation is always going to be better than theirs.
     
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  60. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    No drain. None mentioned either. Don't know whether our own vet got to speak to the opthalmologist today.

    I am thankful, too, Jeanne. While I disagree with some of the treatment decisions they make at times they score very, very highly when it comes to genuine caring and concern for their patients - and that goes for the vets and nurses alike.

    My civvie's name is Lúnasa, which is Irish for August - her birth month. She is also variously known as 'The Noodle', Noodlebug, cheeky mare, and minx. (There are others but they're not fit for polite company ... :oops:)

    The Cerenia and B12 she got last week got her over the nausea hump and thankfully her appetite is back to full strength, but it has been a bit of a battle to get her to eat the Hill's i/d pouches to help her tum settle before returning to her regular grub. The diarrhoea has eased up big time (anti-jinx, anti-jinx) which I'm relieved about. I wish I could play with her a bit but I really don't have the energy for it. :( As for the effect it would have on her mama to see her doing better, the following was a bit of a tonic:

    [​IMG]


    She is such a tart! :rolleyes:


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
  61. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    She's adorable!!!
     
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  62. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    And she knows it. :rolleyes:

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  63. LindaMS

    LindaMS Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2013
    Are you planning to bring Sa0irse home soon?
     
  64. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Update: Monday Evening - GMT 23:30
    -----------------------------------------------

    Hi everyone,

    Thank you for continuing to send Saoirse your healing thoughts and prayers. They are really helping her (and her mama) and I am beyond grateful to you all.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I visited Saoirse at the vets today. She was cranky and hissy as I went in but the nurse said she's been like that all day. Much more importantly, Saoirse was holding her head up OK again, no drooling, no sagging and though she was being a crosspatch she looked very much improved over the desperate state she was in yesterday morning. Her eye was clear (knife in my heart saying that in the singular ... :( ) and her overall responses to her environment were normal. It was such a relief to see Saoirse not out of the woods but much, much better than Sunday morning (not difficult) and, for all my whingeing above about Saoirse not getting any insulin at the moment, I am extremely grateful to the vets and the nurses for all they have done to help my girl in the past day and a half. Saoirse looks like a different, much more stable cat today (anti-jinx, anti-jinx).

    Saoirse's not one bit pleased about being on a drip again (the IV can sting according to one of the vet nurses at the referral hospital last week) but it has helped her so much. (@jayla-n-Drevon - I can't thank you enough for the times when you have posted about how fluids can be such a great help to poorly cats - your words were running through my mind all yesterday morning when I was getting Saoirse to the vets and I was very grateful to have them to hang onto. :bighug:)

    Saoirse's eye area is swollen and I'm a little worried that it looks a little yellowish but that might be due to the light in the hospital ward. (ETA: The vet said it is better today than it was yesterday afternoon - less reddening.)

    Saoirse grumbled at me a bit when I first opened up the cubicle but then she nuzzled my outstretched fingers and asked me for some fuss. I gave her some gentle chin scritches and she nuzzled into them - and then she started to purr! With the fussing she relaxed a bit, stretched out her free paw to me and gave a couple of her typical near-silent miaows. I'm so relieved she doesn't hate me and that I can do some small thing to comfort her just a little bit. How I wish I could take her pain and distress onto myself and see her relaxed and comfortable again.

    Thankfully Saoirse is back on her Sheba food (1.6% carbs) cf. the Hill's i/d pouches of yesterday (25% - not great but it got her eating again). I brought in some more pouches for her, plus some psyllium husk because her stools were a bit hard yesterday. The nurse said that the crumbled freeze-dried chicken I left with them to sprinkle onto Saoirse's food was a great help to tempt her to eat for them. Saoirse has been eating fairly steadily but my poor girl's face and collar were manky from her trying to eat with the collar in place. I gently cleaned her little face and chin, and I gave the collar a good scrub for her.

    While I was there Saoirse let me know she wanted some food. I moved the dish over to her and she began to eat. Alas, in the same way as she was at home last week, she started to grumble as she was eating. I have suspected that it is hurting her to eat. I mentioned this to the nurse and she told me that during the vet's detailed examination she discovered that the roof of Saoirse's mouth is quite red so it must be related to the surgery. I feel so sorry for my little one; I just want to see her well. The only upside of this news is that it wasn't me inadvertently winding her up and making her cross when I was trying to help her eat last week. I need to hang onto any positives I can get right now because I feel like I've been screwing so many things up for her. :( After the discomfort of trying to eat my little darling retreated to her litter box for comfort. I wish I could just will her better.

    I am going to visit Saoirse again tomorrow afternoon. I would be very grateful if you would keep praying and sending healing thoughts for Saoirse; she has a way to go yet.

    Sending :bighug: for all the beans and scritches for all the kitties.


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
  65. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I'm hoping they will keep her in until Wednesday evening, Linda. That way I could sleep during the day and therefore be in a bit better position to restart Saoirse on an evening dose of insulin and monitor her response during the night (she runs lower on the PM cycle).


    Mogs
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  66. Blamethecats and Hannah

    Blamethecats and Hannah Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2014
    LOLs, Mogs. Speaking for just myself, of course... company, definitely... polite, I sometimes have to work hard at it. Hugs, my friend. And thank you for the wonderful job of keeping us informed on Saoirse. So glad she's seeing some improvement, today. Focus on that. Okay, here are lots more huggies and prayers for you and Saoirse... and Lúnasa, too. She's a beauty! Love the pic! It looks like she's enjoying a pretty good life. Blessings and take good care.
     
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  67. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Glad some improvement has been seen. Lunasa looks quite content. Do you adapt the hammock to hang over the radiator yourself? Very clever. Hope she is home soon.
     
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  68. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    You sound a little more settled having seen Saoirse and having her receptive to your scritches and love. You haven't screwed anything up Mogs and Saoirse is one very very lucky kitty to have you! You have stayed on top of everything, advocated for her and run yourself down caring for her. She doing better and once you get a little more rested, things will look brighter all round. Continuing to send healing vines, vibes and thoughts and some virtual kitty kisses from my furry crew to help heal Saoirse! Unlimited hugs for you too....:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  69. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Hugs first, Mogs :).... :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:... Now.....STOP IT! :eek: PLEASE do not blame yourself for any discomfort you think you've given your kitty! You haven't done one thing wrong that I can see!

    Saoirse sounds like she's getting better. She's well enough to be crabby instead of apathetic. Her mouth is probably reddened because of the tube that would be in her throat..as the vet worked, pressure was applied from above, and bruised her palate. That's a really sensitive area. Just run your tongue over the roof of your own mouth. On us, that's the spot that will give you ice cream headaches if you eat anything cold..it can give a bad case of the creepy shivvers if it's even a tiny bit irritated. I am amazed that cats supposedly manage to 'crush' hard food against it..psst...I think otherwise..they pretty much just gulp hard food down.

    Lunasa is GORGEOUS! I love Torties! Bright, too..just look at that 'tude. o_O "Say WHAT? You lookin at ME?"

    That's a really neat suspended hammock. It looks like it's made special for that radiator, because the fabric protects her from getting cooked. Having a bed hung on a giant metal hot water bottle has to be every cat's dream of heaven. We only have forced air heat for our house. Gizmo plasters himself against the grate like a giant dust-bunny. When Dottie feels good, they fight over that spot...but it can't feel as good as a radiator..forced air is too dry.

    Hey, by any chance, did you do the framed etching of the cat in the tree? The picture I see sitting on the floor at the end of the hall? It's a really nice piece! Perfect for the home of a dedicated CatNanny.

    :rolleyes: I sure hope you get Saoirse back on Wednesday. But you make sure you're well enough, ok? We don't want you slipsliding back into an exhausted puddle. Take tomorrow to really rest up, ok?

    MORE HUGS!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  70. Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA)

    Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2016

    That is one SASSY face! I love her!
     
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  71. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    You and me both, Carol. ;)

    Thank you for the hugs and prayers, my dear friend. :bighug: Means so much.

    I only recently acquired the radiator hammock for her and she took to it straight away. Normally she lies in it in a curled up foetal position, but I was really chuffed to find her kicked back and so content-looking. I only bought the hammock for her a few weeks ago. Like @Jeanne & Dottie's little ones, the Noodle is a heat junkie and she just lurves her new hangout. I'm so glad I got her something that makes her so happy. :)


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 23, 2016
  72. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Bought the hammock from Zooplus:

    http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_beds_baskets/heater_seats/137923

    I was just flicking through the pics sent in by customers who had bought the hammock for their cats. There are some real gems, including this rather novel use of the hammock to create a kitty penthouse!


    [​IMG]


    Must try this out for Lúnasa in the summer. :cool:

    It is well worth clicking through the gallery of customer photos - mucho cuteness you will find there, plus this cheeky interloper ...


    [​IMG]


    Droolers ... :rolleyes:



    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 23, 2016
  73. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    Restful, rejuvenating vines for you, and boatloads of speedy get well vines for Saoirse. Hope this is nothing more than a small hiccup on the road to recovery!
     
  74. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    From another thread:

    Hi again, Meya.

    I handed in Saoirse's ketone meter to the vets so that they could monitor her more easily. They've only given me one BBK test result thus far (0.3) and they got a urine sample on Sunday which was also negative for ketones (but positive for glycosuria and white cells). I don't know whether they've done any further tests since. Saoirse's mouth is sore and it hurts her to eat so she's not getting as much grub as she needs. At home her BBKs were 0.7 the day after she got back from the referral hospital and after she ate frell-all the previous night. Thankfully they went down a couple of points after I got her to eat that evening. She was running running between 0.3-0.6mmol/L at home - the higher readings coinciding with her struggling to eat at times.

    I have told our vets in the strongest terms how concerned I am about DKA risk but they are focusing on hypo risk. In addition to her current eating discomfort (she's only managing to get down about half to two-thirds of her daily caloric needs) Saoirse has possibly two infectious processes going on (surgery site and UTI). I'm very angry that they are withholding insulin; she's been above the renal threshold since Sunday but they won't even give her a token dose. I think this is a mistake. I can't convince them of how important it is for Saoirse to receive some insulin. They are focusing exclusively on treating the infection and hydrating her. I don't think they properly understand the action of Lantus and yet again they are ignoring the data supporting the safety of giving Saoirse a tiny dose to tamp down the numbers. At home I was giving her a 'mid-line zero' daytime microdose (so exhausted I could not give her a PM dose because if she were to run low I could not guarantee being able to keep going to steer the curve should the need arise). The lowest the microdose took Saoirse was 7.1 from a preshot in low double figures (Alphatrak). I've provided this data to our vets but it didn't do any good. When I wanted Saoirse to go back on Lantus last year they said that they would only prescribe insulin for her if she was above the renal threshold. Now she's well and truly meeting that criterion but still they won't give insulin to her. In addition to the worry over ketones, glycosuria is not going to help with the UTI and Saoirse has stage II kidney insufficiency.

    The staff at the referral hospital were brilliant about managing Saoirse's insulin needs while she was with them. They sought - and valued - my input on her dosing every day and checked her BG every 4 -6 hours. I wish our own vets would do the same now. I'm at a loss over what to do about this situation.

    FYI I did buy some Royal Canin calorie-dense convalescence support food for Saoirse in an effort to get more calories into her on a smaller amount of food but it made her a little queasy and therefore was a non-starter. The chronic pancreatitis leaves Saoirse with very little in the way of food options. :(



    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
  75. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Good morning Mogs!

    Hey, we're here for you when you need to cry. I've found that sometimes a good, long cry (followed by a cup of tea and some sleep) makes me feel so much better. I've had several good crys over Tigress lately and felt better after I let my feelings out.

    I'm so grateful to hear that Saoirse is doing better. I know you wanted her better right away, but you've got to focus on the good points. She is getting better. And you've done everything you could do. Quite frankly, I would have done everything exactly the same as you did if it was one of my babies. Just know that all of us here know that you've done everything you can...and still are. Saoirse knows that too.

    Thank you for asking about Tigress! I think she is doing all right. We're still on antibiotics...but I am hoping they're almost gone. It's a liquid, which I hate. I'm keeping a close eye on her, but she seems okay. Of course, the weekends are still tough as I follow her all around hoping she is okay. I'm just glad on the days I get up and find that she is okay!

    Still sending tons of :bighug: and healing thoughts!
     
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  76. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    It's visible from space. :rolleyes:

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  77. Meya14

    Meya14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2015
    I'm very sorry that they aren't taking your concerns seriously. They may not have a lot of experience treating complications of diabetes, so they might not have the same fear of DKA as we here all do. As long as your cat remains above the renal threshold, she's more at risk for complications in general, including DKA. I assume that they are giving SubQ fluids? This will mitigate some of the risk of DKA from dehydration. As far as food goes, make sure they are giving an anti-nausea daily (not just with "symptoms"). If more ketones do develop, and she is still not eating ask about the possibility of a dextrose IV and insulin (This is what we do for humans, not sure if it's standard care with vets). This will raise the BS and allow them to give insulin.
     
  78. Mogmom and Goofus

    Mogmom and Goofus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2014
    Good morning Mogs, so happy to hear that Saoirse is doing better. You sound like you're dog better too! Got some of your fight back! :cat:
     
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  79. Blamethecats and Hannah

    Blamethecats and Hannah Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2014
    Mogs, I'm curious about something. I've looked through your posts but can't seem to find if your vet is a 24-hour facility. It's probably mentioned somewhere, but I've missed it. Am assuming they are, so I don't quite understand their withholding insulin. If they closed up shop for the night and weren't there to monitor, I could understand. That's the case with Hannah's vet... no one there at night.
     
  80. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    Hi, Mogs, I'm so happy to hear that Saoirse is doing better, if a bit grumbly! Sometimes grumbly is good - she's sitting up and taking notice enough to decide there's something to grumble about! :D I am still baffled that they won't administer any insulin, though, especially with all the information and hands-on knowledge you've given them.

    I'm also relieved to hear that you are finally getting some much-needed rest! You've burned that candle at both ends for far too long, you need a fresh start with a new candle, my friend. How is the chest cold coming along? I hope it's on it's way out and you are feeling better.

    Lúnasa is adorable, such a cutie! Is she related to Saoirse?

    Sending prayers and healing vines for all of you, hugs for you and soft chin scritches for Saoirse - scritchies for Lúnasa, too, don't want her to feel left out! :cat:

    Lucy :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  81. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2015
    More hugs and prayers Mogs, just 'cuz. I hope you're getting some rest :bighug:
     
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  82. Ken & Tara

    Ken & Tara Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2016
    Not even close, you have not failed her at all!

    Best wishes.
     
  83. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2015
    I am just now seeing this! I am just horrified that the hospital is withholding insulin from her with a possible infection! Plead with them to at least give her 1/2 her dose! Mogs, sending lots of hugs and healing vines to you both! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  84. stacia

    stacia Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2014
    So sorry to see this! I hope she continues to improve and that you can convince them to start administering insulin soon. And I hope you continue to improve and rest as well.
     
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  85. Dawn and Peek-a-Boo (GA)

    Dawn and Peek-a-Boo (GA) Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2015
    Thinking of you Mogs...hang in there...rest your mind and body any chance you get. At this point you must be seeing vets and Saoirse in your dreams!:arghh:
     
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  86. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    I love it when they lay all spread out like that. If you pet Gizmo on his tummy while he's all spread-eagled, he'll smooth his furry belly with his paws, showing off all his glorious fur.
     
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  87. Missy

    Missy Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2016
    I hope she gets better soon. Sending you guys positive vibes. You can do it little Saoirse :bighug::cat:
     
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  88. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Mogs..
    I am so glad the fluids helped--it is funny because I often read something randomly or intensely and it never fails something I saw gives me something to hold on to-
    I am sorry that your baby is not getting insulin right now but it sounds like she is heading in the right direction :)
    Is there something they can do for the roof of her mouth??
     
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  89. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Between sleeping tablet doses so please excuse brief update.

    First up, yet again I am blown away by and so grateful for all of you sending us your continuing prayers, healing thoughts, information and suggestions, plus general support. Thank you all from the heart for all you are doing to help me and my girl get through this difficult time. I will never forget this to all of you. I'm so grateful to every single one of you.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:


    Visited Saoirse - very glad to see me. More up and about today. Wants to eat but having difficulty. She got some insulin today! Our main vet was overseeing her care today and she got a quarter unit of Lantus and it brought her BG back under renal threshold. They're not confident of being able to monitor her adequately overnight so she may not get insulin again till tomorrow.

    Saoirse's mouth is 100% sore when she tries to eat. She retreated to the litter box after attempting to eat while I was there. Asked vet to reinstate the same bupe regimen she was on at discharge from referral hospital.

    Saoirse had worked her IV drip free, so they left her 'as is' to see how she would fare without it.

    She was standing up and walking around more, 'speaking' to me and she revelled in all the scritches everyone has sent her.

    Saoirse didn't eat much during day. Checked with vet and, despite my requests for continuous nausea treatment, they had not given Cerenia this a.m. since she had been eating ... yesterday. ( :banghead: ) I don't think they realise exactly how necessary it can be for some pancreatitis kitties to receive daily anti-nausea treatment; doubly so when antibiotics are in the mix.

    Spoke to main vet today - he authorised the 0.25IU dose of Lantus this am. I asked him to give Saoirse Cerenia tonight and to also give her a B12 injection plus another dose of Cerenia prior to discharge. Yep: Saoirse will be home tomorrow evening if everything goes OK tomorrow.

    Tip: if your kitty has special food/med needs keep on top of the vet team looking after your kitty to ensure that what you've requested treatment-wise actually gets delivered. Don't assume it's all being done.

    Histopathology results in for eye: Will write more tomorrow but wanted to share that there was no evidence of cancer in the tissue, just inflammation.

    Saoirse's eye area looks bruised today. She still loves me (the relief!).

    Blessings & scritches


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
  90. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Oh I am so happy Mogs!!
    She is getting insulin and she is bright.... way to go!!
    So glad you got to see her. I just wish they had something to heal her mouth....I agree to keep her on the nausea meds-
    great job Mogs!!!
    xoxo big hugs :bighug::bighug:
     
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  91. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    Mogs, Saoirse will always love you, you are her beloved Mama Bean! I'm glad that she seems a little brighter, and that she is finally getting some insulin!
    What a relief for you, that the report on her eye indicates only inflammation. I feel so sorry for her, that her mouth is so sore, poor sweetheart. I hope the pain meds help.

    I pray you can get lots of sleep and rest so you're good to go when Saoirse comes home tomorrow! Please give her some gentle scritchies from me. :) She will have a very large, online "Welcome Home!" contingent here on FDMB! Hugs and healing vines to you and Saoirse, Mogs. Sleep well!

    Lucy :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  92. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Mogs, I'm so glad that Saoirse got some insulin! I know that's a relief.

    Know that we are sending continuous healing vines, love, and scritches!
     
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  93. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Eep! Of COURSE Saorise loves you, silly Moglet;) You're her mum, after all!:)

    So she's coming home tomorrow? AWESOME! I sure hope you will be getting a good night's sleep, becauseI know you'll stay up with her the first 24 hours she's home:p I bet your other kitty will be glad to see her, too. The more the merrier!

    Here's a few Welcome Home hugs to get you all started: :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    ...more where that came from....Yay! She's coming HOME!
     
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  94. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    BG 16.7 (Alphatrak) this morning. Latest blood beta-ketone test 0.2 (best level since she was discharged from specialist hospital). Saoirse was given 0.25IU Lantus at 10am this morning. I've asked them to do a mid-cycle (if she'll let them - they are not flavour of the month with her at the moment).

    Vet will dispense higher dose of bupe for her (0.33ml - 10lb cat) to help with the eating discomfort and inflammation stress effects. He will also give her a dose of Cerenia prior to discharge. I asked about potential dehydration issues and he is happy to do a house call for sub-q fluids and more anti-biotics as needed. To pinch @granadilla's mantra: one foot; one paw.

    Off for a few more Ambien-fuelled Zzzzzzzs ...

    Hope that you, your loved ones, and your precious little furbabies will have a good day. I wish healing for all beans and kitties who need it.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
  95. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    So happy to hear that Saoirse is finally getting some insulin and that she is up and moving about and receptive to your administrations of the best medicine.....love! You get lots of rest 'cause soon your family will be under one roof again and start to regain some normalcy. This has been a very difficult time for you both but you have weathered the storm. The power of true love! Another supply of hugs, scritches and healing thoughts and prayers is on its way!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  96. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Hi Mogs - so happy you will soon be able to bring Saoirse home!! She'll mend quickly under mama's care. Do you know what is causing the problem on the roof in her mouth? Hugs and love to you both!!
     
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  97. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    I have insomnia as well--ambien does not work for me :(
     
  98. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    All wonderful news, Mogs! Welcome home, sweet girl! :cat: I SO hope everything will continue to improve for both Saoirse and you. (((Hugs))) and prayers,

    Lucy

    (Ooops - almost forgot the scritchies! Gentle critches to Saoirse!) :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  99. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi Meya,

    They had Saoirse on IV fluids from Sunday morning until yesterday afternoon when she managed to free herself from the drip. She seemed fed up with the hospital, frustrated about being sore when trying to eat, but wanted very much to interact with me yesterday. I think it helped that they finally gave her a 0.25IU dose of Lantus yesterday morning (brought her down into the 12s on Alphatrak). She was back in the 16s this morning so I am assuming that they skipped her dose last night, but they did give another 0.25IU at 10am this morning. All going well I will be able to give her another dose tonight and stay up to monitor her now that I've managed to drug myself to some sort of sleep for the past couple of days. Not ideal, but any port in a storm. At least my legs aren't quite as wobbly as they were.

    I'm glad you prompted me about the anti-nausea meds, Meya. When Saoirse was admitted on Sunday morning I brought in her ondansetron (which she needs daily - it's the cornerstone of her pancreatitis management regimen) but I specifically asked them to ensure she would be given a daily dose of Cerenia instead since the injectable would be easier on Saoirse from an administration perspective. When I was in with her yesterday afternoon she moved to her food dish and wanted to eat but after a few mouthfuls she was both sore from the inflamed tissues and she then did some 'nausea yawns'. Your comment popped into my head straight away and I asked the nurse whether Saoirse had received her Cerenia. I was told she had but then she said that it had been put on her food (?). I think maybe she thought I'd asked her about psyllium. :confused: The nurse said they didn't think Saoirse was nauseated. How did they reach this conclusion? Because she hadn't vomited. :banghead: :rolleyes:

    Shortly after I got home Saoirse's main vet called and I double-checked about the Cerenia: she had not received any since the morning of the day before! :banghead: As mentioned in my earlier post above, I asked the vet to give Saoirse her Cerenia yestereve, also B12, and to give her another dose of Cerenia prior to her discharge this evening and he agreed to do so. (I can take over at home thereafter with her regular ondansetron in her grub.) The vet also agreed to up Saoirse's pain med Rx to the same dose she was on at the hospital (0.33ml bupe q8). They hadn't done another ketone test ( :banghead: ) so I asked (very, very nicely!) if it would be at all possible to take another BBK reading. They took her readings this morning: BG 16.7 Alphatrak; BBK 0.2mmol/L - the lowest ß-ketone reading since she was discharged from the hospital after her surgery. Now to keep it that way.

    I'm concerned about Saoirse's current physical difficulty with eating: in addition to not getting enough calories she's also not taking in enough water (won't drink plain water at all since the switch to wet food). I'm going to try adding a little extra water to Saoirse's meals once she gets home (can't add too much or she won't eat the food). I have also spoken with the vet about the possibility of Saoirse getting some sub-q fluids to tide her over the weekend if she continues to have difficulty taking in enough fluids under her own steam in the next day or two. He has agreed to this. Needless to say I'll be carrying out even closer secondary monitoring of Saoirse's fluid input and urine output until she is well able to eat normally again.

    Thank you, Meya, for all the pointers and also for your advice on what to ask for in terms of IV treatment should ever the need arise again. I was most unhappy about Saoirse being over renal threshold and getting no insulin whatsoever for over 48 hours. Thank you, also, for everything you do here to educate members - especially about DKA and its prevention. I am trying to put into practice all that I have learned from you and I'm beyond grateful to you for putting me in a position where I know what to look out for and what help I need to ask for in order to help my girl.


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
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  100. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Still praying and purr'n.
    Both Cerenia and ondansetron can be given together, ondansetron twice daily and Cerinia daily. Ondansetron seems to work better for nausea while Cerinia for for vomiting.
     
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